Wen Ci shook her head, lifted her gaze to meet Yu Qing’s eyes, and said affirmatively, “I don’t think you’re being delusional. Your idea is very good. Once you get into medical school, you’ll be able to further refine your medical skills and become a true master of the craft.”
Yu Qing flushed slightly at the praise.
Listening to their conversation, Wen Yaozu couldn’t help but feel a surge of jealousy.
*When did Sister make another friend?*
He sidled up to his sister and beamed at Yu Qing, his big, innocent eyes blinking. “Sister, who is this pretty *auntie*?”
The moment the words left his mouth—
*Thwack!*
Wen Ci flicked his forehead without hesitation.
She could tell at a glance whether his “innocence” was genuine or fake. Yu Qing was young and beautiful, yet Wen Yaozu had deliberately called her “auntie”—clearly, he was up to no good.
“And this is…?” Yu Qing asked.
“My brother, Wen Yaozu.”
“Yao… *Yaozu*?”
Wen Yaozu lifted his chin proudly. “What about it? I’m going to be the man who brings glory to the Wen family!”
Yu Qing took in his short, pudgy frame and couldn’t hold back a snort. “Does your family have a royal throne to inherit or something? *Bring glory to the family*?”
Wen Ci chuckled too.
In the 1980s, most families favored sons over daughters. Even if they were dirt poor, they’d hide in unregulated rural areas just to keep having children until a son was born.
And they’d give their daughters names like *Wangdi* (Hope-for-a-Brother), *Pandi* (Pray-for-a-Brother), or *Laidi* (Bring-a-Brother).
Wen Ci never understood it.
*It’s not like there’s a royal throne to inherit.*
Wen Yaozu’s face turned red. “You—*I*—!”
He floundered for a retort before turning to Wen Ci with a pout. “Sister, I’m being bullied! Help me!”
“I think she made a fair point.”
Wen Yaozu: “…”
…
That night.
Xu Jinghe arrived in Beijing on the last flight.
The capital’s airport was located in the suburbs. The man held a brick-sized mobile phone—a *”big brother”* phone—and dialed the Beijing Military District’s number. “Please connect me to Old General Huo’s residence.”
Though Xu Jinghe’s family had no military background, his business dealings with higher-ups had earned him special clearance in major military districts.
After a moment, Wen Ci’s voice came through the receiver. “You’re already in Beijing? Should I wait for you at the military district gate?”
Xu Jinghe smiled faintly. “I just landed and am still in the suburbs. I was planning to visit Jingyuan at the hospital first before picking up Xiao Chuan.”
Wen Ci explained, “Jingyuan can only receive visitors in the early morning.”
“Is that so?” Xu Jinghe’s eyelids lowered slightly.
His original plan had been to visit Huo Jingyuan, then take Xiao Chuan from the military district to stay at a guesthouse overnight before catching a flight back the next morning.
But now…
“Then I’ll stay at a guesthouse and come see you all tomorrow morning.”
Wen Ci’s eyes curved. “Why stay at a guesthouse? You’re Jingyuan’s childhood friend—you should stay at the house. It’ll give you and Xiao Chuan time to bond.”
A guesthouse was nowhere near as comfortable as her grandfather’s home.
Downstairs, there were two rooms—one for Wen Yaozu and one for Xiao Chuan. Xu Jinghe could share a room with Xiao Chuan.
Xiao Chuan had never met his uncle before, only hearing about him from his mother. Their first meeting would need some warming up.
“That’s not really appropriate…”
“The guesthouses are all near the train station—it’d be a hassle to go back and forth.”
Xu Jinghe thought it over and nodded. Staying at a guesthouse *would* mean extra hassle tomorrow. A gentle smile spread across his face. “Then I’ll trouble you, sister-in-law.”
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