〈Romance of An-ping: Miss
Jin’s Interethnic Love Story〉21

Chapter Twenty: Shayun Opens a Clinic in Dayuan Harbor

101
Behind the bamboo fence in the backyard of Junsheng Clinic, sunlight filtered through sparse leaves and fell onto the ground, leaving a mottled pattern of light and shadow. Around were blooming flowers and the fresh fragrance of herbs, a gentle breeze carrying the clean scent of plants, making one involuntarily take a deep breath. Along the small path in the backyard, several bamboo-woven medicine baskets were placed, filled with various Chinese medicinal herbs. Ali and Xiuyah stood by a stone table; Ali was concentrating on guiding Xiuyah in identifying herbs.

In Ali’s hand was a sliced piece of Angelica root; he carefully explained: “This Chinese herb is called Angelica. Its flavor is rich, the medicinal property is sweet and warm with a moist quality, most commonly used to replenish blood. It is often paired with Rehmannia, White Peony, and other herbs, like the Four-Substance Decoction women often use to regulate their menstrual cycles.” He slightly lowered his head, extending the Angelica toward Xiuyah, and said softly, “Xiuyah, smell it.”

Xiuyah leaned a little closer, bringing her nose to Ali’s hand, inhaled deeply, her eyes brightening, her tone carrying a trace of surprise and delight: “So fragrant, such a strong smell! This scent reminds me of the fragrance of plants in autumn.”

Ali smiled and nodded slightly, seemingly satisfied with Xiuyah’s reaction. Nearby, Dalai and Karly were organizing other herbs; the bamboo baskets emitted faint clinking sounds. Dalai unintentionally glanced at Karly, his tone low but with a trace of helplessness: “Brother Karly, last night when my sister came home, Sena asked her whether she planned to take you as a son-in-law.”

Karly’s eyebrows lifted slightly; he paused while arranging a bundle of dried grass, turning to look at Dalai: “Then, what did Shayun say?”

Dalai slightly lowered his head, his tone carrying some weight: “My sister said she believes Junsheng will come back; she is still waiting. At that time, I advised her to let go, but she wouldn’t listen.”

After hearing this, Karly could not help but sigh softly; a trace of disappointment passed over his face. His hands still held the herbs, but he seemed to lack the energy to continue arranging them, his gaze drifting slightly: “Ah… the result is predictable…”

Dalai noticed Karly’s emotion, his heart stirred, and he walked toward him, his tone carrying sincerity and gratitude: “All these years, you have cared for my sister and her daughter like this; I’ve seen it all, Brother Karly.”

Karly smiled faintly, though a little helpless, yet his tone revealed a hint of relief. He lifted his hand and lightly patted Dalai’s shoulder, his tone gentle yet firm: “Being able to accompany Shayun is enough to satisfy me.”

Dalai silently nodded, a trace of reluctance in his eyes. He frowned slightly, speaking with a hint of anxiety: “But this isn’t fair to you, Brother Karly.” His tone conveyed concern and sympathy for Karly.

Karly lifted his head, his gaze firm yet gentle, smiling as he patted Dalai’s shoulder, his tone calm but full of strength: “I’ve come to terms with it…” He paused for a moment, a hint of depth flickering in his eyes, “Everyone has their own path. Being able to accompany her this far is already enough.”

These words fell like a heavy stone into a calm lake, leaving ripples, the surrounding air seeming to solidify. Ali and Xiuyah heard this and silently exchanged glances; the air was filled with an unspoken understanding. The backyard wind gently blew, the bamboo leaves rustling, providing a silent echo to their words.

102
Inside the consultation room of Junsheng Clinic, the light was soft; faint candlelight illuminated wooden tables and chairs and the jars and bottles on the herb racks. The air was filled with a mixture of herbs and essential oils. Occasionally, the sea breeze brushed through, coming in through the window gaps, bringing a slight chill.

Bossman’s face was pale, pain tightly gripping his abdomen, a trace of cold sweat flickering in his eyes. He was being supported by two attendants, struggling to walk into the clinic’s consultation room. Each step was slow and heavy; each moment of pain seemed to devour him.

