Han Qingsong nodded. "Zhao Anpin bit the bait?"
Luo Haicheng grinned. "Director Han, I truly admire you. You really predict things like a god."
Han Qingsong replied flatly, "It's nothing. Just human nature."
Luo Haicheng completely worshiped Director Han now! Sun Zhuwen had actually thought Director Han was just a foolish, uneducated clodhopper. Whoever called him foolish was the one who was utterly brainless.
He quickly and concisely reported to Han Qingsong, "Zhao Anpin pulled every string he could to pull off a smooth arrangement for his nephew. Zhao Jianshe has been showing off quite a bit over there these past few days. Qinghua couldn't stomach the harsh environment, and in the end, under Zhao Jianshe's threats and coercion, agreed to help him... escape."
What kind of god-awful nonsense was 'helping him escape'!
This Zhao Jianshe was practically seeking death. Even if Director Han had an issue with his younger brother and wanted to teach him a proper lesson, there was no need for you to pretend to be some underworld boss.
Just then, a soft, gentle knocking sound echoed from outside. "Third Brother, Third Brother~~"
Hearing such a tender voice, Luo Haicheng looked toward Han Qingsong, wondering who it could be.
The moment Han Qingsong opened the door, Han Qingyun slipped inside and casually shut the door behind him. "Third Brother, this is bad! Han Qinghua escaped!"
Han Qingsong brushed him aside and pulled the door wide open. "Did they go find the Party Secretary?"
Han Qingyun was baffled. "Third Brother, how did you know?"
Luo Haicheng laughed. "This is called anticipating the enemy's moves. Young man, watch and learn."
Han Qingyun glanced at him and recognized him. "Hey, aren't you... that..." For a moment, he couldn't recall the name.
Luo Haicheng nodded. "Yes, I am that someone."
Han Qingyun scratched his head sheepishly. "Sorry about that. My name is Han Qingyun."
Luo Haicheng gave his hand a firm shake. "Luo Haicheng."
Han Qingsong motioned for them to clear the way, then shut the door. "Let's go."
The three of them headed toward the production brigade headquarters.
Han Qingyun gave a brief overview. Platoon Leader Zhang from the Shanshui Farm had brought men to arrest the escaped Han Qinghua. They were certain that Han Qingsong had helped his younger brother escape, so they had come to demand accountability. The security director happened to be leading a patrol and, upon hearing the commotion, invited them to the brigade headquarters first while also sending for Han Yongfang. Han Qingyun, meanwhile, had run over to find Han Qingsong.
Han Qingyun felt a bit nervous. "Third Brother, what's going on? Is it serious?"
Han Qingsong replied, "It's fine. Let's go."
When they arrived at the production brigade headquarters, Han Qingyun suddenly realized Luo Haicheng was gone. Surprised, he asked, "Where did Luo Haicheng go?"
Han Qingsong said, "Let's go inside."
The brigade headquarters was typically used for meetings—a large courtyard surrounded by a ring of rooms with an open clearing in the center. Just like the various production teams, they also raised some livestock here, including pigs, cattle, sheep, and mules, which belonged to the collective property of the brigade.
On ordinary days, only two storekeepers were responsible for feeding the animals and watching the courtyard. Tonight, however, it was brightly lit, with some people holding hurricane lamps and others raising torches.
When Han Qingsong and his companion stepped inside, they saw that the opposing party had brought about a dozen people, every single one of them heavily armed and aggressive.
Leading them was that very Platoon Leader Zhang, leather straps crossed tightly over his chest, Mauser pistols tucked into both sides of his belt. His hands were propped on his hips, his thick brows furrowed in an angry glare, giving off a righteous aura. It was only a pity his skin was overly dark, which weakened his presence in the dark night.
To Han Qingyun, however, he looked more like a bully relying on powerful connections, trying to seize a chance to skim some benefits.
Han Yongfang was currently receiving Platoon Leader Zhang. "Platoon Leader Zhang, we know absolutely nothing about what you're saying, and Han Qinghua hasn't escaped back to the village either. If he dares to come back, we guarantee we will send him right back the very first moment."
Platoon Leader Zhang sneered, "Someone helped him escape, and someone is harboring him. How could he possibly be sent back?"
Han Qingyun said angrily, "What kind of talk is that? He was sent there on Director Han's direct orders. How could we possibly harbor him?"
Platoon Leader Zhang curled his lip, slanting a glance at Han Qingsong. "Just because you say you won't means you won't? Who knows if this isn't a deliberate ploy to claim credit and earn a good reputation, only to tamper with things behind the scenes later?"
Han Qingsong stepped forward and inquired, "Were both Han Qinghua and Zhao Jianshe under your jurisdiction?"
Platoon Leader Zhang raised an eyebrow. "And who are you?"
"This is the Han Qingsong you're looking for," someone nearby rushed to speak faster than anyone else.
That was Han Yonglu, the deputy captain of the Second Team of the Shanjui Village Production Brigade. Although he shared the same surname as Han Qingsong, they were already beyond five generations of kinship, so their relationship wasn't close. Han Qingsong was away from home year-round, so they weren't familiar either. However, Han Yonglu and Han Yongfang were actually not that far apart in relation, falling within five generations.
