“Mom, your feet are badly swollen and bleeding. Please stay in bed for the next few days. I’ll change your dressings regularly. If you need to use the restroom, just ask Little Sister to help you,” Lin Ranran said gently.
Madam Ji’s eyes filled with tears.
“Alright… alright. I’ll listen to everything you say, Ranran.”
Ji Junyao added gratefully,
“Thank you, Sister-in-law. If it weren’t for you, Mom’s feet would’ve suffered even more.”
Lin Ranran smiled.
“Little Sister, your feet must be injured too. Let me have a look.”
Ji Junyao quickly waved her hands.
“I’m fine. Sister-in-law, don’t trouble yourself.”
Lin Ranran insisted.
“Be good. Let me apply some medicine. You’ll recover much faster.”
Madam Ji nodded.
“Yaoyao, listen to your sister-in-law. I think she’s amazing now. She’ll definitely heal your feet too.”
After hesitating for a moment, Ji Junyao finally took off her shoes.
Her feet were also badly swollen.
Lin Ranran carefully cleaned the injuries and gently applied medicine.
“Sister-in-law, you even brought so many medicines. You really planned ahead.”
Lin Ranran explained,
“The countryside isn’t like the city. Medical care is limited, so it’s best to prepare some common medicines in advance.”
Just then, Ji Junxiao returned with Father Ji and his younger brothers.
After nearly two hours of being crushed in the standing carriage, they looked completely exhausted.
It felt as though their lungs had nearly been squeezed out.
The two youngest brothers had never endured such hardship before and were close to breaking down.
The moment they stepped into the spacious private compartment, they felt as though they had entered paradise.
“Big Sister-in-law, you’re incredible!”
“You’re amazing!”
“Sister-in-law, I’m sorry for everything I said before. Please forgive me.”
The younger brothers crowded around her, showering her with praise and sincerely apologizing for their previous behavior.
Lin Ranran smiled warmly.
“A family should stay together.”
“Now everyone can finally relax, read your books, and get some rest.”
Father Ji nodded approvingly.
“Ranran.”
“I wasn’t wrong about you.”
“You’re truly a good child.”
Every member of the Ji family now had a berth to sleep on.
Compared to standing in the overcrowded carriage, it felt like heaven.
Smiles finally returned to everyone’s faces.
Watching Lin Ranran…
Ji Junxiao felt warmth fill his heart.
She really had changed.
She had become thoughtful and considerate.
Thanks to her, the entire family finally felt warm and peaceful again.
Four hours later…
Lin Ranran woke up to change Madam Ji’s and Ji Junyao’s bandages.
As soon as Ji Junxiao saw her get up, he immediately climbed out of bed as well.
“Ranran.”
“Leave the bandage changes to me from now on.”
“You should sleep more and not tire yourself.”
She looked at him and smiled happily.
“My husband is so thoughtful.”
Madam Ji and Ji Junyao couldn’t help laughing quietly.
The couple was unintentionally showing their affection again.
If they stayed like this every day…
Neither of them would mind “eating dog food.”
Lin Ranran walked to the next carriage and handed a stack of meal coupons to Ji Junyong.
“Second Brother, go buy some food from the dining car.”
“Everyone needs to replenish their strength.”
Ji Junyong accepted the coupons.
Looking at the thick stack in his hands, he froze.
“Sister-in-law…”
“Are you sure these aren’t enough meal coupons for three days?”
“This is just for one meal?”
She laughed.
“Yes.”
“It’s only for one meal.”
“Once we get to the countryside, money won’t buy us much good food anyway.”
“So let’s eat well while we still can.”
“We can’t let Mom and Dad suffer.”
Ji Junyong thought about it and found her reasoning sound.
He immediately headed toward the dining car.
Not long afterward…
He returned carrying a mountain of food.
There was bread…
Steamed buns…
Rice…
Several stir-fried dishes…
Eggs…
Peanuts…
Rice wine…
The table was completely covered.
The entire Ji family gathered together in Car No. 17 for the meal.
Everyone stared at the feast in disbelief.
This meal must have cost a fortune…
As expected of Lin Ranran…
She really spends money without blinking.
At this rate, the family’s savings will disappear within six months.
But then they thought again.
At least…
She was willing to spend the money on the whole family.
Everyone could finally eat until they were full.
That alone made them happy.
Forget it.
We’re heading to the countryside tomorrow anyway.
What’s the point of hoarding money?
If the money’s gone… we can always earn more.
After all…
The Ji family had done nothing wrong.
Ji Junxiao had expected the train ride to be miserable.
Instead…
Because of Lin Ranran’s careful arrangements…
His family was eating even better than they had back at the military compound.
It almost felt like a pleasant vacation.
“Ranran…”
“Thank you.”
