Chapter 303: A Windfall from the Sky?
After sitting down, Bai Yu didn’t bother with any polite small talk and got straight to the point.
“I’m here today on behalf of the mining team. Mining is grueling work. The miners on the front lines carry huge workloads every day, and as the weather warms, the work becomes even harder. In the summer, with the scorching heat and heavy labor, it’s easy for workers to fall ill or suffer heatstroke. That’s why having a doctor is essential.”
Bai Yu paused, her lips curling slightly into a gentle smile as she looked at Ning Xiyue, and then continued: “Fortunately, our team has a doctor like you, well-liked by everyone and recognized for your medical skills. Therefore, I would like to hire you as an external doctor for the mining team. You would see our miners when they’re ill and prescribe preventative soups or tonics for heatstroke in the summer. Of course, you would only prescribe them—the canteen staff will handle the actual preparation.”
Ning Xiyue raised an eyebrow. Was this a job being handed to her?
She remained silent for a moment, observing this calm, composed woman who spoke evenly, as if everything were under her control.
“You will receive eight yuan per month, and your meals will be provided at the canteen. If you agree, we can finalize the agreement today.”
Bai Yu finished speaking, her fingers lightly gripping the edge of her clothing, her eyes filled with expectation as she looked at Ning Xiyue, quietly awaiting her answer.
Ning Xiyue felt a thrill at the prospect—she could save money on meals and even earn a little extra.
Yet she still preferred being a barefoot doctor on the team: free when idle, nobody micromanaging her.
She did, however, have one concern. Since the mining team was stationed nearby, if someone got sick and came to the clinic, she would naturally treat them. She wasn’t limited to only treating her team’s members—surely she couldn’t refuse patients?
After thinking, Ning Xiyue said:
“You know I’m a barefoot doctor on the team, and also a member of the educated youth. Being a barefoot doctor is not trivial—it’s not something I can do as I please. Without permission from my superiors, I can’t leave or take on other work. Besides, I enjoy my current role and have no intention of quitting.”
She stated her position clearly, partly to test the waters.
Bai Yu simply smiled, showing no surprise, and spoke calmly:
“This won’t affect your current work. You will remain a barefoot doctor here. The only difference is that your patients will include workers from the mining team. I’ve already discussed this with your team leader, and he has no objection. If you have no issue, we can proceed.”
Ning Xiyue was a little taken aback. How could such a fortunate opportunity fall directly into her lap? She barely trusted it—was the mining team really giving her money just like that?
A windfall from the sky?
Bai Yu seemed to notice her doubt and chuckled lightly:
“There are three reasons I approached you. First, I asked around and everyone on the team praises your medical skills highly. Second, the town’s mayor, Mayor Huang, personally recommended you to me. Third, you’re already on the team, nearby and convenient, so we don’t need to find someone else. This will also help the state save on medical resources.”
The three points were compelling. The first pleased Ning Xiyue, the second reassured her with a trusted recommendation, and the third made it impossible to refuse. She was technically state-affiliated, earning a wage—how could she turn this down?
Ning Xiyue admired Bai Yu’s precise grasp of human emotions.
With everything laid out like this, all her doubts evaporated.
This was clearly beneficial to her—she had no choice but to accept.
Ning Xiyue stood, extended her right hand, her eyes sparkling with delight as her smile spread to her lips: “Pleasure working with you.”
“Welcome aboard,” Bai Yu replied, standing to shake hands. Her phoenix-like eyes radiated endless warmth, sparkling like polished jade.
Ning Xiyue’s eyes widened—distracted by the beautiful woman’s smile.
Time truly does not defeat beauty. Bai Yu’s smile was stunning; like her name, she resembled a warm, lustrous piece of jade. It wasn’t merely her looks—it was her entire aura that held Ning Xiyue’s gaze.
“Sister Bai, your smile is really beautiful,” Ning Xiyue couldn’t help but say what was in her heart.
Bai Yu’s smile grew even brighter, and she seemed more genuine—no longer untouchable, but approachable.
“Thank you. Now I understand why you’re so beloved on this team. The other women here all praise you, and your words bring joy to everyone.”
Ning Xiyue shook her head with a smile. “I speak sincerely.”
“Exactly. That’s why people are so happy—it’s because your words are heartfelt. You’re a good kid, everyone likes you.”
At this point, Bai Yu spoke more casually, with relaxed gestures and expressions.
Only now did Ning Xiyue sense her authenticity. Previously, she had seemed unapproachable, but now her uninhibited laughter made her feel down-to-earth.
After discussing the main matter, Bai Yu didn’t immediately leave to handle her other duties but continued chatting with Ning Xiyue. Ning Xiyue had nothing pressing, and it was good to chat a little—to learn more about the mining team and Bai Yu.
The two hit it off and grew more familiar.
During the conversation, Ning Xiyue realized that Bai Yu was actually the wife of the mining team’s canteen master they had talked about at lunch.
Ning Xiyue’s mental image of a chef had conjured a jolly, pot-bellied master chef or a skinny, severe-looking head chef—not exactly a glamorous match. She had assumed a “beauty and the beast” scenario.
But Bai Yu pulled a photo from her wallet, and Ning Xiyue realized how wrong her assumptions were. One could not judge a person by their profession.
The “beast” in the photo was a handsome man, perfectly paired with Bai Yu—truly a match made in heaven. Though slightly older, he was elegant, with a refined temperament, unlike her imagined chef.
This chef was no ordinary cook; he had even been selected to cook at state banquets. Ning Xiyue felt lucky to be able to enjoy such a master chef’s cuisine.
It was clear he was a devoted husband, willing to follow his wife to this team and work as a humble canteen master chef so she could eat well.
Such love was enviable. Ning Xiyue looked at the photo:
“Sister Bai, you two are really devoted. I heard the canteen master chef came here for his wife.”
“Yes, Brother Zhou worried I wouldn’t eat properly. When I got busy, I would forget meals, and eventually, my stomach developed issues. So Brother Zhou moved to our unit to watch over me. He couldn’t be shooed away,” Bai Yu said softly, her gaze filled with tender affection and love even in playful reproach.
Ning Xiyue felt a pang of envy for their love and decided she would write to Comrade Ji later.
Bai Yu smiled apologetically and returned to the main topic.
“When it’s hot, if the team or miners need soups or herbal teas to prevent heatstroke, just ask Brother Zhou. Have the canteen prepare them—it will save a lot of time.”
“Understood,” Ning Xiyue responded promptly, knowing such a need would arise.
As the conversation wound down, Bai Yu suddenly changed her tone, leaning closer to Ning Xiyue to quietly bring up a matter somewhat unrelated to the previous topic.
