Era: Starting with the struggle to refuse being taken advantage of

Chapter 347 Visit
Although the two were just strangers who met by chance and probably wouldn't have any further contact, it was a small favor for Wang Chengpeng, so he was willing to do it.

What happened next was much simpler. Wang Chengpeng and Zhu Hong remained engrossed in their studies, while Zheng Zhiqiang remained silent as before.

For a moment, the only sound in the ward was the scratching of Zhu Hong's pen as he wrote.

……

the next morning.

Zhu Hong yawned lazily and went to the state-run restaurant early to buy breakfast for Wang Chengpeng.

Before long, he returned carrying a large bag.

The room was filled with more than a dozen steamed buns and several bags of soy milk, looking exceptionally plentiful, and the whole ward was filled with a pleasant aroma of flour.

This is a normal amount of food for two people, so there is no issue of waste.

Ordinary families simply couldn't afford to eat and drink like that, and even if they did, they wouldn't be able to get that many food coupons.

Upon seeing such a sumptuous breakfast, Wang Chengpeng didn't stand on ceremony and began to eat heartily.

Seeing this, Zhu Hong also started eating. Before long, the ward was filled with the sound of the two chewing food, which, along with the rich aroma, was extremely tempting.

After letting out a satisfied burp, Wang Chengpeng looked at the two extra steamed buns and a bag of soy milk he had deliberately bought in the bag, and loudly asked Zheng Zhiqiang in the next bed:
"Comrade Zheng, we just happened to buy too much breakfast."

“I see you haven’t had breakfast yet. If you don’t mind, you can have the rest.”

Zheng Zhiqiang was clearly awake and quickly gave his reply:

"Comrade Wang, thank you for your kindness, but I don't have the habit of eating breakfast."

Zheng Zhiqiang's refusal was entirely expected by Wang Chengpeng, and he continued to persuade him:

"Comrade Zheng, please don't be so polite."

"You're injured now, how can you recover quickly if you don't eat more?"

"Besides, wasting food is not a good thing. You ate our unfinished breakfast, which actually did us a great favor."

Without waiting for Zheng Zhiqiang to refuse, Wang Chengpeng had Zhu Hong deliver the steamed buns and soy milk over.

Zheng Zhiqiang hesitated for a moment, but ultimately accepted Wang Chengpeng's kindness, since constantly rejecting other people's kindness is also a kind of hurt.

Perhaps feeling a little embarrassed for having eaten Wang Chengpeng's breakfast, or perhaps simply because he was bored, Zheng Zhiqiang, who had been mostly silent after breakfast, suddenly took the initiative to chat with Wang Chengpeng.
"Comrade Wang, even when you were seriously injured, you still didn't forget to teach your students. You are truly a dedicated teacher."

"Not only that, your teaching level is also very high. As I listened to you, I felt like I understood some of it as well."

Wang Chengpeng was also wrapped in a lot of bandages, and he kept explaining the problems to Zhu Hong. It was because of this that Zheng Zhiqiang had the illusion that Wang Chengpeng was a teacher.

Faced with Zheng Zhiqiang's misunderstanding, Wang Chengpeng smiled and shook his head, explaining:

"Teacher? I don't have that ability."

"I'm just a high school student who has gained a little knowledge through self-study."

"It's only because Zhu Hong didn't mind that he was willing to listen to my lectures."

After listening to Wang Chengpeng's explanation, Zheng Zhiqiang nodded in sudden understanding.

He hadn't had much contact with teachers and didn't know how good Wang Chengpeng's teaching skills were.

Even so, he still said with immense admiration:

"Regardless of your teaching level, with the college entrance examination just around the corner, Comrade Wang, you are still willing to take the time to tutor this comrade next to you. This spirit is truly commendable."

"You two continue your studies, I won't disturb you any longer."

After a brief conversation, the ward returned to silence, broken only by the sound of Zhu Hong writing.

Once he had thoroughly consolidated his knowledge, it was time for Wang Chengpeng to move on to the next lesson. This cycle repeated itself, and Zhu Hong's knowledge continued to accumulate.

Just when Wang Chengpeng thought he would get through another day peacefully, two more people came to visit him in the ward in the afternoon.

Pushing open the door, a gust of northwest wind carrying snow particles rushed in, and Xia Mingyue's face, pale with cold, followed as she peered in.

Frost clung to the tip of her nose, and although the collar of her blue khaki cotton-padded jacket was turned up high, it still couldn't stop the cold wind from sneaking in through her neck.

