CHAPTER 131: 131 CLEAR ATTITUDE

This afternoon, Wu Buwei truly infuriated Du Heng.

Five years ago, when Du Heng started working, he had no Master to personally guide him, no systematic expertise to back him up. Yet, the patients he treated never experienced issues like the one today.

He abided by one principle: it was better to be a little slow. All medical procedures and medication had to conform to regulations.

This was being responsible not only for the patients but also for himself.

Now, even with the support of systematic expertise, every time he performed acupuncture, he still concentrated wholeheartedly, was meticulous, and never dared to be careless.

The wrong medicine could kill someone; a misplaced needle could do the same.

As for Wu Buwei, Du Heng had taught him wholeheartedly and personally, yet he could still make such a basic mistake.

Mind gone blank?

Can your mind go blank when treating a patient?

Although Wu Buwei came to his senses later and made no further mistakes, Du Heng was still furious.

Even as he reached the door of Wang Shuqiu’s house, he was still mulling over how to deal with Wu Buwei and make him learn his lesson.

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

"Wang Shuqiu, get out here! Do you think hiding from me will solve anything? Why did you stop my aunt from giving me money? Come out and explain yourself!"

Du Heng was already seething with anger when he saw a young man at Wang Shuqiu’s door. The man had slightly long hair, a deathly pale complexion, dark circles under his eyes, and glasses, and he was pounding furiously on the door.

The young man somewhat resembled Zhao Xinfang. Hearing his shouts, Du Heng had a good idea who he was.

He had to be Wang Shuqiu’s cousin, Zhao Xinyuan.

"Hey, what do you think you’re doing?" Du Heng frowned and walked over.

The young man, with an arrogant look, glanced at Du Heng and said disdainfully, "Mind your own business."

Du Heng grabbed the young man by the back of his collar and yanked him backward. Unexpectedly, the young man went flying.

That’s right, he flew.

This gave Du Heng quite a scare.

This young man was incredibly light. Despite being 1.75 meters tall, Du Heng felt he weighed less than ninety pounds; he was also terribly frail.

"This is my house. You smash it again and see what happens," Du Heng threatened.

"You’re Du Heng?" The young man scrambled to his feet. Looking at the dirt all over his clothes, he looked like he was about to explode with rage. "You dare hit me? I’ll kill you!"

Saying this, he raised his twig-like arm and swung at Du Heng.

Du Heng almost laughed. The young man’s attack was feeble, his stance unsteady; Du Heng worried a gust of wind might blow him over.

What was truly laughable was that he actually dared to attack him.

You’re not my son, so why should I indulge you?

With a slight lift of his hand, Du Heng easily caught the utterly unthreatening arm. Then, with a gentle outward push, the young man stumbled backward again.

Wang Shuqiu, hearing the commotion outside, quickly opened the door.

Zhao Xinyuan felt utterly humiliated. "Du Heng, you bastard! It was you who instigated my aunt not to give me money! Now you dare hit me? I’ll kill you!"

Du Heng, already fuming, felt his anger flare up instantly.

Just as Wang Shuqiu opened the door, Du Heng spotted a broken mop handle by the doorway. He grabbed it and strode towards Zhao Xinyuan. "You really think everyone is your father and has to indulge you, huh? You good-for-nothing who needs a beating!"

Wang Shuqiu didn’t try to pull Du Heng back. Instead, she advised him, "Just teach him a lesson. Don’t injure him badly; we’d have to pay compensation."

Zhao Xinyuan heard Wang Shuqiu and trembled with rage. But seeing Du Heng advancing with the stick, his bravado vanished completely. He scrambled up from the ground and bolted.

As he ran, he hurled threats over his shoulder, "You just wait! I’ll definitely get you for this!"

Despite his frail build and lack of muscle, the kid ran surprisingly fast.

Du Heng chased for a couple of steps but couldn’t catch him. Annoyed, he threw the stick in his hand. "Little rascal, runs like the wind!"

