Chapter 248: Life’s Tough, Don’t Ruin It
Taotao held the little bear carefully with his gauze-wrapped hands, gently touching its round head and uneven limbs.
“Thank you, sister.”
“No need to thank me. I’m glad you like it,” Ning Xiyue said, stroking his furry head. “Next time, I’ll make little kittens too, so the two of them can always stay with you. As long as you don’t let them go, they’ll always be with you.”
Taotao nodded carefully, with determination in his eyes: “Mm, Taotao won’t give up on them. They’ll always stay with Taotao.”
The little bear seemed to unlock a part of Taotao’s heart, making him more lively than before. He spoke more than he ever had, leaving Comrade Li and Taotao’s parents in disbelief that this was real.
Ning Xiyue successfully held Taotao’s hand and examined his legs as well, and she even gained his consent to check him thoroughly.
While examining, she spoke gently to Taotao to comfort him.
“Sister will help you, so our Taotao can get better quickly. Once you’re better, you can come visit me. I’ll take you fishing and to play with that little brother…”
Distracting him allowed her to inspect his hands and feet without resistance.
The bones were intact, and the hospital doctors had already set them properly. The remaining issues were blocked meridians and partially torn tendons in his hands and feet.
The conclusion: it could be treated. The complete acupuncture techniques she had absorbed mentally included methods to clear blood flow and invigorate circulation — suitable for Taotao’s condition. Combined with the bone-and-tendon restorative powder, full recovery was very likely.
Additionally, children grow every day, and since the bones weren’t fully set, restoring them to normal was only a matter of time.
Based on Taotao’s condition, acupuncture every five days for two months would likely heal him completely.
The three adults watched Ning Xiyue with a mix of anticipation and anxiety, hoping to read some result from her expression, but her face remained unreadable.
Mayor Huang cautiously asked, “How is it?”
“Can try,” Ning Xiyue replied ambiguously. She had learned from the doctors that nothing should be stated as absolute; the more absolute you sounded, the less people believed you. Leaving room for possibility was key.
“That’s so grateful of you, Comrade Xiyue. No matter what, we owe you thanks. Today, Taotao has changed so much. His mother and I are deeply grateful. Thank you,” Mayor Huang said, holding her hand with emotion, while Sister Li bowed with a smiling face.
“No need for that. Taotao and I are connected by fate. I’ll do my best,” Ning Xiyue said.
Whether it was out of respect for Comrade Li, for the mayor, or due to her bond with Taotao, she would devote herself fully to the treatment.
The little turtle perched on Ning Xiyue’s shoulder commented, “Host, I feel like you’re more motivated because of Taotao’s family background — Mayor Huang, right?”
“Stop speaking the blunt truth. Half and half. I wanted to help Taotao even before I knew he was the mayor’s child. Look at this medicine — I made it before I even knew who his father was.”
“But wasn’t that because you wanted to use it to trade with the army for money?”
“….”
Cough. Ning Xiyue felt as if she had a mouthful of old blood stuck in her throat.
“System, let’s not overanalyze.”
She just wanted to gain a bit of advantage for herself. Life was hard; seeking money, connections, or protection was nothing to be ashamed of.
The mountains were high and the emperor far away — the mayor was the biggest local power. Getting on good terms with him would be highly beneficial; she’d have it easy in the commune.
“Understood, host,” System said obediently, saluting and then quieting down on her shoulder.
Ning Xiyue pulled out a set of silver needles and looked at Taotao’s parents, mainly at Mayor Huang, seeking approval: “I’ll start now.”
Sister Li looked at Mayor Huang. He didn’t respond immediately — he was cautious about his child. Unfamiliar with Ning Xiyue’s medical skills, he was naturally concerned, though he trusted a friend.
He looked to Comrade Li for confirmation, and after receiving a firm nod, he felt reassured.
Ning Xiyue thought about how lacking an official medical license was inconvenient. With one, she could have shown it to reassure them. Unfortunately, medical licensing exams were only implemented in 1998.
The army medical advisor certificate couldn’t be casually shown, and she still needed to ask the team captain why the barefoot doctor certificate hadn’t arrived yet. Maybe Comrade Li knew.
Even if it was just like an ID badge, it could prove her identity, symbolizing professional recognition.
Once Mayor Huang confirmed with Comrade Li and discussed with his wife, he solemnly nodded to Ning Xiyue: “Alright. Go ahead. Do you need us to do anything? Can we stay?”
Ning Xiyue opened the needle kit and addressed the three adults:
“You can stay. You don’t need to do anything, but you must remain quiet. Don’t disturb, just watch silently.”
“Thank you,” Mayor Huang said, retreating while holding Comrade Li’s hand with one hand and his wife with the other, moving to the door to watch from a distance.
Ning Xiyue thought: no need to retreat that far.
She ignored them, too focused to care.
She concentrated on the silver needles, following the steps she had learned in her mind, using the practice from the trial robot. Her mind was fully focused, her movements steady and precise.
This wasn’t just ordinary work — it was a matter of life and death. She couldn’t afford any sloppiness.