He had a son named Han Qingfeng, which happened to sound identical to Han Qingfeng's name. Neither family was willing to change it, so everyone just called them by it. They even went to serve in the military together later on. Regrettably, Han Qingfeng was formally discharged after completing his three-year term and returned to the village, while Han Qingfeng had remained in the army.
Due to certain grievances, he couldn't blame the higher-ups, so he could only feel jealous and resentful toward his fellow villager. Thus, Han Yonglu held quite a strong prejudice against Han Qingfeng.
In particular, when Han Qingfeng changed sectors and returned home, it had finally let out a long-held breath of resentment that had lasted for over ten years.
But hearing that Han Qingfeng had become a bureau director again made that taste rather unpleasant.
Right now, with Platoon Leader Zhang coming to arrest someone, he immediately bypassed the Party Secretary and the security director, wanting to actively cooperate with the investigation.
Han Qingyun gave Han Yonglu a dissatisfied look. Dada, why are you being so enthusiastic?"
Han Yonglu smiled. "Isn't the officer asking questions? Of course we must actively cooperate."
Platoon Leader Zhang snorted, waving his hand as a few men surrounded Han Qingsong. "Take him back for questioning."
The expressions of Han Yongfang and the others shifted. "Platoon Leader Zhang, you're crossing the line. Han Qingsong is still the director of the Commune Public Security Bureau after all. If you have questions, just ask, but you don't have the authority to take him away."
Platoon Leader Zhang blustered arrogantly, "What did you say, Party Secretary? Do you genuinely not understand or are you just pretending? What era is it right now? The military commands everything, understand? Right now, the Military Commission handles everything on behalf. The Military Propaganda Team ranks above the Workers' Propaganda Team and the Peasants' Propaganda Team, and the commune is further governed by the Military Commission. What does a mere Commune Public Security Bureau director even amount to? Our X Army commands all affairs in this province."
Han Qingyun said defiantly, "My Third Brother was also part of the X Army."
"Tch, what kind of soldier is a transferred soldier? Once transferred, he's no longer a soldier!" Platoon Leader Zhang waved his large hand, speaking with immense grandeur.
Yet looking at this display, it didn't seem as though he didn't know Han Qingsong.
Han Qingsong, who had remained silent all along, suddenly spoke, "Have we crossed paths before?"
Platoon Leader Zhang immediately let out a scoff. "Impossible! How could I possibly cross paths with a transferred soldier? No such thing."
Han Qingsong looked at that face feigning a sense of justice, and many images flashed through his mind. It was just a pity that during his dozen or so years as a soldier, the training sessions, combat operations, and competitions he had participated in were numerous, and the faces he had seen were countless. Some simply held no necessity for memory, so they wouldn't leave any impression in his mind.
Platoon Leader Zhang saw that Han Qingsong seemed a bit puzzled but clearly didn't recall him, instantly engendering a feeling of being humiliated. "Heh, Captain Han truly has a short memory for someone of high status."
Han Qingsong gave a slight nod. "I indeed do not recall when we crossed paths, or where I offended you."
Platoon Leader Zhang took a step forward, staring him down closely. "Do you need laozi to give you a reminder?"
A trace of subtle disgust surfaced in Han Qingsong's eyes. "No need. There are too many defeated opponents; there is no necessity to remember."
Platoon Leader Zhang: "..."
A streak of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes as he swung his large hand. "Take him away!"
No matter how formidable or terrifying you were in the past, at this moment, a transferred soldier was just a tiger with its teeth pulled—worth absolutely nothing!
What use was a Commune Public Security Bureau? To put it nicely, you were a cadre; to put it bluntly, you weren't even as useful as a security director.
Two men stepped forward to grab Han Qingsong, while Han Yongfang and security director Liu Guifa moved forward to mediate. "Platoon Leader Zhang, let's talk things through properly. Don't lose your temper, don't lose your temper. The matter hasn't been cleared up yet."
Seeing so many people helping Han Qingsong, Platoon Leader Zhang raged, "You are obstructing military personnel from executing public duties."
With a sharp shuala, he whipped out his Mauser pistol, gesturing it toward Han Yongfang. "Get back, get back!"
Seeing this, Han Qingyun lunged forward. "You can't be a fake platoon leader, can you? I think you look like a fake who snuck in..."
Platoon Leader Zhang was infuriated, raising the pistol holster to strike toward Han Qingyun.
But before he could strike, he was intercepted midway by Han Qingsong.
Everyone only felt a blur before their eyes. Without seeing how Han Qingsong made his move, they heard a few sharp kacha kacha sounds. Both of Platoon Leader Zhang's Mauser pistols completely turned into disjointed parts, clattering huala huala onto the ground.
Everyone: "..."
Platoon Leader Zhang: "!!!"
The humiliation from many years ago was once again bloodily displayed before everyone, which was practically a public slap to the face.
Han Qingsong remarked flatly, "It seems you remember very clearly."
Platoon Leader Zhang: "..." This enmity was irreconcilable under the heavens.
