Village Doctor's Women-Chapter 276 - 270 Wang Tianhe’s legs went weak

Never mind what the outsiders were feeling. Back in Wang Jian’s courtyard, a group of people stood with their jaws practically on the floor.

Peng Qing and the others were somewhat prepared, but Wang Tianhe was not. He had just set a dish on the table and was heading back to the kitchen when he saw Wang Jian walk in with Old Chen, the two of them chatting and laughing together. He froze on the spot. Only after he regained his composure and listened to Wang Jian’s introduction did he dare believe his eyes.

It really is Old Chen.

Wang Tianhe felt his legs go weak. Even as he held Old Chen’s hands, the situation still felt surreal.

"You have a good son, Mr. Wang," Old Chen said, in high spirits. The moment he had stepped through the door, he’d smelled the aroma of cooking—a scent unique to home-cooked meals that instantly took him back in time. Since he was here for dinner at Wang Jian’s home, his mood lifted immediately. "What have you cooked today? It smells absolutely wonderful."

With that, he took the lead and walked inside, knowing that if he didn’t take the initiative, the meal would be even more strained. As he walked, he added, "Xiao Jian told me today that this is just a family dinner. There’s no need for everyone to be so formal with an outsider like me. Don’t be so reserved. Later on, just eat and drink as you please."

He also saw Peng Qing and the others, but he wasn’t the least bit surprised. He was already well aware of Wang Jian’s association with them.

"Yes, of course," Wang Tianhe nodded repeatedly, unable to hide the broad smile on his face. His cheeks were already flushed red with excitement before he’d even had a drink. "Please, come in. We’ve prepared a few of our specialty dishes today. I hope everyone likes them."

As the sole elder of the Wang family present, Wang Tianhe naturally took on the main responsibility of hosting the guests. He was truly terrified and nervous. His legs felt like jelly, but he forced himself to lead the guests inside. By comparison, the professors and entrepreneurs from the morning didn’t seem frightening at all.

Old Chen had arrived at the perfect time. The dishes prepared by Wang Tianhe and Xu Qian were already on the table, still steaming hot.

The meal was a very restrained affair. It wasn’t until Old Chen had left that Wang Tianhe finally allowed himself to relax. He had assumed the old man would stay for half the day, but instead, he left with Xu Changqing after a short meal and a brief chat. Wang Jian didn’t press them to stay, realizing the old man had noticed how tense they were. It was already a great honor that he had been willing to come to their home at all.

However, Wang Jian truly took to heart what the old man had said about the matter of a National Doctor. Before leaving, Xu Changqing had pulled Wang Jian aside for a private word. He spoke mainly of the extraordinary status of the National Medical Team, but what was even more significant, he stressed, was the title of a true National Doctor. The purpose of the National Medical Team was much like that of the imperial physicians in ancient times, but the title of National Doctor was akin to being named the best in the world.

Having said his piece, Xu Changqing departed, confident that his disciple would understand his earnest intentions.

Seeing the two elders leave, Wang Tianhe’s legs gave out, and he collapsed onto the sofa, no longer caring that there were still other guests present. Nearby, Wang Jian was sitting with the three other families.

It was only then that Wang Tianhe truly understood. His second son had indeed grown up. He had established his own career and made so many connections. He would never have had the chance to meet the people currently gathered in his home in his entire lifetime, let alone share a meal with them at the same table.

Wang Tianhe’s heart finally settled. His mood, which had been soured by the incident with his eldest son, had at last found some comfort. Once he felt better, he joined the conversation.

However, having not chatted with Wang Jian for a long time, Wang Tianhe knew very little about his son’s current life and experiences. At first, he could chime in a few words with Cai Xing and the others, but as the conversation progressed, he could only sit to the side. Like Xu Qian, he watched with a nervous yet proud smile as Wang Jian spoke eloquently while the professors and business owners eagerly supplied him with topics. This was something Wang Tianhe had never anticipated.

Just like that, the group sat and talked for the entire afternoon. The sun outside reached the mountainside, about to be hidden by the distant peaks. Seeing this, Peng Qing and his group rose to say their goodbyes.

Wang Tianhe and Xu Qian watched as Wang Jian sent off the guests in waves, and then they slowly began to clean up the house. By the time everything was done, the world outside was pitch-black. As autumn set in, the night was silent, devoid of the chirping of insects or birds. Only a cool breeze drifted down from the mountains.

After returning to his room, Wang Tianhe lay awake for a long time. He didn’t scroll through short videos on his phone; his mind just kept replaying the day’s events. He was simply zoning out, staring at the ceiling with his thoughts in a complete jumble.

It wasn’t until the moonlight streamed in and touched his face that he suddenly let out a laugh.

This little rascal... He’s all grown up.

Under the moonlight, Wang Tianhe lay with one hand propping up his head and the other resting on his belly, a wide grin spreading across his face.

Maybe tomorrow... I’ll go offer some incense to the ancestors. See if any blue smoke rises.

After the moment of joy passed, Wang Tianhe sighed. It was unclear if he was thinking about the past, or about his older son, Wang Xiang. The room fell silent once more.

「The next morning.」

Before Wang Jian had even woken up, Wang Tianhe pulled Xu Qian aside for a long chat. They only finished when Wang Jian got up to rinse his mouth.

Wang Jian definitely noticed. As soon as he was done, he moved to Xu Qian’s side from an angle his father couldn’t see. Pretending to help her tidy up, he whispered, "What did Dad talk to you about?"

"Hmm?" Xu Qian, lost in thought, didn’t register his question at first.

Wang Jian quickly pressed on, "Did Dad find something out?"

Xu Qian’s face flushed slightly. Xiao Jian’s mind is always in the gutter!

"No, no," she said. "Dad was just telling me a bit about Wang Xiang’s situation. Then he mentioned that some of my relatives showed up at the factory."

Wang Jian paused. "Relatives?"

Xu Qian nodded. "That’s what Dad said. I don’t know the details, just that they came to reconnect with family."

She didn’t elaborate further, shooing Wang Jian away before clearing her mind and getting back to her tasks. Just as Wang Jian was about to ask more, he got a call from Angel.

She said that after their edits, the film was nearly complete and had been submitted for review. According to the information she’d received, it was expected to pass without any issues. Angel even lowered her voice, confiding that someone high up was paying attention to the documentary. Barring any surprises, it was a green light all the way. She told Wang Jian to keep it under wraps, as the documentary might even air during primetime and possibly be broadcast simultaneously on CCTV. These were things he should keep to himself.

This was certainly good news. Thinking of the influential figure he had met the day before, Wang Jian understood the reason for the green light. As Angel instructed, he kept this speculation to himself, not even sharing it with her.

Meanwhile, in the provincial capital, Angel was pumping a small fist in her empty office, stifling her laughter. She wanted to let out a wild, unrestrained cackle, but the figures occasionally passing by in the hallway prevented the woman, who maintained a ladylike public image, from letting herself go.

Yes! This is my big break!