Chapter 375: Chapter 375: It Must Be Joy
Mu Guixian put on a mask and followed Yi Roujing downstairs. When she saw Wang Qiushuang and the child in her arms, she nodded to them, "Follow me."
"Tuberculosis, or consumption, requires strict isolation. The treatment involves Western medicine, which acts quickly, though it’s quite strong. But the child’s life is crucial," Mu Guixian explained along the way.
The more Wang Qiushuang listened, the brighter her eyes became, "Doctor, are you saying my daughter can be cured?"
"I can’t guarantee a cure before she’s treated," Mu Guixian replied with a smile, "After all, I’m an obstetrician, but our hospital has previously cured tuberculosis patients, and the recovery rate is quite good. Don’t worry too much for now."
A spark of hope ignited in Wang Qiushuang’s heart.
Once they were settled, Yi Roujing paid the fees—hospital stay, meals—and handed over two hundred yuan, requesting the hospital to contact her for more if needed.
Wang Qiushuang was instructed by the doctor to wash and disinfect before entering the ward. Once she changed into clean clothes, her hair fluffy, she felt considerably lighter, and her mood brightened.
"Roujing, thank you." Wang Qiushuang looked at Yi Roujing with gratitude. Getting into the ward so quickly was entirely due to Yi Roujing’s connections. She remembered when she brought Niuniu to the city hospital; it took a whole week to be admitted after registration, consultation, examination, and waiting, only to be misdiagnosed. Once the hospital identified it as tuberculosis, they shunned her family, warning them not to affect other patients.
No small hospitals would admit her, but she heard someone mention that Xie Chenyan, wife of Yi Weiliang from the Yi Family, was treated in Jing City and fully recovered after surgery. That sparked Wang Qiushuang’s decision to come to Jing City, and coincidentally, she met Yi Roujing within two days.
"It’s no problem, the child’s needs are the priority. Go and take care of her. I’ll visit when I have time. The nurse will deliver meals for you and your daughter, so rest assured and focus on recovery in the hospital," Yi Roujing said, handing over a net bag, "Give this to the child for nutritional supplement, and you should also eat some. Only when you’re well can you tend to your daughter."
The net bag contained milk powder, malted milk, and canned food—all essentials. At this moment, Wang Qiushuang didn’t hesitate, accepted it sincerely, and handed it over, remarking, "Roujing, I will remember your great kindness. I’ll slowly repay the money I owe you. Whenever you need anything, feel free to ask, and I’ll do it without hesitation."
Wang Qiushuang spoke resolutely, and Yi Roujing nodded with a smile, "Alright, noted. I’ll be leaving now."
"Okay, take care." Wang Qiushuang walked her to the door, watching Yi Roujing and Mu Guixian leave before returning, tears streaming freely—filled with regret, grief, but mostly joy.
"Roujing, come with me for disinfecting and changing clothes," Mu Guixian said to Yi Roujing, "Even with a mask on, it’s better to be careful."
"I was just about to trouble Aunt Guixian," Yi Roujing replied with a smile.
"What trouble? I’m changing clothes too."
Mu Guixian led Yi Roujing to the sterilization room. She poured alcohol on clean gauze, carefully wiped her hands and exposed parts, discarded the mask, and proceeded to wash her hair and shower, changing into new clothes. Yi Roujing borrowed hospital clothes, but soon someone brought new clothes, as Mu Guixian had asked them to buy.
Yi Roujing felt somewhat embarrassed.
"There’s no need to be formal; they suit you perfectly." Mu Guixian looked at Yi Roujing, now in a red sweater and white pants, and felt she stood out. "Young people should dress brightly; you look good in anything."
After tidying up, Yi Roujing bought more nutritional supplies, put on a mask, and went to find Yu Cuiyu, conveniently encountering her fetching hot water outside, saving her the effort of asking someone to find her.
"What’s wrong, did you catch a cold?" Yu Cuiyu asked with concern, seeing Yi Roujing’s appearance.
"No, I just met a middle school classmate. Her daughter..." Yi Roujing didn’t intend to hide from Yu Cuiyu and explained Wang Qiushuang’s situation.
"Though I’ve masked up, disinfected, and changed clothes, I still won’t visit Xiaocao," Yi Roujing said seriously, "This is for the child; you take it to her."
Yi Roujing placed the net bag on a wooden bench in the corridor and waved goodbye to Yu Cuiyu.
"Hey, take care." Yu Cuiyu advised, trusting that Yi Roujing, being medically trained and a former nurse, had taken adequate protective measures. Though she was confident, the issue concerned her own daughter, and as Yi Roujing was cautious, Yu Cuiyu didn’t press further. Watching the bag of goodies, she felt deeply moved.
"Where did all these good things come from?" Yu Cuiyu entered the ward carrying the net bag. Mrs. Tang’s eyes widened at the sight of malted milk and canned goods, "And milk powder! My goodness, I only knew of such good things from your last parcel. Two scoops smell fragrant even outside."
"It must be from your classmate, Roujing, who brought us to the hospital yesterday," Mrs. Tang asked Yu Cuiyu.
"Yes, Roujing brought them for Xiaocao," Yu Cuiyu replied. Tang Guoqing didn’t dare hide yesterday’s events from her, and her mother-in-law’s personality was well known to Yu Cuiyu. She was grounded but somewhat opportunistic, a common trait among women back in the village. Despite her opinions, Yu Cuiyu often kept quiet. Now in Jing City and still the same, encountering her own classmate, Yu Cuiyu felt a bit discontented.
However, attending university meant Tang Guoqing had to work, and Xiaocao was largely cared for by Mrs. Tang, her grandmother. Despite muttering about the girl, Mrs. Tang never deprived Xiaocao, who received most of the good food and drinks.
At least when Xiaocao saw her yesterday, she joyfully shared how delicious the milk powder and smoked meat were, which spoke volumes.
"Your classmate is really generous. No one brings such expensive things when visiting relatives," Mrs. Tang muttered, "Wonder what kind of family raised her to be so generous."
"Roujing is kind-hearted and has children herself. Being medically trained, she especially cares for us," Yu Cuiyu noted, "The bacon I sent home previously and the milk powder ticket were all from her. I remember these favors and will repay them over time."
Mrs. Tang felt a sting in her heart, knowing repaying them would be costly, "If they are happy to give, then..."
"Mom," Yu Cuiyu interrupted, "Reciprocity is inevitable. Only taking without giving means losing friendships. After going to university, I learned having friends makes things easier. Losing such a good friend would be the greatest loss."
