Chapter 64: Settling Debts

Zheng Qiushui gently pushed open the ward door, carrying a thermos in her hand with a tender smile blooming on her face.

Inside the room, Lin Junsheng was lying on the hospital bed with a cast on his leg, staring somewhat boredly at the ceiling.

Hearing the door click, he immediately turned his head and, seeing that it was Zheng Qiushui, a flash of pleasant surprise crossed his eyes.

"Brother Junsheng, I bought some mung bean porridge outside, and I brought you some too."

As she spoke, Zheng Qiushui walked up to the bed, placed the thermos on the bedside table, and gently pulled out a chair to sit down.

Hearing this, Lin Junsheng scratched his head somewhat sheepishly and smiled, "I'm so sorry to keep troubling you and making you spend money."

Zheng Qiushui waved her hand dismissively and chuckled, "It's nothing at all, what's a bowl of mung bean porridge? Besides, it's cool and refreshing, which is great for your recovery right now."

A warmth spread through Lin Junsheng's chest. Looking into Zheng Qiushui's caring eyes, his heart filled with gratitude.

Throughout this period, Zheng Qiushui had been taking care of him consistently. Whether helping him buy meals or keeping him company to pass the time, she brought him an unprecedented warmth.

It seemed as though in his past life, this had happened too, though he hadn't cherished it nearly as much back then.

"Qiushui, are you heading home today?" Lin Junsheng asked abruptly, a hint of reluctance detectable in his voice.

Zheng Qiushui nodded, a trace of lingering affection flashing in her eyes. "Mhm, there are still some matters to deal with at home, so I can't stay here forever. My grandfather has recovered as well and needs to recuperate at home. However, Brother Junsheng, if you ever want to... come find me, just come to our village. Although our village isn't large, the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful; I'm sure you'll love it."

Hearing this, Lin Junsheng replied, "Alright, once this leg of mine heals up, I'll definitely come looking for you. When that time comes, you must show me around your village properly and let me admire those lovely sights."

Just how many times had he visited Zheng Qiushui's home in the past anyway?

Zheng Qiushui smiled, blooming as brightly as spring flowers. "It's a deal, I'll cook a few of my signature dishes for you then. By the way, Brother Junsheng, how does your leg feel now? Is it getting any better?"

Lin Junsheng cautiously moved his leg. Although there was still some lingering pain, it was vastly improved compared to when he was first injured. "It's much better. The doctor also said the recovery is going well. I can get the cast removed tomorrow and start walking around on my own."

"Brother Junsheng, you must be careful from now on and avoid getting hurt again," Zheng Qiushui urged gently.

Lin Junsheng nodded with a smile, "Don't worry, I'll definitely be careful in the future. But with you by my side, I wouldn't be afraid even if I got hurt."

A blush crept onto Zheng Qiushui's cheeks as she chided playfully, "What nonsense are you spouting, Brother Junsheng? I can't stay by your side forever, you still need to look after yourself properly."

With that, Zheng Qiushui picked up the thermos, poured a bowl of mung bean porridge, and handed it to Lin Junsheng. "Here, Brother Junsheng, drink some mung bean porridge while it's fresh. It won't taste as good once it loses its chill."

Lin Junsheng took the bowl and took a gentle sip, finding the mung bean porridge refreshingly sweet and warming him all the way to his soul.

He gazed at Zheng Qiushui's gentle smile, feeling none of the aversion he used to hold in his past life.

"Thank you," Lin Junsheng said sincerely.

Zheng Qiushui smiled faintly, "Well, I'll be leaving now, Brother Junsheng. Take good care of yourself."

Having said that, Zheng Qiushui turned and left the ward.

Lin Junsheng watched her departing figure, a profound sense of reluctance lingering in his heart.

A week passed in the blink of an eye. Lin Junsheng's hospital room was bustling with activity; Lin Huijuan, Liu Guoan, Liu Zhiyu, Liu Siyao, and Lin Junwei were all gathered around his bed.

Everyone's face radiated joy mixed with reluctance to part.

Today was the day Lin Junsheng was finally discharged. After a period of treatment and convalescence, his leg injury had healed significantly, and he was finally able to return to that familiar and warm home of his.

"Xiaosheng, you're heading back today, so all of us came to see you off." Lin Huijuan took Lin Junsheng's hand, her eyes brimming with concern.

"You don't need to worry about the medical expenses; the families of those hoodlums have paid them in full. Just focus on your recovery and put those unhappy memories behind you."

Liu Guoan also patted Lin Junsheng's shoulder and smiled, "Get some good rest when you get home."

Liu Zhiyu chimed in with a grin from the side, "Xiaosheng, you performed a major meritorious service back then, not only earning a 1,200-yuan bonus, but also receiving the 5,000-yuan compensation paid by their parents this time. They called it compensation, but really it was buying their lives out. Knowing that the charge of hooliganism carries a heavy sentence, several families pooled this money together just to make the matter go away."

Listening to Liu Zhiyu, Lin Junsheng nodded.

Getting tangible compensation was a pretty good outcome after all.

Being able to smoothly resolve the medical expense issue this time was largely thanks to Liu Zhiyu's help.

Looking at Liu Zhiyu, he said earnestly, "Brother, thank you so much this time. This money means the world to me."

Liu Zhiyu waved his hand dismissively and laughed, "Xiaosheng, do we brothers really need to say thank you? Your matters are my matters. Once your leg heals, we'll get together properly and have a good time."

