Chapter 62: Massage

“Let me massage you, too. I’ll be gentle. It won’t hurt you.”

Su Xiaolu looked at Zhou Heng. Her eyes were so sincere, and her words were soft and sweet.

Zhou Heng looked at Su Xiaolu and could not refuse at all. Su Xiaolu did not know who he was and approached him without ill intentions. Her eyes were beautiful.

Before he could refuse, Su Xiaolu released her hand and started squeezing his leg.

Old Wu took a few steps over and was about to stop her, but seeing that Su Xiaolu was massaging well and there was no disgust or anger on Zhou Heng’s face, Old Wu changed his mind and said to Su Xiaolu gently, “Xiaolu is so smart. Give Brother Zhou Heng a massage. Do it like this, you can also massage his calf.”

Zhou Heng’s legs were seriously injured. Although his legs were saved, it would take time to heal them. Massaging him every day was essential. Since he brought Zhou Heng here to hide, he naturally had to live with him for a while.

Since he could not walk with one leg, he would inevitably be stared at and ostracized. Over time, he would definitely develop psychological problems. If he brought Zhou Heng back like that, he would be in trouble. Su Sanlang’s youngest daughter was like a little fairy. She was very kind-hearted, and Zhou Heng did not reject her.

Su Xiaolu was also very obedient. She massaged Zhou Heng obediently and even smiled sweetly at him. “Brother Zhou Heng, can I call you that? I didn’t lie to you, right? Do you feel much better?”

Zhou Heng was in a daze for a long time. When he came back to his senses, Su Xiaolu had already called him by his name.

She asked if it was okay to call him that. She had already said it, so why ask?

Her small hands were not strong, but they were not weak either. The perception of his legs was very weak, but at this moment, he felt inexplicably good. Looking at the little girl’s beautiful eyes that were waiting for praise, Zhou Heng nodded and said, “Yes, it’s very comfortable. Thank you.”

Su Xiaolu smiled sweetly and lowered her head to massage Zhou Heng seriously.

She knew that Zhou Heng’s leg was severely damaged and would take a long time to recover. Su Xiaolu was certain that Old Wu’s medical skills were very good. He was an amazing doctor who was deeply hidden among the people. She could treat her two brothers if she acknowledged him as her master.

……

Su Chong and Su Hua’s illnesses could not wait any longer. If they waited any longer, it would really be hopeless.

“Doctor Wu, you’re really back. I thought Sanmei lied to me.”

Su Sanlang’s eager voice reached them as he picked at a selection of corn. His tanned face glistened with sweat as he set them down and spoke.

Behind him were Madam Zhao, Su Chong, Su Hua, and Su Xiaoling.

The whole family came back together.

Su Sanlang was very happy. Before Old Wu could speak, he said, “Doctor Wu, I’ve preserved everything you left behind. You won’t be leaving this time, right? I’ll get my children and wife to move it for you later. Tell us if you need anything.”

Madam Zhao also smiled warmly at Old Wu and said, “Doctor Wu, we’re really happy that you’re back.”

Old Wu’s expression softened. He said, “Thank you, then. I will indeed be staying for a while.”

He brought Zhou Heng away from Beijing to seek refuge. As long as he did not receive orders, he would not bring Zhou Heng back.

“That would be great.”

Su Sanlang had always remembered Old Wu’s kindness to their family. Old Wu had not returned for more than two years. He thought that he would not have the chance to repay this favor. Now that Old Wu returned unexpectedly, he had to repay the favor.

“Xiaolu.”

Su Chong and Su Hua tugged Madam Zhao and pointed at Su Xiaolu.

The moment the two brothers arrived, they saw their little sister. Seeing that their parents’ attention was elsewhere, they couldn’t help but tug at their mother’s clothes.

Madam Zhao and Su Sanlang looked over.

Old Wu said, “That’s a distant relative of mine. He hasn’t recovered from his leg injury. His name is Zhou Heng. He’s seven years old.”

Su Sanlang and Madam Zhou looked over and saw Zhou Heng sitting on the wooden wheelchair. Their expressions were sad and their hearts ached.

Su Xiaoling had already walked toward Zhou Heng. She smiled and squatted down beside Zhou Heng. She asked gently, “You’re seven years old. My name is Su Xiaoling. I’m nine years old. Then I’ll call you Little Brother Heng from now on. I’ll help massage your leg too. If you feel uncomfortable, tell me.”

Su Xiaolu smiled sweetly at Zhou Heng and said, “Brother Zhou Heng, my sister is also good at massaging. She’s very smart.”

The two sisters massaged Zhou Heng’s legs.

Zhou Heng was very nervous and uncomfortable at first. After Su Sanlang’s family arrived, he became tense. He just held back and did not speak.

He looked at Su Sanlang’s family. Seeing that they did not show any disdain, he relaxed a little. When Su Xiaoling walked over to massage him, Zhou Heng’s breathing became nervous. Su Xiaoling was different from Su Xiaolu. Su Xiaolu was only three years old and was still a toddler.

However, Su Xiaoling was nine years old and there should be a difference between men and women. However, she did not seem to understand these things and also massaged him. Her eyes were also very beautiful and filled with gentleness.

Faced with her gentle questions, Zhou Heng pursed his lips. After a while, he said, “I’m not feeling uncomfortable. Thank you.”

Zhou Heng could not bring himself to call her older sister.

Su Xiaoling did not mind. She looked at Su Xiaolu’s hand and massaged it as she did.

Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao looked away. Su Sanlang said, “Doctor Wu, let me know if you need anything in the future.”

Old Wu glanced at Zhou Heng. After cupping his hands and bowing to Su Sanlang and his wife, he said, “I really do have something to ask you for help with. I don’t know how to take care of children. I’m afraid he won’t be used to the simple food I cook. I want to trouble you to cook a portion of us when you eat. I’ll pay you ten taels of silver a year for it.”

Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao were shocked by Old Wu’s bow and quickly avoided it. Hearing Old Wu’s request, Madam Zhao and Su Sanlang hurriedly waved their hands and said, “No need to pay, no need.”

Su Sanlang was about to say that it was a simple request.

However, Old Wu smiled and shook his head. “This isn’t just about adding an extra pair of chopsticks. He has to eat well. Sometimes, when I go out, you guys have to help me take care of him like he’s your son. I have to pay you. If you don’t want it, I won’t dare to disturb you.”

Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao looked at each other. Madam Zhao understood what Su Sanlang was thinking. She nodded at him.

Su Sanlang put his arm around Madam Zhao’s shoulder. He looked at Old Wu and said, “Doctor Wu, if you trust us, then don’t worry and leave Zhou Heng to us.”

Old Wu nodded and said with a smile, “Okay, I’ll give the silver to you later. When you’re free, go to town and buy two bolts of good cloth to make a few sets of good clothes for Zhou Heng.”

“Okay, no problem.”

Su Sanlang agreed.

Madam Zhao smiled and said, “Doctor Wu, you must be hungry. I’ll go cook now.”