Seeing this, Lalu immediately stepped forward, worry deepening on her face: “Bossman, what’s wrong?”

Bossman’s eyes were filled with pain. He clenched his hands over his abdomen, his voice trembling: “My stomach… hurts badly, it’s killing me…”

Lalu furrowed her brows, urgently asking: “Did you eat something unclean, eat recklessly, and upset your stomach?”

Bossman shook his head, replying with difficulty: “No…”

Seeing his pain, Lalu could not help but exclaim: “Shayun, there’s a patient here, it’s Bossman!” Her voice carried a hint of urgency.

Shortly after, Shayun hurried in. Seeing the situation, her expression immediately became calm, though she could not hide the worry in her eyes. She quickly walked to the bedside, gently lifting Bossman’s hand, helping him settle into position, her tone soft yet carrying the calmness of a healer: “Bossman, where do you feel uncomfortable?”

Cold sweat already covered Bossman’s forehead; he clenched his teeth, speaking with difficulty: “It started as a dull pain around the navel, then moved to the lower right abdomen, unbearable.”

Hearing this, Shayun immediately extended both hands, gently pressing his lower right abdomen. When her fingers touched his skin, she felt the trembling of his muscles. “Is it here?” she asked softly, her tone professionally calm, yet her eyes faintly revealing concern.

Bossman’s complexion grew even paler, sweat beads sliding down his forehead. He whispered: “Yes, it’s there, the pain… is excruciating.”

Shayun immediately made a judgment; her expression became more serious. She stepped back slightly, concealing her worry: “This is not ordinary gastroenteritis. This may be acute appendicitis. If not treated promptly, it could be life-threatening.”

Upon hearing this, Bossman’s eyes instantly darkened; he swallowed with difficulty, his expression full of helplessness and frustration: “Surgery? That means lying in bed for a while…”

Shayun’s gaze became firm, her tone unwavering: “If we don’t operate, the inflammation will spread, possibly causing more severe complications. This would be fatal for you.” She gently patted Bossman’s shoulder, giving him some comfort: “Don’t worry, I will do my utmost.”

Hearing this, the pain on Bossman’s face could not hide a trace of helplessness; he whispered: “All right…”

Shayun lifted her head, looking at Lalu, her tone calm and decisive: “Lalu, go find Ali, have him prepare anesthesia and surgical instruments.”

Lalu nodded, immediately turning to prepare, walking quickly out of the consultation room. Her steps were swift and strong; her figure quickly disappeared at the doorway.

Shayun stood by the bedside, taking a deep breath, then fixed her gaze on Bossman’s pained face. She softly said: “Don’t worry too much, Bossman, I will be by your side.” Her hand again lightly touched Bossman’s hand, this simple gesture conveying reassurance and firmness.

At this moment, the consultation room was heavy and silent; the only sound was the sea breeze outside brushing the window, carrying a soft rustle. Bossman closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and felt a long-lost comfort. Although the pain remained, a spark of hope appeared in his heart.

103

The lighting in the ward was dim, and on the walls hung a few traditional medicinal herb paintings, adding a touch of rustic atmosphere. The air was permeated with a faint scent of herbs and a fresh blue aromatherapy fragrance, interwoven with the weak sunlight filtering through the window, making this simple ward filled with a healing ambiance. On the herbal rack beside the bed, some medicinal materials used after treatment were neatly arranged, all of which appeared calm and tranquil.

Boshimen lay quietly on the bed, covered with a thick blue blanket. His complexion was still pale, but the pain had eased somewhat. His lower right abdomen still ached faintly, but the post-operative calm allowed him to relax a little. At this moment, the ward door gently opened, and Lalu entered carrying a steaming bowl of porridge.

She gently pushed open the door to the ward, walked to the bedside, and smiled warmly, speaking softly: “Boshimen, get up and eat.”

Boshimen propped himself up with difficulty, his eyes slightly dim, carrying a trace of fatigue, and nodded slightly toward Lalu. “Thank you, Lalu.” He reached out to take the ceramic bowl from her hands, feeling the warmth radiating from the soup ladle, and a wave of warmth rose in his heart.

