My 1995 Small Farm.

As soon as Wang Susu entered, she liked the clean and refreshing atmosphere of the place. She said the stove was easy to use and she would make noodles for the children at noon.

After settling in, taking advantage of the good sunshine, Chen Ling took his wife, sister-in-law, and three children and strolled to the new campus of Nantai University across the street.

University campuses in those days were not as strict as they are in later years, and management was relatively relaxed.

In addition, Chen Ling had a calm demeanor, was well-dressed, and was with children, so the gatekeeper assumed she was a family member of a faculty member and did not stop her.

Upon entering the school gate, a sense of openness and tranquility suddenly appeared.

The wide cement main road is lined with tall plane trees with tender green new leaves.

In the distance, several brand-new teaching and experimental buildings rise from the ground, their red brick walls standing out prominently in the sunlight.

What attracts the children most is the large playground on the east side of the campus, which has a standard running track and a soccer field.

Wow! What a big and stylish playground!

Wang Zhenzhen's eyes lit up, and she grabbed Rui Rui and ran towards the lawn.

Rui Rui's face flushed with excitement as she stumbled along with her aunt.

Kang Kang and Lele can walk a little now. Led by Chen Ling and Wang Susu, they walk unsteadily with their big, bright eyes, curiously gazing at the vast green expanse.

The playground is full of life in spring.

A class was having a physical education lesson, where students were running, doing exercises, and chanting slogans.

Some boys are playing soccer, sweating profusely.

There were also groups of two or three students sitting on the lawn reading and chatting.

Wang Zhenzhen and Rui Rui quickly found some fun at the edge of the lawn.

Rui Rui is curious about everything. He squatted down to watch the ants moving their nests and tried to chase a white butterfly that was perched on a blade of grass.

Wang Zhenzhen was more reserved. She looked at the energetic college students in their sportswear with envy in her eyes.

"Sister, are all college students particularly knowledgeable?" she asked Wang Susu, looking up at her.

Wang Susu gently patted her head: "Yes, they learn a lot of knowledge here and will become doctors, teachers, engineers and contribute to society in the future."

"Zhenzhen should study hard in the future and strive to get into university."

"Yes!" Wang Zhenzhen nodded vigorously, her little face full of seriousness, no longer the mischievous little monkey she used to be in the village.

Chen Ling watched the children running and playing in the sunshine, strolled with his wife and two little ones, and saw the youthful scenes of the ivory tower in the distance. His heart was filled with peaceful happiness.

This environment, filled with both scholarly atmosphere and vibrant energy, truly puts one in a good mood.

They played on the playground for a long time, and then followed the road signs to the school library.

Although she couldn't go in this time without a library card, just looking at the magnificent building from the outside and the rows of bookshelves reaching the ceiling through the large glass windows was enough to make Wang Zhenzhen exclaim in amazement.

As we passed by the music department building, we could faintly hear the melodious sounds of a piano and violin duet. Rui Rui even wiggled her little bottom to the rhythm, making everyone laugh.

It wasn't until the sun was high in the sky and the children were getting tired that they slowly started to walk back.

Kang Kang and Lele were perched on Chen Ling's shoulder, already yawning.

Wang Susu looked at her husband and children, a gentle smile always on her lips.

Back home, Chen Ling made hand-pulled noodles in ten minutes.

Then cook the noodles and stir-fry the vegetables.

Served with a rich and fragrant sauce, the whole family enjoyed the meal immensely.

Chen Ling was thinking that she would go to the hospital again in the afternoon to check on Li Bin's condition. If he was stable, she could start preparing for her trip to Hong Kong Island this weekend.

However, plans cannot keep up with changes.

In the afternoon, just as Chen Ling was about to leave for the hospital, a familiar yet somewhat anxious female voice came from outside the door.

"Susu! Is Susu home? Xiaoyun told me you came to the city!"

Wang Susu was hanging the children's clothes to dry in the yard when she heard the sound. She looked up and her face lit up with surprise: "Oh! It's Sister Qiumei!"

She quickly wiped her hands and went to open the door.

Chen Ling put down his things and followed him out.

Standing outside the courtyard gate was a woman in her early thirties, dressed in a well-fitting light gray outfit, with neat short hair, fair skin, and a pretty face.