Back in the room, Du Heng hugged Wang Shuqiu and looked earnestly at her face. "Are you alright?"

Wang Shuqiu shook her head. "I’m fine."

"You handled that well. That kid clearly isn’t up to any good; don’t pay him any mind. If the situation looks bad, call the police immediately. Don’t hesitate."

"I know."

"Freshen up. Let’s go out to eat."

Saying this, he kissed Wang Shuqiu on the forehead. "Today’s my birthday. Let’s not let these people spoil the atmosphere."

Wang Shuqiu nodded gently and turned to change her clothes.

Girls usually take longer to get ready, and especially since it was Du Heng’s birthday today, Wang Shuqiu took extra care.

Du Heng wasn’t in a hurry; he sat on the sofa playing with his phone, waiting patiently.

"I’m ready."

Du Heng stood up and smiled as he looked her up and down. "Absolutely beautiful!"

He bent down, picked up her bag from the sofa, and said, "Let’s go."

Wang Shuqiu didn’t move. After a moment’s hesitation, she asked, "Du, my mother called me last night. She wants to sell the astragalus from our fields, but no one’s buying. She wanted me to pay for it, but I refused."

Du Heng’s eyes flickered.

Wang Shuqiu continued, "I want to ask your opinion. What should I do?"

Du Heng sighed softly. "I originally didn’t want to meddle in your family’s affairs, but since you’ve asked, I’ll tell you what I think."

"Go on, I’m listening."

"If I say anything out of line, don’t be upset. Just take it as a suggestion."

"Don’t worry, I won’t."

Du Heng paused, slowly gathering his thoughts. "Last time at your place, I felt what you said was spot on. Your mother’s kindness has cultivated a family of freeloaders. And especially after seeing Zhao Xinyuan today, I feel your mother’s good intentions have been utterly wasted—like feeding a dog."

"During his five years in university, Zhao Xinyuan didn’t study properly at all; he spent most of his time in internet cafes. Now he can’t even get his graduation certificate, and no company will hire him. Yet, he still spends all his time cooped up in internet cafes."

Wang Shuqiu’s expression dimmed. "I told my mother, but she doesn’t believe me. She’s still insistent on her ways."

Du Heng didn’t comment directly on what Wang Shuqiu said. After all, it was her own mother; she could say what she pleased. But for him to pass judgment would be disrespectful to her mother, and to Wang Shuqiu herself.

"My opinion is that you need to state your position clearly and firmly. Even if it means resorting to more drastic measures, you must make your parents stop this behavior of throwing good money after bad into a bottomless pit.

This has to stop. Xiao Fang is grown up now; he needs medical treatment, and he’ll need to get married and have children. Even if you don’t buy a house in the county town, doesn’t your family home at least need repairs?"

Du Heng paused. "Honestly, if Zhao Xinyuan were a diligent and ambitious person, I would even help your parents support him. But as things stand... hmph.

Don’t be upset by what I’m about to say, but if you can’t persuade your mother, I might have to ask you to reduce contact with them. As for supporting your parents, I’ll lay down some ground rules with you: we give what’s appropriate, and not a cent more for what isn’t.

Alternatively, we could have your parents come live with us so we can support them directly. I’ll cover all their expenses for clothing, food, and medical care. However, we wouldn’t give them any cash, and neither would you.

Don’t think I’m being harsh. But given your mother’s boundless generosity and your maternal uncle’s family’s insatiable greed, I’m afraid any money we give your mother would go straight into your uncle’s pocket."

Wang Shuqiu wasn’t angry; in fact, she was quite happy.

Although Du Heng’s words were very direct, they were all predicated on the assumption that they would get married; that’s why he was suggesting these ways of handling things.

"That’s pretty much what I was thinking. I know what to do now."

"Alright, then. Let’s go eat. Happy birthday to the 28-year-old me!"