Chapter 44: The Village Doctor's Unending Fortunes with Love

After listening to Li Chao’s explanation, Yu Xin’s expression softened considerably, though a trace of jealousy still lingered on her face.

She sighed, her tone tinged with reproach, “You really are lucky with women, aren’t you? But Liu Dan is a good girl, you mustn’t let her down.”

Li Chao hurriedly waved his hands, anxiously clarifying, “Sister-in-law, you’re really mistaken. Liu Dan and I are just friends, we just happened to meet in the county that day. There’s really nothing between us.”

Yu Xin looked at Li Chao’s earnest face, and the jealousy in her heart faded a little, but she couldn’t resist teasing him, “Alright, alright, look how nervous you are. I didn’t say anything, so why explain so much?”

Li Chao rubbed his nose, smiling awkwardly.

In his heart, he breathed a silent sigh of relief, thinking how fortunate it was that Yu Xin didn’t press further.

He realized their relationship could easily be misinterpreted, and resolved to be more careful with his words and actions in the future.

“Enough about that,” Yu Xin shifted the topic, “Now that Xie Long’s issue is resolved, the clinic can get back to normal. You should get to work, don’t keep the patients waiting.”

Li Chao nodded, casting a grateful glance at Yu Xin. He knew she had always quietly supported him, both in work and in life, offering him invaluable help.

He bore this kindness deeply in his heart.

“Thank you, sister-in-law!” Li Chao said sincerely.

Yu Xin smiled, waving her hand, “Go on, get busy.”

Li Chao turned to leave, feeling a surge of emotion.

He knew Yu Xin cared about him deeply, and understood the place he held in her heart.

He silently told himself he must cherish this bond and never let Yu Xin down.

He also decided to find an opportunity to talk clearly with Liu Dan, to avoid any further unnecessary misunderstandings.

Li Chao walked away, still feeling a bit wistful.

In this small mountain village, life was simple and unadorned, but the emotions between people were genuine and profound.

He quietly resolved to work hard, not just to repay Yu Xin’s kindness, but also to bring more health and happiness to the villagers.

In the quiet night, Yu Xin sat alone in the courtyard, moonlight gently draping her in a soft, gauzy veil.

Her gaze was somewhat dazed as she recalled the events of the day, her heart filled with a complex mix of emotions.

She knew she shouldn’t doubt Li Chao and Liu Dan’s relationship, but she simply couldn’t control her feelings.

She silently asked herself if it was because she cared too much for Li Chao that she was so easily jealous.

Yu Xin’s heart was chaotic; she didn’t know how to face her feelings for Li Chao.

She knew Li Chao only regarded her as a sister-in-law, and there would never be any further development between them.

Yet her heart involuntarily leaned toward him, wanting to understand him more, to care for him more.

She sighed, deciding to bury this affection deep within her heart and not dwell on it.

She believed that time would gradually wash it away, and she would eventually let go of this inappropriate feeling.

“Sister-in-law, what’s wrong? You seem unhappy.” Li Chao’s voice suddenly sounded at her side.

Yu Xin snapped back to her senses, replying a little flustered, “It’s nothing, just a bit tired.”

Li Chao seemed to notice her unusual mood and asked with concern, “Sister-in-law, do you have something on your mind? If you’d like, you can talk to me. Maybe it’ll help to say it out loud.”

Yu Xin felt deeply moved, but she shook her head, saying, “Really, it’s nothing. You don’t need to worry about me.”

She didn’t want Li Chao to know about her feelings for him, nor did she wish to bring him any trouble.

She knew their relationship was special, and she couldn’t let her feelings affect their lives.

Li Chao looked at Yu Xin, feeling helpless.

He knew Yu Xin was a strong woman, but he could sense the pain in her heart.

He wanted to help her, but didn’t know how.

“Sister-in-law, no matter what happens, if you need anything, just tell me. Don’t bear it all alone,” Li Chao said gently.

A trace of emotion flickered in Yu Xin’s eyes, but she held back her tears and smiled, “Thank you, Li Chao. Your words are enough for me.”

She silently told herself she must be strong and not let Li Chao worry about her.

She had to live well and become even better, so she could be worthy of Li Chao.

Li Chao saw she didn’t want to talk further, so he didn’t press her.

He picked up a business card, Xie Long’s—General Manager of Qinglong Group, Shiyuan County.

The name on the card was impressive, but Li Chao had never heard of the company.

He guessed it was just a flashy front, and he always kept his distance from such people.

“Li Chao, what are you going to do with this card?” Yu Xin couldn’t help but ask.

Li Chao looked at the card, then at Yu Xin, feeling hesitant.

He knew Yu Xin cared about him, and he couldn’t get himself involved in trouble lightly.

But he also thought it might be an opportunity; if he could resolve this, perhaps he could bring benefits to the village.

“I don’t know, Yu Xin. This card feels off, I’m afraid it might bring trouble,” Li Chao said, frowning.

Yu Xin nodded, understanding his concerns.

She knew Li Chao was responsible and wouldn’t make decisions lightly.

“But Li Chao, if we don’t at least try, how do we know if it’s an opportunity? Maybe we can use this connection to get resources for the village,” Yu Xin said, encouraging him.

Li Chao fell silent, pondering.

He knew Yu Xin was right, but he was still worried.

