Chapter 10 To Stay or Leave

Chapter 10: To Leave or Not to Leave

Lei Ding didn't bring up last night's matter with Wu Qiu again. Instead, he genuinely took out a copy of *The Thousand Character Classic*. When there were no patients, he would teach Wu Qiu to recognize characters one by one, explaining their meanings. He also fetched a stack of coarse paper, letting Wu Qiu practice holding the brush by scribbling freely first.

The clinic was busy these two days. The two of them snatched moments of leisure, but often had to set aside their studies after learning just a couple of characters—Lei Ding to treat patients, Wu Qiu to assist. In the evening, another family came to request a physician. Lei Ding took Lei Li out with him, and by the time he returned, the family had already finished dinner. Madam Liu reheated the food she had saved for them, so the two sat at the small table in the kitchen, hastily finishing their meal.

Lei Ding had already noticed Wu Qiu lingering in the courtyard from the corner of his eye. He told Lei Li to eat first, went to the back to fetch water to wash his face, then brought back a wine cup and pot, sitting down to eat slowly.

Lei Li was already hungry and shoveled his food down in a few bites. Seeing Lei Ding return with wine, he paused mid-bite: "Big Brother, are you going to drink wine?"

Lei Ding nodded: "Just a little occasionally, to relieve fatigue. If you're full, you can go. No need to keep me company."

He rarely drank wine, usually only during festivals for celebration, or sometimes having a couple of cups with Lei Xun. Lei Li was a bit puzzled but didn't think much of it. After finishing, he went out and saw Wu Qiu in the courtyard again, quickly going over to greet him: "Good evening, Brother Qiu."

Wu Qiu patted his head: "You worked hard today. Master Cui brewed some hawthorn water and asked me to tell you to drink some tonight to avoid indigestion. Is your big brother still inside?"

He was asking knowingly, but Lei Li cooperatively nodded: "Yes. Are you looking for him, Brother Qiu? He just brought a wine pot; he'll probably take a while to finish eating."

Wu Qiu smiled: "It's nothing important, just a couple of questions. I'll go in and find him."

Lei Li stood outside for a moment, watching as Lei Ding pulled over a chair for Wu Qiu to sit beside him, and couldn't help shaking his head. He had a feeling that Mr. Wu and his big brother's bond was probably far from over.

Wu Qiu sat down beside Lei Ding, moving the remaining dishes on the table closer to him: "Drinking wine so late? I've never seen you go to a tavern, nor have I seen you drink at home. I thought Big Brother wasn't fond of it."

Lei Ding poured a cup, the faint aroma of wine dispersing in the air. He looked at Wu Qiu and smiled: "I usually don't drink much. I thought you'd come to advise me."

Wu Qiu, feeling one dish wasn't warm enough and wondering if he should reheat it, blinked, looking somewhat playful: "Advise what?"

Lei Ding said: "Advise me to drink less, or not to drink at all."

Wu Qiu pouted: "How would I dare to manage you, Big Brother? Besides, you surely have your own limits. After a tiring day, a little drink can relieve fatigue. Back in the village, sometimes during busy farming seasons when I helped others with work, I'd secretly drink a little after a long day's labor, and then sleep very soundly at night."

Lei Ding raised an eyebrow: "If you wanted to manage me, you could."

His words were too intimate. Wu Qiu's face flushed red with embarrassment, and he quickly changed the subject: "Is this wine cold? Should I warm it up for you?"

Lei Ding said it wasn't necessary, lifting the cup to his lips to drink slowly. Wu Qiu sat beside him, talking. His voice wasn't loud, soft and gentle drifting into one's ears. Sometimes when he laughed, it was like willow catkins falling into the ear, making one's heart itch. Lei Ding occasionally responded, feeling the day's fatigue gradually dissipate. Strangely, what Wu Qiu talked about wasn't anything extraordinary—just the day's trivial matters at the clinic, the patients coming and going, the neighbors—yet it held a peculiar freshness. Listening, Lei Ding couldn't help but think: if every evening for the rest of his life could be like this, how blissful it would be; what more could one ask for?

However, Wu Qiu was, after all, a widower. Lei Ding naturally didn't mind this, but he feared Wu Qiu might harbor some reservations. He wanted to test the waters, pondering how to broach the subject, when he heard Wu Qiu speak first: "Another half year has passed before you know it. Aren't you anxious about your marriage, Big Brother?"

Lei Ding's heart stirred, but his expression remained unchanged. He just smiled and shook his head: "Tan Er must have told you. If I were anxious, I wouldn't have waited until this age to marry."

