RYEY -Chapter 389 Determined to Keep This Child

This school was far from what they had imagined—everywhere were bricks, tiles, and stones, along with piles of scattered wooden planks.

So that’s why this school wasn’t finished yet. No wonder Uncle Shen said classes would only start next semester. Even if they wanted to start now, it was impossible.

Several of the colleagues, seeing the chaotic scene, were about to lose heart. But since it was their first day and they hadn’t yet fully understood the situation, they held back—for now.

Cheng Qiao smiled as she led them into the campus. What greeted them was a large group of villagers, dressed plainly, working wholeheartedly. They shouted in rhythm while carrying heavy bricks, working with fervor.

There were also soldiers in vests, their strong arms exposed, pants rolled up, sweating profusely as they carried timber back and forth—seemingly tireless.

Seeing everyone working so diligently stirred something in the teachers’ hearts. It reminded them of the hardships they had faced when they were sent down or assigned to the countryside.

Any doubts that had surfaced earlier completely vanished. Everyone was contributing to this school. They were its teachers; why should they lose heart at the first sign of difficulty? That would be shameful.

“Villagers! Comrades! Take a short break. These are the teachers of Liangzhou Medical College. Get to know them!”

Shen Sanling shouted. Everyone paused their work and looked up at the newcomers, their eyes filled with trust and joy. Finally, they had their own medical college and their own teachers.

Li Bing stepped forward and casually washed his hands in a bucket. Seeing Zhu Qingde hesitate slightly, he smiled and nodded. Of course, Zhu Qingde recognized him as the eldest soldier of the Li family—so he had served here.

“Teacher Zhu, our regiment commander has already spoken with President Shen. Until the college has its own canteen and dormitories, our military canteen will be open to you, and we’ve arranged part of the dorms as well.”

“Oh, that’s too much trouble. I really appreciate it.”

Hearing that their basic needs were taken care of completely settled the teachers’ minds. Zhu Qingde said nothing and immediately picked up a nearby shovel, ready to work.

Zhu Beishan was startled and quickly ran over to take the shovel from Zhu Qingde. Looking at Shen Sanling, he smiled awkwardly:

“President Shen, although I studied medicine, I also have some strength. Could you please take my father to the dormitory? I’ll help out here.”

“Father?” The title caught Shen Sanling off guard. But seeing Zhu Qingde nod slightly, he realized there was some bond between them—hence taking Zhu Beishan as his adopted son.

Seeing Zhu Beishan put down his luggage and join the villagers at work, the other young teachers rolled up their sleeves, ready to work hard. This would be their future home.

Tears formed in Shen Sanling’s eyes as he watched. These people were descendants of the old Shen family physicians. In knowledge and experience, they were more than capable of teaching the new students.

Most importantly, although things had started moving here, the financial gap was huge. They could only try submitting reports upwards.

The first request was for 10,000 yuan. When Cheng Qiao saw it, she grabbed a pen and drew a vertical line through the “1,” instantly turning ten thousand into one hundred thousand—scaring him nearly out of his wits.

Unexpectedly, the report was answered within a week. They were instructed to open a public bank account to facilitate future transfers.

It also specifically stated that every state-recognized higher education institution would receive significant annual financial subsidies from the government. Shen Sanling was also expected to maintain strict financial oversight.

Liangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine now had a large sum in its account—enough to renovate the school, pay teachers, and purchase necessary supplies.

Ye Jun, upon learning that a military district clinic would also be set up on campus under Cheng Qiao’s management, called to say he would provide all equipment and facilities, free of charge.

Shen Sanling knew these resources were valuable, but Ye Jun had been a village doctor in Xiangyang Village, returned to his former post, and reclaimed his courtyard—so he certainly had personal assets.

Besides, he was donating everything in the name of helping his disciple, leaving Shen Sanling no choice but to accept. Seeing Shen Sanling’s awkwardness, Cheng Qiao couldn’t help but laugh—apparently, President Shen and her master didn’t get along too well.

With the support of Shen Sanling, Shen Ying, Cheng Qiao, and the wider military and civilian community, along with full state subsidies, Liangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine gradually took shape.

Watching the desolate campus transform into classrooms and a newly built two-story clinic, everyone was deeply moved.

“Next year, we’ll build a three-story dormitory for staff and students, and over there, a canteen and library.”

Shen Sanling announced loudly, drawing rounds of applause. He looked up at the blue sky, thankful that in his darkest hour, he had been made principal, hoping for better days ahead.

Everyone was ecstatic, but Li Bing was left speechless by Jiang Hua’s words. Yuan Qin had heeded Jiang Hua’s advice and gone for a full-body medical checkup.

Until tested, she didn’t realize—but the results were shocking. Yuan Qin was indeed pregnant, already more than two months along.

Yuan Qin was thrilled. If it weren’t for concern for the baby, she would have jumped for joy. But the doctors were not optimistic—Yuan Qin was already forty-eight.

Advanced maternal age posed risks not just to the child and mother but also tested the doctors. Any misstep could cost two lives.

Thus, both doctors and Jiang Hua advised her to terminate the pregnancy early—otherwise, it could end in tragedy.

Yuan Qin’s joy was interrupted. Looking at the man who always obeyed her, she suddenly felt she didn’t know him anymore. How could a father reject his own child? What if it was a boy?

Angry and resolute, Yuan Qin thought of Meili—her daughter. She needed to tell Meili the good news. If it was a boy, Meili would have a younger brother to rely on in the future.

After being discharged, Meili stayed home for postpartum rest. Two days later, she would return to work. Seeing Yuan Qin enter happily, she couldn’t help but smile. It had been a long time since she had seen her mother smile.

“Meili, Mom has great news for you—you’re going to be thrilled.”

Pouring herself a glass of water, Yuan Qin sipped slowly and, before Meili could ask, revealed:

“Daughter, you’re going to have a little brother—a real, biological younger brother.”