Ji Yanyi liked walking backward, familiar with the neighborhood, counting telephone poles.
But he wasn't reckless. He turned to check for potholes and saw someone he didn't want to see.
He immediately turned back and ran toward them.
Bo Xin gave a rare smile. "What's wrong? Changed your mind about coming to the hospital?"
Jiang Yuxu was more direct. "No room."
The bank was close, but the hospital was far. Walking wasn't an option.
"Of course not! I'll go after they leave."
Ji Yanyi hid behind a telephone pole, peeking out. His foolishness was painful to watch.
Jiang Yuxu looked away. "What's wrong with him?"
Bo Xin explained, "That's the class monitor, the person he fears most. She checks his homework and blames him for bringing down the class average."
Jiang Yuxu didn't understand. "Does he drag it down that much?"
Bo Xin forgot to mention, "He's last in the class."
But things were better now.
As for his exact rank, that remained to be seen.
Bo Xin went to the clinic, registered, and waited for their number.
The big-city hospital was indeed different from the small clinic.
Jiang Yuxu could now recognize many characters. The "first" on the sign—did it mean top-tier?
He remembered her taking his pulse. She said he was fine, but actually being in this environment, he swallowed and clenched his slightly weak fist.
"Scared of needles?"
"Scared something might be wrong with me."
Jiang Yuxu's growth differed greatly from ordinary kids. First, hunger. Second, injuries.
Every year, the village committee came up with various excuses to visit, so his injuries were hidden under his clothes.
Could there be lasting effects?
Bo Xin held his hand. "Don't be afraid."
Strangely, Jiang Yuxu really felt better.
Then came the usual tests: allergy testing before vaccination, X-rays. The doctor analyzed his condition from the films.
The doctor wore glasses, had half-white hair, and exuded an elegant demeanor.
He said a lot, but it seemed the same as what she'd said.
Just malnutrition and a weak spleen and stomach.
Jiang Yuxu looked up at Bo Xin. She smiled. "See how amazing your mom is?"
Before Jiang Yuxu could nod, the doctor seemed to recognize her.
"Bo Xin, right?"
Bo Xin raised an eyebrow. "You are?"
"We worked at the same hospital back then. But you probably don't recognize me."
Back then, despite her background, Bo Xin was known and pursued for her looks. But she was aloof and rarely socialized.
She was famous throughout the hospital.
He thought maybe it was a defense mechanism—anyone could use her background to step on her back then.
It also showed how strong her skills were for her to have gotten into the hospital.
Jiang Yuxu kept thinking about the doctor's words even after leaving.
So she was that impressive?
But now, she had to make such sacrifices for the kids.
He instinctively moved closer to Bo Xin.
Bo Xin noticed his mood. She wanted to ruffle his hair, but that might make him feel insecure.
"Actually, it's not just about the kids. It's my choice. I find collecting rent more comfortable."
No constraints from anyone.
Jiang Yuxu paused. That thought did bring relief. Especially since that doctor with gray hair was the same age as his mom?
That job really did age a person.
—
Ji Xingzhi lay on the office bed, a special setup.
He had started his business this way.