However, a faint layer of sorrow and weariness lingered between his brows.

It turned out that Qin Qiumei had come looking for them.

During the Lunar New Year, she even helped Susu take care of the baby for a few days.

Something really happened at home.

She had no desire to stay in the county town any longer.

He resigned from his position at the family planning office and came to the city to visit people.

"Sister Qiumei! How did you find your way here? Come in and have a seat!"

Wang Susu warmly took her hand.

"Susu, Fugui, we've finally found you!"

When Qin Qiumei saw Chen Ling there, she seemed relieved, but also felt a little embarrassed and hesitant to speak.

"I...I heard you came to the city and were going to Hong Kong, so...so I came looking for you."

"Qiu Mei, don't be shy with us, come in and talk."

Chen Ling stepped aside to let her in, feeling somewhat puzzled. Qin Qiumei's expression clearly indicated that something was wrong.

After entering the room and sitting down, Wang Susu poured water for him.

Qin Qiumei held the water glass, hesitated for a moment, and then seemed to have made up her mind.

He took out a brown paper envelope from a faux leather bag he was carrying and handed it to Chen Ling, his voice slightly hoarse:
"Fugui, I... Grandma has something I'd like to ask you for a favor..."

Chen Ling took the envelope and sensed that there were a few pages inside. He didn't open it immediately, but he already roughly knew what it was about.

He gently asked, "Tell me what's wrong, and I'll definitely help if I can."

Qin Qiumei took a deep breath, her eyes slightly reddening, and whispered, "Inside here... is the divorce agreement."

"I...I want to ask you, if you can...if you can meet him when you go to Hong Kong Island this time, please give this to him...and get him to sign it..."

Chen Ling and Wang Susu exchanged a glance, and both understood.

Qin Qiumei's man hooked up with a wealthy woman in Shenzhen.

Although the wealthy woman is a bit older, she has a son and plenty of money to spend, so she's completely content.

Moreover, that wealthy woman owns properties in both Shenzhen and Hong Kong Island.

You could say that they suddenly became people of high status, with more money than they could ever spend in a lifetime.

“Sister Qiumei…” Wang Susu held her hand, feeling heartbroken and at a loss for words.

Qin Qiumei wiped her eyes and forced a smile: "It's nothing, I've come to terms with it. You can't force things. Since he has a better future over there, I won't stop him."

"But this marriage has to come to an end eventually. I can't keep living like this in ambiguity."

She looked at Chen Ling with pleading eyes: "Fugui, I know this is difficult for you."

"The situation over there is complicated, and we don't have a specific address."

"I just heard that he works for a company called 'Rongsheng Trading'."

"I don't expect you to be able to find him, nor do I expect him to change his mind."

"But... just in case, just in case you happen to run into him, or have a friend who can pass on a message, give this to him..."

“Tell him that I, Qin Qiumei, will not hold him back. Just have him sign the papers and send them back... Let’s part amicably.”

Chen Ling looked at the thin envelope in his hand and felt that it was quite heavy.

This is not just an agreement, but a woman's farewell to her past life and her resolute decision about the future.

He hesitated for a moment. This was not just about delivering a letter; in a way, it was about meddling in other people's family affairs and possibly facing an unpleasant situation.

But seeing Qin Qiumei's forced strength, and remembering how good she had been to her family in the past, and how well she got along with Susu, I couldn't help but think of how she had treated my family.

Then he looked at Qin Qiumei and nodded solemnly: "Okay, I'll help you with this."

“When I go to Hong Kong Island this time, I will keep an eye out for news about this ‘Rongsheng Trading’ and your husband… oh, ex-husband.”

"If I can get in touch with him, I will definitely pass on the message and hand the item over to him."

Upon hearing this, Qin Qiumei's tense shoulders finally relaxed, and tears welled up instantly. She quickly lowered her head, wiped them away with the back of her hand, and said repeatedly, "Thank you! Thank you, Fugui! I... I really didn't know what to do, that's why I came to bother you! This matter... this matter has been weighing on my mind for far too long..."

Wang Susu quickly handed her a handkerchief and gently comforted her.

Chen Ling sighed inwardly.