“I know you want what’s best for the village, Yu Xin. But I don’t want you or the villagers to get dragged into trouble because of me,” Li Chao said anxiously.

Yu Xin took Li Chao’s hand, speaking gently, “Li Chao, I believe in you. You’ll handle this well, and I’ll stand by your side. We’ll face any difficulty together.”

Li Chao looked at Yu Xin gratefully, his heart warmed.

He knew that in this world, someone was quietly supporting him.

Soon after, the sound of an ambulance broke the night’s silence.

Li Ma Zi and his companions were carried into the ambulance by medical staff and taken to the hospital.

The villagers all knew Li Ma Zi had suffered a serious setback this time, and his days ahead would be hard.

“I hope they learn their lesson and stop bullying others,” Yu Xin prayed silently.

Li Chao watched the ambulance leave, feeling relieved.

He knew this trouble was resolved for now, but more challenges awaited him in the future.

He had to work even harder to protect himself and those around him.

“Yu Xin, thank you for your support. I’ll think carefully about what to do with this card,” Li Chao said.

Yu Xin smiled and nodded, knowing Li Chao would make the right decision.

Together, they turned and walked toward the village.

On this night, their hearts were filled with hope and anticipation.

Seeing this scene, the villagers now regarded Li Chao with greater respect.

After all, Li Ma Zi’s lesson was fresh in their minds—who would dare provoke the new owner of the clinic now?

“Doctor Li, we really have you to thank. Otherwise, who knows what trouble Li Ma Zi would have caused,” a villager remarked.

Li Chao smiled and replied, “It’s my duty. We’re all from the same village, helping each other is only right.” He thought to himself that although he hadn’t been in the village long, earning the villagers’ recognition made him very happy.

After tidying up the clinic with Yu Xin, Li Chao and she each returned home.

The moonlight continued to softly bathe Yu Xin, but the turmoil in her heart persisted.

She sat by the window, gazing distantly, sighing gently, “Xiao Shan just recovered, and now Liu Dan is eyeing him. In a few days, who knows how many women will be circling him. But as a widow…”

She shook her head helplessly, her worries swirling like leaves swept up by the wind.

She knew she liked Li Chao, but was acutely aware of her status and predicament, unsure how to face her feelings.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains onto the clinic’s floor. Li Chao arrived early.

After two days of free treatment, his medical skills had become renowned, earning him the title “skilled village doctor.”

Though he began charging today, villagers still came in droves.

“Doctor Li, I’ve had a headache for several days. Can you take a look?” a villager asked.

Li Chao smiled and nodded, beginning his diagnosis.

He inquired carefully about the symptoms, examined the patient thoroughly, and then prescribed medicine.

“Take these herbs as prescribed, and you’ll be better in a few days,” Li Chao said.

The villager took the prescription, thanking him repeatedly, “Thank you, Doctor Li. I’ll get the medicine right away.”

He thought to himself that Li Chao’s medical skills were indeed superior—he understood the illness quickly, and the prescription was simple and shouldn’t cost much.

Li Chao bustled among the patients, his face filled with satisfaction and joy.

He could help villagers relieve their ailments, earn consultation fees, and more importantly, he was one step closer to unlocking the second layer of the ancient tower’s light barrier.

Such a win-win situation naturally put him in a good mood.

He silently vowed to run the clinic well and help even more villagers.

Meanwhile, at the entrance to the intensive care unit in Shiyuan County People’s Hospital, the atmosphere was tense and heavy.

The doors were tightly shut, and Director Zhang Junjie and Ye Wuji stood anxiously outside, brows furrowed.

“How are things inside?” Ye Wuji asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Zhang Junjie shook his head helplessly, “The car accident was very serious. The patient has intracranial bleeding, we’re doing everything we can. But… the prognosis isn’t good.”

His eyes betrayed helplessness and frustration.

Ye Wuji’s brow tightened further, “Can’t we transfer them directly to a city or provincial hospital? Time is life, every minute counts!”

He knew how crucial timely treatment and specialized equipment were for such critical patients.

Zhang Junjie paused, pondering. He knew transferring the patient came with risks, but Ye Wuji’s concern was justified.

He gritted his teeth and said, “I’ll contact city and provincial hospitals to check for available beds and suitable treatment facilities. But until then, we must do everything we can here.”

Ye Wuji nodded, his heart full of anxiety and unease.

He silently prayed the patient could pull through.

He knew every decision affected the patient’s life, and he had to weigh the risks and make the best choice.

“Director Zhang, I know you’re doing your best. But… I’m really worried. If something happens during the transfer, I don’t know what to do…” Ye Wuji’s voice choked with emotion.

Zhang Junjie patted Ye Wuji’s shoulder, comforting him, “I understand your feelings, but we can’t give up any possible chance. We’ll do everything to ensure the transfer is safe.”

Minute by minute, their hearts grew heavier.

They stood silently at the emergency room door, hoping for good news.

Ye Wuji’s mind kept flashing with images of the patient, remembering their interactions.

“He’s a strong person, he’ll make it through…” he silently encouraged the patient.

Zhang Junjie’s heart was full of conflict.

As the director, he had to consider the hospital’s resources and capabilities.

But as a doctor, he cared most about the patient’s life.

“I must find the best treatment plan, no matter the cost…” he resolved quietly.