Siheyuan: I will never tolerate gambling and drugs!

Inside a moving car

The black sedan belonging to the Minister of Industry drove steadily along the asphalt roads of Beijing. The scenery outside the window rushed past, gradually moving from the bustling city streets into a quiet and solemn area.

Xu Lin sat in the back seat, his back ramrod straight, his hands neatly placed on his knees. Minister Gao Liang, sitting beside him, was reading a document, occasionally glancing out of the corner of his eye at this young man who was usually so successful in the factory but now seemed somewhat reserved, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Don't be so tense. When we get there, talk less and listen more," Gao Liang said softly, closing the file.

Xu Lin nodded, his Adam's apple bobbing. Although he had a system with him, this body was still imbued with Chinese blood, and the place he was going to was a sacred place in the hearts of all Chinese people.

The car slowly slowed down and stopped in front of the two heavy vermilion gates. A stern-looking guard stepped forward, saluted, and checked the pass.

As soon as the car door opened and Xu Lin got out, he saw a familiar figure standing by the sentry post.

Zhang Feng was wearing a Zhongshan suit without any markings, with a half-smoked cigarette between his fingers. When he saw Xu Lin come down, his usually gloomy and tense face relaxed for once.

"Old Zhang... Director Zhang," Xu Lin changed his address.

Zhang Feng stubbed out his cigarette in the dust, walked over, looked Xu Lin up and down, and laughed, "Not bad, kid, you've got a good physique. Come on, let's get down to business."

He didn't stand on ceremony, patting Xu Lin a few times. When he touched the packet of silver needles at his waist, he paused, looked up, and said mockingly, "You've brought your tools of the trade?"

"That's the guy who'll save my life," Xu Lin replied.

"Alright, whatever you say," Zhang Feng added in a low voice, then stepped aside. "Let's go, don't keep that person waiting."

The three of them walked inside. Red walls and yellow tiles, ancient cypress trees reaching for the sky. The air here seemed heavier than outside, and with each step, they could hear their own heartbeats.

After passing through two gates and then three checkpoints, the guards on each level scrutinized me with eyes like knives, only letting me through after confirming my identity.

Upon reaching a quiet courtyard, Gao Liang and Zhang Feng both stopped in their tracks.

"Go inside." Gao Liang pointed to the closed door, his voice low. "We'll wait outside."

Xu Lin was taken aback, then pointed to himself: "Just me?"

"What? Scared?" Zhang Feng raised an eyebrow. "Where did your guts go, the one who asked me if I wanted Katyusha?"

Xu Lin took a deep breath and said no more. He straightened his collar and stepped up the stairs.

The cloth shoes made a soft sound as they stepped on the bluestone slabs.

Standing in front of the red-painted wooden door, Xu Lin raised his hand, paused in mid-air for two seconds, and then gently knocked.

"Tap, tap, tap."

A few seconds of deathly silence.

Then, a warm and mellow voice, with a slight Huai'an accent, came from inside the door.

"Come in."

These two words were like two electric currents, instantly piercing Xu Lin's skull. He had heard this voice countless times in later video recordings, each time accompanied by the figure of someone who had devoted himself to the country.

Could it be that old man?

Xu Lin's hands trembled slightly, and his movements as he pushed the door open were clumsy and slow.

The door opened. The furnishings inside were shockingly simple.

Against the wall was a row of bookshelves reaching the ceiling, crammed with all sorts of documents and books. On a large desk, approval documents were piled up like a small mountain.

Behind that pile of documents sat an old man.

He was wearing a faded gray Zhongshan suit, holding a fountain pen, and writing at his desk. Hearing the noise, he slowly raised his head.

Those two thick, dark, sword-like eyebrows, those deep, intelligent eyes, and that face slightly gaunt from years of hard work.

At this moment, time and space seemed to overlap.

Xu Lin stood at the doorway, his feet seemingly rooted to the spot.

He had thought of countless ways to start the conversation, how to appear neither arrogant nor humble, and how to showcase the spirit of a young person in the new era.

But when I actually saw this old man, all my mental preparations crumbled instantly.

He knew the old man's life. He knew that for this country, for his four hundred million compatriots, he had burned himself out like a lamp with its oil exhausted. He knew that he had no children of his own, yet he treated all the children in the world as his own. He knew that in the years to come, he would have to endure countless stormy days and nights alone.

A sour, astringent taste suddenly rushed into my nasal cavity.

Xu Lin's vision blurred instantly, and tears streamed down her face like a broken string of pearls.

He didn't want to cry, he felt ashamed, but his body was completely out of his control. It was the catharsis of seeing a long-lost relative, of finally finding someone to rely on after suffering so much injustice.

The old man stared at the young man sobbing uncontrollably at the door, and paused for a moment.

He put down his pen and walked around the desk. His steps were slow, and his right arm was slightly bent—an injury from his early years.

"What's wrong?"

The old man's voice was as gentle as a spring breeze, without the slightest airs. He walked up to Xu Lin and, as if treating a younger family member who had been wronged, gently patted Xu Lin's shoulder.

