Volume One, Chapter 14: The Elderly Man Rescued Turns Out to Be the Neighbor

Shen Qingran hoisted her bag onto her shoulder and gave a slightly self-mocking smile.
“I heard about it earlier at the service center.”
Chen Hong was momentarily stunned. Had the news really spread throughout the entire service center? Zhao Cuifang’s sharp tongue truly needed reining in.
Looking at Shen Qingran’s delicate, seemingly helpless demeanor, as if she were easy prey, Chen Hong said,
“Don’t worry, someone will set things right for you soon.”
“Yes, I trust the organization,” Shen Qingran replied obediently with a gentle smile.
Watching her, Chen Hong couldn’t help but sigh—this child was far too honest, like dough that anyone could knead and shape.
She didn’t even know what Huo Tingxiao was thinking, marrying her and then not taking good care of her.
Tonight, she would have a serious talk with her own husband.

——

The next morning, Shen Qingran rose early.
She had found out that a bus would be leaving for the city today.
There was no chance of finding work on the military base anymore, so today she would relocate and try her luck in the city, where opportunities were surely more plentiful.
Those people liked to spread rumors; they couldn’t cover everything with one hand!
Considering the needs of the surrounding villagers, the bus’s starting point was just outside the military area.
Shen Qingran made her way toward the station.
The path was steep, winding downwards for a long stretch. Though it wasn’t raining, the road was covered with loose stones, making the walk quite tiring.
One misstep could easily lead to a fall.
She took small careful steps forward.

“Captain, look, isn’t that Sister-in-law? Should we give her a ride?”
Huo Tingxiao glanced up at the familiar slender figure ahead.
Today, she looked simpler—wearing a white blouse and dark blue trousers, with a pair of white sneakers on her feet.
Under the sunlight, her pale yellow headband intertwined with her cascading glossy black hair.
Each strand was so delicate that it was impossible to look away.
He recalled how he had been lost in thought about her just yesterday.
Huo Tingxiao’s tone was sharp.
“We are out on official business.”
Xiao Sun blinked and nodded reluctantly.
Actually, giving her a ride wouldn’t really be against the rules; the captain was just being overly strict.

Hearing the engine roar from behind, Shen Qingran instinctively stepped aside.
Turning her head, she saw Huo Tingxiao resting one hand on the car window, his sharply defined profile sweeping past her.
In that instant, she caught his cold gaze.
How much did he dislike her—not even willing to look her in the eye?
She quietly brushed the dust off her clothes.
Sighed softly.
She continued walking forward.
The station was almost in sight.

A military jeep came toward her and stopped right in front.
The window rolled down, and Xiao Sun greeted her warmly, “Sister-in-law, are you heading to the city?”
Shen Qingran glanced inside the vehicle—only Xiao Sun was there.
Xiao Sun smiled and said,
“The captain ran into Commander Song halfway and hitched a ride with him. I’m just going back to grab some documents, so I can take you along.”
Shen Qingran didn’t hesitate, “Thank you, Comrade Xiao Sun.”
Soon, Xiao Sun had the materials and started driving toward the city.
They chatted as they traveled, arriving in the town.

Shen Qingran got off the vehicle and thanked Xiao Sun, “Thank you for your help today.”
“You’re welcome, Sister-in-law. Goodbye.”
Stepping onto the streets, Shen Qingran took in a scene she’d only ever seen on television before.
For the first time, she truly felt the difference of the era. This place would one day be filled with towering skyscrapers.
For now, the streets were paved with bubbling asphalt, green oil drums lined the roadside, and signs written with brush strokes advertised mostly foodstuffs and production materials.
However, small vendors had begun to appear along the way.
Shen Qingran bought two steamed buns and ate them as she walked.
After wandering around without finding any job postings, she realized that finding work in this era was not so easy.
The confident Shen Qingran felt a twinge of disappointment.
If she couldn’t land a job soon, Huo Tingxiao might become even more convinced she was a social climber.
Still, she refused to be discouraged. No matter how unlucky one might be, fortune would surely turn.

As she walked and observed the business scene, she pondered—if all else failed, she could set up a stall herself.
But what could she sell?
Maybe she could work as a butcher, cutting up meat?
Her anatomy skills were exceptional.
The thought made her chuckle.

At a fork in the road, she saw a crowd gathered, voices buzzing with speculation.
She turned to slip past them but then heard a commotion inside.
“Oh my, why did this old man suddenly fall?”
“Good heavens, is this epilepsy?”
Hearing that someone was in trouble, her footsteps quickened toward the gathering.
In the center lay an elderly man on the ground.
His face was pale, hands clutching his abdomen tightly, body curled into a ball. Large beads of sweat streamed down his forehead as he groaned in pain.
“Please step back, give the patient some space.”

Shen Qingran moved forward, knelt down, and took the old man’s hand.
At the pulse point, the rhythm was unlike normal ease and calm. The string-like pulse was tense and strong; the tight pulse was taut and responsive; the rough pulse was difficult to traverse. Also, the pulse was deep, felt only with firm pressure, indicating an internal ailment.
In simple terms, the old man was suffering a severe gastric attack.

She quietly asked, “Sir, do you have any stomach medicine with you?”
The old man shook his head with difficulty.
Her expression grew serious. “Does anyone have an injection?”
The situation was urgent; pain relief came first.
A young woman nearby hesitated, “I—I do.”
Still kneeling, Shen Qingran said, “Sir, I know medical skills. Trust me.”
The old man nodded. Shen Qingran quickly administered several injections.
Throughout, her face remained grave, calm, and composed—no sign of panic.
Gradually, the old man’s stabbing pain eased considerably.
“Thank you.”
The crowd watched in awe as the once nearly breathless man now sat up and spoke.
This young woman’s medical skills were truly remarkable.
Seeing the man regain consciousness, the crowd slowly dispersed.

The old man gasped, “Today I almost lost my life.”
Shen Qingran looked at him gently and asked, “Sir, where is your family? You’re not fit to go home alone in this state.”
He shook his head weakly. “My son is away on a business trip; no one is home.”
Shen Qingran was momentarily stunned. “Where do you live? I’ll take you back.”
Looking at the young woman before him, his eyes were clear and kind-hearted—she was a good child.
“My name is Qin Dahai, and I live in the military district of Ning City.”
The military district of Ning City?
Shen Qingran paused for a moment.
What a cursed coincidence!
She couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time.
“Comrade Qin, I also live in the military district!”
“Oh? You live there too? Are you newly married into the military district?”
Shen Qingran smiled and nodded.
“Well, what a coincidence! Let me see which lucky rascal got to marry such a fine comrade! What’s your husband’s name?”
“Huo Tingxiao.”
“That guy? Haha, comrade, haven’t you noticed the house on your right is empty?”
Looking at the old man, Shen Qingran asked, “Could it be you live next door?”
Qin Dahai laughed heartily, “Comrade, from now on, we’ll be neighbors!”