The physician's knowledge was limited—he'd been powerless to help serious cases like Ma Laosan's—but he remained competent enough to treat common illnesses like fevers and chills.
Aunt Liu had come in a rush, didn't have any money on her. The old physician waved his hand: "It's fine, you can pay tomorrow."
The Liu family, though not wealthy in the village, were people of good character.
Moreover, with the new side business supplying vegetables to Zuixiao Restaurant this past half year, never mind how much they could earn, at least they could afford these few dozen coppers for medicine now.
Besides, this wasn't for the Liu family, it was for Zhao Ger.
The Liu family might not have money, but Fang Zichen definitely did.
Even if he couldn't, it was of little consequence. After all, Fang Zichen had taken the Prefectural Exam. Passing it would make him a Tongsheng from then on.
He was the most promising person in the village, it was only right to look after him a bit more.
After seeing the physician out, Zhou Ger went to the kitchen to brew the medicine. Aunt Liu glanced at Guaizai, pulled Uncle Liu outside, and quietly told him about Fang Zichen running away from home.
Uncle Liu frowned: "That can't be right! Fang boy doesn't seem like that kind of person!"
"Then why isn't he home?" Aunt Liu said: "Guaizai said so himself. I... I don't want to think that either. Zhao Ger has only had a few good days!"
"Don't say anymore." Uncle Liu glanced into the room: "Don't let the child hear."
Aunt Liu immediately stopped.
"Let's ask Zhao Ger himself when he wakes up." Uncle Liu sighed, comforting her: "Don't overthink it for now. Fang Zichen registered his residence here, meaning he put down roots in our village. He wouldn't just leave. Maybe the young couple just had a quarrel, he got angry and stormed off. When Zhao Ger wakes up, we'll ask for details, then go find him. Zhao Ger is his fulang, we can't let him just abandon him like this."
Zhao Ger had become pregnant with Guaizai at a young age, before marriage. The Ma family had initially claimed the child was theirs, but after Zhao Ger left with Fang Zichen, they grew resentful. They began spreading malicious rumors that Guaizai was a bastard, child born from an adulterous affair.
Zhao Ger's reputation was already tarnished. Furthermore, he and Fang Zichen had lived as couple for over half a year. They were two young men; of course, their relationship had been physically intimate. If Fang Zichen were to abandon him now, Zhao Ger would likely never find another partner.
"All we can do now is wait for him to wake," Aunt Liu said. "I'll stay with him. You should go check on Liuliu—we can't have him waking up alone and frightened. And please bring back some ginger to make a warm drink for Guaizai, the poor child is chilled to the bone."
"Understood."
When the medicine was ready, Zhou Ger let it cool until it was just warm before carrying the bowl into the bedroom. He carefully brought a spoonful to Zhao Ger's lips, but Zhao Ger kept them tightly pressed together, stubbornly refusing to swallow.
It was as if he was resisting the medicine, unwilling to take it.
After multiple unsuccessful attempts, Zhou Ger turned to his mother in frustration. "He refuses to drink any of it. What do we do now?"
Zhao Ger's lips were dry and cracked from fever. Aunt Liu took the bowl from Zhou Ger's hands. "Let me try," she said gently.
Still, Zhao Ger would not drink.
Aunt Liu understood then, Zhao Ger didn't want to get better.
"Zhao Ger, you mustn't give up like this," Aunt Liu implored, her voice choked with emotion as she cradled his feverish, work-roughened hand. "If you won't think of yourself, then think of your son. Guaizai is still so young—he cannot lose his dad. Please, drink the medicine. We need you to get better. Once you're well, we will all help you find Fang Zichen."
She didn't know which of her words finally reached him, but Zhao Ger's lips parted slightly.
He seemed to be whispering something.
His voice was faint, barely a breath.
Aunt Liu bent closer until her ear almost brushed his lips. When she finally made out his words, her heart twisted painfully and tears sprang to her eyes.
Zhao Ger was calling for Fang Zichen.
He was begging him to come back.
Pleading with him not to leave.
Asking him to take them both with him.
"Fang Zichen... Fang Zichen..."
He repeated the name, again and again.
The night passed in turmoil and distress.
It was not until dawn approached that Zhao Ger's fever finally broke
Aunt Liu and Zhou Ger kept their watch at his bedside, never once returning home.
The next morning, Aunt Liu cooked a simple porridge. After helping Guaizai get dressed, she led him to the kitchen and encouraged him to eat. But the boy just stared at the bowl, making no move to touch it.
"What's wrong, dear?" she asked.
"Can Grandma make buns for Guaizai?" He jumped off his stool, went to the cupboard, and with some effort, pulled out a small sack of flour. "Please, Grandma? Guaizai doesn't know how."
Aunt Liu didn't think much of it and patted his head. "Does our Guaizai want to eat buns? Of course, Grandma will make you some."
Guaizai shook his head. "Guaizai needs buns for the journey. To find Father. If I eat, I'll have strength."
The last time Fang Zichen had departed for an examination, Zhao Ger had prepared steamed buns and pickled vegetables for his journey. Watching his father pack the food, Guaizai had asked why he couldn't just eat at home. Zhao Ger had patiently explained that these were provisions for the road.
Guaizai remembered it.
Aunt Liu fell silent, momentarily speechless. She then knelt down so she could look directly into his eyes. "Guaizai, be honest with Grandma," she asked gently. "Did your Daddy and Father have an argument yesterday?"
"No!" Guaizai frowned, his small brow furrowing. "Father is good! They don't fight! Grandma, please help. Guaizai needs buns."
He clung to the sack of flour stubbornly, his small arms wrapped tightly around it as if his very life depended on not letting go.
Realizing she would get no straight answer from the child, Aunt Liu could only sigh in resignation and set to work making the buns.
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