This slap made Xu Lin cry even harder. He lowered his head, his shoulders heaved violently, and suppressed sobs escaped his throat.

The old man smiled, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothing out, revealing a kind expression. He took a neatly folded handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Xu Lin.

"Young man, tears are precious."

The old man took Xu Lin's hand; the hand was warm, dry, yet strong.

Xu Lin was led to the sofa and sat down. The old man turned around, picked up the thermos, poured a glass of water, placed it on the coffee table in front of Xu Lin, and then sat quietly opposite him without saying a word, watching him and patiently waiting for him to calm down.

The room was quiet, with only the ticking of the wall clock.

Several minutes passed before Xu Lin stopped sobbing. He clutched the handkerchief tightly, looked up, his eyes red and swollen, at the old man in front of him who had devoted his life to the country.

A thousand words were stuck in my throat.

Finally, as if possessed, he reached out and grasped the old man's calloused hand, his lips trembling as he uttered a nonsensical question:

"Are you...are you alright?"

This greeting transcends the years, carrying the concern of hundreds of millions of people for the elderly person before them.

The old man clearly hadn't expected the young man's first words after calming down to be a greeting. He paused for a moment, then laughed heartily and patted Xu Lin's hand on the back.

"Me? I'm fine. I can eat and sleep well, and I can even guard the house for you kids."

A flicker of emotion crossed the old man's eyes. People who usually met him were either trembling with fear when reporting their work or speaking earnestly when they had something to ask for; very few people reacted like this child, their first thought being concern for his health.

"Your name is Xu Lin, right?" The old man leaned forward slightly, his eyes bright. "I've heard your name more than once lately. Gao Liang's loud voice has been praising you to the skies, saying you're unparalleled. Have you had any grievances at work or in your life?"

Xu Lin lowered his head somewhat embarrassed upon hearing the first half of the sentence, but upon hearing the second half, he had a thousand words he wanted to say. However, when he looked up and saw the old man's haggard appearance, tears almost welled up in his eyes again: "Minister Gao, you flatter me. I was just doing my duty. The younger generation... the younger generation has not been wronged at all. Everything is fine... we can overcome any difficulties. Please rest assured and take good care of your health..."

The old man didn't understand Xu Lin's implication that "the younger generation has no grievances." Instead, his expression turned solemn as he patted Xu Lin's hand. "If you have grievances, speak up. Our country has just been established, and many aspects are still being improved step by step. There are also many areas where our work is not up to par. We need you young people, the new generation of the country, to stand up, point out the flaws, and point out the mistakes!"

After speaking, the old man got up and picked up a few sheets of paper from the table. These were proposals that Xu Lin had previously written about the reform of traditional Chinese medicine and the promotion of barefoot doctors.

"I've read this article three times. Every word is precious," the old man exclaimed. "Especially the idea of ​​'shifting the focus of medical and health work to rural areas,' that's very insightful. Our country has a weak foundation, our farmers suffer, and the lack of medical care and medicine is a major problem. Your approach is spot on."

Xu Lin immediately stood up straight: "That's just my humble opinion. Traditional Chinese medicine is a treasure left by our ancestors; it's simple, inexpensive, and most suitable for our current national conditions."

The old man nodded in satisfaction, gesturing for him to sit down, then looked out the window with a deep gaze: "Yes, we can't lose what our ancestors taught us. The future belongs to you, and this responsibility will eventually fall on the shoulders of you young people."

At this point, the old man turned his head, his eyes piercing: "Do you know why we, the older generation, studied?"

Xu Lin blurted out: "Study for the rise of China."

The old man was taken aback. Hearing Xu Lin utter those familiar words, he looked at the young man before him, momentarily dazed, sighing at the fleeting nature of time. Then, a smile spread across his face—a smile of genuine satisfaction: "Good, good. And you, Comrade Xu Lin, what are you doing this for?"

Xu Lin looked into the old man's eyes and said solemnly, word by word, "I will always keep your words in mind. The purpose of my studies is to hope that the people of this land of China will no longer suffer from cold and hunger, no longer be tormented by disease, and that our country will have dignity! That our people will have dignity!"

A hint of appreciation flashed in the old man's eyes, and he said "good" three times.

The atmosphere gradually relaxed. The old man took a sip of water and changed the subject: "Besides your medical skills, the batch of 'local specialties' you got from our Soviet big brother also played a significant role."

Xu Lin's heart tightened; he knew the big leader was referring to Katyusha.

"That batch of equipment has all been delivered to the front lines." The old man's tone turned serious, carrying a chilling decisiveness. "The frontline command sent a telegram saying that this artillery arrived just in time. The Americans certainly won't let this go easily, and this equipment will definitely greatly reduce our soldiers' casualties. Comrade Xu Lin, you've done a great service!"

Xu Lin felt his eyes welling up again, and he shook his head: "As long as the soldiers bleed less, it would be worth it even if I gave my life."

"Young people shouldn't risk their lives so easily. You must live, and be careful to preserve your life. It will be of great use in the future. No matter what happens, never give up." The old man smiled and waved his hand to ease the atmosphere.

