What do you mean by that? The couple was stunned.

Do you know Wang Yao?

Yes, of course. Many doctors in our hospital have gone to see him for treatment. The doctors words left them dumbfounded.

What?!

The doctors words were completely unexpected. Professional doctors from the county hospital had gone to Wang Yao in their village for treatment. In their eyes, Wang Yao was not a professional. He was a so-called barefoot doctor. Why should the county hospital doctors go to see him?

How could that be?

Why couldnt it be so? the doctor asked with a smile.

No wait, you guys are from the same village, the doctor added. You cant possibly not know how good Dr. Wangs medical skills are. Even I, an outsider, know that many people go to him every day. Some of his patients are even from other cities and provinces.

Well, actually, we dont often live in the village, the woman said with a smile. Were not very clear about some things.

Originally, they had two houses in the mountain village. They had sold one and got an apartment in the town center, leaving one other house behind. His parents lived in that house. They normally worked in town and left their child with his parents in the mountain village. So, they really did not know about the happenings in the village.

Ah, no wonder, the doctor said. Ive been to your village twice. Fewer people are living in that village. The residents now are mostly elderly people.

In the beginning, doctors like him, who worked at regular hospitals and professional backgrounds, were also biased against the doctors who opened outpatient clinics, especially those who said that they had their own secret techniques. However, there were some diseases that they were unable to cure. It was the same for the doctors at the nearby larger hospitals. Dr. Wang had a strong reputation, so some of the doctors had gone to him just to check it out. Surprisingly, the effect had been amazing. One by one, they all went to his clinic. After going there, Dr. Wangs good reputation had quickly spread through word-of-mouth. Once more people learned about his skills, the number of people going to see him naturally increased. They had also heard more surprising news. Pan Jun, the director of the emergency room, had acknowledged Dr. Wang as his teacher.

Some doctors in the county hospital knew about it, but they didnt carelessly spread it around. They knew Pan Juns abilities. People like him wouldnt joke about something like that and acknowledge an ignorant young man as a teacher. More people began to seek out Dr. Wang, both with their families and by themselves, but they didnt reveal their identities. Wang Yao didnt know that many of his patients were in the medical profession. What surprised them was that the young doctor, who was hidden in a mountain village, was indeed as skillful as the rumors said. His medicines worked like a charm. Gradually, the first place that came to these doctors minds when they encountered an incurable disease was Wang Yaos clinic. Another benefit of going there was that it was close by.

There were even doctors in their hospital who had proposed inviting Wang Yao to join the county hospital. After all, his medical skills were plain for all to see. Someone had even asked Pan Jun about the matter, but he had dismissed the idea.

Is it really alright? the woman asked.

Why would I lie to you guys? the doctor asked in reply.

Thank you.

No problem, you can go back, the doctor said.

The couple and their child left the county hospital.

See, I told you that there were no problems with Wang Yao, the man said. His medical skills are superb. Didnt you hear what the doctor said just now? Even staff from the county hospital go to him for treatment.

Fine, fine, I get it, his wife said. As long as our child is fine, its OK.

The family got into the car and headed home.

In the car, the woman said, Well, I didnt expect that Wang Yao would be so skilled that all the doctors in the county hospital would go to him.

Is it true?

What do you think? Do you think its necessary for those doctors to lie to us regarding this matter? the man asked.

I guess it makes sense.

Come on, its fine as long as Nini is alright, he said. Lets go home. Mom called again asking how Nini was.

The winter solstice had just happened, but the night was still long. The sky still darkened early. It was completely dark before 5:30 p.m.

In Lianshan County, there was a family.

Where are you going, Old Man?

Im going out for a spin, the old man cheerfully said.

OK, put on more layers, his wife replied. Its quite cold outside.

I got it.

The old man put on his clothes and went out, going down the stairs. Not long after he left, his son returned home.

Youre back.

Yes, the son said.

What did you buy?

A little nourishing tonic for you and Dad, the son said. Oh, where is Dad?

He just went out for a walk, the woman replied. Didnt you see him?

No.

Your father has been in good health these past few days, so you dont have to worry, the woman said.

By the way, the medicine he bought home from the clinic last time is quite effective.

Really?

What would I lie to you about that? I can see that your dads mental state is quite good. His face is ruddy, and he loves to move around. He also eats a lot. The woman brought a plate of washed fruit out from the kitchen.

Come on, have some fruit, she said.

Ah. Her son picked up an apple.

Is Dad still mad at me?

Why would he be? Hes your father, not your enemy, the woman replied with a chuckle.

The dynamics of their father-and-son relationship could be quite strange. Both of them were quite stubborn. They had frequently squabble since he was young. Up until now, this situation had remained the same. However, the son was a lot more sensible now, and the old man was usually sulking by himself.

Well, thats good.

The old man was chatting with some friends in the small park below. He was in a good mood.

Ah, Old Li, I think your complexion looks good these days!

Yes, I think it looks good as well. Its much better than last month.

Ah, I got some medicine from Xiao Pan, the old man said with a happy smile. It worked quite well after I took it.

Is that so? What kind of medicine?

The kind that can consolidate the corporeality, the old man happily said.

Is the medicine youre talking about produced in the new pharmaceutical factory in our county? an old man asked.

Thats right. Its from there. Do you know about it?

Ive only heard about it. Does the medicine really work? Ive heard that the company just started production. This medicine is a new drug, so is it really OK to take it?

The old comrade Li patted himself on the chest as he replied, What problem can there be? Ive already taken several bottles. My health is getting better and better!

Ah, what does this medicine cure?