Over the next two weekends, thinking about the medicine she needed to deliver to the county hospital, Qin Jiao went home early each time and first treated Teacher Chen. Since taking the medicine she prescribed, Chen had clearly felt his palpitations and chest pain improve—something he hadn’t experienced in many years. So when Zhao Qingsong suggested several times that he travel to Lenghe Town, he refused.
He wanted to see just how far Qin Jiao could treat his illness.
During the day, Qin Jiao didn’t sleep in. She got up early to take her elder sister up the mountain to gather herbs. She needed to teach her quickly—once her studies became busier, she might not be able to return home on weekends.
The summer weather was good, with plenty of rain. Many herbs in the mountains were thriving, some already ready for harvesting. Qin Jiao planned to gather as much as possible while she had time.
“Laidi, look—is this eucommia?”
“Oh, this looks like angelica—we can dig it up!”
“And this—spatholobus vine!”
Watching her sister excitedly “treasure hunting,” Qin Jiao’s mood lifted. Soon, the two filled two baskets with herbs.
On their way down, villagers saw them but didn’t ask questions. After all, Qin Jiao treated them nearly for free when they were sick.
Some kind-hearted elders even gave them sweet potatoes. “Take these home to roast.”
Qin Ailan hadn’t felt such warmth in a long time. Back in the factory housing, the Liu family had poor relationships—no one interacted with them, let alone offered food.
“Don’t overthink it, Big Sister. Focus on your health. Grandma still needs you.”
Responsibility straightened her back. “Alright. I’ll stop worrying. I just want all of us to live better.”
As they reached home, they ran into Liu Baozhu.
“Thanks for the other day. Teacher Chen improved, but we still took him to the county hospital… after all, you’re just a veterinarian.”
“Yes. I specialize in treating people like you.”
Liu Baozhu froze, realizing the insult too late.
Qin Jiao ignored her, shut the door, and let the rabbit out.
She was in a great mood—He Liansheng had called. He was being transferred to Shilan Province. Their separation would soon end.
*
One day after class, just as they were heading to the dining hall, Director Liu walked in with a stack of papers—an unexpected exam.
Everyone panicked. Was this another elimination?
Two hours later, all papers were collected.
Many students despaired.
But Qin Jiao, experienced with exams, had finished and reviewed her answers calmly.
Soon, another test followed—a clinical simulation.
Students panicked again.
Qin Jiao quietly guided her classmates—how to ask questions, examine, diagnose.
Her explanation was clear and structured.
Suddenly, everyone calmed down.
“You explain better than the teacher!”
Her classmates looked at her with gratitude.
When it was her turn, her “patient” was Director Zhang.
“My chest feels tight,” he said.
Qin Jiao immediately began diagnosis.
“Chest obstruction syndrome,” she concluded.
He pressed further.
She explained clearly and prescribed a formula.
Director Zhang was stunned.
“Did you study this yourself?”
She nodded. “My teacher emphasized classical texts.”
He was deeply impressed.
“90 points,” he later said.
The highest score he had given.
But then—he crossed her name off the county hospital list.
“She won’t stay here.”
She ranked top ten in the province.
*
While waiting for her assignment, Chen Bohang came again.
“I want to take your eldest granddaughter.”
“To the provincial capital.”
Grandma exploded.
“What for?”
“I’ll pay her—25 yuan a month.”
Grandma froze.
That was a huge amount.
Qin Jiao persuaded her.
This was an opportunity.
Finally, Grandma agreed.
Then—
“You’re going too,” Chen said.
Qin Jiao realized—
Her assignment was at Factory 412.
The place where He Liansheng was.
Her future.
She looked firmly ahead.
“Grandma, pack up. We’re leaving.”
Leaving this place—
for a new life.