Chapter

The next morning, sunlight threaded softly across every inch of the Li Family Fortress, caressing the land with gentle warmth. As usual, Yu Xin awoke early from her dreams, her eyes brimming with a passion for life and hopeful anticipation for the future.

She busied herself with preparing breakfast, already planning in her heart how to share this sense of warmth and happiness with Li Chao. When she carried the steaming meal to Li Chao’s clinic, she found him focused on arranging medicinal herbs on his table. Upon seeing Yu Xin, a tender gleam flickered in his gaze.

The two sat together at the table, savoring this rare moment of breakfast tranquility. As Yu Xin looked at Li Chao, a surge of nameless emotion stirred within her; she realized her feelings for this man went far beyond gratitude or admiration.

"Brother Chao, do you always get up so early to organize your herbs?" Yu Xin asked softly.

"Yes," Li Chao replied with a smile, "these medicines are for my patients. I can't afford to be careless."

"Brother Chao, you're such a responsible and devoted doctor," Yu Xin said, her eyes shining with admiration.

Li Chao smiled, feeling a warm current rise within him. He thought privately, "Yu Xin, do you know, I don't just want to be a good doctor—I want to be the man who brings you happiness."

After breakfast, they walked together to the clinic. Li Chao opened the door, tidied up briefly, and watched Yu Xin bustling about, a strange impulse rising in his heart.

He grinned and suggested, "Sister-in-law, since you’re free anyway, why not help me out at the clinic?"

Yu Xin was momentarily startled, then immediately waved her hands, declining, "I don’t know anything. I can help, but working here is out of the question!"

Her voice was humble and hesitant, but Li Chao persisted. "If you don’t know, I can teach you! Nobody is born knowing medicine."

His words carried unwavering determination, as if he could already picture Yu Xin in a nurse’s uniform, busily assisting beside him.

As this image flashed through Li Chao’s mind, a rush of blood heated his head. He quickly adjusted his breathing, trying to calm his excitement. He knew he mustn’t reveal too much emotion now, for Yu Xin was a traditional, reserved woman who needed time to accept and understand his feelings.

"Sister-in-law, don’t refuse. You could help greet patients here and learn some basic care skills—it would be good for you too," he continued to coax.

Yu Xin’s resolve wavered. She knew Li Chao was right, but uncertainty lingered. "But can I really do it? I’m afraid I’d just make trouble for you."

Her gaze betrayed a lack of confidence.

"Trust me, Sister-in-law, you can do it. As long as you’re willing to learn, I’ll teach you patiently," Li Chao encouraged her warmly.

Looking at Li Chao, Yu Xin’s hesitation gradually melted in the face of his sincerity.

"Alright, Brother Chao, I’ll give it a try," she finally agreed.

Li Chao’s heart leapt—this was a promising start. He believed that if they worked together, they could create a brighter future.

Yu Xin, too, sensed Li Chao’s subtle difference. Her cheeks flushed, and she scolded playfully, "You rascal, what nonsense are you always thinking about?"

Her tone was coquettish and shy, as if she’d been swept up by Li Chao’s enthusiasm.

Hearing her words, Li Chao’s heart fluttered. He wondered, "Is Yu Xin hinting at something? Could she feel the same for me?"

Expectancy and delight filled him, but he dared not show it too plainly for fear of frightening Yu Xin.

As she passed by him, her hand brushed his arm lightly, a gesture as gentle as spring breeze, stirring Li Chao’s heart into restless turmoil.

He watched her swaying waist and secretly lamented, "Too bad I have to obey the rules—I can't run the red light!"

He felt helpless, knowing he must wait for the right moment to express his feelings to Yu Xin.

The sun climbed higher, yet the Li Family Fortress clinic remained unusually quiet. Most villagers who had sought treatment yesterday were already cured, so only seven or eight patients came by that morning.

Li Chao was not anxious; he understood that Chen Family Ditch was just a pilot site. Once people were healed, news would spread naturally.

He believed his skill and integrity would earn greater trust and respect.

Indeed, before long, the clinic’s reputation spread across neighboring villages. More and more patients arrived, and Li Chao’s clinic grew busier.

"Doctor Li, you’re incredible! I’ve been sick for ages and tried so many places without success, but here I recovered so quickly," one patient said gratefully.

"It’s what I should do. Seeing you recover makes me happy, too," Li Chao replied with a smile.

Yu Xin listened nearby, pride swelling in her heart. She thought, "Brother Chao is truly remarkable—not only skilled, but kind-hearted. I must learn from him and help more patients."

Li Chao’s gaze often fell upon Yu Xin, watching her diligently serve the patients, his heart filled with affection. He thought, "Yu Xin is a kind and hardworking girl—I must cherish her well."

"Yu Xin, are you tired? Would you like to rest?" Li Chao walked over and asked gently.

"I’m not tired, Brother Chao. How about you?" Yu Xin looked up and smiled.

"I’m fine, too," Li Chao replied, "but seeing you work so hard makes me feel sorry for you."

A blush crept over Yu Xin’s face. "Brother Chao, you’re so good to me."

Li Chao, moved, couldn’t resist taking Yu Xin’s hand and saying, "Yu Xin, I like you. I want to be with you and care for you all my life."