Amidst the waves of societal change, stories of couples separated by distance and ultimately parting ways are not uncommon.

Zhao Yubao even mocked Zheng Shaoqiu for doing a poor job in this regard.

But such incidents are still commonplace, too numerous to count. It is commendable that Qin Qiumei was able to take the initiative to step out and seek relief.

He should help this out of both public and private interests.

After offering Qin Qiumei a few more words of comfort and seeing her off, Wang Susu looked at her husband with some worry: "Ah Ling, is this matter... easy to handle? Hong Kong Island is so big, and we don't know anyone here..."

Chen Ling smiled and patted his wife's hand: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

"Let's give it a try first. It's okay if it doesn't work."

“Brother Yue Min has extensive connections in Hong Kong Island, he might be able to help.”

"Even if we can't find it, we've done our best and given Qiu Mei an explanation."

He checked the time; it was already late.

"Okay, stop thinking about it. I'm going to the hospital to check on things. You all stay home and take good care of yourselves."

After saying that, Chen Ling picked up his medicine box again, left home, boarded a bus, and headed to the hospital.

When they arrived at the hospital, Li Bin's condition was better than expected.

The redness and swelling at the wound site have subsided considerably, and the oozing has almost stopped. The edges of the originally dark and lifeless wound are now showing signs of healthy pink granulation tissue.

Li Bin's mental state has also improved a lot. He said that the wound no longer has that excruciating itching and pain, but rather a cool, slightly itchy feeling, as if the wound is healing.

Professor Li and his wife regarded Chen Ling as their savior, their excitement evident in their words.

After examining the wound, Chen Ling performed another "biological debridement," this time using fewer maggots and focusing on cleaning some deep, necrotic areas.

The process went smoothly as well.

"Recovering well."

After bandaging the wound, Chen Ling instructed, "Keep the wound dry and apply the medication on time."

"If this trend continues, we can do another cleanse, and then we can mainly rely on the muscle-regenerating medicine and our own physical condition."

"Regarding the scar, I'll see if there's any way to fade it after the wound has completely healed."

"Okay! Whatever you say!"

Professor Li held Chen Ling's hand, so grateful he didn't know what to say.

After dealing with the hospital matters, Chen Ling felt much more at ease.

Over the next two days, Chen Ling kept an eye on Li Bin's recovery while taking his family to the city to buy some items they might need for their trip to Hong Kong.

I also took the opportunity to enjoy the peaceful life around the university campus.

Two days later, Chen Ling returned to the People's Hospital to perform a final "biological debridement" for Li Bin.

This time, the atmosphere in the treatment room was completely different from the first time.

The anxiety and despair on Professor Li and his wife's faces were no longer replaced by anticipation and trust.

Li Bin's complexion had also improved significantly, his eyes were brighter, and he was even able to joke with Chen Ling on his own initiative.

"Brother Chen, I feel like my arm is almost not mine anymore, it feels so much lighter! But it's incredibly itchy, like tiny bugs are crawling on it."

Li Bin said with a smile, his tone relaxed.

"Itching is a good thing, it means new flesh is growing. Resist the urge to scratch, and use the badger oil ointment I gave you on time to promote healing and reduce scarring."

Chen Ling carefully examined the wound and nodded in satisfaction.

The necrotic tissue in the wound has been mostly removed, revealing bright red granulation tissue. The redness and swelling of the skin at the edges have also subsided significantly, and the healing process is far better than expected.

"After this cleanup, the recovery will depend on the tissue-regenerating medicine and your own recovery."

"We'll address the scarring issue once it's fully healed."

The cleaning process went much more smoothly, and the number of maggots used was reduced by more than half, with only a few deep areas being cleaned up.

After Chen Ling rinsed it with saline solution again, the once hideous arm, though still scarred, showed signs of vitality.

After bandaging the wound, Chen Ling packed up his medicine kit and prepared to explain the precautions for subsequent medication.

Professor Li, however, took the initiative and stuffed a thick, rectangular package carefully wrapped in newspaper into the bottom of Chen Ling's medicine box.

Their movements were so fast that they were almost invisible.

"Mr. Chen! I can't thank you enough! Please accept this consultation fee!"