Wu Qiu lowered his head, one hand hidden in his sleeve, secretly clutching the handkerchief Lei Ding had given him: "I only know Big Brother wants to find a kindred spirit. If such a person never comes in a lifetime, would you still wait?"

Lei Ding finished the remaining wine in his cup: "Actually, I might not wait a lifetime. Perhaps I've already found someone."

Wu Qiu looked up: "You've already found someone?"

Lei Ding looked at him and smiled: "Maybe. When I meet such a person, regardless of their family background or past—I only value our bond."

Wu Qiu nodded with a smile: "Then... I wish Big Brother finds his beloved soon. I wonder if I'll have the fortune to drink your wedding wine before I leave."

Lei Ding suddenly looked up, frowning slightly: "You're leaving?"

Wu Qiu suppressed the ache in his heart, forcing a relaxed demeanor: "I'm not from Yongning City. Thanks to you saving me, but I can't live here for free forever. Once the floodwaters recede, naturally I'll have to leave. In a few days, when my mother and I have some free time, we'll embroider more pieces to sell. Then... that money..."

He wanted to say that money could count as rent, but he didn't finish because Lei Ding suddenly grasped his shoulder, cutting off his words.

Afraid of being seen, Wu Qiu tried to push Lei Ding's hand away, but as soon as his hand touched Lei Ding's, he felt the grip tighten, unwilling to let go. He remained still in that position: "What do you mean, understand or not? I only understand that sometimes affection alone isn't enough. Things one didn't care about initially might matter later, once the novelty wears off."

Lei Ding was about to say more when he heard voices and footsteps. Knowing Wu Qiu didn't want to show anything in front of others, he released his hand. Both sat properly, falling silent. Wu Qiu sat with his head bowed, twisting the handkerchief. Lei Ding, sullen, poured himself another full cup of wine.

Cui Nanshan walked in from outside, followed by Lei Xun. He was turned around talking and was startled upon seeing Lei Ding and Wu Qiu sitting there. Upon closer look, he reached out and rapped Lei Ding's head twice: "Well, well! The older you get, the less sensible you become! Drinking so late isn't enough; you even dragged Qiu Geer along! Qiu Geer just recovered from illness; how can he drink wine?"

Wu Qiu pursed his lips, suppressing a smile. Cui Nanshan was different from what he imagined the head of the family to be. His heart seemed perpetually young, sometimes unconsciously treating Lei Ding or himself like children. He glanced at Lei Ding, who was earnestly explaining to Cui Nanshan, and quickly chimed in: "Big Brother didn't make me drink. I just passed by, saw he hadn't finished eating, and came in to say a few words."

Lei Xun came in, greeted them, then went to rummage through the vegetable baskets, returning with a few lotus seed pods. Only then did Cui Nanshan let Lei Ding off, looking at the pods in Lei Xun's hands: "These two are still fresh and tender. Just these two; put the others back for soup tomorrow."

Lei Xun complied and put them back.

Lei Ding set down his wine cup: "Why are you fetching lotus pods so late?"

Lei Xun glanced at Cui Nanshan: "It's all because of Young Master Cui. He craved fresh lotus seeds and insisted on having them now. Such a grown man..."

Cui Nanshan glared and pushed him, making Lei Xun laugh and stop talking. Cui Nanshan urged Lei Ding to drink less and told Wu Qiu to rest early, then dragged Lei Xun away.

Lei Ding was privately pondering how to continue their earlier conversation. He knew that since Wu Qiu was willing to mention returning to Xue Family Village, he wasn't truly planning to leave without a word. Otherwise, he could have simply bid farewell after Yang Shu recovered, or said goodbye to Lei Xun and Cui Nanshan, without needing to subtly test his attitude during their private moment. Though he roughly understood Wu Qiu's stance and concerns, he feared speaking too hastily might pressure Wu Qiu, making things worse. Just then, he noticed Wu Qiu lost in thought, chin in hand, watching Lei Xun and Cui Nanshan's retreating figures. He remained silent, quietly observing him.

Wu Qiu murmured: "Big Brother, can you tell me the story of Lord Lei and Master Cui?"

If Lei Xun and Cui Nanshan could maintain their affection for years, living happily and harmoniously, then he and Lei Ding... Wu Qiu's face flushed unconsciously, but he couldn't help wondering: could he and Lei Ding also be like this, respecting each other, growing old together?

Lei Ding nodded and said yes. There was plenty of time ahead; he would prove his feelings eventually.

After the meal, Lei Ding, as usual, walked Wu Qiu back to his room. They stood at the doorway. Lei Ding gestured toward the room with his chin: "Go on in. It's late; don't read anymore. You worked hard today; rest early."