Lin Junwei also tugged at Lin Junsheng's hand, tears shimmering in her eyes. "Brother, you must rest well once you're back home, and stop giving us something to worry about."

Meanwhile, Liu Siyao quietly pulled out a stack of food ration coupons and slipped them into Lin Junsheng's hand. "Junsheng, I know what you might be lacking. Take these ration coupons first. Once your leg heals, come find your older sister, and I'll treat you to something delicious."

Lin Junsheng accepted the ration coupons, a warm glow filling his chest.

Looking at Liu Siyao, he smiled, "Sister, I won't stand on ceremony then. When my leg is all better, I'll definitely come looking for you."

"Mhm, I'll be waiting," Liu Siyao nodded with a smile.

Bidding farewell to everyone, Lin Junsheng, supported by Liu Zhiyu, walked slowly out of the ward.

The sunlight outside spilled over him, casting a pleasant, glowing warmth.

He was finally going home.

Liu Zhiyu drove the car, steadily transporting Lin Junsheng back to his house.

Along the way, the two chatted and laughed, as if all their troubles had been left far behind.

At last, the car stopped right outside Lin Junsheng's front door.

Stepping out of the vehicle and gazing at the familiar little courtyard, an inexplicable wave of emotion swelled within his chest.

He turned to Liu Zhiyu and said, "Brother, thanks for bringing me back. Come inside and sit for a while."

Liu Zhiyu smiled and shook his head, "No need, Junsheng. I still have things to attend to. Go on inside and rest up well. We'll get together again once your leg is fully healed."

Lin Junsheng nodded, watching as Liu Zhiyu's car drove off into the distance.

Then, he turned and stepped through his front gate.

Only, his mother, Li Aimei, was nowhere to be seen—she must have gone out somewhere.

He currently had quite a bit of money on hand.

The 1,800 yuan owed to his aunt's family had already been repaid, even though his aunt had previously said to keep it for medical treatments.

Yet Lin Junsheng had refused; debts had to be repaid.

As evening approached, the lingering rays of the setting sun washed over the small village, bathing the tranquil place in a golden radiance.

Li Aimei walked with a brisk, light-hearted step, returning home fully loaded with fresh vegetables in her hands.

Just as she stepped through the front gate, she froze in her tracks. Wasn't that familiar figure before her none other than her beloved son, Lin Junsheng, whom she had been longing for day and night?

"Junsheng! You're back?" Li Aimei was so emotional she nearly dropped the vegetables she was holding. She hurried forward and tightly embraced Lin Junsheng, tears glinting in her eyes. "Mother missed you so much! How is your leg? Is it feeling better?"

Lin Junsheng smiled and patted his mother's back, reassuring her, "Mom, I'm fine now. Look, aren't I standing right here? The doctor said my recovery is coming along wonderfully, and in a few days, I'll be able to walk completely on my own."

Hearing this, the heavy stone that had been weighing on Li Aimei's heart finally dropped.

Wiping away her tears, she beamed, "It's good that you're back, it's so good that you're back. Mom will cook you something delicious tonight to celebrate your recovery."

True to her word, Li Aimei swung into action immediately.

Lin Junsheng stopped her, telling her they could pay back all their debts tonight.

He recounted how all the money had been acquired.

There were the royalties from writing novels, the reward for catching criminals, and the compensation funds.

Li Aimei first went to the neighbors to buy two plump, tender chickens, then personally rolled up her sleeves and busied herself in the kitchen for the better part of the evening.

The rich aromas drifting from the kitchen filled the entire courtyard with the comforting scent of home.

At dinnertime, the small courtyard of Lin Junsheng's house was buzzing with excitement.

Aside from Li Aimei and Lin Junsheng, over a dozen special guests had arrived.

Because of Lin Junsheng's leg injury and their previous financial hardships, they had borrowed money from several households in the village. Now that Lin Junsheng had received his compensation, he wanted to seize this opportunity to clear those debts.

Upon hearing this, Li Aimei immediately agreed it was a wonderful idea.

She dug out her notebook, carefully verified the ledger of loans, and personally went out to invite every single person who had lent money to their family.

When the villagers heard that Lin Junsheng was returning their money, they were all thoroughly surprised and deeply moved.

After all, in this little village, very few people could pay back debts on time—let alone someone who had just suffered an injury and was thinking of settling accounts the moment he left the hospital. It was truly a rare and precious thing.

During dinner, everyone gathered around, enjoying the dishes carefully prepared by Li Aimei while chatting about everyday life. After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew lively and warm.

Seeing this, Li Aimei retrieved her notebook and the prepared cash, beginning to return the debts one by one.

"This is for Uncle Wang's family, one hundred and eight yuan; this is for Auntie Li's family, two hundred yuan..."

As Li Aimei called out the names, she handed the money into the hands of the respective recipients. Everyone accepted the cash with repeated expressions of gratitude.

He knew that his mother had always been a resilient and kind-hearted person; no matter how difficult things got for the family, she always shoulddered the burden and faced it with all her might.

And now, he too had the ability to shoulder some of the weight for his family.

When the last creditor received their money, Li Aimei let out a long, relieved sigh.

Looking around at everyone, she smiled and said, "Alright, all the debts our family owes have now been paid in full. We said from the start that we would definitely pay back every cent, and now, that promise has been kept."

Hearing her words, everyone broke into warm applause and cheers.