"That's how it happened. The old lady did hit someone, but that woman’s words were truly offensive."
"Please help call the police."
Zhou Ang smiled at the shop assistant, who nodded in response.
"I'm a doctor. Let me take a look at the old lady."
Zhou Ang stepped forward, her words making Qin Nian pause for a moment. But since she was worried about her mother-in-law, she moved aside slightly.
"This elderly lady likely had a pre-existing injury, and the impact has aggravated it. She needs to be taken to the hospital immediately. Avoid moving her too much to prevent further harm."
Zhou Ang spoke calmly, her tone measured.
"You there, you can’t leave just yet. Since you claim to be injured, let me examine you as well."
Zhou Ang caught Jiang Rourou as she tried to slip away.
"My face is hurt, but I don’t need you to check it. I’ll go to the hospital myself. Don’t think I don’t know—you’re all in on this together, trying to scam me! Some doctor you are. Let go!"
"I am indeed a doctor—Zhou Ang from the orthopedic department at the military hospital. You can verify that anytime. I stand by my words. But you, comrade, assaulted a military family member. This matter must be investigated thoroughly."
Zhou Ang held her firmly, refusing to release her.
"I—I didn’t! You’re trying to frame me! Let go, or else I’ll—"
She wanted to cry harassment, but the person gripping her was a woman.
"She can’t leave! Oh, my back! You think you can just walk away without paying for the medical bills? Not a chance!"
Yang Yufen wasn’t one to suffer in silence.
"What are you all doing? Let me go!"
Jiang Rourou was starting to panic.
"Fine! You just want money, don’t you? You paupers—here, take it!"
She pulled out some cash from her bag, about to throw it, but Zhou Ang stopped her.
"Comrade, this behavior is an insult to the dignity of the working class. And your evasive attitude speaks volumes!"
Zhou Ang’s words earned nods of agreement from the onlookers.
"Exactly! If you truly believe you’re innocent, why act like this? Throwing money around—typical capitalist behavior!"
After much commotion, the authorities finally arrived. Since the shop assistant had explained the situation clearly over the phone, their response was firm.
Zhou Ang handed Jiang Rourou over to the officers before returning to Yang Yufen’s side.
"Xiao Zhou, that woman has ties to spies," Yang Yufen whispered, seizing the first chance to speak.
"Are you sure, Auntie?"
Zhou Ang’s expression remained unchanged as she murmured back.
"Absolutely."
"I’ll realign the bones for now. Later, help her to the hospital," Zhou Ang instructed Qin Nian, then made a show of adjusting Yang Yufen’s injury before assisting her up.
Qin Nian was about to leave with her when Yang Yufen stopped her.
"Wait, wait—I haven’t bought what I came for yet. That Dr. Zhou is really skilled; my back doesn’t hurt as much now. Let me sit and rest a while."
Qin Nian didn’t know what her sister-in-law was up to, but she couldn’t just abandon her mother-in-law.
"Auntie, let me get you a chair," the shop assistant quickly offered, bringing one over.
"Good, good."
Yang Yufen beamed.
"Young lady, the one I picked out earlier—I was going to surprise you with it. Come, see if you like it."
Yang Yufen took Qin Nian’s hand as the shop assistant brought out the necklace.
"It looks lovely. Mom, did you just buy this necklace for me?"
Qin Nian hadn’t expected this to be the reason.
"As long as you like it. No need to wrap it—wear it right away."
Yang Yufen took out the money, and the salesgirl happily wrote up the receipt.
She had thought this sale was lost.
"Auntie, you’re so good to your daughter. She’s so lucky to have you."
The young salesgirl quickly praised her.
"This is my mother-in-law," Qin Nian said, a little embarrassed.
The salesgirl was stunned at first, then couldn’t hide her envious gaze.
Who wouldn’t want such a wonderful mother-in-law? And she wasn’t even married yet!
"Auntie, do you have any other sons?" the salesgirl blurted out.
"Hehe, unfortunately not. But a sweet girl like you will surely find a good family. Here, have some of the sweet potato strips I dried myself—a little treat."
Yang Yufen chuckled, pulling out a handful of homemade sweet potato strips wrapped in oiled paper, usually saved for the kids.
"Thank you for the kind words, Auntie!"
The salesgirl, charmed by Yang Yufen’s warmth, accepted them gladly.
"Nian Nian, didn’t you still have things to buy? I’ll wait here. After you’re done, we can go to the hospital. Don’t worry, Mom didn’t let anyone take advantage of me."
"Exactly! Auntie was amazing—total respect! Let me pour you some water."
The salesgirl gave a thumbs-up, though she kept her voice low. Truth be told, she hadn’t liked that other woman either.
"Go on now. We still have to wait for your brother and sister-in-law—we agreed on it."
Yang Yufen added, and Qin Nian had no choice but to nod. At least the department store was crowded and safe.
"What’s your name, dear? If I come across a suitable match, I’ll introduce you."
Older folks couldn’t resist playing matchmaker, and Yang Yufen was no exception.
"Auntie, just call me Little Li. I’m twenty this year. If you find someone good, please do set us up! With how well you treat your daughter-in-law, anyone you recommend must be decent. I’m not picky—just someone responsible who can provide for the family. Though… I do have one tiny preference—I like good-looking men."
Little Li blushed slightly.
"Little Li, that’s the right attitude! You should know what you want. We call this ‘targeted matchmaking.’ If you don’t choose the right man, what’s the point of life?"
Yang Yufen saw nothing wrong with it. Being bold about one’s future in marriage was brave and deserved encouragement.
"Auntie, you’re the best!"
The gold counter wasn’t too busy, so the two chatted and laughed until Qin Nian returned. By then, Little Li was reluctant to see Yang Yufen leave.
"Auntie Yang, please visit me often! And don’t forget about setting me up!"
"Don’t worry, dear. I’ll remember."
As they went downstairs, Zhou Ang returned.
"I called your brother. He probably can’t pick us up—we’ll take a car straight home."
The three of them got into the car.
"Research Institute Residential Compound," Zhou Ang told the driver, and the car set off.
"Aren’t we going to the hospital?" Qin Nian asked, puzzled.
"With your sister-in-law checking on me, don’t you trust her skills? Mom’s fine. We’ll talk more at home."
The ride was quick, and since things had happened unexpectedly, they returned earlier than planned.
"How did Auntie know that person was connected to spies?" Zhou Ang’s question made Qin Nian turn to Yang Yufen.
"I’ve seen them before. But I’m not sure if I can talk about it now. Let’s save it for later."
Zhou Ang nodded in response.
"Alright, for now, Qin Nian and Auntie should avoid going out. I’ll prepare an extra set of New Year’s goods later. This matter has wider implications—your elder brother has been summoned."
"Understood, sister-in-law."