The few soldiers who had come with Platoon Leader Zhang were also stunned. The thing their platoon leader shouted loudest every day was how back when he was at headquarters, he was the absolute best at stripping and assembling firearms—how much time it took, how many people he could instantly defeat, and how a certain Captain Han, who was now the director of the Shanshui Commune Public Security Bureau, had once been beaten by him to the point of utter defeat, running away like a dog with no dignity left.
The person before them was Han Qingsong—the Captain Han of yesteryear, the Director Han of today.
He, it was he, who had just completely shut down Platoon Leader Zhang, who usually felt so good about himself and thought he was number one under heaven, right before their very eyes.
After the initial shock passed, these few soldiers began to grow excited.
Too exciting!
Too awesome!
Their eyes locked onto Han Qingsong with burning intensity, short of nothing but falling to their knees in worship.
Han Qingsong looked at the dumbfounded Platoon Leader Zhang. "A transferred soldier is not a soldier, but what about a discharged soldier? As a platoon leader at a labor reform farm, yours is not a regular military platoon leader rank. As expected..." He swept a glance at the Mauser parts on the ground, his voice cool and clear. "Professional capability explains everything."
"Han Qingsong!" Platoon Leader Zhang's eyes instantly turned red. "You bully people too much!"
He raised his fist, as large as a bowl, and punched toward Han Qingsong.
Everyone cried out in alarm and quickly backed away.
Han Qingsong had already locked into combat with Zhang Heilv.
Fists and feet exchanged blows in a flurry of ping-ping pang-pang. After a few rounds, Zhang Heilv was pressed flat against the ground.
Han Qingsong pressed his knee firmly against the center of his back to pin him, twisting both hands to lock them behind him, saying coldly, "Zhang Heilv, as a platoon leader of a labor reform farm, you actually accepted private bribes and took it upon yourself to release labor reform personnel. Your guilt is multiplied by a degree."
Everyone: "!!!" What was up with Zhang Heilv? Though Platoon Leader Zhang was a bit dark, it shouldn't go as far as calling him a black donkey.
Just then, a black donkey in the livestock shed let out a loud series of "ang-ang-ang" brays.
"What are you all still standing there for!" Zhang Heilv roared.
Yet the few soldiers who had come with him didn't dare point their guns at Han Qingsong either, only surrounding them from a moderate distance.
Han Qingsong rose and backed away, clean and swift.
Zhang Heilv bounded up, but immediately let out a loud cry and crashed right back to the ground with a peng. Although his arms and legs hadn't been dislocated, that sore and limp feeling was incredibly distinct, preventing him from standing up heroically to shout.
"Han Qinghua was within your jurisdiction, working under supervision. For him to still manage to escape is your dereliction of duty. Of course, perhaps it was intentional on your part?" Han Qingsong stated, neither heavily nor lightly.
Zhang Heilv hated him so much his face grew even darker.
No one had expected this direction of events, and they were all somewhat at a loss for what to do.
They had originally thought it would be a tense, volatile situation where trouble would break out.
Han Qingyun's eyes, however, were shining. As expected, the older ginger is spicier. No wonder his father told him to learn more about the outside world from Third Brother.
Han Qingsong patted Zhang Heilv's shoulder, pulling him up with a single tug. "A single Zhao Anpin bought you over? How much benefit could he possibly give? You better think it through carefully. At dawn, we go to the County Revolutionary Committee to lay cards on the table."
He cast a glance at Zhang Heilv as if looking at a complete fool, shook his head, then turned to speak with Han Yongfang and the others, indicating it was fine. If they spotted Han Qinghua, they should send him straight back to the farm without any indulgence.
He turned to walk out, remembering something as he reached the entrance. "Right, Captain Song, the director of the Shanshui Farm Revolutionary Committee, will be going as well."
Zhang Heilv completely withered. Could he really be that stupid?
Impossible!
At most, he was just illiterate, but hadn't Han Qingsong also been completely illiterate when he first joined the army?
Han Qingyun chased after him. "Third Brother, let me accompany you."
His father said to follow Third Brother and learn well; the opportunity had come.
Han Qingsong said, "No rush. We'll talk at dawn."
He left first.
When he returned home, the sky was still dark. The moon had already slanted toward the western sky, yet it remained bright and clear, casting a brilliant silver glow all over the ground.
He estimated the time, then undressed, rubbed himself down to warm up, and slipped back into the covers.
Lin Lan, who was fast asleep, muttered a complaint as the chill hit her, shrinking back slightly.
Han Qingsong then gathered her into his embrace. The heat from his chest ironed against her comfortably with a cozy warmth, drawing her to press even closer against him, one hand looping around his neck as she slept even more sweetly.
He looked down at her. Though there was no light, it was as if he could clearly see the features of her face. He leaned down to kiss her, then held her close as he also drifted off to sleep.
Dawn broke.
Lin Lan woke up from her sleep, her eyes opening a crack in a daze, only to find a face right above her, staring at her with rapt focus.
Seeing her wake up, Han Qingsong leaned down to kiss her. "I need to go to the county seat. Is there anything you want me to buy?"
The county seat?
Lin Lan mumbled a response, wanting to say there was nothing to buy, when she suddenly remembered the matter of the condoms. She snapped her eyes open. "I also need to go to the county hospital."
Han Qingsong immediately looked at her with concern. "Where are you feeling unwell?"
