Yang Yufen carefully counted the money before handing over the three dollars.
The man took the cash and walked toward the hospital.
Yang Yufen’s expression remained unchanged, her smile unwavering as she continued selling her roasted pear soup.
When the man came out, he glanced at Yang Yufen once more, but seeing her busy, he averted his gaze.
"Let’s go, or we’ll miss the train."
"No, my stomach hurts."
Yang Yufen suddenly clutched her abdomen.
"Aunt Yang, what’s wrong?"
Having set up stalls together for a while, the vendors had grown familiar with one another.
"I need to use the restroom. Can you watch my stall for me? I’ll be back soon."
"Of course, go ahead."
People in those days were simple and honest—leaving belongings unattended was commonplace.
Yang Yufen hurried to the hospital and made her way to the dean’s office.
Her daughter-in-law had given birth here, and she had dealt with Dean Hu before.
"May I use your phone? I need to call the military district."
At her words, Dean Hu immediately understood and even stood guard by the door.
Yang Yufen dialed the number Political Commissar Zhao had specifically left for her.
She relayed the words written on the money and the conversation she had overheard before handing the phone to Dean Hu.
"There are enemy spies in our hospital?"
Dean Hu wasn’t a fool—he could read between the lines, especially with the instructions from the other end of the call.
"I have to go now."
Yang Yufen rushed back to her stall. Fortunately, the lunch rush had passed, so while there were still customers, it wasn’t too hectic.
She packed up her stall as usual, preparing to bike back to the residential compound, when suddenly a bicycle came barreling toward her.
Her eyelids twitched violently. Abandoning her cart, she leaped aside to avoid the collision but slipped and fell, narrowly escaping the bike.
Bystanders rushed over, and someone grabbed the cyclist, reeking of alcohol.
"Aunt Yang, are you all right? We’ve got him—don’t let him escape!"
"Ouch, must’ve hurt my back."
With help, Yang Yufen stood up. Being right outside the hospital, getting medical attention was convenient.
When Dean Hu heard about the accident, he personally came to check on her and called both the military district and the police.
"No, I need to go home. I’ve got two children waiting. Just give me some ointment—I’ll apply it myself."
The doctor insisted she stay hospitalized, but Yang Yufen refused outright.
"A tailbone injury is no small matter."
"It’s fine. I can recover at home. The kids are young, and the compound has a clinic. I know my body—it’s sturdy. I just won’t be able to sell roasted pears for a while. Please let everyone know."
Eventually, Dean Hu arranged for someone to escort Yang Yufen and her bike back to the residential compound.
Her grandchildren were already home, playing outside. When they saw their grandmother being helped back, they ran over.
"Grandma!"
"Easy now—Aunt Yang is hurt."
"It’s nothing, I can still walk. Thank you for your help. Dabao, Erbao, say thank you."
Aunt Wang hurried over to assist, even preparing dinner for them.
"How did you end up falling?"
"Some drunk cyclist crashed into me. I dodged but slipped on the ground."
Yang Yufen leaned back on the sofa.
"They caught the guy, but I was planning to stop business when the kids went on break. Now I have to close half a month early."
She couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret.
"Health comes first. Once you’re better, if you still want to work, I’ll watch the kids. They’re safe in the compound."
Aunt Wang’s heart ached for her friend.
The two children, aware of their grandmother’s injury, hovered anxiously by her side.
"Grandma’s fine. After dinner, I’ll let you watch TV."
Yang Yufen patted their heads, and they obediently nodded.
"Starting today, I’ll bring you meals and take the kids to school."
Using her own stove was easier—just adding a bit more rice. Lighting another fire would be too much trouble.
"Alright, alright."
Yang Yufen agreed, knowing full well that her misfortune was tied to her unlucky son. Otherwise, why would this happen so coincidentally?
By the time Dean Hu and Professor Wen learned of Yang Yufen’s injury, four days had passed. The police station called to arrange compensation.
"A bone injury takes a hundred days to heal. Considering Aunt Yang’s situation, we’re compensating for lost wages and medical expenses—a total of a thousand yuan. Please accept it and sign here, then we’ll be on our way."
Yang Yufen couldn’t write, so Professor Wen signed for her. The money was counted twice, and both parties confirmed the amount.
After seeing the officers off, Professor Wen returned.
"Why didn’t you tell us you were hurt? We’ll take the kids for now so you can rest."
Worried, Professor Wen frowned, but Yang Yufen sat up.
"It’s nothing. The dean exaggerated. I don’t need that long to recover. You’re busy, and with a newborn at home, Dabao and Erbao are well-behaved. My sworn sister next door even brings me meals."
"Easy now, don’t push yourself, dear."
Professor Wen quickly steadied her.
"Really, I’m fine. If it were serious, the doctor wouldn’t have just given me ointment. I’m not one to skimp on medical care."
After much persuasion, Professor Wen finally relented. But when Yang Yufen brought out the money, her expression shifted again.
"You’re still buying property?"
Professor Wen stared in disbelief at the neat stack of bills.
"Yes. If I can’t work in the future, renting out extra homes will ease Niannian’s burden. The kids are already enough trouble for her. These government-assigned houses aren’t as secure as owning your own."
Yang Yufen sighed, counting her savings. She had wanted to buy Niannian a gold bracelet, but now she’d have to settle for a necklace.
"You’ve worked hard. But housing prices have risen quite a bit."
"I won’t buy near the university district. The area near the research institute is good too."
Yang Yufen quickly interjected.
"Fine, I’ll help you look. Rest well, and I’ll have Old Hu give Niannian leave to come care for you."
Professor Wen pushed the money back.
"No, don’t tell the child. I’ll recover soon—no heavy lifting, and the kids can go to daycare. Let Niannian focus on her work."
Yang Yufen firmly declined.
"I’ll have Little Zhou check on you later."
Professor Wen finally conceded. Her daughter-in-law was a military doctor—her visit would put their minds at ease.
"Alright, thank Little Zhou for me. She can come whenever she’s free, but work comes first."
