The people left inside were no better off than those outside.
Qi Shengwen never managed to utter an apology in the end. He tried to speak several times, but seeing Qi Chengyan's indifferent expression, he swallowed his words. Song Qinglan could do nothing but cry.
After a while, Cheng You found it quite boring. "Chengyan, shall we go back?"
The notification for reinstatement had not yet come. Qi Chengyan had been on the verge of promotion to deputy regiment commander, but that incident had led to his position being taken by Zhang Fuqiang. If no one moved up, there would be no vacancy in the military region for Qi Chengyan to fill. This was their point of contention.
Qi Chengyan glanced at Qi Shengwen, nodded slightly, and led Cheng You out. Outside the Disciplinary Committee department, the people who had ganged up on Qi Chengyan last time were waiting. The military had already issued a notice and handed the case over to the military procuratorate, clearing Qi Chengyan's name. Wang Gang had died a hero during a mission. In principle, the deceased should be respected, and they shouldn't gossip behind his back. However, what he did to Wang Fang could only be described as beastly.
Led by Yuan Chu, the young soldiers lined up, saluted Qi Chengyan, and knelt on one knee to apologize. Qi Chengyan's eyes were calm. "Get up." One kneels to heaven, to the earth, and to one's parents; there is no reason to kneel to a comrade. Yuan Chu's face was full of shame. "Battalion Commander Qi, I'm sorry." "I accept your apology. Get up." Yuan Chu stood up, still not daring to meet his gaze.
Qi Chengyan ignored them and walked out with Cheng You. Cheng You was already familiarizing herself with the layout; she might be living here in the future. "This place is quite well-equipped." There were schools, canteens, and even a small library. The news of Qi Chengyan's reinstatement came two days later. His position was still battalion commander, and he would be given priority for promotion to deputy regiment commander if a vacancy arose. Qi Chengyan had no objections and calmly accepted the outcome, even though many felt sorry for him.
He also applied for family relocation, wanting to bring Cheng You over. After careful consideration, the military assigned him a single-story house with a courtyard, as he requested. Although there were only two bedrooms and the space wasn't very large, the house had a bathroom and toilet, and the courtyard was spacious and convenient.
When Song Qinglan heard that Qi Chengyan had applied for a house, she became anxious. Although she felt ashamed to face Qi Chengyan, she couldn't help but come to see him. The house felt even lonelier after Zhou Qi left. "Ayan, Mom heard you applied for a house. We've always kept your room for you. If Cheng You wants to join the army, she can come home to live." Qi Chengyan shook his head and refused. "No need. The house has already been approved." Song Qinglan's eyes welled up, and she almost cried again. "Okay, it's fine. You can live wherever you want."
The two of them were silent. At that moment, Song Qinglan felt like a failure; she had nothing to say to her own son. Tears slipped down her cheeks unexpectedly, and she quickly wiped them away. "You know, Mom cares most about her reputation and has never bowed her head to you. I'm sorry, Ayan. Your suffering is largely my responsibility. Zhou Qi becoming like this is ultimately my fault." Qi Chengyan's achievements had nothing to do with her; that was the result of the old lady's good upbringing and his own efforts. But Zhou Qi was different; she had raised him herself. Any trouble he had was her responsibility. "I'm sorry, Mom is sorry to you. I should have said this many years ago."
Qi Chengyan lowered his eyes, remaining silent. He was long past the age where he needed his mother's affection. "Let the past be the past." Song Qinglan wiped her tears, knowing that their relationship couldn't be repaired overnight. "Then I'll be going back. When Cheng You moves in, Mom will invite you over for a meal." Qi Chengyan did not refuse, but whether they would actually go depended on Cheng You's opinion.
Before moving, Cheng You busied herself with the opening of Zhenshantang. Dr. Liang and Dr. Chen, who had left Huichuntang, were hired as the resident physicians. Each of them brought two young apprentices with them. Cheng You accepted them all, and everything was ready for the opening. Zhenshantang had only a few types of medications. Initially, Dr. Liang was not optimistic about Cheng You, thinking that Chen Qin was being reckless by following her. However, Chen Qin was skilled at persuading him. He directly handed Dr. Liang the medications from Cheng You's pharmacy and let him study them.
That day, Dr. Liang agreed. There was no other hemostatic powder with such good efficacy anywhere in the country. If this could be mass-produced, it would be... Cheng You quickly shattered his fantasy. Mass production was impossible, at least not currently. Zhenshantang was located in a somewhat remote area, so even at its opening, not many passersby would come in to buy. However, many familiar faces were seen.
Qi Yang brought his colleagues, and many people from the Agricultural Research Institute came and sent flower baskets. The owner of Dongshun Tower also brought many people and sent gifts. The remaining "mom-group" figures were mostly brought by Song Qinghe's diligent promotion. They had all used Cheng You's products and, confident in their quality, dared to recommend them to their friends. Thus, by the end of the day, the shop was moderately busy.
Cheng You stayed at the pharmacy until the last moment before preparing to go home. Zhao Lifang patted her shoulder and said, "The business here doesn't seem as good as back home." Cheng You replied, "It's just the beginning, and the pharmacy's location isn't great. We'll take it slow." Cheng You never worried that her reputation would eventually spread. "Alright, get some rest early." Zhao Lifang had rented a place for herself and did not live at the pharmacy. This was because she had not come alone but with her boyfriend. Cheng You was a little surprised when she first met the man. He was a high school classmate of Zhao Yunlin's and had always liked Zhao Lifang. She didn't expect them to end up together after all.
"Then I'm going back." Zhao Lifang packed her things, picked them up, and walked out. A man was waiting for her outside. He naturally took her things and waved at Cheng You. Cheng You tallied the last transaction before preparing to close and leave. Qi Chengyan had something to attend to today and couldn't even make time for the opening. After finishing her work, Cheng You went home alone. As soon as she reached the entrance, she saw a figure, which startled her. "Who are you? Why are you sitting at my doorstep?" The person stood up, and Cheng You realized it was a woman. She was disheveled and looked somewhat like a homeless person.
"Are you Jiang Wanrou's cousin?" The other person's tone was not good, with a regional accent. Cheng You nodded. "And you are?" "My name is Qian Limei." Cheng You thought for a moment; she didn't remember knowing anyone by that name. "Is there something you need?"