He had given Wu Qiu two books. Though Wu Qiu couldn't recognize most of the characters yet and couldn't understand the content, he enjoyed tracing the strokes of the characters in his room after returning, reviewing what Lei Ding had taught. He was also reluctant to keep the lamp lit. One night, seeing some moonlight outside that was fairly bright, he went to the courtyard to read by the moonlight and the light from the main room's windows, only to be caught by Lei Ding. Afraid this would strain his eyes, Lei Ding wanted to confiscate the books. Wu Qiu softened his voice, pleading "good teacher" repeatedly, and Lei Ding couldn't refuse him, only admonishing him not to read too late, to always light the lamp, and not to skimp on lamp oil.

Wu Qiu raised his phoenix eyes, finally showing a hint of a smile: "Can't study at night, so I'll have to make up for it during the day. Tomorrow, Big Brother... tomorrow, Teacher must teach me a few more characters."

Lei Ding nodded: "Naturally." Then he smiled: "Qiu Geer learns quickly, clever and diligent. In the future, you might surpass many scholars."

Praised by him, though it was too dark to see, Wu Qiu's face grew warm: "You always tease me. When the material gets more advanced, I probably won't be able to learn. Then we'll see if you still have the patience to teach."

Lei Ding looked down at him: "Of course I'll teach. Qiu Geer can learn anything." Then he sighed: "Yue Er is alright, but if Tan Er had half your diligence, what would I have to worry about?"

Wu Qiu was amused by this when suddenly someone jumped out beside them, shouting: "You're talking, why drag me into it for no reason! When have I not been diligent!"

It was too dark, and Wu Qiu was fully focused on talking to Lei Ding, so he hadn't noticed anyone nearby and was genuinely startled. Looking closely, it was Lei Tan, jumping out, hands on hips, glaring at Lei Ding. Looking at Lei Ding, his face showed no surprise, only a smile directed at him. Wu Qiu frowned and chided: "You saw him earlier, didn't you?"

But Lei Ding said to Lei Tan: "What I said was the truth, and you're still arguing. Who promised to finish reading that medical volume in seven days, then kept postponing day after day when the time came?"

Lei Tan muttered softly: "It's just that there's been too much going on these days, so I haven't finished..."

Lei Ding knew they had indeed been very busy lately. Besides, Lei Tan was quite diligent in studying medicine, just young and sometimes playful. So he didn't blame him, only saying: "You rushed out so abruptly and scared your Brother Qiu. Hurry up and apologize."

Wu Qiu's mind was already preoccupied with other matters. Being alone with Lei Ding always made him somewhat nervous. Though they were just talking normally, being seen suddenly still embarrassed him. When Lei Tan apologized, he smiled and said it was fine, then turned away, face flushed, ignoring Lei Ding. Lei Ding quickly coaxed gently: "I was too focused on talking earlier; I really didn't notice him coming. Don't be angry. If we have time tomorrow evening, come to the outer study. I'll teach you a few more new phrases, alright?"

Wu Qiu glanced at him and said softly: "Alright then. But next time..."

Lei Ding knew Wu Qiu was thin-skinned and didn't like people seeing them together often. But today, he was truly focused on talking to Wu Qiu and really hadn't noticed Lei Tan sneaking over. By the time he saw him, the little one had already jumped out to speak; there was no time to warn Wu Qiu. Now, Wu Qiu, shy, slightly lowered his head, his voice soft as a whisper. Lei Ding felt his heart melt with tenderness, quickly assuring him: "I'll be more careful. I won't startle you again."

Seeing this, Lei Tan tried to slip away quietly but was grabbed by the collar by Lei Ding, making him stand properly beside them: "Good night, Brother Qiu."

Wu Qiu smiled and waved at both of them, then went inside.

Lei Ding watched him enter before looking down at Lei Tan: "Don't mess around like that next time."

Lei Tan had originally gone to the front medicine cabinet to fetch some mugwort to repel mosquitoes. On his way back, seeing Lei Ding and Wu Qiu talking, he came over to greet them. He had crept along the wall and jumped out just as he heard Lei Ding mentioning him. Though young, Lei Tan was quite sharp in social matters. Now, as Lei Ding scolded him, he agreed, then clasped his hands behind his back, scrutinizing Lei Ding up and down: "Big Brother is seeing Brother Qiu off again? How come you never see me off?"

Lei Ding said: "I see you bouncing around, running all over the courtyard; you don't seem to need seeing off. If you want, I can walk you back right now."

Lei Tan took off running: "You're biased! I'll tell Father tomorrow that you only dote on Brother Qiu!"

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