Boshimen carefully scooped some soup with the ladle and slowly drank a mouthful. The temperature of the soup was just right, and the sensation sliding down his throat allowed him to relax a little. Each time he drank, he paused, took a deep breath, and carefully savored the faint fragrance.

Lalu stood by the bed, looking down at him, and softly advised: “This is millet and venison porridge. Shayun specifically instructed me to prepare it, because your wound still needs time to heal. This porridge has a light flavor and is beneficial to you.”

Upon hearing this, Boshimen nodded slightly and continued to drink the soup carefully. Lalu’s gaze lingered on his slightly furrowed face, and she could not help but feel a hint of compassion. Her eyes were gentle, thinking: “This Boshimen really is pitiful, wandering alone in the world; no matter how hard he tries, he still seems solitary.”

Lalu slightly lowered her head, withdrew her thoughts, and gently adjusted Boshimen’s pillow to help him find a more comfortable position. Her fingers lightly touched his shoulder, the movements gentle and careful. Boshimen felt her touch, regained a little awareness, and looked at her, his eyes showing a trace of gratitude.

He whispered: “Lalu, thank you for being so attentive…”

Hearing his voice, Lalu’s face revealed a faint smile. She gently shook her head: “It’s nothing. This is what I should do.” Her tone carried a touch of warm concern. She then said: “Rest well. After finishing this, remember to rest more so you can recover faster.”

Boshimen nodded, his eyes revealing a trace of gratitude, and then lowered his head to continue eating the porridge. Lalu stood quietly by his side, watching him, feeling a subtle pang of sympathy in her heart. Although he rarely expressed his emotions, she understood that he must have endured much loneliness and pain.

The ward returned to quiet once again, with only Boshimen’s occasional soft cough and the gentle clinking of the soup ladle against the bowl echoing in this stillness.

104

The Junsheng Clinic in the suburbs of London was located on a quiet street. The exterior walls of the clinic were covered with ivy, giving it an ancient and peaceful look. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, illuminating the interior, and the wooden floor was polished smooth, emitting a faint woody fragrance. On the walls hung several medical illustrations and some thank-you cards from patients, making the clinic appear both warm and professional.

The bell at the door jingled, and Annie pushed the clinic door open, walking in with her slightly weary-looking son, Williams. Williams’ complexion was pale, and his hands clutched his mother’s sleeve tightly, clearly anxious due to discomfort.

Annie gently held her son’s hand and smiled at Junsheng: “Doctor, my son says he has not been feeling well for several days.”

Junsheng looked up, his eyes gentle yet focused. He stood from the desk and walked toward them. The air in the clinic was fresh, carrying a faint herbal fragrance. He lightly patted Williams’ head, his gaze soft: “Don’t worry, little one. Tell me, where does it hurt?”

Williams lowered his head slightly, suppressing his anxiety, and replied weakly: “I have a runny nose and a sore throat…” His small body trembled slightly, as if enduring discomfort.

Junsheng nodded slightly, smiled gently at Williams, and then reached out to touch Williams’ forehead. Williams furrowed his brow a little, feeling warm but did not resist. Junsheng’s fingers were cool to the touch. After checking, he softly said: “Hmm, your forehead is a little warm. Let me examine further.” He gently examined Williams’ eyes, found the pupil reactions normal, and then asked him to open his mouth to carefully inspect his throat.

Next, Junsheng picked up the stethoscope and gently placed it on Williams’ chest. His hands were steady and professional. The metal tube of the stethoscope swayed slightly in the air, producing a faint sound. Williams shivered slightly with discomfort but patiently cooperated.

After a few seconds, Junsheng removed the stethoscope and smiled at Annie and Williams: “A mild fever; it should be a seasonal flu. Keep resting over the next few days, drink warm water, and take your medicine on time, and you will recover.” He lightly patted Williams’ shoulder, his tone still gentle: “Remember to take your medicine on schedule, so you can get better quickly.”

Williams nodded, his eyes relaxing slightly. Though he was still a little uneasy, hearing the doctor’s words seemed to bring a small sense of comfort. “Okay, I will take the medicine,” he said quietly, his voice firmer than before.