Lin Lan: "It's nothing. I'm taking Xiao Wang for a follow-up check on his eyes."
And buy condoms while she was at it.
Han Qingsong: "Then we'll go together." He went to scoop Xiao Wang up. "Your mother is taking you to the county."
The moment Xiao Wang heard his mother was taking him, he immediately scrambled up. Without even opening his eyes, he blindly fumbled for his clothes to put them on in a daze.
In any case, he couldn't see particularly clearly without his glasses, so fumbling around like this in a familiar place was about the same.
Han Qingsong saw him shoving his jacket onto his leg with all his might while trying to pull his pants over his head, so he quickly switched them around for him.
Xiao Wang then opened his arms to let him help put on the clothes. Once dressed, he stuck his little bottom in the air, slumped over the pillow, and went right back to snoring away.
Lin Lan dressed and got out of bed, intending to cook, only to find that it was already done in the pot.
She turned her head to look at Han Qingsong. "When did you get up to make this?"
Han Qingsong: "Just finished."
Seeing the children hadn't gotten up yet, Lin Lan hopped over happily, standing on her tiptoes to lean in and kiss him.
As it turned out, the height difference was a bit large, and she missed.
Lin Lan: "..."
Han Qingsong let out a low chuckle, his arm looping around her waist to effortlessly lift her up, planting a kiss on her lips.
Lin Lan quickly scrambled down to avoid being seen by the children, which would make things hard to explain again.
She packed up breakfast, shared a few bites with Han Qingsong, and also brought along a piece of mixed-grain flatbread and a salted chicken egg for Xiao Wang. The rest was left in the pot for when the children woke up.
"Your father and I are taking Xiao Wang to the county for his eye checkup. Go to school after you eat! If anyone dares to skip class, the invincible scrubbing hand will be waiting when we get back!" Lin Lan threatened Da Wang and San Wang fiercely.
The room was perfectly quiet. Da Wang pretended not to hear, while San Wang was still snoring away.
Han Qingsong wheeled the bicycle out from the south room, took a cotton jacket to place over the front bar, and then sat Xiao Wang on the main bar, using the jacket to block the wind.
Lin Lan: "I'll hold Xiao Wang."
Han Qingsong: "No need."
Stepping out the door, Han Qingsong straddled the bike with his long legs, one foot supporting himself on the ground while the other rested on the pedal, signaling for Lin Lan to get on.
Generally, when carrying someone on a bicycle, the person at the back would hop on after the bike started moving, otherwise it was easy to sway left and right.
At least, that was what Lin Lan had to do if she carried an adult.
She figured Han Qingsong had long legs and a tall frame, so it probably wouldn't matter, and sat down.
Han Qingsong: "Hold on tight."
Lin Lan: "..." To be so flagrant for a whole trip, wouldn't she be drowned in the spit of gossip?
She made a token gesture of tugging at his clothes.
Han Qingsong directly pulled her hands and stuffed them into his pockets, which was about the same as hugging him anyway. Then, with a stomp of his foot, he rode the bicycle toward the brigade headquarters.
Xiao Wang: "Beep beep, setting off!"
Then he began to sing the nursery rhyme Lin Lan had taught him, "Little train, choo choo choo; little car, beep beep beep; bicycle, ring ring ring."
Han Qingsong flicked the bicycle bell as if to accompany him, making Xiao Wang giggle as he also reached out his little hand to fiddle with that bell.
Ding-ling-ling~~
"Coming, coming!" Han Qingyun wheeled his bicycle out from a turn, followed behind by Zhang Heilv and those few soldiers.
Zhang Heilv's gun had already been reassembled and was now securely tucked into its holster. He gave Han Qingsong a dark, sullen glare, and his face grew even darker when he saw Han Qingsong actually bringing along his wife and child.
Han Qingyun greeted Lin Lan, "Sister-in-law, you're heading to the county?"
Lin Lan smiled. "Taking Xiao Wang for a follow-up check on his eyes."
Han Qingyun patted Xiao Wang's head, straightening his glasses for him. "So handsome!"
Then he added a line, "So fair and tender!"
Over there, the dark-skinned Zhang Heilv let out a scoff.
Han Qingyun turned back and smiled at him. "Platoon Leader Zhang, how old is your son?" After interacting with Zhang Heilv for this short while, he didn't find him all that detestable—just a bit clumsy and a little foolishly slow.
Zhang Heilv: "..." This laozi doesn't even have a wife yet! Damn it, this is pushing it too far! Does Han Qingsong know he isn't married or something, bringing his wife and kid along just to show off?
Han Qingsong, who held no other impression of him aside from being dark and being called a black donkey, whispered to Lin Lan, "Hold tight, we're moving."
Lin Lan obediently kept her hands tucked inside his pockets.
Zhang Heilv: Show off all you want. Just you wait until this laozi marries a wife. Hmph, this laozi will find a wife from Shanjui Village and come to show off every single day!
Han Qingsong and Han Qingyun rode their bikes, while Zhang Heilv and his men had come on foot.
Han Qingsong spoke up, "Zhang Heilv, prepare to be dismissed from your post."
