Chapter 102: Securing the Position
The captain brought over an unfamiliar male comrade and introduced him to Ning Xiyue:
“Xiyue, this comrade was passing through our team when a relative at his home suddenly developed a high fever that won’t go down. Our team’s barefoot doctor isn’t around, and they heard from one of our members that you’re skilled in medicine. They came specifically to find me, so I brought him here to ask for your help.”
Ning Xiyue: Which legendary aunt spread the news to outsiders in less than an hour? Amazing.
“Hello, comrade. Here is my work ID. Please, I’m asking for your help. Thank you.”
The man placed his work ID and an introduction letter on the ground, then bowed deeply to her.
Ning Xiyue shifted slightly to avoid the bow and carefully examined the work ID and introduction letter he handed her.
—A comrade from the county armed forces department.
Ning Xiyue understood immediately. Most likely, these people had been called here by Comrade Ji.
That meant she didn’t need to worry about anything.
“Please wait a moment. I’ll go get my bag — all my medical essentials are in there.”
“Alright.”
Ning Xiyue went inside and grabbed her small cloth bag. She reached into it and discreetly pulled out some medicine from her spatial storage, including remedies she had made herself and some she’d obtained from hospital sign-ins.
Chen Ye’chu, sitting at the desk reading, noticed Ning Xiyue taking her bag and asked worriedly,
“Xiyue, are you going out? It’s so late.”
“It’s fine. The captain needs me for something. I’ll be back soon.”
Ning Xiyue gave her a reassuring look and headed out.
Watching Ning Xiyue’s back, Chen Ye’chu realized she too had to work hard. Xiyue was already busy building her future.
She had to study woodworking more seriously with Master Chen, diligently go through the high school textbooks, and use her account to buy woodworking materials and high school practice books to train with.
Meanwhile, Ning Xiyue followed the captain and Comrade Li outside.
Comrade Li led the way, with the captain and Ning Xiyue walking behind.
Zhang Dawei glanced at the man ahead, then whispered beside Ning Xiyue,
“Girl Yue, if you can help this leader’s fever go down and cure him, then the proposal your Aunt Yangliu mentioned will be finalized. You’ll definitely become our team’s barefoot doctor — that’s a sure thing.”
“Captain, just hearing you say that is enough.” Ning Xiyue’s heart leapt with joy as she spoke earnestly: “Don’t worry. I will work hard to become a glorious barefoot doctor for our team, contributing to our medical development and doing my best for the team’s progress.”
“Good. I’m counting on you.” Zhang Dawei nodded, feeling very optimistic about her. The words his wife had whispered in his ear had only boosted his confidence in Ning Xiyue.
When they arrived at the brigade headquarters, the captain tactfully excused himself and went to the office, while Ning Xiyue followed Comrade Li to a nearby car.
Inside, an elderly man sat with his eyes closed, resting lightly. His face was flushed, his brow furrowed. Upon hearing movement, he opened his sharp eyes.
Ning Xiyue remained calm and unaffected. So he really is here for treatment, she thought to herself. But judging by the medicinal smell in the car, this wasn’t a regular fever.
“Uncle, this is the doctor from the team. I invited her to help.”
Comrade Li gave a brief introduction.
When the old man heard Ning Xiyue’s name, his eyes revealed curiosity, interest — and even a hint of joy.
Ning Xiyue didn’t notice. She was already fully immersed in her role as a prospective barefoot doctor, preparing to examine this serious-looking elder — or more precisely, to treat the gunshot wound on his body.
The fever had been caused by an inflamed wound near the man’s scapula. Ning Xiyue took out an antibacterial, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory ointment she had made from Hànxīn grass. After another comrade inspected it, she applied it to the wound.
Finally, she used some leftover gauze from treating her own head injury to bandage the wound.
“Here’s a jar of the ointment and some gauze. Change the dressing three times a day — morning, noon, and night.”
She then handed over two anti-inflammatory pills. “These are for the fever. Take them orally.”
“The fever should subside in less than half an hour. You can rest assured.” Ning Xiyue glanced at the time. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going. It’s getting late.”
The old man felt the cool sensation around the wound. A faint smile appeared on his serious face as he nodded, “Thank you, young comrade.”
Then he turned to Comrade Li. “Make sure the young comrade gets home safely.”
“No need to thank me. Goodbye, elder.” Ning Xiyue left with a light, cheerful smile.
The captain waved to her from the brigade office. Ning Xiyue ran over happily to meet him.
Ah — the barefoot doctor position was already beckoning to her.
She gave the captain a confident “mission accomplished” look and nodded.
The captain’s face lit up with joy as he gave her a thumbs-up.
While walking some distance behind Comrade Li, the captain quietly told Ning Xiyue: “Tomorrow, just come to my office to complete the paperwork, and you can officially start as a barefoot doctor at the brigade health station. You’ll earn 10 work points per day, plus a three-yuan monthly stipend, with everything settled together at the end of the year.”
This was the sentence Ning Xiyue had been waiting for. She thanked him excitedly: “Great! Thank you, Captain. I’ll do my job well.”
After that, they quickened their pace to catch up.
Since Ning Xiyue had gone out with both the captain and Comrade Li, they also escorted her back safely before leaving.
Having secured the promise she wanted, Ning Xiyue returned home in high spirits. This trip was worth it.
“Ye’chu, you’re still reading? You’re too diligent — I’m impressed.”
Even after her long trip, Ning Xiyue returned to find Chen Ye’chu still studying under the lamplight. She’s so competitive — even in the 1970s!
Chen Ye’chu rubbed her sore neck. “I’ll finish this section and then go to sleep. I won’t bother you.”
“You’re not bothering me.” Ning Xiyue picked up a bright red thermos and filled her foot basin with hot water. “I’ll soak my feet and go to bed. You should rest early too.”
“Okay.”
Ning Xiyue watched as Chen Ye’chu buried herself once again in her notes, studying intently.
Such a study tyrant.
Never mind — she couldn’t keep up even if she tried. She focused on soaking her feet instead. It felt wonderful.
After soaking them and lying down on the heated brick bed, her whole body relaxed.
Now, it was time to check out the system’s new features.
Ning Xiyue entered her spatial interface and opened the system. Sure enough, she noticed the biggest change: a new System Recycling Station.
Any items received from sign-ins that she didn’t need could now be exchanged for points.
These points could be converted into real-world currency — the “Great Unity” yuan — and vice versa.
1,000 points = 100 yuan — a 10:1 exchange rate.
