Chapter 20: Special Treatment
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Zhou Yichen was startled by the commotion, instinctively stepping back. Such enthusiasm—he really wasn’t quite prepared for it! Though he forced a polite smile onto his face, inwardly he was overwhelmed.
Just then, a loud, clear voice rang out like a bell, cutting through the crowd: “What’s going on here? Are you all planning to eat up our medic or what?”
Everyone turned toward the voice to see Wang Zhenshan, captain of the Fifth Team, striding over briskly.
“Captain Wang!”
“Captain Wang’s here!”
The villagers’ fierce energy deflated considerably at the sight of Wang Zhenshan. They stepped back, clearing a path.
Wang Zhenshan walked up to Zhou Yichen and gave him a once-over, breaking into a teasing grin.
“Young Yichen, not bad! You’ve only been here two days, and you’ve already stirred up our Xiangyang Team like it’s New Year’s!”
He patted Zhou Yichen’s shoulder in a familiar, almost elder’s teasing tone toward a junior.
Zhou Yichen silently breathed a sigh of relief and smiled gratefully at Wang Zhenshan. “Captain Wang, I’m glad you’re here. Everyone’s enthusiasm was a bit overwhelming.”
Wang Zhenshan laughed heartily. “A little enthusiasm isn’t bad! It means everyone’s looking forward to you!”
He then raised his hand toward the villagers. “Alright, alright, stop crowding! Yichen is our team’s medic now—no running away! If anyone’s sick, they see him; if it’s time to work, they work!”
“Every production team still has tasks today! Hurry up and get back in line!”
Though a bit reluctant, the villagers knew the work had to be done. They dispersed in small groups to find their teams.
Only then did Zhou Yichen feel the air around him clear considerably.
He looked at Wang Zhenshan seriously. “Captain Wang, what exactly will we be doing today?”
Wang Zhenshan’s smile faded as he explained, “Our main task recently has been chopping firewood.”
He pointed toward the distant hills. “The weather’s getting colder by the day. If we don’t stockpile enough firewood, this winter will be tough.”
“Only with plenty of firewood burning can everyone stay warm through the winter. The animal shelters need to be kept warm too, or come spring, work will be impossible.”
Zhou Yichen nodded in understanding.
“So, Captain Wang, are there specific duties for me as the medic?”
Wang Zhenshan waved off the question casually. “As medic, you arrange your own schedule.”
“If anyone in the village feels unwell, they come to you. You treat them.”
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“If you run into problems you can’t solve or need supplies, come find me.”
He paused, then added, “If you’re not busy and there aren’t any patients, you can go with the production teams up the mountain to chop wood. But that’s up to you. No pressure.”
Hearing this, Zhou Yichen felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
The arrangement was remarkably flexible and considerate.
It was clear Wang Zhenshan valued him highly as the medic, practically granting him full autonomy—even allowing him to skip work if needed.
His appreciation for Wang Zhenshan grew stronger. “Thank you, Captain Wang. I understand. I’ll organize my work well and do my best to serve everyone.”
Wang Zhenshan nodded approvingly. “Good. I trust you.”
After a moment’s thought, Zhou Yichen added, “By the way, Captain Wang, I have something else to mention.”
“I plan to take some time today to visit the commune and buy a set of silver needles.”
“Later on, when I have time, I’ll try to gather some herbs from the mountain. Combining them with acupuncture should improve treatment results.”
Upon hearing this, Wang Zhenshan immediately waved his hand. “Good! That’s exactly right!”
“Saving lives is the priority. I support you!”
After a brief pause, he said, “Here’s what you do: go straight to Accountant Li and tell him I said to lend you the big team’s bicycle.”
“The commune isn’t close. Riding a bike back and forth will save you a lot of time and make things easier.”
Zhou Yichen’s eyes lit up. A bicycle! This was excellent.
“Ah, that’s wonderful! Thank you, Captain Wang!”
A bicycle would make his trip to the commune much more convenient.
Wang Zhenshan waved off the thanks casually. “No need! You’re doing work for the team, of course we’ll make things easier for you.”
“Alright, let’s gather first. After that, you can get on with your tasks.”
Zhou Yichen responded eagerly and thanked Wang Zhenshan again before turning to reunite with Jiang Xiaoman and the others.
He knew well that Wang Zhenshan’s arrangements were exceptionally considerate.
In these times, borrowing the team’s bicycle wasn’t something just anyone could do.
Usually, only Secretary Gao Jianjun and the production team captains could use it when going to the countryside or attending meetings at the commune. Ordinary members wanting to borrow it was almost impossible.
Only in emergencies like life-or-death situations or major celebrations such as weddings could one apply to the team leadership—and even then, approval wasn’t guaranteed.
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That Wang Zhenshan proactively offered the bicycle wasn’t merely a convenience; it was practically granting Zhou Yichen a special privilege.
Zhou Yichen quietly treasured this kindness in his heart.
At that moment, the noise in the courtyard of the team headquarters gradually died down.
A man in his fifties stepped onto a small earthen platform.
His skin was dark and weathered, his face etched with lines from the elements, but his eyes were bright and sharp, radiating shrewdness and competence.
This was Gao Jianjun, the Party branch secretary and team leader of the Xiangyang Team.
Clearing his throat, Gao Jianjun spoke with a steady, commanding voice: “Comrades, members, quiet down!”
The courtyard instantly fell silent, all eyes focused on him.
“Today, we’ll hold a brief meeting with two main points.”
“First, to welcome our newly arrived educated youth comrades to the team!” Gao Jianjun’s gaze swept over Zhou Yichen and the others, a hint of a smile appearing.
“We hope you’ll soon adapt to rural life, put down roots here, and contribute to building our Xiangyang Team!”
Sparse applause broke out. The new educated youths wore expressions tinged with restraint and uncertainty about the future.
Gao Jianjun paused, then shifted tone, raising his voice: “The second matter is also excellent news! After team deliberation, starting today, Xiangyang Team now has its own medic!”
He extended his arm, pointing toward Zhou Yichen in the crowd. “This is our newly appointed Zhou Yichen, Medic Zhou!”
“Wow—”
The announcement stirred even greater excitement than when villagers had surrounded Zhou Yichen earlier.
All eyes immediately snapped back to him, filled with envy, jealousy, curiosity, and scrutiny—a complex mix of emotions.
Gao Jianjun continued, “From now on, if anyone has headaches, fevers, or injuries, you can come to Medic Zhou! Young and talented, his medical skills are quite good!”
This statement was an official endorsement of Zhou Yichen’s identity and abilities.
Zhou Yichen had truly become the center of attention for the entire Xiangyang Team.
Especially for those educated youths who came at the same time but were assigned to other production teams, their feelings were a complicated blend of bitterness and envy.
They looked down at the crude farming tools in their hands, destined for hard labor, then glanced at Zhou Yichen standing tall and clearly favored, their hearts heavy with resentment.
Why him?