Yu Xin’s hand trembled slightly, her eyes moist. "Brother Li Chao, I like you, too. But I don’t know if we can really be together..."

Li Chao gripped her hand firmly. "Yu Xin, I believe we can. As long as we love and support each other, no difficulty is insurmountable."

Yu Xin nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "Yes, Brother Chao, I believe you."

Thus, they worked side by side, treating patients and sharing the joys and sorrows of daily life. Though their feelings were unspoken, their mutual understanding and trust had already taken root deep in their hearts.

Yet, whenever night fell quiet, Li Chao would recall that morning scene. He gazed at the bright moon outside the window, emotion welling up inside. He knew he was deeply in love with this gentle, diligent, mischievous, and endearing woman—Yu Xin.

He resolved to work even harder to give Yu Xin a beautiful future.

The afternoon sun slipped lazily through the clinic’s windows, casting mottled light over the aged medical equipment. The air carried a warmth, as if time itself slowed in the midday calm.

Yu Xin gently closed the clinic door, then turned to look at Li Chao. Her bright eyes sparkled with a feeling that words could hardly describe.

"Xiao Chao, since there’s nobody here, shall we take a nap?"

Her voice was soft and inviting, soothing away all fatigue.

Li Chao smiled and nodded, gesturing toward a small room in the clinic. "You sleep on the bed—I’ll just rest my head on the table."

His words were indulgent, as if Yu Xin were his precious treasure, needing careful care.

A blush tinted Yu Xin’s cheeks. She bit her lip gently, thinking, "Brother Chao is so gentle, always thinking of me." She walked to the soft little bed, lay down, and closed her eyes, embracing the afternoon peace.

Li Chao rested his head on the table, but his mind was filled with Yu Xin’s smile. He thought, "Yu Xin, do you know how much I like you? I want to be with you, to bring you happiness. I’ll work hard to give you a better life."

Thinking thus, a smile unconsciously curved his lips.

After a while, Yu Xin opened her eyes, gazing at Li Chao’s resting figure, her heart full of tenderness. She walked over and gently stroked his hair.

"Brother Chao, come sleep on the bed—it’ll be more comfortable," she said softly but firmly.

Li Chao looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. "Alright, I’ll listen to you." He thought, in truth, he wanted to be closer to Yu Xin.

She gently shook her head, her cheeks blushing.

"Sleeping on the table isn’t comfortable at all! Why don’t we lie on the bed together?"

Her voice carried a playful flirtation, igniting Li Chao’s desire once more. He eyed her voluptuous figure, a surge of longing overtaking him.

He smirked mischievously, teasing, "Sister-in-law, does your hand still ache?"

Yu Xin rolled her eyes in mock annoyance. "What are you thinking! I mean a proper nap!"

Li Chao would not let the opportunity slip by. He reached out and pinched her lightly, joking, "If we’re sleeping together, how can it be proper?"

Yu Xin melted under his touch, pouting, "You rogue! Always with your hands!"

Her voice was laced with coquettish reproach and helplessness, as if chastising his mischief yet unable to resist his charm.

Li Chao pounced, declaring, "This time I’m not just using my hands—I’m using my lips, too!"

As he spoke, he leaned in to kiss her.

Yu Xin’s heart raced; her feelings for Li Chao deepened day by day. She wanted to be closer to him, yet worried things were moving too fast. Her heart was conflicted, unsure how to respond.

"Brother Li Chao, don’t..."

Yu Xin gently pushed him, hesitation flickering in her eyes.

Li Chao, seeing her concern, sighed softly and drew her into his arms, speaking tenderly, "Yu Xin, I know what you’re thinking. I don’t want you to feel I’m careless, but I truly like you."

Yu Xin was deeply moved. She knew Li Chao was sincere, and she no longer wished to evade her feelings.

"Brother Li Chao, I like you too..." she whispered.

Li Chao’s heart soared. He embraced Yu Xin tightly, their lips slowly coming together...

From that night onward, their relationship grew subtly more intimate. Though they had not crossed the final boundary, their closeness was no longer concealed. A faintly ambiguous and tense atmosphere hung in the air.

Suddenly, a heavy crash shattered the midday calm.

Li Chao’s previously relaxed expression instantly tightened. He turned alertly toward the door.

The clinic’s battered door had been violently kicked open, and several rough figures streamed inside.

Leading them was none other than the infamous village thug—Li Mazi!

His arrival was like a boulder thrown into a tranquil lake, sending ripples of shock and unease through Li Chao and Yu Xin.

They exchanged nervous glances, an ominous feeling rising within.

What had these unwelcome guests come for? What storm would they bring to this modest clinic?

Li Mazi swaggered in with his henchmen, their eyes flashing with menace and greed. Like hungry wolves, they scanned every corner of the clinic, seemingly searching for something precious.

Li Chao and Yu Xin’s hearts clenched. They knew this aggressive presence meant trouble was brewing.

Facing these fearsome intruders, Li Chao struggled to remain calm. He straightened, meeting Li Mazi’s gaze with determined eyes, hoping to glean some clue from the man's expression.

But Li Mazi merely stared coldly, his lips curling into an inscrutable smile.

The standoff plunged the clinic into eerie silence, the oppressive atmosphere making every breath heavy and labored.