His eyes were filled with sincere gratitude.
She smiled gently.
“I’ve done many wrong things before.”
“Now I just want to make it up to everyone.”
“These next few days, let’s eat well and enjoy ourselves.”
“Once we’re in the countryside, there won’t be many places to spend money.”
“Don’t worry about me wasting it.”
“I calculated everything already.”
“This food costs at most a hundred yuan.”
“So everyone can eat without worrying.”
Father Ji looked at the table full of food…
Then at his smiling family.
He sighed contentedly.
“We’re finally leaving the city.”
“Tonight…”
“Let’s have a proper drink together.”
Military discipline had always forbidden alcohol.
Now they could finally relax.
The women toasted with tea instead of wine.
The men raised their cups.
Laughter soon filled the entire compartment.
The warmth of family spread through the carriage.
Unnoticed by them…
A pair of eyes watched the Ji family from the shadows.
The train continued racing along the tracks.
Late that night…
Most passengers had already fallen asleep.
Suddenly…
A piercing scream erupted from Car No. 15, shattering the night’s silence.
“It hurts!”
“It hurts so much!”
“Hubby… it hurts!”
Wei Wanqin’s face was deathly pale.
She gripped the blanket tightly while beads of sweat streamed down her forehead.
Her husband, Huang Zhenbang, was frantic.
Supporting her carefully, he pleaded with the surrounding passengers,
“Comrades!”
“Please help me call the conductor!”
Two kind-hearted passengers instantly jumped awake.
Without even putting on their shoes properly, they rushed out of the carriage.
“My dear…”
“Hold on.”
“The next station is still two hours away.”
Huang Zhenbang gently stroked her forehead, his voice filled with pain.
“I can’t…”
“I think… the baby’s coming…”
She spoke weakly, each word exhausting her remaining strength.
“What should we do?”
“You have to hold on!”
His eyes had already turned red.
Soon…
The two passengers returned with the conductor.
Following behind were an elderly doctor with graying hair…
And several experienced midwives.
The doctor moved quickly yet calmly.
The midwives carried their delivery kits with solemn expressions.
All the men stepped outside voluntarily.
The doctor and midwives immediately examined the expectant mother.
“This…”
“The baby’s in the wrong position.”
“It looks like it’s feet-first.”
The midwives all frowned.
The doctor’s name was Zhao Dechang.
He had delivered many babies over his long medical career.
He knew that breech births often required surgery.
One mistake…
Could cost both mother and child their lives.
There was still a long distance before the next station.
Judging from the mother’s condition…
She wouldn’t last that long.
“The situation isn’t good.”
“She has obstructed labor.”
“Our medical equipment on the train is extremely limited.”
“She must reach a hospital as soon as possible.”
“Otherwise…”
Doctor Zhao didn’t finish the sentence.
Everyone understood what he meant.
“But the next station is still so far away!”
“Doctor!”
“You have to save my wife and child!”
Huang Zhenbang’s eyes instantly reddened as he begged desperately.
The conductor stepped forward.
“Sir.”
“Please stay calm.”
“We’ll do everything we can.”
“The train has already increased its speed.”
“But before we reach the next station…”
“We have to stabilize your wife’s condition.”
The commotion naturally woke the Ji family.
Madam Ji’s feet were injured, so Lin Ranran insisted she remain in bed.
Instead…
She and Ji Junyao went to see what had happened.
Lin Ranran remembered reading about this scene in the novel.
The woman in labor was the wife of the County Magistrate of Bama County, Guangxi.
The couple had been traveling for official business.
Unexpectedly…
She went into labor on the train.
In the original story…
The baby died.
She would never be able to have children again.
In that era…
Being childless meant endless hardship.
The county magistrate was mocked constantly.
His own family pressured him to divorce and remarry.
But because he truly loved his wife…
He refused.
Eventually…
He even lost his position as county magistrate because of it.
If I can save this child…
The county magistrate and his wife will owe me an enormous favor.
Life in the countryside will become much easier.
Knowing a woman was giving birth inside…
The Ji men naturally stayed outside the carriage.
After all…
There was also a pregnant woman in their own family.
The scene made them especially anxious.
“Ranran.”
“Be careful.”
Ji Junxiao looked at her worriedly.
She remained calm.
“Don’t worry.”
“My grandmother delivered many babies back in the village.”
“I learned a few traditional methods from her.”
“I’ll go see if I can help.”
Father Ji spoke gravely.
“Yaoyao.”
“Take good care of your sister-in-law.”
Ji Junyao nodded seriously.
“I will.”
After explaining the situation to the conductor…
Lin Ranran and Ji Junyao were allowed inside.
“It hurts!”
“It hurts so much!”
“I can’t take it anymore!”
