RYEY -Chapter 501 A New Official Makes Three Bold Moves

Cheng Qiao and Li Huan didn’t tell the twins when they would leave. Cheng Qiao couldn’t bear seeing her little daughter cry—those tears seemed like boiling water scorching her heart.

And Ye Jing, who appeared calm on the surface, had eyes full of reluctance to part. This expression made Cheng Qiao’s heart ache even more; the child was far too sensible.

Early in the morning, Cheng Qiao braided Xiao Nuan’s hair and clipped a little emerald dragonfly on her head. Its eyes were two blood-red gems, constantly reflecting dim light.

The dragonfly’s body was made of flawless jade, round and smooth, with a pair of glittering wings attached.

The wings were crafted from thin golden sheets, delicate as a cicada’s wing. Every detail, from craft to material, was exquisite.

“Mom, this…”

“It’s an early birthday gift. Wear it—no one will say anything.”

Now that society was open, why not let the girl dress up beautifully? Everyone has a love of beauty; principals and teachers would understand.

Other girls might envy or be jealous, but Cheng Qiao had to help Xiao Nuan grow quickly, to face both kindness and malice alone.

Ye Jing’s eyes flickered. He glanced at Cheng Qiao, then silently served two bowls of medicinal porridge for Cheng Qiao and Li Huan. Judging by this, after their parents sent them to school, they would leave.

“Son, here, this is for you.”

“Thank you, Mom. I like it a lot.”

Ye Jing opened the box—it held a golden pen, its tip made of pure gold, the cap and body also of solid gold. A tiny pearl, no bigger than a fingernail, adorned the cap, exquisitely made.

“Mom, it looks like brother Cheng Li also has one.”

Cheng Qiao nodded. This was a token of love between her mother and father—a pair. Cheng Liguo’s pen went to Cheng Li; Zhao Min’s would go to Ye Jing.

“Mom, so that means Brother Li Ming has none, right?”

Cheng Qiao smiled. There was plenty of good stuff in the dowry Zhao Min had left behind—it wouldn’t be less for Li Ming, and certainly not for Li Xiaonuan.

After sending the children off to school, they also took Ye Jun to the traditional Chinese medicine hospital before reluctantly bidding him farewell. Ye Jun waved dismissively, annoyed—he was a grown man; still playing these games.

But as soon as he entered his office, he couldn’t help rushing to the window to look outside. The street was bustling with people and bicycles, occasionally a small car passing by—but Cheng Qiao and Li Huan were nowhere in sight.

Three days later, Cheng Qiao and her companions successfully returned to Liangzhou Medical University. When Shen Sanling saw Cheng Qiao pull out her graduation certificate and medical practitioner license, he grinned from ear to ear:

“Cheng Qiao, here, this is the appointment letter that the garrison and the health bureau have long prepared for you. Accept it.”

Cheng Qiao respectfully took it with both hands. The red background and golden lettering made her feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on her shoulders.

Opening the letter, the warm yellow paper revealed Shen Sanling’s strong and vigorous handwriting. From that moment on, Cheng Qiao officially became the director of Liangzhou Health Center.

“Thank you, teacher, for your guidance and trust. I will do my best as director and contribute whatever I can to our country’s medical services.”

“Oh, Director Cheng, you’re too polite. Your superb medical skills are far from ‘a little contribution’; you’re truly a pillar of our country. Would you be interested in taking on apprentices?”

“Apprentices…”

Cheng Qiao paused. Her medical skills came from Ye Jun, and her pill formulations were derived from the ancient prescriptions given to her by her master—she really didn’t feel qualified to take on apprentices.

“Teacher, my knowledge is still shallow; it’s not yet the time to accept apprentices. Maybe later.”

Shen Sanling looked slightly disappointed—he had hoped Shen Ying could learn from Cheng Qiao. With the progress of the times, he clearly felt that his family’s ancestral medical techniques were no longer sufficient.

“Teacher, could Shen Ying come work with me? I need an assistant.”

Shen Sanling suddenly looked up in surprise. He had heard correctly—Cheng Qiao actually wanted his granddaughter as her assistant. This was wonderful news.

“All right, I’ll have her report immediately.”

“I’m here to report.”

Speak of the devil—Shen Ying had been standing outside, listening in on every word. She had been slightly disappointed before, but things had turned around; Cheng Qiao actually wanted her as an assistant.

“Director Cheng, I look forward to working with you.”

“Assistant Shen, I don’t dare claim guidance. Let’s support each other and strive to make this health center bigger and stronger.”

Bigger and stronger—Shen Sanling and Shen Ying exchanged a glance. They had never dared to imagine this, yet the newly appointed Cheng Qiao was already thinking so far ahead.

Cheng Qiao officially assumed her role at the health center. Her first task was to conduct health checks on all the garrison personnel and create individual records for future reference.

Although there were several thousand soldiers, with proper arrangement and help from students at the college, they could complete the task quickly.

Zhu Qingde felt some concern—not afraid of the work itself, but if the records were to be kept permanently, their small health center wouldn’t have enough space.

Don’t underestimate these records. As the health center grows, these records would only multiply, requiring a proper database.

Cheng Qiao nodded. The garrison had plenty of empty land; at worst, they could build an administrative building. Once built, it would also solve most employment issues locally. She was confident the authorities would approve.

With the idea in mind, Cheng Qiao entered her office and began drafting the application for the administrative building. General Wu had promised strong support for her work.

Cheng Qiao detailed her reasons and objectives for building the administrative building, including benefits such as local job creation—better to write too much than too little.

For the land application, she needed to contact Qin Daqiang, as the area was under his jurisdiction. She called him directly. Qin Daqiang could hardly believe his ears—an “administrative building,” such a grand term, appearing in his jurisdiction!

“Cheng Qiao, where are you now?”

“Uncle Qin, I’m at the health center office. By the way, I’m now the director, and there’s some good news to share with you.”

“All right, I’m on my way. Don’t go anywhere.”

Qin Daqiang hung up and rushed to the health center. He knew what Cheng Qiao wanted to discuss—something crucial for the health of the garrison personnel, and he intended to fully support it.

The director’s office was already full. Cheng Qiao, Shen Sanling, Shen Ying, Zhu Qingde, and some veteran TCM doctors invited by Shen Sanling were all excitedly discussing.

Conducting health checks for so many people could generate substantial revenue for the center. With profit, they wouldn’t rely on government subsidies and could rival military district hospitals.