Seeing her strange expression, Liao Zhixian quickly explained, “I have a classmate who studies medicine. He said this is the foundation of clinical medicine.”
Qin Jiao naturally knew this—Old He had taught her before. But without models, relying only on memorization of organ shapes, structures, positions, and relationships made it hard to form a clear image in her mind.
It was a good book, an official textbook from the People’s Medical Publishing House, but—
“Whoever gave it to you was quite thoughtful, knowing you’re preparing for the training exam,” Liao Zhixian said with relief. He genuinely appreciated Laidi and hoped she could have more connections beyond the village.
A girl like her shouldn’t waste her life in a small mountain village.
Qin Jiao thought: thoughtful? Thoughtful my foot!
That old He—just like the kind who’d buy health supplements from TV shopping!
“And your friend even wants you to study both Chinese and Western medicine. Not bad, not bad.”
Qin Jiao: “…Not bad my foot!”
At first, she wondered if Old He had sent the book, but then realized he was likely still laying low with important figures, being watched closely—he wouldn’t risk sending anything.
But the roundabout delivery method did resemble He Liansheng’s style.
Before they parted, she had told him she wanted to become a doctor. He had taken it seriously and sent her books.
Liao Zhixian continued, “Don’t underestimate a textbook like this. In recent years, medical schools stopped enrolling students. Whether Chinese or Western medicine, textbooks are hard to find… your friend must have put in a lot of effort. I’ve been trying to find an agriculture book for two years without success.”
During these years, many professional books had been destroyed.
Qin Jiao remembered searching bookstores and scrap stations without success. Many young people were doing the same.
There was never a shortage of diligent learners.
Thinking of this, she felt He Liansheng had indeed been thoughtful. Even though he said nothing before, he had remembered her wish.
At the door, Liao Zhixian tore a page from his notebook and handed it to her. “Here’s the factory office number. If you need anything, call and ask for Technician He.”
“No need to change how you address me—just call me Laidi if you’re used to it.”
After walking a few steps, he turned back. “Do you know how to treat intestinal obstruction?”
It was a broad condition. Acute inflammation or tumors could cause it. In Chinese medicine, it corresponded to various syndromes.
“I need to see the patient to determine that.”
Liao Zhixian smiled bitterly. His sister was far away in Haicheng, hospitalized and unable to travel.
“But it’s acute. It must be treated immediately.”
“She’s already in the hospital.”
Qin Jiao nodded, relieved, and focused on studying.
The textbook helped immensely. It organized the human body into systems—movement, digestion, respiration, reproduction—and detailed structures from head to toe.
For someone without formal Western medical training, it was essential.
She didn’t limit herself to Chinese medicine. In her previous life, she had wanted to practice but lacked Western medical qualifications.
Without certification, she could only treat neighbors informally.
It proved that no book was read in vain.
A month later, the county health bureau held the entrance exam. Two subjects—Western medicine in the morning, mostly terminology and short answers; no multiple-choice guessing.
Many candidates complained afterward. They expected a focus on Chinese medicine, but 80% of the test was Western medicine.
Fortunately, Qin Jiao had studied thoroughly and found it manageable.
The afternoon exam was Chinese medicine—basic theory, diagnosis, herbal knowledge, and practical skills.
For her, it was effortless.
After finishing, she hurried home before dark.
On the way, she was suddenly called out.
She turned to see a young woman from the state-run cafeteria.
“Big Sister?”
Qin Ailan laughed. “You came to town and didn’t visit me?”
She pulled her inside.
After some time apart, Ailan looked healthier—rosy and more lively.
Today was Saturday, and the cafeteria had closed. Ailan stayed behind to clean.
“When did you start working here?”
“Two months ago. I even sent word for you to visit, but you didn’t come.”
Turns out the message never reached them.
They warmed themselves by the stove while roasting rice cakes.
“Try this,” Ailan said, handing her food.
They chatted until it grew late.
Before leaving, Ailan gave her a bag of dried food she had saved.
“These are leftovers from customers, but I cleaned and dried them. Don’t mind it.”
Qin Jiao didn’t mind at all.
“There’s also some braised pork I saved.”
Her eyes grew moist. “Big Sister, you should eat more yourself.”
“I’m fine.”
Leaving the restaurant, Qin Jiao felt warmth in her heart.
Snow had stopped. She took a shortcut toward the bus stop.
Suddenly, she noticed two figures in a narrow alley.
A man and a woman stood close together, his hand on her waist.
Then he turned—
Qin Jiao froze.
It was her brother-in-law, Liu Jiawei.
Her sister had said he was working late. Why was he here?
The woman called his name.
In that instant, Qin Jiao understood everything.
Anger surged, but she suppressed it.
She quietly memorized the address.
The anger lingered for days.
Her family thought she was upset about the exam.
Just then, an announcement came:
“Qin Jiao, your exam results are out—come answer the phone!”
She rushed to the office.
“Congratulations, Comrade Qin Jiao. You ranked first in the county.”
She was stunned.
Out of 160 candidates, she had the highest score.
“Western medicine: 96. Chinese medicine: full marks. Total: 196.”
Even officials were shocked.
After hanging up, she could barely process it.
But she had something more urgent to deal with—
Liu Jiawei.
She didn’t even want to call him brother-in-law anymore.
Her sister suffered and took medicine daily, while he already had another woman.
Then she remembered—
That woman was the same one he married later in her previous life.
Back then, she thought it was love.
Now she knew better.
Some men are only truly honest when they’re hung on the wall.