Annie looked at her son, exhaling slightly, and turned to Junsheng, expressing gratitude: “Thank you, doctor.”

Junsheng smiled faintly and waved lightly: “It’s what I should do; there’s nothing to thank me for. Remember, let him rest more, so he can get better faster.” His tone carried a relaxed care, as if comforting them as a friend.

Annie nodded, holding Williams’ hand, saying to Junsheng: “I will, thank you.” She guided her son toward the clinic exit. Williams lifted his head slightly, looking at the doctor’s still-warm smile, and a little comfort rose in his heart.

The clinic returned to quiet once again. Outside, the wind gently swayed the curtains, and the sunlight still fell on the wooden floor, making the whole space even more serene.

105

Morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, illuminating the Junsheng Clinic with soft light. On the walls hung several ancient medical paintings, creating an atmosphere both quiet and comfortable. In the garden outside the clinic, a few blooming roses emitted a faint fragrance. Occasional birdcalls seemed to keep a distance from the outside clamor.

At that moment, the clinic doorbell jingled. Boshimen stood at the entrance, holding an exquisite gift box in his hands. Sunlight streamed from outside, casting a faint shadow on his silent face. He appeared slightly nervous, hesitated for a moment at the door, and then stepped into the clinic.

Boshimen looked toward Lalu, who was sitting behind the counter, and walked gently over. He slightly lowered his head, handing the gift box to her with a trace of apology. “Lalu, thank you for taking care of me recently. This is a small token of my appreciation.” His tone was sincere. He held the gift box with both hands, seeming somewhat at a loss.

Lalu looked up, a hint of surprise in her eyes. Her straightforward nature made her ill at ease in this situation. She glanced at the exquisite gift box, then reached out to take it, smiling slightly: “Why be so polite? Taking care of patients is my duty. It’s no big deal.” Her tone was gentle, but her eyes conveyed a subtle refusal.

Lalu opened the gift box. Inside was a lustrous pearl necklace and several vividly colored gemstones. She paused, gently closed the lid, and returned the gift to Boshimen: “This gift is too valuable. I cannot accept it.” Her tone was firm. Her hands trembled slightly, seemingly unsure how to handle this gesture.

Boshimen looked at the gift returned to him, a hint of embarrassment on his face. He sighed softly, slightly bending down, his tone carrying a bit of bitterness: “Lalu, don’t be like this! I really appreciate your care for me. This is just a small token. Please don’t refuse me.”

At that moment, Shayun walked over and saw the scene. She spoke softly: “Lalu, please accept Boshimen’s goodwill, okay?” Her tone was gentle as she lightly patted Lalu’s shoulder, signaling her to let down her guard.

Lalu slightly furrowed her brows, looking at the gift box in her hands. Her eyes still showed some struggle. “No. If I accept such a valuable gift, it will never end,” she said quietly. Her tone was firm, yet faintly tinged with helplessness.

Boshimen, hearing this, looked somewhat disappointed. He turned to leave, his steps slightly heavy, as if he had made up his mind to give up. Shayun, seeing this, could not help but say: “Lalu, see? Boshimen seems very sad.” She sighed slightly, her eyes full of understanding and a trace of pity.

Lalu watched Boshimen’s figure gradually recede outside, and said coldly: “Let him go, then? None of those Western men are trustworthy. I’ve clearly seen how Junsheng has treated you all these years.” Her tone carried some disdain and distrust.

Shayun’s expression grew serious. She gently grabbed Lalu’s arm and spoke softly: “Perhaps Junsheng has his reasons. But Boshimen has shown his feelings to you. Why push him away?” Her tone carried a hint of softness and persuasion, her eyes revealing a trace of concern.

Lalu waved her hand, seemingly unwilling to continue the topic. “Western men are all unfaithful in matters of love. I won’t be deceived!” Her voice sounded cold. Her facial expression showed determination, and her eyes held a faint trace of painful memory.

Shayun sighed softly and silently stood aside, watching Boshimen’s figure gradually disappear outside, and an inexplicable sense of melancholy rose in her heart.