“That’s good, that’s really good.” Because they were neighbors in the same apartment building, Sister Yu had always looked after Jiang Baihe since she arrived at the Northwest Military District to join her husband. She was well aware that having a child was the biggest concern for Deputy Regimental Commander Chai and Jiang Baihe.
Meanwhile, after listening to Jiang Baihe’s story, Zhang Shuwang’s heart began pounding wildly.
Although Zhang Shuwang and Lin Xing already had their daughter Guoguo, only the couple themselves knew how desperately they longed for another child.
Zhang Shuwang had been taking traditional Chinese medicine for years, but it had all been in vain. After so long, she had nearly given up hope.
And now, Gu Jianing had appeared—someone who could treat infertility and help women conceive.
Zhang Shuwang felt as if she had suddenly found hope in the darkest hour. Gu Jianing was their family’s lucky star, their benefactor!
Not only had she saved their Guoguo, but now she might also help them have another child!
So, after Gu Jianing finished examining the children—muttering that most of them had intestinal worms and making a mental note to prepare deworming medicine later—Zhang Shuwang, as the last patient, eagerly pulled Lin Xing inside.
After explaining their situation, she concluded, “…Jianing, old Lin and I truly hope for a son.”
Gu Jianing nodded, understanding Zhang Shuwang and Lin Xing’s predicament. As she took their pulses, she also scanned their bodies.
However, the scan results made her frown.
Seeing her expression, Zhang Shuwang’s heart sank. “Jianing, is there something seriously wrong with one of us?”
Gu Jianing shook her head. “No, both of you are perfectly healthy.”
Indeed, the scan showed no factors that would cause infertility.
“Then why haven’t we been able to conceive all these years?” Zhang Shuwang was baffled.
Gu Jianing thought for a moment before saying, “Perhaps… the timing just isn’t right yet.”
The timing just isn’t right yet…
These words struck Zhang Shuwang like a hammer, leaving her momentarily speechless.
If there had been a clear medical issue, they could have targeted it.
But “the timing not being right” was far more elusive.
Timing was unpredictable—it could arrive the very next second, or it might never come at all.
If it was the latter… what was she supposed to do?
Seeing the light fade from Zhang Shuwang’s eyes, Gu Jianing thought of the rewards she would receive after treating Jiang Baihe. After a brief hesitation, she finally said, “Sister Shuwang, do you really want a son that badly?”
Zhang Shuwang nodded firmly.
“Alright, then I’ll help you. But it’ll have to wait until after Sister Jiang’s treatment is done. However, you must promise not to tell anyone about this.”
Zhang Shuwang, who had been on the verge of despair, froze for a second before her eyes instantly welled up with tears.
“Okay, okay! I don’t care how long I have to wait—I’ll wait!”
“Jianing, thank you, thank you…” Zhang Shuwang reached out and grasped Gu Jianing’s hands, her eyes brimming with gratitude and excitement.
She knew Gu Jianing had hesitated earlier.
She also knew that hesitation wasn’t because Gu Jianing was unwilling, but because there were difficulties involved. Yet, in the end, Jianing had chosen to help her despite those obstacles.
Zhang Shuwang understood—she and old Lin had to be grateful. They had to be.
Whether or not she could conceive in the end, this kindness was something they would never forget.
The housewarming gathering eventually came to a successful close, with the guests leaving in various states of joy or contemplation.
After everyone had gone, Sheng Zexi grabbed a broom and swept the living room. Though the other wives had helped wash the dishes after the meal, the house had still gathered dust from so many visitors.
He made sure Gu Jianing sat comfortably on the warm kang bed while he boiled water on the stove and began sweeping.
Seated on the kang, Gu Jianing recounted the day’s medical consultations.
As he listened, Sheng Zexi repeatedly glanced at her in astonishment.
He truly hadn’t expected his little wife to possess such formidable medical skills. Just from the reactions of those she had treated, it was clear she had diagnosed them all accurately—and every single one had agreed to her proposed treatments.
Did that mean… his own condition could also be cured? That he and Jianing might have children someday?
At this thought, his lips unconsciously curled into a smile as he swept.
The idea of one or two children—with features blending his and Jianing’s, calling him Baba and her Mama, joyfully throwing themselves into their arms—struck him as the most beautiful future imaginable.
Perhaps because of his upbringing, Sheng Zexi had always defined happiness simply: a complete, harmonious family, with loving parents and well-behaved children, all living joyfully together.
There was a time he thought he might never have it.
But now… he felt it might soon become reality.
That night, after Gu Jianing finished her routine treatment for Sheng Zexi, the man barely had time to put his clothes back on before scooping her up onto the kang.
Though his body wasn’t fully healed yet, the baby-making process couldn’t be delayed for even a single night. Persistence would surely bear fruit.
And so, another two hours later, Gu Jianing lay like a salted fish without even the strength to turn over—limp and lethargic on the kang—while Sheng Zexi dutifully wiped her down.
After cleaning himself as well, he climbed onto the kang and pulled her into his arms.
Gazing at his drowsy, rosy-cheeked wife—her eyes half-lidded like a ripe apple—he suddenly remembered something he’d forgotten to tell her earlier.
“Ningning, remember how you said you wanted to work as a doctor at the military hospital? I heard some news.”
Gu Jianing rested her head on his strong arm, feeling warm all over. She was a little tired but very comfortable and cozy, almost drifting off to sleep. But upon suddenly hearing those words, she forced herself to groggily open her eyes.
“What news?”
“Soon, the military district will organize a medical training program, taught by renowned doctors from across the country.”
“Anyone interested in pursuing medicine can apply. After completing the course and passing the exams, they’ll receive a medical license—making hospital employment straightforward afterward.”
“But there are requirements for enrollment.”
“Either a recommendation from a brigade commander-level officer, or prior medical certifications proving foundational knowledge.”
Since Sheng Zexi’s rank wasn’t high enough to provide a recommendation, he couldn’t sponsor her. However…
“I have a secondary vocational nursing certificate—does that qualify me?” Gu Jianing tilted her head slightly to ask.
Sheng Zexi stroked her soft hair. “Of course it does.”
“I’ll take you to register when the time comes. The course will probably last two or three months.”
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