Chapter 305: Dual Identity
Ning Xiyue and the team leader hadn’t been sitting long when Bai Yu returned to the clinic with the stamped documents.
The agreement didn’t just formalize Ning Xiyue’s role as an external doctor for the mining team; it also included the prior arrangement that the clinic’s medical expenses would be split evenly between the team and the mining team.
The agreement was prepared in three copies: the team leader and Ning Xiyue signed and stamped theirs, and Bai Yu, representing the mining team, also signed hers.
Ning Xiyue and the team leader grinned broadly as they held the handwritten agreement.
The team leader had other business and, after receiving the agreement, didn’t linger. Cheerfully, he picked up his things and prepared to leave.
“All right, you two talk, I’ll get going.”
“Take care.”
“Team Leader, take care.”
Ning Xiyue walked to the door, seeing the team leader off.
After he left, Ning Xiyue assumed Bai Yu would also depart, but Bai Yu had no intention of leaving. She remained seated, smiling, and waved at Ning Xiyue.
Ning Xiyue tilted her head politely and smiled, though internally she was puzzled—what else could Bai Yu want? They had already discussed many things and settled the formal matters. Was there still some hidden agenda?
Though puzzled, Ning Xiyue’s face remained neutral. She calmly returned to her seat across from Bai Yu, smiling, ready to see what she wanted to discuss next.
Noticing Bai Yu’s water glass was nearly empty, Ning Xiyue reached out:
“Sister Bai, let me pour you another glass. The water from this kettle is great for beauty—perfect for us ladies. You can drink more if you like.”
The glass refilled, they continued chatting. They could keep talking until the end of her shift if they wished, treating this as someone keeping her company during idle time.
Originally, Bai Yu might have refused, but hearing the last two words, she didn’t. She handed the cup to Ning Xiyue:
“Then please pour me another. The water at your clinic is sweet and lightly fragrant—really good.”
“It’s flower tea with rock sugar. If you like it, drink as much as you want.”
This tea had been leftover from last winter, generously provided by Chen Yechu as rose tea. Li Xiuxiu had arrived early and brewed a pot.
Ning Xiyue lifted the kettle on the table, poured steaming hot water into the cup, and placed it before Bai Yu. She also placed her own kettle on the table, took a sip, and left it open—ready for a long afternoon of conversation, no fear of dry throats.
Bai Yu covered her mouth to laugh softly:
“You’re quite a funny child.”
Ning Xiyue just chuckled lightly, saying nothing.
She still couldn’t figure Bai Yu out, didn’t know what she wanted, and remained on guard.
“You can completely trust me,” Bai Yu said, holding her enamel cup, her face soft with a gentle smile. “When I saw you, I noticed something interesting—you look very much like my cousin’s girlfriend. My cousin is Ji Yanming. Do you know him?”
Ning Xiyue’s hand holding the kettle froze. She stopped drinking, put the kettle down, and looked at Bai Yu seriously. It was clear Bai Yu wasn’t joking—she was telling the truth.
Ning Xiyue: …
Not just familiar—this was it.
Comrade Ji’s relatives were always so unexpectedly close; she could encounter them anywhere.
Maybe she should ask Comrade Ji to send a family photo so she could recognize them all. Knowing the family members’ names alone wasn’t enough—seeing their faces was crucial. Otherwise, she might not immediately recognize anyone, which could leave a bad impression if she overlooked or offended someone.
This was the second time this had happened. Fortunately, she was easygoing.
To avoid being caught off guard by Comrade Ji’s parents, she decided it was necessary to write him a letter about this.
Wiping the sweat from her hands, Ning Xiyue stood confidently, extended her right hand, and smiled naturally at Bai Yu without any sign of nervousness.
“Hello, cousin. Let me reintroduce myself. I’m Ning Xiyue, Ji Yanming’s girlfriend.”
No wonder she had sensed something off with Bai Yu—there was more to her visit. She had come with a dual identity.
Bai Yu showed no surprise. She had clearly anticipated this, stood, and returned the handshake, her smile now tinged with familiarity.
“I knew you were Little Ji’s girlfriend—I wasn’t wrong.”
Bai Yu’s eyes sparkled with a warm, friendly smile as she reintroduced herself:
“Formally, my name is Bai Yu, eldest daughter of Ji Yanming’s maternal uncle. You and Brother Zhou grew up together with Little Ji as close friends. Little Ji has introduced you to our whole family, and I’ve seen your photo from him, so I recognized you the moment I saw you.”
“Before I came to talk to you today, I thought it was coincidence when I learned your name from the team leader. But it really is you! You’re so outstanding. Everyone I asked praised you—you’re amazing.”
Bai Yu gave a thumbs-up, complimenting her.
Ning Xiyue smiled shyly at the praise.
Maybe Bai Yu only asked people who were familiar with her—gossipy aunties, those she had helped—so they naturally praised her. Facing outsiders, they put on a performance.
“I’ve also heard from Ayan about you, Cousin. You’re the most proactive and capable in your family—he’s always admired you. I’ve long wanted to meet you, and today, I’m truly impressed. Your presence and aura are so compelling—I’m speechless.”
Ning Xiyue sincerely met her gaze, conveying that this praise was heartfelt, not empty flattery.
Genuine compliments mixed with sincerity made Bai Yu extremely happy; her smile never faded.
After some casual back-and-forth, Ning Xiyue cautiously asked:
“Cousin, how long will you be working here? Next time, I’ll make sesame balls and bring them to you.”
“The time isn’t certain. My duty is to ensure smooth coal mining operations. I can only leave when the mining is complete, likely two to three years. So, you can always reach me. I live on your team’s site, and if you can’t find me, I’m probably on the mountain. Go to the canteen to find Brother Zhou.”
Bai Yu then pulled a stack of canteen meal tickets from her pocket and handed them to Ning Xiyue: “These are your meal tickets for this month. I’ll give them to you first. From now on, pick them up on the first of every month.”
Ning Xiyue took the tickets, thinking she had only bought thirty at noon, so it wasn’t wasteful—she could exchange some for Wang Mengmeng.
Bai Yu leaned closer and whispered: “If there’s anything you want to eat, tell Brother Zhou secretly. He runs the canteen and is skilled at cooking.”
“Thank you, Cousin. I’m not picky—anything delicious I like. I had the fermented black bean fish at lunch—it was amazing. After tasting it, I knew anything he cooks would be excellent. I even exchanged thirty more tickets just for the canteen meals today!” Ning Xiyue exclaimed excitedly.
No wonder Comrade Ji’s cooking was good—it turned out he had a chef friend. Being exposed to it, he had learned a few tricks. She would have more tasty meals in the future.
“If you enjoy it, that’s enough. I married him because of his cooking—his skills are exquisite, and he captured my heart. To eat his food every day, I made him mine. By the way, Little Ji is also a good cook…”
Bai Yu grew more talkative, finding Ning Xiyue very easy to chat with. The two chatted on and on, reluctant to stop.
They only paused when a team member came for medicine. Bai Yu glanced at the time and, having other matters, reluctantly took her leave.
After giving a few prescriptions for colds, the patient left, leaving Ning Xiyue and Li Xiuxiu alone again.
Li Xiuxiu sat by the herb cabinet, cross-referencing her medical knowledge while studying the herbs.
Not wanting to disturb her, Ning Xiyue sat at the consultation desk, picked up the agreement, examined it again, and then placed it into her system backpack via the bag hanging on the chair.
“Ding! External doctor for the mining team part-time task successfully triggered. Host, would you like to check in?”