The moment they entered…
The pregnant woman’s agonized screams echoed throughout the carriage.
Ji Junyao shivered.
Her face turned pale.
Even Doctor Zhao and the experienced midwives couldn’t help flinching.
“Miss…”
“Save your strength.”
“Don’t panic.”
One midwife tried to comfort her.
“The baby’s position isn’t right.”
“We’ll massage your stomach.”
“Don’t push yet.”
“Otherwise the baby may never come out.”
Another midwife reached toward her abdomen.
The others all began offering different advice.
But their suggestions were disorganized.
None truly helped.
Doctor Zhao could only watch helplessly.
Seeing this…
Lin Ranran stepped forward and quietly told Doctor Zhao she might be able to help.
After a brief hesitation…
He agreed.
She knelt beside the laboring woman.
“My name is Lin Ranran.”
“Don’t be afraid.”
“I’m here to help you.”
“Right now…”
“Try to relax.”
“The more nervous you are…”
“The worse the pain will feel.”
The woman’s lifeless eyes slowly focused on Lin Ranran.
A tiny spark of hope appeared.
She bit her lip until it bled.
Then nodded weakly.
“Come.”
“Breathe with me.”
“Inhale…”
“Exhale…”
“Inhale…”
“Exhale…”
Lin Ranran demonstrated patiently.
At first…
The woman’s breathing was chaotic.
Gradually…
It became steady.
Her rigid body slowly relaxed.
Her emotions calmed.
“This young lady is amazing.”
“It actually works!”
“She must’ve learned it from an elder.”
“This mother might actually be saved.”
The midwives finally relaxed a little.
Seeing the woman stabilize…
Lin Ranran continued.
“Very good.”
“You’re doing wonderfully.”
“When the contractions come…”
“Push like you’re having a bowel movement.”
“When the contraction passes…”
“Relax.”
“Keep breathing deeply.”
“Save your strength.”
“Do you understand?”
The woman nodded again.
Determination slowly replaced fear in her eyes.
Another contraction suddenly hit.
Pain twisted her face.
Instinctively…
She grabbed Lin Ranran’s hand so tightly her knuckles turned white.
Lin Ranran encouraged her gently.
“That’s right!”
“Push!”
“You’re doing great!”
Doctor Zhao remained beside them…
Constantly checking the baby’s heartbeat with his stethoscope.
When the contraction ended…
The woman collapsed back onto the bed…
Panting heavily.
Sweat poured down her face.
Ji Junyao quickly wiped it away with a handkerchief.
Lin Ranran smiled reassuringly.
“You’re doing very well.”
“Just hang in there a little longer.”
Time passed.
Several more contractions came and went.
Each one felt like a battle between life and death.
Under Lin Ranran’s guidance…
The woman never gave up.
But after another contraction…
Doctor Zhao’s expression suddenly darkened.
“Miss…”
“This isn’t good.”
“The baby’s heartbeat is getting weaker.”
“We can’t continue like this.”
Lin Ranran’s heart tightened.
But she quickly steadied herself.
“Doctor.”
“My grandmother once told me…”
“During difficult labor, massaging certain pressure points can strengthen contractions.”
“Maybe it’ll help.”
Doctor Zhao nodded thoughtfully.
“Medically speaking…”
“Stimulating certain acupoints can encourage uterine contractions.”
“But I’m not an obstetrician.”
“I don’t know the exact points.”
“I do.”
“My grandmother taught me.”
“Doctor…”
“May I try?”
Looking at the rapidly worsening situation…
Doctor Zhao finally nodded.
“Be careful.”
“Use gentle movements.”
Lin Ranran turned toward the mother.
“It might hurt a little.”
“Please bear with it.”
The woman replied weakly,
“I can endure it.”
“Go ahead.”
Finding the proper acupoints…
Lin Ranran gently began massaging them.
Her technique wasn’t professional.
But her rhythm was steady and consistent.
After a while…
The woman suddenly gasped.
“My belly…”
“I feel something moving!”
Doctor Zhao immediately checked again with his stethoscope.
His face lit up with joy.
“The baby’s heartbeat is back to normal!”
“The contractions are stronger too!”
“Your method worked!”
“She really is incredible!”
“She could become a midwife herself!”
“She doesn’t even look like she’s from the countryside.”
“These days city women all deliver in hospitals.”
“Only village women still give birth at home.”
Encouraged by the improvement…
The labor continued.
Yet just when everyone believed things were finally getting better…
Doctor Zhao’s expression changed again.
“This is bad.”
“The baby’s still breech.”
“The contractions are becoming too strong.”
“If this continues…”
“Both mother and baby will be in danger.”
Lin Ranran bit her lip.
“Sister…”
“I’m going to teach you some exercises that may help turn the baby.”
“Follow me slowly.”
