Chapter 100: Completely Puzzled
Shopkeeper Qiu seemed to like Datou very much and was always happy to see him. Doctor Jin had once casually told Wen Jun that Shopkeeper Qiu had taken a liking to Datou, and that this would only bring benefits to the boy.
However, Doctor Jin had never mentioned what Shopkeeper Qiu did before. He only said they were old friends who met in the capital and later came to Yunwu Town together.
But Wen Yao had clearly heard earlier how respectful the visitor had been toward Shopkeeper Qiu, and Qiu had even referred to the man’s master as “Sir.” It seemed this approachable apothecary manager had quite a background.
Yet Wen Yao searched her memories and couldn’t find such a person in the original novel. Had she overlooked something?
By the time she finished drifting off in thought, they had already entered Jishi Hall.
Since it was almost New Year, there were few patients. Only Doctor Jin and the others were inside.
“Doctor Jin, Brother Qiu, we came today to invite you to celebrate the New Year at our home,” Wen Xiuyi said as soon as they sat down. “Xiaojun told us Doctor Jin isn’t returning to the capital this year, and Brother Qiu is alone as well. Why not come to our countryside home? With a big family, it’ll be lively.”
Shopkeeper Qiu smiled. “I’m not alone. I still have Hong Hai.”
Hong Hai, suddenly called out from behind the counter, looked up blankly. “Huh?”
Wen Yao laughed. “Brother Hong Hai, want to celebrate New Year at our house?”
Hong Hai reflexively replied, “Ah? Is that okay?”
Wen Yao looked at Shopkeeper Qiu and simply added, “I’ll cook the New Year’s Eve dinner.”
Shopkeeper Qiu raised an eyebrow, burst out laughing, and pointed at her. “In that case, Old Jin and I will gladly impose.”
Anywhere was fine for New Year. Going to the Wen family would be lively—and he truly liked Datou.
Wen Jun soon convinced Doctor Jin as well.
With the matter settled, Shopkeeper Qiu turned to Datou. “Datou, how is the homework I gave you?”
Datou immediately stood straight and bowed respectfully. “I’ve finished it.”
“Good, very good.” Shopkeeper Qiu nodded with satisfaction.
Wen Yao secretly tugged Wen Jun’s sleeve. “Didn’t you ask Doctor Jin about Shopkeeper Qiu’s background?”
“I did,” Wen Jun whispered. “Master wouldn’t say. He only told me that if Shopkeeper Qiu grows close to Datou, we shouldn’t stop it.”
Then he asked softly, “Did you remember anything?”
“No,” Wen Yao replied. “Nothing matches.” The original novel had too many minor characters; only important ones like their unlucky Datou were remembered.
Wen Jun thought for a moment, then shrugged it off. “If we can’t remember, forget it. Shopkeeper Qiu and Master won’t harm us. Aren’t we going shopping? What are we buying?”
Wen Yao still had dozens of taels left, and even after building the house they were financially comfortable. Still, they didn’t want to rely entirely on their “space.” Gifts for family and for Doctor Jin had to be bought properly.
“More or less planned. We’ll go once Father finishes talking.”
Soon Wen Xiuyi and Doctor Jin finished their conversation. But Shopkeeper Qiu and Datou were still deep in discussion.
When the family prepared to leave, Datou bit his lip and stayed silent.
The three of them exchanged looks and waited patiently. Datou needed to express his own wishes.
Finally, he gathered courage. “Father, Sister, Brother, I still have some questions for Uncle Qiu. You go shopping first.”
They sighed in relief. Wen Yao smiled. “Alright. Want us to bring you anything? Don’t trouble Uncle Qiu too much.”
Datou nodded happily. “Books—and some candy.” He had promised village friends he’d bring sweets.
After reminding him to behave, they left.
Shopkeeper Qiu then led Datou toward the backyard to teach him.
Doctor Jin chuckled. “Why not just accept him as your student?”
Datou froze and tilted his head, confused.
Shopkeeper Qiu smiled helplessly. “I once swore never to take students again. As for Datou—he’s family. That doesn’t count.”
Doctor Jin raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What are you planning?”
“You’ve already guessed,” Shopkeeper Qiu said.
Doctor Jin laughed. “You haven’t asked the child. What if he refuses?”
Datou listened to their cryptic exchange, beginning to suspect something. If Uncle Qiu said “family,” how could that be, when they weren’t related?
Shopkeeper Qiu paused, then gently patted Datou’s head. “Let fate decide.” He took Datou’s hand and led him inside.
Doctor Jin shook his head with a smile, glancing at Hong Hai. He had thought Qiu might choose Hong Hai, but it seemed he was mistaken.
Hong Hai scratched his head nervously. “Doctor Jin… why are you looking at me like that?”
“Nothing. Get back to work.”
“Oh.” Hong Hai didn’t question further and returned to his tasks, never doubting the two men’s words.
