“I’ve asked, and Xiaotian plans to pursue a career in medicine. If that’s the case, having him apprentice under Dr. Gu would be the best choice.”
They were well aware of Gu Jianing’s capabilities.
Someone who could give lectures, cure tuberculosis, be featured in national newspapers, and earn recognition and rewards from higher authorities undoubtedly had exceptional skills and a bright future.
She was more than qualified to be Xiaotian’s mentor.
The only question was…
“The only question is whether Dr. Gu is willing or even has any intention of taking on an apprentice.”
Matters like accepting disciples couldn’t be forced—it depended on fate.
“Aren’t we inviting Dr. Gu and her husband to dinner tomorrow? We can ask then,” Qin Zhihong said.
“Right, we can ask.”
…
A good night’s sleep later, it was the next day.
Coincidentally, Sheng Zexi also had no training scheduled for the day.
The weather was decent too—though it was snowing, it wasn’t heavy, and the temperature wasn’t too low.
Even so, Gu Jianing decided not to bring the two children along.
They were still young, and if they caught a chill outside, falling ill would be troublesome.
So, Xingxing and Yueyue stayed with Grandma Sang, while Gu Jianing and Sheng Zexi headed to the state-run restaurant.
By the time the couple arrived, Qin Zhihong and his wife had already brought Qin Tian and Qin Qing and were waiting for them.
“Sister Gu…” Qin Tian had sharp eyes and immediately spotted Gu Jianing as she approached, waving enthusiastically to greet her.
“Deputy Regimental Commander Sheng, Dr. Gu.” Qin Zhihong and Du Lan also greeted the couple and invited them to sit down.
In truth, they had already met in Beijing before, so neither party was unfamiliar with the other.
The conversation flowed smoothly without any awkwardness.
The main reasons Qin Zhihong and his wife had invited them today were, first, to formally express their gratitude for Gu Jianing’s help in rescuing Qin Tian and the others, and second, to bid farewell.
After all, they were leaving for Beijing soon.
“Comrade Qin, you and Sister Du Lan have already thanked me before. There’s no need to bring it up again—it was just fate that brought me and Xiaotian together.”
“Besides, now that we’re friends, helping each other is only natural,” Gu Jianing said.
She had a favorable impression of Qin Zhihong and Du Lan.
They were definitely worth befriending.
Having more friends meant more opportunities.
Moreover, Qin Zhihong and Du Lan’s future prospects were promising.
Hearing Gu Jianing refer to them as “friends,” Qin Zhihong and Du Lan’s eyes lit up. “Yes, we’re friends.”
They understood that Gu Jianing and her husband genuinely didn’t dwell on the help they’d provided, so they didn’t press the matter further but kept it in their hearts. Those who give help may forget, but those who receive it should never forget.
Soon after, Du Lan mentioned that they would soon be moving to Beijing.
“Beijing is a great place. Qin Tian and Qin Qing will have access to better education there.”
“And your family won’t have to be separated anymore.”
“That’s true. I can’t bear to be apart from my children anymore,” Du Lan sighed.
Looking back on those nine years of separation, she didn’t even know how she’d endured it.
If it happened again, she wouldn’t be able to handle it.
So, she never wanted to be apart from her children again.
Before long, the dishes were served.
As they ate, the two families chatted, and the atmosphere remained warm and pleasant.
At one point, Qin Tian and Qin Qing asked about Xingxing and Yueyue—they had been hoping to see the twins today.
However, upon hearing Gu Jianing’s concern about the children catching a chill outside, they found it quite reasonable.
Last winter around this time had been bitterly cold—something Qin Tian and Qin Qing knew all too well.
Fortunately, this year’s winter wasn’t nearly as harsh.
By the time they finished their meal and conversation, over an hour had passed.
As they were about to part ways, Du Lan remembered the matter she had contemplated the night before.
After a brief hesitation, she spoke up: “Dr. Gu, there’s something I’d like to ask you—if it’s not too presumptuous.”
Gu Jianing: “What is it?”
“I wanted to ask if you’ve ever considered taking on an apprentice?”
Gu Jianing was momentarily taken aback by the question, but when she noticed Du Lan’s gentle gaze resting on Qin Tian, she understood.
Soon, Du Lan continued: “If… if you do have any intention of accepting a disciple, could you perhaps consider Xiaotian?”
“Mom…” Qin Tian looked at his mother in surprise. He hadn’t expected her to suggest that Sister Gu take him as her apprentice.
Had Qin Tian ever thought about becoming Gu Jianing’s apprentice?
Truthfully, no.
Not because he didn’t want to, but because he felt it was an impossible dream.
He believed he wasn’t good enough—that he wasn’t worthy of being Sister Gu’s disciple.
Still, even if he couldn’t officially become her apprentice, he would have been more than happy just to learn medicine from her.
This longing had always remained hidden in his heart.
He never imagined that his mother, who had only recently reunited with him and spent so little time with him, would see through his unspoken wish.
And now, she was even asking Sister Gu to consider him.
Qin Tian couldn’t describe the emotions swirling inside him.
He thought, perhaps this is what a mother is.
A mother always considers her children’s deepest desires.
Du Lan pulled Qin Tian, whose eyes were slightly reddening, closer to her side.
Then she turned to Gu Jianing, awaiting her answer.
“Dr. Gu, please don’t feel pressured. This is just a suggestion. If you have no intention of taking on an apprentice, that’s perfectly—”
“I’d be happy to.”
Du Lan didn’t want to put Gu Jianing in an awkward position.
Gu Jianing was their family’s benefactor.
Making a benefactor uncomfortable would be nothing short of repaying kindness with ingratitude.
So, Du Lan had merely made a suggestion, without any pressure.
She was simply acting out of a mother’s love, hoping to fulfill her son’s secret yearning.
Just as she began to regret her boldness and was about to retract her words, she suddenly heard Gu Jianing’s agreement.
Du Lan stared at Gu Jianing in astonishment, while Qin Tian also looked at her in shock.
Gu Jianing smiled and patted Qin Tian’s head, saying, “Actually, I’ve had the thought of taking Qin Tian as my apprentice before.”
“I’ve observed that he has a natural talent for medicine and is a very intelligent child.”
“Medical knowledge needs to be passed down, and I’d like to see my skills carried forward.”
“Since Qin Tian has such potential, and we share a connection, it would be a shame to miss this opportunity.”
Then, turning to Qin Tian, she met his gaze solemnly and asked:
“Xiaotian, would you like to formally become my apprentice? To learn medicine under my guidance?”
The redness in Qin Tian’s eyes deepened instantly, tears threatening to spill over.
He nodded eagerly, as if afraid that any delay might make the opportunity vanish.
“Yes! Yes, I’d love to!”
“Good. Then it’s settled. In the next couple of days, we’ll hold a simple tea ceremony to formalize our master-disciple relationship.”
“Okay!”
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