“Don’t rush.”
The woman answered weakly,
“Alright.”
“She can exercise at a time like this?”
“I’ve never heard of that.”
“I still think they should perform an exorcism.”
“Exactly.”
“Something evil must be causing the baby’s position.”
“The Zhang family’s daughter-in-law in our village gave birth while they were driving ghosts away.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Where would we find a Taoist priest on this train?”
“Let’s just see what this young lady does.”
“May Heaven bless this mother and child.”
Lin Ranran demonstrated calmly.
“First…”
“Kneel on the floor.”
“Spread your knees shoulder-width apart.”
“Support yourself with your hands.”
“Keep your back straight.”
“Then lower your chest.”
“Raise your hips.”
“Let your lower back sink.”
With Ji Junyao’s support…
The laboring woman painfully copied every movement.
Each adjustment drew another muffled groan.
Lin Ranran immediately supported her abdomen.
“I’ll help carry some of the weight.”
“If it’s too painful…”
“We’ll stop.”
Together…
Lin Ranran and Ji Junyao helped her persist.
“Hold it.”
“This position lets gravity help the baby turn.”
“Just thirty more seconds.”
“Okay.”
“Now let’s try another one.”
“Lie flat.”
“Stretch your legs.”
“Then slowly bend your knees toward your chest.”
“Hug them gently.”
The woman followed with great difficulty.
Every movement was agonizing.
Lin Ranran held her hand firmly.
“Don’t rush.”
“We’ll go slowly.”
Round after round…
The woman endured the excruciating pain and completed every exercise.
“Will this really work?”
“I don’t know…”
“At first her methods looked convincing.”
“But now she’s changing techniques again.”
“She must be out of ideas.”
“She really has done everything she could.”
The midwives whispered quietly among themselves.
Lin Ranran never stopped encouraging her.
“You’re doing wonderfully.”
“Just a little more.”
Everyone watched nervously.
Then…
After one especially powerful contraction…
A loud, clear cry suddenly rang through the carriage.
“The baby’s born!”
“The baby’s born!”
The midwives erupted in cheers.
Everyone’s hanging hearts finally settled.
Outside…
The waiting men hugged one another in excitement.
Some even burst into tears.
“I’ve been a midwife my entire life.”
“This is the first time I’ve ever seen someone deliver a baby like this!”
One midwife exclaimed while skillfully cutting the umbilical cord.
“You’re amazing!”
“This method is unbelievable!”
“Please teach us!”
“If we face difficult labor again…”
“We’ll finally know what to do!”
Lin Ranran smiled.
“My grandmother taught me these methods.”
“If everyone finds them useful…”
“I’ll explain everything afterward.”
One midwife carefully carried the baby to its mother.
“Congratulations!”
“A healthy baby boy!”
“Listen to those strong cries!”
“He’ll surely achieve great things.”
Wei Wanqin gazed at the baby in her arms.
Tears instantly welled up.
Using the last of her strength…
She tightly held Lin Ranran’s hand.
“My name is Wei Wanqin.”
“My husband is Huang Zhenbang.”
“I don’t know how to thank you…”
“You’re the lifesavers of both me and my son.”
Lin Ranran smiled gently.
“It was only a small effort.”
“As long as both of you are safe…”
“We’re all happy.”
At that moment…
County Magistrate Huang stumbled into the carriage.
The moment he saw everyone…
His eyes reddened.
He handed out candy to every person present.
“Thank you!”
“Thank you all for saving my wife and child!”
“I’ll never forget this kindness!”
“Congratulations, Comrade Huang!”
“You’re a father now!”
“Go see your wife and son!”
The crowd pushed him toward his family.
One midwife even taught him how to hold the baby.
Clumsily…
He picked up his newborn son.
Then walked over to Lin Ranran.
“Comrade Lin.”
“If it weren’t for you…”
“I might never have held my son.”
“Would you name him for us?”
“And…”
“Would you be willing to become his godmother?”
So… I’ve become relatives with a county magistrate.
This was absolutely worth it.
Lin Ranran smiled.
“This child was born on a train.”
“A train races endlessly toward the horizon.”
“I hope his future will be the same.”
“Always moving forward.”
“Always reaching higher.”
“How about… Huang Chixiao (黄驰霄)?”
“Huang Chixiao!”
“What a wonderful name!”
County Magistrate Huang was overjoyed.
“From now on…”
“You’re this child’s godmother.”
Lin Ranran beamed.
“Then may I hold the little one?”
He carefully placed the baby in her arms.
“He’s so adorable.”
Looking at the tiny, rosy-faced infant…
Her heart melted.
Wonderful…
I’ve finally managed to save this little life.
Standing beside her, Ji Junyao said excitedly,
“Sister-in-law…”
“I want to hold him too!”