Zhang Heilv barked, "Who is this laozi afraid of? It's not like this laozi hasn't been dismissed before. This laozi is already used to it! Who am I afraid of? I'm telling you, this time it's only because we didn't catch Han Qinghua on the spot, otherwise this laozi would have finished you! Don't you think you're getting off easy! Motherfucker, that bastard Zhao Jianshe..."
He kept spitting out "laozi" one after another, which Xiao Wang found very novel. He had originally been singing "Big airplane, boom boom boom," but at this moment, it suddenly changed to "Black laozi, scare scare scare~~"
Han Qingsong: "..." He sped up.
Before long, Zhang Heilv roared with a dark face, "Keep up, keep up! Don't let a transferred soldier look down on us. Look at how cowardly you all look, did none of you eat or what?"
Just moments ago at the brigade headquarters, Han Yongfang had even had someone provide them with a meal.
"Pla-Platoon Leader, too fast!" They really couldn't keep up.
Zhang Heilv also felt that Han Qingsong was doing it on purpose, pedaling the bicycle so fast, just look at how delighted that little four-eyes looked.
Upon reaching the county seat, Zhang Heilv and his group hadn't arrived yet. Han Qingsong first dropped Lin Lan off at the hospital before taking Han Qingyun to the County Revolutionary Committee.
He watched Lin Lan lead Xiao Wang through the hospital gates, then turned his bike around to leave. Within two paces, he heard someone laugh behind him, "Lanhua-hua, it really is you."
Han Qingsong instinctively braked the bike, casting a look back to see a youth in a white coat picking up Xiao Wang, currently chatting with Lin Lan.
Han Qingyun poked his head out to look. "Third Brother, who's that?"
Han Qingsong: "Don't know."
Han Qingyun didn't dare speak further, watching Lin Lan and that white coat chatting and laughing as they walked inside the hospital together, thinking to himself: Sister-in-law is quite capable; she even knows people in the hospital.
He smiled. "The last time Sister-in-law brought Xiao Wang to see his eyes, maybe it's the doctor who checked his eyes."
Han Qingsong rode away, and Han Qingyun quickly kept up.
...
Lin Lan also hadn't expected to run into Yang Han the moment she arrived. She greeted him happily, "Yang Panpan, what a coincidence." She then told Xiao Wang to call him Uncle.
Xiao Wang obediently did so, his mouth still murmuring, "Black laozi, scare scare scare."
Yang Han picked him up, stuffed a piece of candy into his hand, and led Lin Lan inside to find that old Doctor Liu for a follow-up first.
Old Doctor Liu was both amiable and meticulous. He gave Xiao Wang a thorough examination and nodded. "He's been cared for very well. Applying the eye drops on time has made it much better than before."
Lin Lan also asked him to prescribe some new eye ointment, as the ones at home were all used up.
The old doctor taught Lin Lan a few finger techniques, asking her to help massage Xiao Wang every day and have Xiao Wang learn to massage himself too. Over time, the condition of his eyes would improve.
"When the child is two years older, you can take him to a major hospital in the provincial capital for a surgical procedure."
"Can he really have surgery?" Lin Lan was pleasantly surprised.
Old Doctor Liu explained that even with surgery, his eyes wouldn't be as good as an ordinary person's, but at least he wouldn't need such thick prescription glasses.
Lin Lan didn't understand the technicalities, so naturally, whatever the doctor said went.
Knowing that surgery could be done for the child made her very happy, and she resolved to start saving money from now on to get the operation for Xiao Wang in two years.
Coming out from the ophthalmology department, Lin Lan indicated that she wanted to check out the gynecology and obstetrics department.
Yang Han looked at her. "Expecting?"
Lin Lan: "Don't jinx it. Just looking around."
Yang Han wore an expression of understanding. "Checking for gynecological issues, right? Sure, I'll take you over."
Lin Lan: "..." Why hadn't she noticed before that his mouth was so cheeky?
"Aren't you busy with work? I can go by myself."
Yang Han: "Not busy today. I'll escort you over."
Just then, a few female nurses walked over, and a pretty-looking one teased him, "Oh, Doctor Yang, since when do you have a wife and child? We didn't even get to drink any wedding wine."
Yang Han smiled, lifting Xiao Wang a bit higher. "Off to buy big steamed buns to eat!"
That nurse's expression turned rather unpleasant. She curled her lip and dragged the others away.
Lin Lan slapped Yang Han. "Why did you let her misunderstand? Aren't you still unmarried? Aren't your parents anxious?"
Yang Han: "What misunderstanding? Don't listen to her nonsense. I've worked here for how many years now; who doesn't know whether I'm married or not? Just ignore them."
He brought Lin Lan to the entrance of the outpatient clinic.
At this time, a few women were queuing up. Yang Han told Lin Lan to wait a moment while he went to find the chief of gynecology and obstetrics to let her go straight in.
While Lin Lan was waiting, she noticed a young girl stepping out from another room, possessing a delicate countenance and a quiet aura. The girl looked to be sixteen or seventeen years old, sporting two braided pigtails secured with red hair strings at the ends. She wore indigo pants beneath a dark red checkered jacket.
At this moment, the girl looked deeply worried, wringing the corner of her clothes with a completely distracted air.
Lin Lan recognized her and called out "Xiuyun," but the girl didn't hear her, completely immersed in her own thoughts.