At that moment, the door was gently pushed open. Gao Liang and Zhang Feng walked in, both with respectful expressions.

"Big Boss!" Gao Liang breathed a sigh of relief as he watched the harmonious atmosphere.

The old man pointed at Gao Liang: "You old Gao, you have a sharp eye, finding such a treasure. But let me tell you this, it's good that young people are energetic, but we can't just make them work without giving them anything in return. We should give them more responsibilities and take care of them."

Gao Liang immediately stood at attention: "Please rest assured, sir! I will take care of it as soon as I get back, and I will never let Xiao Xu suffer any injustice."

Zhang Feng chimed in from the side, "Sir, I'll personally oversee this kid's safety."

The group chatted for a few more minutes about everyday matters. Xu Lin kept staring at the old man's face, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper with each glance.

"Sir, you don't look well," Xu Lin suddenly interrupted Gao Liang's report.

The room fell silent instantly. Zhang Feng looked nervously at Xu Lin; this was a major taboo.

The old man didn't seem to mind, rubbing his temples: "It's an old problem. I've been staying up too late lately, so I can't sleep well."

"Let me take your pulse," Xu Lin said, standing up with an unquestionable tone.

Before Gao Liang could say anything, the old man had already extended his wrist: "Alright, I've heard Minister Zhao mention your medical skills more than once. This time, let the little miracle doctor show me his skills!"

Xu Lin placed three fingers on the inch-long ruler, holding his breath and concentrating.

Upon hearing this, Xu Lin's heart sank.

The pulse is thready, rapid, and weak, indicating deficiency of both the heart and spleen, as well as severe liver qi stagnation. This is a typical case of long-term overexertion, with the body's vital energy leaking out like a funnel. Coupled with the trauma of early war, this body is already riddled with holes, barely held together by a strong spirit.

Xu Lin withdrew his hand, without saying anything frightening, and silently walked behind the old man, gesturing for him to lie down on the sofa.

"Sir, let me give you a massage; it can help you sleep."

"Okay, let's give it a try."

Xu Lin activated the master-level massage technique rewarded by the system, his fingertips radiating a warm internal energy. He first massaged Fengchi and Jianjing acupoints, using a combination of gentle and firm pressure to gradually dissolve the stiff muscle knots.

The old man gave a comfortable "hmm," and his tense shoulders slowly slumped down.

Next, Xu Lin took out silver needles and, with lightning speed, applied them to several major acupoints, including Shenmen, Neiguan, and Baihui. Each needle brought a faint sensation of energy, calming the old man's disordered Qi.

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Gao Liang and Zhang Feng didn't dare make a sound, staring wide-eyed.

About ten minutes later, Xu Lin gently removed the needle.

At this moment, the old man who had captured the world's attention began to breathe deeply and evenly—he had actually fallen asleep on the sofa.

Looking at the old man's sleeping face, with the dark circles under his eyes, Xu Lin felt a pang of sadness. He knew this was probably the deepest sleep the old man had had in a long time.

Xu Lin picked up a blanket from the side and gently covered the old man with it.

Then he went to his desk, picked up a pen and paper, and quickly wrote down a prescription.

"Old Zhang, this prescription is for regulating qi and blood, calming the mind and nourishing the brain. The herbs must be of good quality, and it should be simmered over a low flame." Xu Lin handed the prescription to Zhang Feng and instructed in a low voice, "Also, be sure to remind the health care doctor that the leader's right arm cannot be exposed to cold, and it should be treated with a hot compress on rainy days."

Zhang Feng solemnly accepted the prescription and carefully put it into his pocket: "I've got it."

Gao Liang pointed to the door, indicating that he was leaving.

The three of them tiptoed out of the office like thieves, gently closing the door behind them.

Standing in the courtyard, Gao Liang let out a long sigh, patted Xu Lin on the back, and said with a complicated expression, "You're something else. You're the first person to make the commander fall asleep so quickly."

Xu Lin glanced back at the tightly closed window, silently wishing himself well and a long life. No, for the sake of the people, you too must live long...

"Let's go back to the factory." Gao Liang waved his hand. "Let's keep what happened today to ourselves."

"clear."

On the way back, the atmosphere in the carriage became much more relaxed.

Xu Lin leaned back in his chair, watching the receding red walls outside the window, his heart feeling heavier than when he arrived. It was a sense of responsibility that came with being trusted, and also a sense of urgency to change the regrets of history.

The car drove out of Zhongnanhai, merged into the heavy traffic, and sped towards the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill.

……

It was already afternoon when I returned to the steel rolling mill's medical clinic.

As soon as Xu Lin entered the room, he saw Ding Qiunan frowning as she organized the medicine cabinet. When she saw Xu Lin return, her eyes lit up. She was about to speak when she noticed that Xu Lin's eyes were a little red.

"Dr. Xu, what's wrong?" Ding Qiunan walked over worriedly. "Did you get criticized by your boss?"

Xu Lin looked at the innocent girl in front of him, took a deep breath, suppressed his turbulent emotions, and put on his usual gentle smile.

"No, it's just that the wind was strong and it got in my eyes..."