"This awful weather... Comrade Wang, you'd better be careful not to catch a cold!"

Xia Mingyue exhaled a deep breath and took out two lunch boxes wrapped tightly in towels from her handbag.

The weather is cold now, and aluminum lunchboxes don't keep food warm. If not handled properly, the food in the lunchboxes will be cold by the time Xia Mingyue travels over mountains and rivers to get here.

Why isn't Auntie here today?

As if she couldn't see Zhu Hong, Xia Mingyue opened the lunchbox on her own.

As soon as the lunchbox lid was lifted, the aroma of stewed potatoes, pork, and cabbage filled the ward, even overpowering the distinctive smell of disinfectant found in hospitals.

Xia Mingyue placed the lunchbox on the small table next to Wang Chengpeng and advised:
"Eat it while it's hot, it won't taste good when it's cold."

But as soon as she finished speaking, she seemed to realize something, her face turned even redder, and she hurriedly explained:

"Comrade Wang, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that."

"If you have difficulty moving your hands and feet, and your aunt isn't here, and it's really impossible..."

Before Xia Mingyue could finish speaking, Wang Chengpeng interrupted her directly, saying:

"Xia, thank you for your kindness."

"I know you're still upset about what happened a few days ago, but you really don't need to be like this."

"Don't even mention that we know each other; you only came along because of me. Even if it were any other stranger in this situation, they would definitely lend a helping hand."

At this point, Wang Chengpeng turned to Zheng Zhiqiang, who was sitting opposite him behind the curtain, and asked:
"Comrade Zheng, if you saw a strange female comrade being targeted by a pack of wolves, would you choose to sit idly by or rush to help?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zheng Zhiqiang's hoarse voice came from the other end of the line, saying:

"Then of course I'll rush over to help."

Zheng Zhiqiang's personality was such that his answer was exactly what Wang Chengpeng expected, which is why he didn't ask Zhu Hong.

If you were to ask Zhu Hong, he might not be able to get the answer Wang Chengpeng wanted.

Wang Chengpeng gave Xia Mingyue a look that seemed to say, "Is this how it is?" and continued to explain:
“Xia Zhiqing, the weather is really too cold, and you don’t have a bicycle, so it’s really inconvenient for you to go back and forth.”

"Don't worry, I have people looking after me here, so you won't have to worry about food or clothing. You shouldn't come here again next time."

"If something happens to you on your way to visit me again, I would feel really bad."

At this point, Wang Chengpeng paused again and said:

"But I still want to thank Xia Zhiqing for the meal. I'll eat it today."

"This is a good opportunity to show you just how strong my body is. A minor injury is nothing to me." The moment Wang Chengpeng finished speaking, he exerted a little force and sat up from the bed.

Wang Chengpeng deftly picked up the lunchbox and began shoveling food into his mouth. His smooth movements made it impossible to tell that he was a seriously injured patient covered in bandages.

Xia Mingyue, who was standing opposite Wang Chengpeng, had no intention of observing Wang Chengpeng at all. A suspicious blush appeared on her face, and her eyes became somewhat dazed.

Let me show you just how strong my body really is...

He does not mean that.

Xia Mingyue was instantly reminded of that fleeting, breathtaking glimpse of him from back then by Wang Chengpeng's words.
Especially when she was bandaging Wang Chengpeng, she saw it clearly and realized just how strong his body was.

However, just as the atmosphere was becoming increasingly ambiguous, Zhu Hong's words instantly silenced the entire ward:

“Xia Zhiqing, how can you be so biased? You only bring food for my brother Wang, but not for me.”

Am I not human?

Upon hearing Zhu Hong's words, Wang Chengpeng nearly spat out the food in his mouth.

After quickly swallowing his food, Wang Chengpeng scolded him, somewhat exasperated:

"Zhu Hong, don't joke with Xia Zhiqing. She has no reason to bring you food."

Distracted by Zhu Hong, Xia Mingyue also snapped out of her thoughts and said awkwardly:

"Comrade Wang, okay, I'll do whatever you say. I won't deliver the food for now."

"But once you're all better, I'll treat you to a meal to celebrate. Please don't refuse then."

Another dinner invitation, and then being surrounded by wolves? Wang Chengpeng couldn't help but shudder.

Although he was not afraid of wolves, he also did not have masochistic tendencies.

Most importantly, with the college entrance exam just around the corner, we can't afford any more accidents.