Lin Lan wanted to head over but was pulled away by Yang Han. "It's your turn." He pushed Lin Lan into another consultation room, then took Xiao Wang to an office to look at picture books.
Lin Lan went inside to find a female doctor in her fifties. She greeted the doctor and placed the medical cooperation booklet issued by the county hospital to the countryside years ago onto the desk, stating her issue.
She had five children and didn't want to have any more. Were there any good contraceptive methods?
The female doctor asked, "Don't want to give birth anymore?"
Lin Lan nodded.
The doctor said, "Not giving birth is fine too. Family planning is about to be implemented around this time anyway."
As the chief, she frequently went to the province and regional sectors for meetings. Since a few years ago, there had already been talk about family planning. Although it hadn't been implemented nationwide yet, there were trial points in various places. Especially in big cities, working couples would pay attention to contraception because they were busy and didn't want so many children.
However, a woman from the countryside coming to ask her was still a first. She glanced at the medical booklet—Shanjui Village, an ordinary rural village.
Lin Lan smiled and nodded. "What is family planning?"
The doctor glanced at her. "You wouldn't understand even if I explained. How about this: you're still young, so you could first get an intrauterine device (IUD). This can also prevent pregnancy, and if you want to give birth in the future, you can just have the ring taken out."
Lin Lan expressed that she really didn't want to give birth anymore.
She already had five, and she truly didn't know how to look after a newborn. Especially during this era, children could easily pass away early, and newborns were prone to falling ill—jaundice, infant roseola, fevers, diarrhea—in short, all sorts of troubles. She felt she couldn't handle that torment.
When a young child fell ill, the one tormented most was the mother, wishing she could take their place but remaining completely helpless, sometimes only able to endure and wait for the child to recover on their own.
She had seen too much of it and was truly afraid.
The doctor glanced at her again. "Then get sterilized. A permanent solution."
"Doctor, does sterilization cause any harm to the body?" Lin Lan was still somewhat worried; after all, it was a surgical operation.
The doctor kept her eyelids lowered. "What harm could there be? Just a small incision, and you can be discharged in three days."
Three days—and she called that a small incision? Lin Lan felt she couldn't take the risk.
Undergoing surgery would inevitably harm one's vital energy, so she figured she'd forget about it.
Just then, Yang Han walked in from outside. "Doctor Zhuang, men can get sterilized too, right?"
The doctor smiled. "Little Yang, do you want to get sterilized?"
Yang Han burst into laughter. "I'm not even married yet; it's not my turn to consider this question."
He turned to Lin Lan. "Just have Han Qingsong come and get sterilized, wouldn't that work?"
Lin Lan, however, reasoned that since she herself was afraid of sterilization causing harm to her body and didn't want to do it, she naturally shouldn't force someone else to do what she wouldn't do. As the saying goes, do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire. What if sterilization caused great harm to men too? Han Qingsong was her husband and the children's father; if he wasn't well, how could they be well?
Seeing her expression and knowing Yang Han had brought her over, Doctor Zhuang's attitude was exceptionally amiable, just like dealing with an acquaintance. "It's still safer to use a ring. Women in the city all use rings these days; if they want to give birth they take it out, and if not, they just wear it. The contraceptive effect is good."
Lin Lan, however, remembered reading a report that some women wore contraceptive rings for many years, only for them to grow into the body over time, making it impossible to even take them out.
Furthermore, after wearing them for a long time, depending on different constitutions, some people would suffer from continuous gynecological ailments.
She absolutely didn't want to take the risk. Even if some people were fine, what if she was the one who ran into trouble? That would be a hundred percent affliction for her.
"Um, Doctor, does the hospital have condoms?" She felt condoms were still a bit more convenient.
Before Doctor Zhuang could speak, Yang Han burst out laughing.
Lin Lan glared at him. What was so funny?
Doctor Zhuang said, "These are relatively expensive, and the quantity is also limited. Of course, if the frequency of marital life is relatively low, you can buy some."
At this time, it was mostly women using rings for contraception. Unless they were urban dual-income couples with very high wages, they wouldn't keep buying condoms.
It all cost money.
Crucially, the county hospital didn't have many at this time either, since they weren't widespread after all.
Doctor Zhuang went to fetch a few.
Lin Lan wasn't shy at all. Although she would blush in front of Han Qingsong, in front of others—especially professional doctors—she was perfectly composed and natural.
What was there to be shy about with a doctor? She didn't hold any improper thoughts toward them.
She took out a small packet to inspect. It looked like the packaging paper bags used for those small fever-reducing tablets, produced by XX Latex Factory, containing two inside. The packaging bag had instructions printed on it, listing a whole bunch under 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
There was also a size indicated on it: 35mm, medium was 33, small was 31... She didn't understand sizing issues, and since it involved Han Qingsong's indescribable area, she felt too embarrassed to ask.
She figured she definitely needed the largest size, though she just didn't know if the largest size would be enough.
She picked out a few large ones and asked, "Doctor, can I buy a few more?"
Just these few wouldn't be enough to use at all; they'd be gone in a single night.
Doctor Zhuang: "..." These young people truly held no restraint.
She even gave Yang Han a glare.
