Tang Ximian didn’t know how long she had been massaging the child, nor how many times Chu Jiangchuan had changed the water basin below. It wasn’t until Nana’s body temperature had completely subsided that everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief.
“Ah!” Her wrist and palm throbbed with pain, the muscles jumping. Leaning against the kang, Tang Ximian was suddenly embraced by Chu Jiangchuan.
His hands remained dry and warm as he carefully massaged her sore palms and wrists: “Are you very uncomfortable?”
“It’s manageable.”
Tang Ximian rested contentedly in his arms.
Perhaps it was because the man’s embrace was too broad and warm, but she fell asleep before long.
Chu Jiangchuan adjusted his position, reluctant to let go: “The child is a bit more stable now. Let’s rest for a while before we leave!”
Though they called it sleeping, it was merely a short break. After gathering their belongings, everyone hurried on their way.
As they were about to leave the village, Tang Ximian vaguely spotted someone ahead.
Who was it?
“It’s the village chief,” Chu Jiangchuan said with emotion in his voice. “Most likely he’s heard about what happened.”
“Mianmian!” The village chief hurried over, nodding to Xu Guangfen. “Be careful on your journey! I only have twenty yuan at home—take it all. If it’s not enough, we’ll pool together more. Saving the child’s life comes first!”
Tang Ximian’s eyes welled up, but she didn’t take the money: “Uncle, it’s alright. The child just needs a routine check-up. The fever has already broken, and I have enough money on hand!”
“Take it, take it!” The village chief stuffed the money into her hands. “A poor home may have a rich road—who can predict what will happen at the hospital?”
After speaking, the village chief glanced at Nana, wrapped in a cotton quilt: “This child is so thin and frail! You should hurry now!”
“Thank you, Uncle!” Chu Jiangchuan expressed his gratitude sincerely, and the village chief patted him on the shoulder: “What are you thanking me for? Hurry along!”
Gazing at the still-dark sky, Chu Jiangchuan took a deep breath and continued pedaling the tricycle.
By the time they were halfway, the sky had begun to lighten slightly, and Tang Ximian took over pedaling from Chu Jiangchuan.
They had already left the town and would need to pedal for another two or three hours to reach their destination.
Chu Jiangrong and Xu Guangfen vigilantly protected the child, checking on her condition from time to time.
By nearly noon, Tang Ximian finally arrived in the county town.
The county hospital was quite crowded at that hour, and the family felt a bit overwhelmed upon entering.
Chu Jiangchuan took Tang Ximian to arrange for the check-up, while Xu Guangfen and Chu Jiangrong held the child and waited.
The examination results were relatively positive: the child’s fever had subsided, though there might be minor inflammation left in the lungs.
“Doctor, what about the child’s heart…?” Chu Jiangrong asked cautiously.
The doctor didn’t hide the truth: “Since you’ve come to the county hospital, you probably already have some suspicions. According to our examination results, the child has congenital heart disease—Tetralogy of Fallot. The best approach is surgical treatment, but the cost… to be honest, won’t be less than twenty thousand. The child is very young, so the surgical risks are also greater.”
“Will she need lifelong medication after treatment?” Tang Ximian asked.
“That depends on the child’s own recovery. Tetralogy of Fallot is actually a very serious heart condition, but if the child recovers well, long-term medication may not be necessary. The key lies in how she and her family care for her!”
The doctor felt sorry for such a young child but explained the condition clearly.
Tang Ximian nodded.
Chu Jiangchuan thought for a moment: “If we decide to proceed with the surgery, do you have any recommended hospitals?”
“Go to Beijing Union Hospital, it’s more authoritative and has many years of history!” The doctor seemed noticeably happier than before: “You’re such good people, the child will definitely recover! Though I don’t know any specialists personally, I have friends there. If the child goes for surgery, come see me first and I’ll put in a word for you!”
“Thank you!” Chu Jiangrong hurriedly expressed gratitude, tears nearly falling again.
“You’re welcome!”
This time they also did an ECG. With all the various tests, the total came to thirty or forty yuan, but no one thought it was expensive.
Tang Ximian was quite philosophical about it: “Taking good care of the child’s health is more important than anything! You stay at the hospital first. I have to go to the broadcasting department tonight, and I’ll bring lunch tomorrow!”
“We’ll be staying for two days, I can buy the meals.” Chu Jiangchuan didn’t want Tang Ximian worrying about home.
Tang Ximian shook her head: “Why be so polite between family?”
She returned to the dormitory in the afternoon to continue her translation work.
Lü Jianye had delivered a very thick document this time. Seeing two file folders, Tang Ximian knew he had intentionally given her extra work.
She started working immediately after sitting down, only looking up when everyone had returned to the dormitory.
“Mianmian, you’re so dedicated!” Liu Mengjia smiled and handed her a meal: “It’s already dinner time, you can eat while working!”
Tang Ximian checked the time and smiled lightly: “Thank you!”
“What’s wrong?” Zhou Xue noticed her low spirits: “Is something going on at home?”
“My niece is sick, she’s at the county hospital, but it’s nothing serious…”
Tang Ximian explained the child’s condition: “I’m not short of money for checkups right now, but I’ve just been busy these past couple days. When I’m not around, I’ll have to trouble you all!”
“Don’t worry about that!” Liu Mengjia said, “Are you still going to do the voiceover work?”
“Yes, that’s why I said I’m busy!” Tang Ximian didn’t want to miss any money-making opportunities.
Tang Ximian utilized almost all her time – aside from the necessary five or six hours of sleep, she was constantly working on all her tasks.
“Mianmian.” Sister Lin had arrived without her noticing. When Tang Ximian looked up, she saw Sister Lin watching her with concern: “How’s your child doing?”
“Sister Lin, she’s fine now. We’re just giving her more IV fluids. If she gets through these two days without fever, she’ll be okay!” Tang Ximian still smiled gently: “Thank you for your concern!”
“Why be polite with me?” Sister Lin placed a stack of banknotes in front of her: “This is from several of us leaders – just a small token! Saving money for the child’s treatment comes first!”
Tang Ximian hadn’t expected to receive such kindness from so many people, especially since she’d always been busy with her own work and hadn’t deliberately socialized with anyone.
“Take it, it’s just over a hundred yuan, nothing much!” Sister Lin sighed: “You young couples have it hard!”
“Thank you, Sister Lin. When the child recovers, I’ll treat everyone to the best meal!” Tang Ximian’s eyes reddened instantly.
These people were truly blessings in her life!
She visited the child as usual at noon. Nana could already play on the bed by herself, clearly recovered.
“Mianmian, you work hard. Don’t worry about the child – we remember everything you said. The child is eating well!” Chu Jiangrong poured water for Tang Ximian: “Our family is so lucky to have you…”
While playing with the child, Tang Ximian suddenly heard Xu Guangfen’s cursing voice.
“What nonsense!” Xu Guangfen’s voice was somewhat hoarse: “It’s your family’s child who will die young!”
When Chu Jiangchuan and the other two came out, they saw Xu Guangfen pointing at an old lady and shouting angrily: “Did our child offend you? Who asked you to advise me! With such a foul mouth, have you been eating shit?”