Professor Li pressed tightly against the medicine box lid, his voice excited and filled with an earnestness that brooked no refusal.

"Eighty-eight thousand! For good luck!"

“I know that compared to Binzi’s arm and his future, this amount of money is nothing!”

"If you don't accept it, our whole family will feel guilty for the rest of our lives!"

Chen Ling was slightly taken aback.

Eighty-eight thousand was an enormous sum of money in those days, equivalent to more than ten years' wages for an ordinary worker.

He could tell that Professor Li was sincere; this gift was both an acknowledgment of his medical skills and a heartfelt expression of gratitude as a parent.

He hesitated for a moment, then, without the feigned reluctance of an ordinary person, he looked up at Professor Li and said in a calm but solemn tone, "Professor Li, you are too kind. Treating patients and saving lives is my duty. This courtesy is excessive."

"Not heavy! Not heavy at all!"

Professor Li waved his hands repeatedly, his eyes reddening again, "You saved more than just Binzi's arm; you saved him as a person, and you saved our family!"

"You must accept this money! Otherwise, you're disrespecting an old man like me!"

Having said all that, refusing again would only seem pretentious and distant.

Chen Ling was not a pedantic person. He had given up his unique skills and taken risks, so it was only right that he received the reward he deserved.

So he nodded, and with a little force, closed the medicine box lid, which was taken as acceptance.

"In that case, I'm truly honored. Thank you, Professor Li."

"Oh! Good! Good! We should be thanking you!"

When Professor Li and his wife saw that Chen Ling had accepted the gift, they were immediately relieved, and genuine smiles appeared on their faces, as if a huge worry had been lifted from their hearts.

After carefully explaining the details of follow-up care and medication, and agreeing on how to contact each other next time, Chen Ling took her medicine box and said goodbye.

Professor Li and his wife expressed their deepest gratitude and escorted him all the way to the entrance of the inpatient department.

Just as I stepped out the door and was about to go down the steps, a slightly hesitant voice suddenly came from the side: "Mr. Chen... please wait."

Chen Ling turned his head and saw Deputy Director Wang of the Municipal Hospital standing not far away, with a complicated expression on his face, a mixture of embarrassment, admiration, and a hint of barely concealed curiosity.

"Director Wang, is something the matter?" Chen Ling frowned.

Deputy Director Wang rubbed his hands together, took a few steps forward, and lowered his voice: "Mr. Chen, I...I apologize for my previous rudeness."

"It's because my vision is too narrow; I didn't know there are heavens beyond heavens and people beyond people."

He paused, then his face showed genuine admiration. "Li Bin's wound recovery is nothing short of a miracle!"

"In all my years of practicing medicine, I have never seen such a... such a miraculous treatment!"

Chen Ling simply looked at him indifferently, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Deputy Director Wang seemed to have made up his mind and continued, "Mr. Chen, your 'biological debridement therapy' is remarkably effective and of great significance!"

"This is not just a folk remedy; it could easily be written into an academic paper!"

"If it can be published, especially internationally, it will be a major achievement in the field of burn treatment!"

"This will not only benefit more patients, but also clear your name and protect your intellectual property rights!"

He became more and more excited as he spoke, as if he could already see the sensation that the paper would cause after it was published.

"If you need help, our hospital—no, I can contact my classmates at medical school—to help you organize the data, translate it, and try to submit it to top international journals!"

"This is a great thing that benefits the country and its people!"

After hearing this, Chen Ling revealed an enigmatic smile.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Director Wang."

"However, you don't need to worry about the thesis."

"I've almost finished compiling the relevant theories and clinical data. If all goes well, it should be published soon."

"W-what?!"

Deputy Director Wang's eyes widened suddenly, as if he had heard something unbelievable. "You...you've already written it? And it's going to be published? Which journal?"

Chen Ling didn't answer directly, but gave him a meaningful look: "Some things, you'll know when the time is right."

After saying that, he nodded slightly to Deputy Director Wang, said no more, and turned to walk down the steps.

"A folk prodigy... truly a folk prodigy..."

Deputy Director Wang watched Chen Ling's departing figure and muttered to himself.

"I wonder where he came from. It's such a pity. If we could just put our names on his papers, the future value would be unimaginable." (End of Chapter)