Yang Han: "..." What does this have to do with me? I'm not married.
She pointed to the packaging bag. "Oh, you're illiterate, right? It's fine. This thing can be washed and used again. After washing, hang it to dry, apply talcum powder, and store it in a cool, dry place."
Lin Lan: "!!!!!!!"
Her entire being felt violated. They could actually be washed and used again!
She instantly recalled the meme about chewing gum being made into condoms, and used condoms being turned back into chewing gum—it simply couldn't get any better.
Seeing Lin Lan's expression as if she had been struck by lightning, Yang Han couldn't help but laugh. He patted her shoulder. "Let's go, I'll help you buy an extra pack. Tell Han Qingsong to just come and get sterilized early."
Doctor Zhuang couldn't help but advise, "Young people should mind restraint and cherish their bodies."
Lin Lan hastily smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Doctor."
Doctor Zhuang watched her show no shyness or blushing, even openly discussing this topic, and felt quite astonished. Which woman wouldn't be shy at this time? A few women chatting about men and dirty jokes in private was reserved for close acquaintances; with someone unfamiliar, they wouldn't even have the face to mention it, so mortified they would be.
Lin Lan followed Yang Han to their office. Xiao Wang was currently reading a comic picture book there. Lin Lan glanced over; it was The White-Haired Girl.
Seeing Lin Lan return, Xiao Wang immediately ran over.
Lin Lan patted his head, letting him continue reading, and even hummed a few lines along the way, "The north wind blows, the snowflakes flutter~~"
Yang Han praised, "You sing surprisingly well."
Lin Lan immediately replied, "My man taught me. I can even sing military songs."
Ever since she stepped out the door, her literacy was taught by the kids, and her singing was taught by her husband. Lin Lan wasn't the least bit afraid of exposing herself; in any case, others couldn't verify it.
Yang Han looked at her proud stance with her chest puffed out. Sure enough, it was different once her man came back. He went to grab a hygiene packet and tossed it onto the desk. "Don't say your brother doesn't look out for you. I saved up so many, and I've given them all to you."
Lin Lan peeked at him. "I say, Yang Panpan, you aren't married yet you saved up so many condoms. You better watch out. Be careful your ideology doesn't get flagged as problematic, or someone might slap you with a hooliganism charge."
Yang Han looked up at the ceiling.
Hearing the word hooligan, Xiao Wang immediately lifted his head, peering at Yang Han. "Uncle hooligan."
Yang Han hastily corrected him, "Little darling, you absolutely cannot talk nonsense, you'll ruin your uncle."
Lin Lan also hurriedly explained to Xiao Wang to prevent the child from speaking carelessly without understanding. Times like this were no joking matter. She pointed to Huang Shiren in the picture book: "See, this one is an old hooligan."
Xiao Wang tightened his face, very solemnly poking Huang Shiren in the drawing. "I'll have my dad arrest you for labor reform!"
Lin Lan packed that awkward packet of washable, reusable condoms into her satchel. Thinking that she couldn't bear to let him get sterilized and was afraid of gynecological issues with the ring, under the balance of options, she would just stick with these awkward condoms.
Of course, she absolutely wouldn't allow washing and reusing them!
However, how many days could this one pack last? Would it be enough for a month? Lin Lan felt a bit despairing again. According to the frequency of these past two days, she felt...
Forget it, he was just feeling the novelty at the start; after a few days, it might become uninteresting.
She had been brainwashed with a lot of random nonsense by her best friend, who said men would gradually lose interest in their own wives—at first they might want it every day, later on two or three times a week was considered diligent, and in the end they were too lazy to even turn in the assignment, preferring to handle it themselves rather than get intimate with their wives.
She had already given birth to five children, so perhaps Han Qingsong's sexual appetite would decline along with satisfaction?
Therefore, she didn't need to be too afraid.
Feeding herself a reassuring pill, Lin Lan felt much better. She asked Yang Han if there was a family planning office or physiological hygiene propaganda unit here or something.
Yang Han asked introduces perplexity, "Why are you asking about this? Isn't that the job of the barefoot doctors and the women's directors?"
"Don't I have many children at home?" Lin Lan smiled. "The children are growing up, and they're all boys, you understand."
Yang Han looked at her familiar, unreserved manner, temporarily at a loss for words. What do I understand?
"This matter regarding adolescent physiological hygiene..." Yang Han actually did understand, since everyone had gone through those teenage matters. "I'll go find two books for you." He remembered something. "Crucially, do you read?"
Lin Lan: "...My children are all in school, and I'm learning too."
"Oh, I'll go find them for you."
Soon, he brought over a few books. There was a copy of the Barefoot Doctor's Manual, which contained knowledge regarding physiological hygiene, with analytical drawings of the male and female bodies—in short, everything that should be there was there.
Additionally, there were two other similar books.
Lin Lan was very pleased. She could take them back to let Han Qingping properly educate the children on science, saving them from being curious and talking about it as some rare novelty.
Yang Han ridiculed, "Those few banned books aren't even explained as detailed as this book."
Lin Lan grew curious for a moment. "What do banned books even look like?"
Yang Han smiled, rapping his knuckles against the desk. "Hey, you can't even read, why are you asking? Being convicted of a hooliganism charge is no laughing matter."
