I Became a Medical Genius in the 80s
Chapter 38: Xudong’s Comrade-in-Arms

Chapter 38: Chapter 38: Xudong’s Comrade-in-Arms

"It’s a gift for you," Beisitian said with a smile.

Liu Chunyu, surprised, asked, "Where did this come from?"

"I sold some embroidery," Beisitian replied, not minding her straightforwardness.

To others, it seemed impossible she had the means to buy a butterfly hairpin!

Though Liu Chunyu wasn’t overly clever, she wasn’t foolish either and knew Luo Er’s family’s situation. However, she didn’t really suspect anything; she was just surprised Beisitian’s embroidery could earn so much money!

Liu Chunyu took the butterfly hairpin from Beisitian’s hand, eyes full of amazement. She touched the wings, then the antennae, then pinched one side with her thumb and forefinger and clipped it onto her head, asking Beisitian, "Does it look good?"

"It looks good."

Liu Chunyu shook her head, feeling the butterfly wings tremble on her head, and couldn’t help but laugh. It was a pity she didn’t have a small mirror with her, or she could have seen what she looked like wearing the butterfly hairpin.

Liu Chunyu took the butterfly hairpin off her head and handed it back to Beisitian, saying, "This hairpin is too valuable, I can’t accept it, you should keep it for yourself."

Beisitian was somewhat surprised. She seemed so happy wearing it just now, and yet she could take it off immediately and refuse it; her disposition was quite commendable!

No matter how Beisitian tried to persuade her, Liu Chunyu just wouldn’t accept it. In the end, she even ran a bit farther away to collect firewood, leaving Beisitian both amused and exasperated.

This hairpin was definitely meant as a gift; if she didn’t want it now, it was probably because of her sister-in-law, afraid she couldn’t keep it. Since that was the case, she would hold onto it and give it to her later.

Around six o’clock, Beisitian herded the flock back home. Upon reaching the doorstep, she saw the gate wide open, knowing there was someone home.

She drove the sheep into the pen and tightly fastened the gate. Upon entering, she heard a man’s voice speaking inside.

"Uncle, Aunt, you must accept these things. I was closest to Dongzi, and since he’s gone, consider me as your son now!"

Mrs. Qin was trying to refuse, while Luo Anguo puffed on his cigarette silently. Through the half-opened door curtain, Beisitian saw army-green trousers and leather shoes; the person sitting on the bench was a soldier!

Beisitian felt greatly surprised.

"Little Tian’er, come in as well," Luo Anguo’s voice called.

Beisitian answered and lifted the door curtain to enter. She saw the man on the bench, in his mid-twenties, with thick eyebrows and bright eyes, his skin sun-tanned but looking very spirited, especially in his military uniform.

"This is Xudong’s comrade, Qiao Xianhong. This is Xudong’s wife." Luo Anguo gave a simple introduction.

"So, you’re my sister-in-law!" Qiao Xianhong stood up, an expression of regret between his brows. He knew Luo Xudong didn’t have a wedding banquet.

In the countryside, only if there was a wedding banquet was it considered marriage; he had heard Luo Xudong mention that his family had found him a wife, but he had never seen her and had teased him about it back then.

"Hello," Beisitian nodded and sat next to Mrs. Qin on the kang, which allowed her to see the items placed on the cupboard.

She glanced at them briefly; there was a net bag of eggs, something that seemed to be some snacks, and other things she couldn’t see.

It seemed like military life was quite decent. If Luo Xudong hadn’t died, this family wouldn’t be in such a state now.

"Dongzi could never desert or surrender to the enemy, Uncle, Aunt, you mustn’t believe the rumors spread by those people!"

Qiao Xianhong always got very excited whenever he talked about this.

Luo Anguo remained silent, while Mrs. Qin sighed softly. Whether they believed it or not didn’t change how the villagers looked at them; it didn’t stop people from coldly mocking and occasionally ostracizing them, nor did it prevent the village committee from deliberately leaving them out when there was something good.

If it weren’t for the village head being somewhat reasonable, their life would be much harder!

"These rumors weren’t started by the villagers; they probably came from the military. Officer Qiao, we don’t believe Xudong would do something like this, so why are these rumors being spread?" Beisitian asked.

"Sister-in-law, please don’t call me officer!"

After Qiao Xianhong said this, he couldn’t answer her question; her question left him at a loss. He had thought about this before, having known Luo Xudong since they were new recruits, their relationship very close. He always believed that Luo Xudong would never desert, so he thought the only answer was that Luo Xudong took the fall for someone else!

But such a matter had immense repercussions, and he was merely guessing, not daring to voice it casually. Beisitian’s question hit the mark, leaving him simultaneously shocked and unsure of how to respond.

"That’s enough, Little Tian’er, you and your mother go make dinner, while Xianhong, you stay for a drink with Uncle tonight," Luo Anguo diverted Mrs. Qin and Beisitian, changing the topic.

Qiao Xianhong quickly waved his hands, "Uncle, it’s not because I don’t want to drink with you, but if it’s too late, I can’t go back. I still need to stay the night in town; today, I just came by on my way here, but another day when I have a day off, I’ll specifically come to drink with you!"

Luo Anguo knew he wouldn’t stay, as it was always like this, so he didn’t insist, seeing Qiao Xianhong off.

The dinner passed in silence, and in the evening, Luo Anping ran to the west room to tell Beisitian that every time Qiao Xianhong visited, Luo Anguo and his wife would be in a bad mood for quite a while.

Beisitian understood that this could sour anyone’s mood, especially considering that Qiao Xianhong was now a sergeant, rumored to possibly be promoted to deputy sergeant because he had participated in some missions and gained merit.

If Luo Xudong were still alive, he would at least be at the same level; could Luo Anguo and Mrs. Qin be in a good mood?

The items Qiao Xianhong brought were still on the cabinet. Mrs. Qin said there was no need to put them away, as Qin Hongmei would come to ask for them tomorrow, using Old Mrs. Luo’s name. If Mrs. Qin said no, it would be seen as being unfilial.

However, Beisitian packed them up. She wasn’t going to let Qin Hongmei take these things, because besides the eggs and snacks, there was also half a bag of white flour, all valuable items!

Beisitian got up early, washed up, and headed towards Old Luo’s house. Midway, she saw Qin Hongmei coming her way, humming a tune, obviously intending to go and take those things.

Seeing Beisitian approaching, Qin Hongmei was a bit surprised, but nothing would change her purpose of going to ask for the items.

"Oh, Little Tian’er, where are you off to?" Qin Hongmei asked with a beaming smile, looking Beisitian up and down.

This brat seemed different, like she had put on some weight!

She knew for sure the girl hadn’t bought just one white steamed bun!

Beisitian walked past Qin Hongmei, heading towards her own home, saying, "I’m picking up my grandma."

Qin Hongmei didn’t immediately understand, but when she did, Beisitian had already entered the house.

Pick up her grandma? What on earth for?

Feeling something was off, she quickly turned back and followed. Before she even got to the doorway, she heard Beisitian’s voice.

"Grandma, yesterday Xudong’s comrade came and brought some good things. I’m bringing you over to stay for a few days to nourish yourself!"

Qin Hongmei stumbled, angrily rushing in.