Chapter Eighteen: As If a Dream

Night had fallen. Beside a table set with wine beneath the great tree, Kang Ning sat at ease in a loose, comfortable T-shirt and beach shorts, savoring wine with Su Fang’s father.

Old Su, the forty-three-year-old country doctor, though not much schooled, became radiant and eloquent when discussing the mysteries of traditional medicine. His many unique insights left Kang Ning, who had been steeped in such teachings since childhood, inwardly full of admiration.

“I never imagined that the illustrious Doctor Kang would turn out to be your father, and even less did I expect I’d one day meet you myself. Since Fang came home after graduation and told me how much you’d helped her, I’ve long wanted to visit Lan Ning to thank you in person. But after much thought, I decided against it and kept my gratitude to myself,” Old Su said, setting down his cup and smiling at Kang Ning.

Kang Ning replied with a gentle, understanding smile. “I’m the one causing you trouble, Uncle. I truly didn’t expect my reunion with Su Fang to happen here, under such circumstances. The more I think about it, the more uneasy and ashamed I feel. I just hope I don’t bring you harm.”

Old Su waved his hand dismissively. “Come now, we don’t need such formality. The world these days is hard to make sense of! When Su Fang spoke so highly of your character, I had my doubts, but after meeting you, I see she spoke true. And from your account of what happened, I believe you’ve been wronged. Don’t worry. We rural folk may lack book learning, but we know good people from bad. Don’t overthink it—just stay and recover. Your other wounds will heal quickly, but the one on your right side mustn’t be taken lightly. Leave when you’re well enough.”

Su Fang, attentive, poured her father another drink. “Dad, I’m a bit worried about Uncle Qi and the other men in the village. Once they know you’re back, they’ll come looking for you to drink, and then it’ll be easy for others to discover Doctor Kang.”

“Fang, I’ve thought of all that,” her father said, his eyes softening as he glanced at her. Turning to Kang Ning, he continued, “I’m afraid you’ll have to endure some hardship. In the room beside Su Fang’s, the former storeroom where her mother used to keep grain, there’s a cellar beneath the floor—originally for storing sweet potatoes and taro. It’s been empty for years and can finally be useful. It’s only two meters square and the ceiling is low, but the air’s not bad. I checked at noon, cleared out the clutter, and planned to lay planks for a bed tonight. That way, you can rest safely there by day, and come out for air once the clinic closes at night. As for me, starting tomorrow, I’ll go to others’ homes every night to drink—ha!—so there’ll be no reason for people to gather here.”

Su Fang protested, “Dad, how can anyone live in such a cramped space? Doctor Kang is so tall, he’ll have to curl up just to sleep. We should think of something else.”

Kang Ning quickly interjected with a laugh, “Two meters square is enough! Think how wide a sleeper berth on a train is—this will do fine. Safety first. Besides, I can come out for air at night. Let’s settle it, and thank you, Uncle, for your thoughtful arrangements.”

Old Su nodded approvingly. “Good, let’s get to work now that we’ve eaten our fill. I’ve already knocked a bamboo tube through the wall for ventilation and run a wire through it for a fifteen-watt bulb. All that’s left is to tidy up and set up the bed. It’s summer now—the cellar is much cooler than up here!”

An hour later, Kang Ning lay on the makeshift bed in the cellar. After checking the ointment and bandages on his rib, he leafed through Old Su’s collection of folk medicinal recipes by the glow of the bulb, and soon drifted into a deep sleep.

In his dreams, Kang Ning saw his beloved, Liu Yiqing, pinned beneath the brute Lan Tao, unable to move. In moments, Lan Tao tore her clothes to shreds, and her fair, voluptuous body was cruelly ravaged by his savage hands. Kang Ning’s heart was wrung with agony, but no matter how he struggled, he could not move. In desperation, he let out a bellow, and the dreadful scene vanished.

Kang Ning jerked awake, sitting on the cellar bed, gasping for air, sweat soaking his forehead and T-shirt. In the dim light, he looked around at the red brick and yellow earth walls. Only then did he realize it had been a nightmare. He exhaled deeply and stared blankly at the empty earthen wall.

Just then, there was a sound above. The large wooden barrel, once used for storing grain, was moved aside. The wooden cover over the cellar entrance was lifted, and Su Fang appeared, carrying an aluminum thermos and a bulging food bag. She descended the earthen steps and, seeing Kang Ning sitting there in a daze, smiled sweetly and sat down beside him.

“Here—you’ve got soy milk, steamed buns, and fried dough sticks. You must be starving.”

Kang Ning quickly took the food and set it on the mat. “I’m not hungry, but thank you.”

“Don’t say that,” Su Fang chided gently, casting him a reproachful glance. Then she shifted closer, her delicate fingers reaching for his left brow, her gaze intent on his wound. “Don’t move. Close your eyes… The scab has formed well—it’s healing nicely. I don’t think it’ll scar.”

She carefully peeled away the nearly detached scab, her voice full of distress. “Those people were truly vicious—to have burned your eyebrow like this… Does it hurt?”

“Not at all.”

A faint, girlish fragrance wafted to Kang Ning’s nose; Su Fang’s gentle touch soothed him, and he felt a vague, pleasant confusion. He let out a slow breath and opened his eyes slightly, trying to steady himself. But as soon as he did, he caught a glimpse of the alluring whiteness nestled within Su Fang’s collar. The sight set his heart pounding and his body responded inexorably.

Suppressing a sigh, Kang Ning gently moved Su Fang’s soft hand aside, turned his head, and gave a small cough, hoping to hide his embarrassment.