Lin Lan wasn't afraid at all, since her husband specifically managed this sector. "Right, why hasn't your hospital gone to the countryside to do family planning and health propaganda? Country folks don't understand these things, and propaganda is very much needed, otherwise trouble easily happens."
He smiled. "Those matters between young men and women don't just happen in the countryside; there are plenty in the city too. What use is propaganda?"
"Of course it's useful. For people who don't understand, propaganda helps them comprehend, so at least they know to pay attention." Lin Lan refused to back down. Many people were enticed, and if they knew the severity, they might firmly refuse. Ignorance led to more harm.
Yang Han turned his head to look at her, making no effort to hide his scrutiny. Seeing her now compared to back in the summer, she was different again. Her skin had been nurtured back around this time, becoming much fairer, her gaze calm and steady. If it wasn't his illusion, that gaze held a light of wisdom that didn't originally belong to her.
If he hadn't known her since childhood, simply looking at this person, absolutely no one could connect her to the shrew of rumors.
Perhaps because Han Qingsong had changed sectors and returned home, she had found peace of mind, which was a good thing.
"If there are any later on, I'll have them go to your village to do propaganda first."
"You have to take it seriously, apply to your chief or leadership to form a fixed propaganda team, train the barefoot doctors first, and then go down to the countryside to spread the word." Generally, this kind of propaganda would even feature performance programs, which the common folk liked best.
Pure lecturing was something people didn't care to listen to—they felt ashamed—but performing a show to teach through entertainment would present no issue.
"Oh, Doctor Yang, what are you chatting about so happily?" Just then, a female doctor walked in, casting a glance at Lin Lan.
Yang Han's expression instantly turned serious. "Nothing, a sister from my village came over to get her child's eyes checked."
That female doctor, however, spotted a hygiene packet peeking out from Lin Lan's satchel, which was a dedicated condom packet. She left with an expression of understanding.
The moment she stepped out, she went to gossip with the head nurse she was close with, exaggerating, "Do you know? Little Doctor Yang gave a huge! packet! of condoms to that woman."
One passed it to another, and soon behind closed doors, it had already spread into what Little Doctor Yang and a woman were doing somewhere using the condoms issued by the hospital. As for what they were doing, that went without saying; no one would misunderstand.
It was midday. Yang Han said, "Let's go, I'll treat you to a meal. The cafeteria has nine-turned large intestines and pork belly today."
He casually scooped Xiao Wang up, who was still holding that picture book in his hand.
Lin Lan reasoned that she hadn't brought anything for Yang Panpan upon coming, yet now she was going to consume his grain and food, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Yang Han, however, gave her no chance to refuse, carrying Xiao Wang as he led her toward the cafeteria.
Along the way, he teased, "Speaking of which, you're considered quite fashionable. Not many have the nerve to come to the hospital to ask about contraception so openly."
Lin Lan: "I know I have a thick skin, thank you."
Yang Han burst into laughter. "Actually, if you conceive, just give birth. Since you already have five, you shouldn't be afraid of another five. Now that the children are older, they can also help you carry the babies; you just focus on giving birth."
How did these words sound so much like 'since you're already here'... 'if you conceive just give birth'... Lin Lan feigned anger. "Treating me like a sow dropping piglets?"
"Sorry, just joking, I'll pay attention in the future." He apologized with a smile.
He was just smiling when his smile suddenly froze, looking at the man walking over from outside. "Lanhua-hua, your man is here."
Lin Lan had already spotted him, waving at Han Qingsong with a smile. "How did you come over?"
Han Qingsong's stern expression softened by a fraction the moment he saw her and Xiao Wang. He strode over, reaching out to take Xiao Wang into his arms.
Lin Lan introduced them briefly, "This is Yang Panpan, my childhood friend... companion from when we were little."
Han Qingsong extended his hand toward Yang Han. "Hello."
Yang Han smiled as he shook his hand. "Director Han, long time no see."
For some reason, Han Qingsong detected a few hints of teasing within Yang Han's smile. What was the meaning of this?
Yang Han said, "It's getting late, let's go eat at our cafeteria."
Han Qingsong replied, "Thank you for the kind hospitality, but I have already made arrangements."
Lin Lan then took her leave from Yang Han, "Panpan, come to my house to play when you're free, I'll introduce you to a partner."
The hand Yang Han had raised froze in mid-air, unable to even wave. "...Goodbye."
...
Han Qingsong inquired about Xiao Wang's matter.
Lin Lan told him they needed to save money, as Xiao Wang could undergo a surgical operation in two years, and his eyes could recover sixty to seventy percent.
Han Qingsong rubbed Xiao Wang's hair, then caught Lin Lan's hand to give it a squeeze. "Alright, leave it to me."
Lin Lan proactively stuffed her hand into his pocket, but her movement was too large and she accidentally flipped her satchel, causing a few condoms inside to spill onto the ground.
Han Qingsong looked over. "What is that?"
Lin Lan: "...!!" She quickly hopped down to scoop them up. "Haha, nothing, medicine tablets."
At the front, Xiao Wang turned his head. "I know, condoms."
Han Qingsong: "What is it?"
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