Chapter 169: Torrential Downpour Causes Havoc

Chapter 169: Torrential Downpour Causes Havoc

Due to the missteps of Cheng Min and her mother, the Cheng family had no way to mend fences.

Cheng Limin had abused his authority to secure benefits for others in matters such as medical equipment and drug procurement, while also accepting illicit payments, which constituted a crime of bribery.

Cheng Limin was expelled from the party, stripped of his public office, and his ill-gotten gains were seized.

Cheng Min had never expected the situation to escalate so badly.

She was also unaware that her father had committed so many wrongdoings.

Many of these matters were also related to her uncle, but now that the authorities launched an investigation, only her family bore the brunt.

Cheng Min had once gone to the Lu family to ask Grandma Lu for help.

Although they shared the same surname, Grandma Lu’s branch of the Cheng family was much more powerful than Cheng Min's family.

Unfortunately, her plea for help did not receive any response.

Grandma Lu told Cheng Min that it was already merciful of the authorities not to have arrested Cheng Limin and sent him to prison.

Cheng Min also understood that at this point, even the instigator could not back down.

She originally worked in the hospital as well, and although she was not dismissed along with her father, she was on probationary status.

If it was discovered that she was also involved in those matters, she’d be fired sooner or later.

This was a major blow to the proud Cheng Min.

Both father and daughter in the family were downcast, only Mrs. Cheng kept her composure.

"Don't act like there’s been a death in the family; we’ll manage without the hospital. When your uncle finds you a job in his company as a supervisor after some time."

Cheng Min angrily shouted, "Mom, you're still saying that! My uncle is just as culpable—why is he fine?"

Mrs. Cheng looked at her daughter with dissatisfaction, "That's your own uncle; what good does it do you if he’s in trouble?"

Cheng Min was also dissatisfied with her mother's attitude and ran directly into her room, locking herself in.

Mrs. Cheng wanted to say something more, but Cheng Limin also got up and left.

Mrs. Cheng shook her head in exasperation.

After Cheng Limin's case hit the newspapers, even Song Guangjing heard about it.

"Look, how many years has it been since the founding of the country, and already so many corrupt elements have emerged."

Song Guangjing threw the newspaper aside.

Ye Xiaoxiao was sitting in the yard sorting herbs and glanced at the newspaper content, which was about the Cheng family's affair.

"Just dismissed?"

"They got off easy."

Song Guangjing could only lament in resignation.

Ye Xiaoxiao withdrew her gaze and continued sorting the herbs in her hands.

You could say they had it coming; the investigation was fair.

...

After the excitement died down, things quickly returned to normal, and the capital’s hidden tensions were masked by its peaceful and prosperous appearance.

In May, the capital was hit by an unusually severe rainstorm.

The rain spread across a wide region, triggering floods in multiple northern cities.

Peking University canceled classes as Youth Lake overflowed, flooding the first-floor dorms.

Ye Xiaoxiao and her roommates were on the second floor, so the flood didn’t reach them. Otherwise, they’d have had to haul their stuff upstairs.

First-floor students crammed their belongings into the second-floor hallway, leaving it cluttered.

The dorm auntie arranged for students to bunk in empty rooms, but some ended up sleeping on the hallway floor.

Tang Xiuxiu sighed, "It’s been ages since the capital got hit with rain like this."

The power was out, and outside, thunder boomed as lightning lit up the dark sky, briefly flashing through the windows before disappearing.

The howling wind and pounding rain drowned out the city.

Ye Xiaoxiao huddled under her blanket. She wasn’t scared of the storm, as long as she was safe.

She felt bad for the students stuck in the hallway.

The girls’ dorm was noisier, with screams echoing during the thunder.

Wang Jiao, irritated, snapped, "What’s the big deal? There’s no one here to impress. Who are they screaming for?"

He Jing countered, "Don’t be like that. They might really be scared."

Wang Jiao shot back, "Whatever. I’m just being mean. They’re the ones making all the noise."

Xia Li asked, surprised, "You’re not scared of thunder?"

Wang Jiao scoffed, "No boyfriend here. If Fang Kaixuan were around, I’d at least have someone to fake it for."

Xia Li was impressed; at least Wang Jiao could fake it convincingly.

The rain lasted two days, with a downpour so heavy it caused the floods.

Neighboring provinces also saw floods, though not as severe.

The government quickly sent flood control teams for rescue and relief efforts.

Henan Province was hit the hardest.

News outlets covered Henan’s crisis. Even after the capital’s rain stopped, Henan was still getting hit, and the damage was much worse.

The floods tore through, wiping out homes.

What they needed most were supplies and medical help.

Peking University called for medical student volunteers, led by faculty, to join the relief efforts on the front lines.

He Jing asked, "Are you signing up?"

Wang Jiao: "I’m not going. We’re just freshmen—basically useless—and the school won’t let us go and make things worse."

He Jing: "I really want to go. This activity might count for extra credits."

Wang Jiao widened her eyes, "You’re obsessed with credits, huh? There’s a flood going on over there. Don’t end up doing nothing and putting yourself in danger."

He Jing smiled, "I’m just thinking about it, not committing yet."

The counselor came by soon after to discuss it.

For freshmen, the school didn’t push too hard, probably worried they’d just get in the way.

But if anyone feels they can help, the school won’t stop them from signing up.

The school teachers will lead the team to help out. Even if they can’t save lives, they can still pitch in.

A teacher in Ye Xiaoxiao’s TCM class also brought it up.

Unlike the Western medicine students, the TCM class is further along in their studies, and all the students have a solid medical foundation. They’re ready to bandage wounds, administer IVs, and give injections on the front lines.

Teacher Wei Ying and Sun Zhengyao will be going with the students.

With so many disaster areas, the school’s volunteers might not all end up in the same place.

"Teacher, count me in," Chu Yunxiao stood up and said.

"Me too."

"Me too."

Every student in the TCM class signed up, Ye Xiaoxiao included.

Sun Zhengyao looked at Ye Xiaoxiao, "Even though we’re volunteers, we’re heading to the front lines of disaster relief. Ye Xiaoxiao, you should really think this through."

Zhang Kaining tugged at Ye Xiaoxiao's clothes from behind. "You shouldn’t go. Who knows if it’s safe over there? It’s rough and dangerous. Why would a young girl like you put herself out there?"

Chu Yunxiao added, "Zhang Kaining’s got a point. It’s totally voluntary, not required."

Ye Xiaoxiao was confused, "I’m volunteering because studying medicine is about healing and saving lives. The teacher’s taking you all for hands-on experience, and I want to be part of it."