Chapter 82: Obedient Boys Get Candy
Su He thought of Old Man Ge next door, who was still full of energy: “…”
Of course, she still had to confirm whether Old Man Ge was the so-called miracle doctor Su Yongguo had mentioned.
“Dad, which village did that miracle doctor live in back then? What was his surname?”
“He lived in Jiangjiatuo, Mangniu Commune. His surname was Zhuge — like Zhuge Liang.”
Su He was stunned. Zhuge? Not Ge?
But the village name and the past events matched. It had to be Old Man Ge!
As for why he changed his surname, it was probably because he didn’t want to be found anymore, so he shortened Zhuge to Ge. Otherwise, how could he be living in the same county without being discovered?
Then again, information was poorly circulated in this era, and communication wasn’t developed.
Su Yongguo continued, “Girl, you know a lot of people — see if you can find out where that Zhuge miracle doctor is now.”
Old Man Zhao added, “I’m afraid asking around won’t help. People described it so vividly — said he hanged himself, and his tongue was sticking out when he died!”
Su He: “…Grandpa, I’ll have Zhuge the Miracle Doctor come over tomorrow to give you a live zombie resurrection performance!”
Su Yongguo glared at her. “Is that how you talk to your grandpa?! Wait—do you mean the miracle doctor isn’t dead? How do you know that? Do you know where he is?!”
Su He nodded. “He lives right next to my second uncle’s house! The one we stayed in last night — he’s literally next door!”
Even though the houses were adjacent, Old Man Ge kept to himself, so Su Yongguo had never met him.
Su Yongguo could hardly believe his ears. What? Right next door? Truly a case of missing what’s right under your nose!
Old Man Zhao was overjoyed, and even tearful Old Madam Zhao showed a glimmer of hope.
But after a moment, Old Man Zhao sighed. “Girl, I heard that miracle doctor has a really strange personality. He only treated Ruyi back then because your parents begged him repeatedly, and also because Ruyi was in critical condition.
Your grandma’s issue is painful, but not life-threatening. I doubt he’ll agree to treat her.”
Su Yongguo immediately said, “Dad, the miracle doctor lives next to my second brother’s family. At least we’ve got some rapport. Cui’e and I can go beg him again — maybe he’ll say yes.”
Old Madam Zhao quickly said, “I know my own legs. Even if that miracle doctor agreed to treat me, there’s nothing he can do. Let’s not bother him!”
Everyone present understood — she wasn’t unwilling to be treated; she just didn’t want to cause trouble for Su Yongguo.
A son-in-law would never be the same as a biological son.
Old Man Zhao then said to Su Yongguo, “Once Kaiwen’s case is settled, I’ll go with you to visit the miracle doctor.”
Since they’d finally found his whereabouts, they had to try.
When Zhao Kaiwen was mentioned, Old Madam Zhao started tearing up again.
Su He: “…”
If only my grandma were a mermaid — we’d have enough pearls to open a jewelry shop by now!
She chuckled. “That old guy listens to me. Once my uncle’s matter is resolved, I’ll bring him over to treat Grandma!”
Old Man Zhao, Old Madam Zhao, and Su Yongguo: “…”
Little Gou Dan, who had been munching sunflower seeds while eavesdropping, made a face. “Bragger!”
Su He pulled a milk candy from her side satchel and popped it into her mouth, then glanced at Gou Dan.
Immediately, Gou Dan lost interest in the sunflower seeds in his mouth!
Old Man Zhao and Old Madam Zhao were skeptical, while Su Yongguo was overjoyed!
After everything today, he finally understood why his second brother and sister-in-law had so much faith in Su He — his daughter really had skills!
“Dad, Mom, since our girl says so, then there’s a 99% chance it’ll work! Once Kaiwen’s situation is handled, we’ll have her invite the miracle doctor — maybe you’ll be walking again soon!”
Old Man Zhao and Old Madam Zhao exchanged glances. This son-in-law used to be reliable. Why is he spouting nonsense now too?
Su He was young and could get carried away — but why was he joining in?
Even if the miracle doctor agreed to treat her, they’d have to bring the patient to him in the county. Why would a miracle doctor come to them?
Though they thought that, they didn’t say it out loud. They’d just wait and see.
Old Man Zhao said to Su He, “Girl, let’s set aside the miracle doctor for now. You need to focus on your uncle’s case. A sentence of two and a half years versus three and a half years — they’re both ‘about three years,’ but there’s a world of difference between them.”
Old Madam Zhao looked at Su He with pleading eyes.
Su He nodded. “Grandma, Grandpa, even if you didn’t ask, I’d do my best. I’ll try to get the agricultural supply station to issue a letter of forgiveness. Then we can just compensate financially, and that’ll be the end of it.
But I can’t promise anything. If it works, great. If it doesn’t, I hope you won’t blame me.”
Before either elder could speak, Gou Dan shouted, “Sis, you’ll definitely make it! You’re the best!”
Su He: …Can you stop staring at the candy wrapper in my hand when you say that?
Then… she handed him two milk candies.
The little guy immediately understood the meaning of life:
Whatever Big Sis says goes — obedience means candy!
Old Man Zhao looked at his grandson acting like a little lapdog and sighed. Maybe the name Gou Dan was a mistake. Should’ve called him Wolf Pup or something…
He smiled bitterly. His son was still locked up, and here he was, wasting brain cells thinking about silly names.
He had met Professor Qu from the agricultural supply station — definitely not an easy man to deal with. The chances of getting that forgiveness letter were slim to none.
“Girl, just do your best. If it works, that’s great. If it doesn’t, it’s your uncle’s fault anyway. If not for you, he’d be looking at ten years minimum!”
Su He nodded and, using tiredness as an excuse, turned in early.
But she wasn’t actually sleeping — she was searching and purchasing soybean breeding information from the exchange.
If she wanted that letter of forgiveness from the agricultural station, she’d have to trade it for something of value.
She could buy quality soybean seeds from the exchange, but it wasn’t something that could be done openly. Plus, the best planting season had already passed — she needed to come up with a workaround…
While browsing through articles, a new idea came to her. She started reviewing related books, and only then did she finally fall asleep.
*
Early the next morning, Su Yongguo rode his bicycle to Qiping Commune with Su He.
After returning the bicycle, Su He boarded a minibus back to the county.
At the bus terminal, Su He had Su Yongguo head directly back to Huaihua Commune.
She herself went straight to the agricultural supply station.
Qin Yan immediately asked, “Did you finish the interview article?”
Su He gave a vague answer and went to see Professor Qu.
Qin Yan stood uneasily in the corridor, waiting.
Before long, Professor Qu’s furious voice rang from inside:
“Utter nonsense! What responsibility do I have for the destruction of the test field? Get out! Get out right now!”
