In the small city of Qingshui, life flowed with a peaceful calm. The narrow cobblestone streets, the hospital, the buildings, and the traditional houses gave the place a special charm. However, that tranquility would soon be interrupted by the arrival of two strangers: a man named Cang Xuan and his younger sister, Ah Nian.
Cang Xuan, a man with an enigmatic appearance and elegant bearing, had decided to pose as a detective in order to solve a personal mystery. AN, his sister, was a strong-willed and often spoiled young woman who was not afraid to express her displeasure. Their relationship, although close, was marked by constant arguments and reconciliations typical of siblings.
One sunny afternoon, Xiao Yao was walking through the streets, enjoying a brief break. She had lived in the city for years and was loved by everyone. As she walked, lost in her thoughts, she failed to notice AN approaching hurriedly. By accident, XY bumped into her, causing AN to lose her balance and drop her handbag. Impulsive as she was, AN reacted with disdain.
"Watch where you're going! Are you blind?" she shouted, her voice echoing down the street.
Surprised by Ah Nian aggressiveness, XY tried to apologize.
"I'm sorry, I didn't see you coming. It was an accident," she said, remaining calm despite AN offensive tone.
But AN was not willing to let it go.
"Your apology is useless! Do you know who I am? I demand respect!" she continued, her voice filled with indignation.
XY, whose patience was beginning to wear thin, decided not to fuel the confrontation any further. However, a mischievous idea crossed her mind. She knew that sometimes a small lesson could be useful. With an enigmatic smile, she bent down to pick up Ah Nian handbag and said,
"I think this is yours. But perhaps you should be more careful with your belongings in the future."
AN, feeling she had won the confrontation, snatched her bag disdainfully. She glared at XY with fury, but before she could say anything else, CX appeared.
Having observed the situation from a distance, CX approached quickly.
"What's going on here?" he asked firmly, his gaze moving from AN to XY.
"This woman bumped into me and now she's disrespecting me," AN complained, conveniently leaving out the fact that she had started the offense.
Aware of his sister's temperament, CX looked at XY and said,
"I sincerely apologize for my sister's behavior. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm CX, and we're just passing through this city."
XY looked at him with curiosity, noticing the confidence in his manner.
"I'm XY, a doctor in this city," she replied neutrally. "And it wasn't my intention to bump into your sister. But I think we could both learn to be a little more careful."
CX, recognizing the wisdom in her words, nodded.
"You're right, Doctor. AN, I think you should apologize."
AN, reluctantly and with a resentful look, muttered an insincere apology. Sensing the tension, CX decided to intervene more directly.
"Doctor XY, would you mind showing us around the city a bit? We're investigating something and could use a local guide."
Seeing an opportunity to keep AN under control and perhaps learn more about these intriguing visitors, XY agreed.
"Of course, I can do that. But on one condition: AN must promise to behave."
CX looked at his sister sternly, and AN, knowing she had no other choice, nodded begrudgingly.
"Fine, I'll behave," she said, though her tone remained defiant.
As they walked through the city, XY showed them the most emblematic places in Qingshui, while CX and AN listened with interest. CX asked detailed questions about the city's history and its people. Impressed by his insight, XY began to see CX with greater respect.
When they reached the local market, XY took the opportunity to teach a subtler lesson. She bought a small box of sweets with unusual flavors and handed it to AN.
"These are for you," she said with a smile. "I hope you enjoy them…"
Surprised by the gesture, AN accepted the sweets.
"Thank you," she murmured.
She put a couple into her mouth and immediately felt a bitterness that made her shiver, followed by a burning sensation. Her face turned red, and she began shouting and jumping.
CX, watching his sister, tried to calm her and asked XY,
"What did you give her?"
Satisfied with the result, XY replied,
"A gift she'll never forget. Don't worry, she'll be fine."
Without any concern, XY walked away, leaving both siblings behind.
As XY approached her building at a hurried pace, she suddenly heard the familiar sound of a motorcycle. Her expression changed to a mix of surprise and concern. She quickened her steps, but the motorcycle stopped in front of her. XL removed his helmet and stared at her intensely.
"Get on," XL said firmly.
"Hesitantly, XY asked, "What's going on, XL?"
"There's no time to explain now. Trust me. Let's go."
XY hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded and climbed onto the motorcycle behind XL. He handed her a helmet, and she put it on.
The motorcycle sped along a winding road, leaving the city behind and entering a mountainous landscape. XY held tightly onto XL as they traveled along increasingly narrow paths. Finally, they arrived at a small coastal village.
XY removed her helmet and looked around in amazement. The sea shimmered under the last rays of the sun, and green mountains framed the small village. Several villagers approached, curious and hopeful.
An elderly woman said enthusiastically, "Is she the doctor you told us about, XL?"
A man asked, looking at XY, "Can she help us?"
With an ironic smile, XL replied, "Yes, she's the famous doctor. XY, these people need your help."
XY looked at XL and then at the villagers.
"Of course, I'll do what I can. What's going on?"
The village chief explained, "Many of us are suffering from skin illnesses and poisoning, but we don't know the cause."
XY nodded and began examining the sick, her hands moving with precision and care. She diagnosed the condition and began treating them with the resources available.
XL approached her and asked, "What do you think caused it?"
"I'm not sure," XY replied. "It was something they ate, but I don't know what substance it contained. I'd like to take some blood samples to be examined in the lab. For now, if they follow my recommendations, they'll fully recover soon."
"Good," XL said.
After working tirelessly, XL brought XY something to eat. Later, they walked in silence along the beach as the full moon shone brightly in the sky.
XY stopped and asked, "Did you grow up in this village?"
"No," XL replied. "I arrived here a few years ago by chance. I was running from someone who wanted to harm me. The people welcomed me, cared for me, and fed me."
XY smiled. "They're good people—very united."
With a mocking yet sad smile, XL said, "Yes. They only have each other. They're rejected… outcasts from the city."
XY watched him closely. "Like you?"
XL remained silent. He looked directly at XY, deep sadness reflected in his eyes. He sighed.
"Good work, Doctor."
XY understood that silence, and her heart filled with compassion for XL.
They continued walking until they reached a small house where XY could rest.
In the morning, the villagers gathered around her, grateful and emotional.
A woman handed her a basket of fruit. "Thank you, Doctor. We don't know how to repay you."
An elderly woman held out a bouquet of flowers. "Please accept this as a token of our gratitude."
A man offered a basket of fish. "Take these fresh fish. It's the least we can do."
XY smiled. "It's not necessary!"
XL gestured for her to accept them.
Understanding, XY replied, "Thank you, truly. This means a lot to me."
XL and XY climbed back onto the motorcycle and returned to the city.
The motorcycle stopped in front of XY's building. She got off, holding the fruit, flowers, and fish.
"Safe and sound, Doctor," XL said with a smile. "I wish I could pay you, but I know that would offend you. All I can offer is my help—call me whenever you need it."
XL handed her a phone with his number already saved.
Surprised and smiling, XY said, "Thank you, XL."
XY said goodbye and entered the building. From a distance, 17 watched the scene. He had been on his way to the hospital to bring XY food, thinking she was on duty since she hadn't returned the night before. But when he saw her smiling at XL, he felt sad. He turned around and returned to the apartment.
XY entered her apartment loaded with gifts. 17 was waiting in the living room, his expression a mixture of curiosity and sadness.
"Where did you get all of that?" he asked, looking at the fruit and flowers.
Smiling, XY replied, "Some people gave them to me."
"Ah, I see…" 17 said thoughtfully.
XY placed the flowers in a vase and the fruit in a bowl, while 17 watched her in silence, lost in his thoughts.