Thinking this, Wang Chengpeng smiled and said:
"I can treat you to a meal, but let's save it for after the college entrance exam."

"If any of us get into university, that would be a double celebration."

As he spoke, Wang Chengpeng put the last bite of rice into his mouth, quickly packed up the lunchbox, and then handed it back.

Xia Mingyue took the lunchbox, nodded vigorously, and said:
"Okay, let's wait until the college entrance exam results are released before we talk about it."

"Comrade Wang, I have something to attend to, so I won't disturb your rest any longer."

Without any hesitation, Xia Mingyue left the ward directly.

Wang Chengpeng is right. At this crucial moment with the college entrance examination just around the corner, safety should be the top priority.

It's winter now, and it gets dark quickly. If she doesn't go back soon, and something happens, wouldn't she become a burden to Wang Chengpeng again?

Unexpectedly, not long after Xia Mingyue left, two more people came to visit Wang Chengpeng, bringing some fruit.

One of them was none other than Song Sixi, whom Wang Chengpeng had once sponsored.

Song Sixi also kept in mind Wang Chengpeng's kindness. After hearing that Wang Chengpeng was injured, he took the time to visit him in the hospital.

The other person was Wang Chengpeng's childhood friend, Wang Zidong. The two were going the same way, so they came to visit Wang Chengpeng together, which kept him company.

Looking enviously at Zhu Hong, who was doing his homework, Song Sixi was genuinely envious of Zhu Hong's ability to receive one-on-one private tutoring from Wang Chengpeng.

If he could have the same treatment, wouldn't his grades improve by leaps and bounds?
Although Wang Chengpeng was touched by their visit, he still complained aloud:

"You two are really something. I only suffered a minor injury, it's not worth such a big fuss about visiting me."

"With the college entrance examination just around the corner, studying is the most important thing for you right now."

"Leave your things here, and you should go back as soon as possible. I can't afford to let this interfere with your studies."

Normally, Wang Chengpeng would naturally be willing to let them stay a little longer, but now that time is of the essence, he naturally hopes that the two of them will study hard at home.

Faced with Wang Chengpeng's persuasion, Wang Zidong immediately retorted:

"Pengzi, what are you talking about? Do you think studying is more important than you?"

"How can I concentrate on my studies if I don't come and see what's going on with you?"

"But thankfully, judging from your strong voice, you should be alright, so I'm relieved."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the two returned to Wangjia Village, and the ward became quiet again.

Zheng Zhiqiang had lunch, which was steamed cornbread specially delivered by the nurse. Wang Chengpeng didn't do anything else, only asking Zhu Hong to buy his own lunch.

As time went by, and after the sun set again and it got completely dark, he spent another day in the ward.

……

Day three.

When Wang Chengpeng woke up early in the morning, he felt really uncomfortable lying there, so he immediately asked the doctor to come and remove the bandages.

Faced with Zhu Hong's relentless pursuit, the doctor tried to explain for a long time but failed to make it clear. After all, Zhu Hong was only convinced of one thing: Wang Chengpeng had told him to call the doctor over.

That's why the barefoot doctor treated Wang Chengpeng very badly when he arrived, saying bluntly:
"You're being ridiculous!"

"Complaining about removing the bandages before the injury has even healed will only cause further damage."

Faced with the barefoot doctor's reprimand, Wang Chengpeng smiled and said:
"Doctor, I know you mean well, but I know my own body best."

"Why don't you remove some of the bandages first and see? If the situation isn't good, then I'll just stay in the hospital?"

Wang Chengpeng's idea was not bad. The barefoot doctor hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded.

Then he picked up a pair of sterilized scissors and cut the bandage on Wang Chengpeng's right hand.

As the bandages were removed, the barefoot doctor couldn't help but gasp in surprise:
"Hey, your wound is almost completely healed."

"If the wounds in other parts of the body can heal like this, then there's no need to stay in the hospital any longer; you can just go home and rest."

As he spoke, the barefoot doctor used scissors to remove the bandages from other parts of Wang Chengpeng's body.

As he dismantled it, he kept clicking his tongue in amazement:

"You're really stronger than an ox; such a serious injury has already started to scab over and heal."

"Alright, you've pretty much met the discharge criteria. Go home and rest well, and remember to eat less spicy or irritating foods to avoid leaving too many scars."

Wang Chengpeng nodded slightly and agreed, saying:
"Doctor, I understand."

"Don't worry, I definitely won't do anything reckless."

(End of this chapter)