With everyone’s help, they carried the sick elderly man into the taxi and took him to Buji People’s Hospital’s emergency room. Fortunately, the hospital treated him even though the money wasn’t enough.
After the examination, the doctor said, “It’s acute appendicitis. Surgery is needed. Who is his family to sign the consent?”
“None of us are his family. We’re just passersby who found him lying on the roadside.”
“We can’t delay, or he’ll die!” the doctor said anxiously.
“What can we do? We can’t find his family. Can I sign?”
“That’s the only way! Without a signature, we won’t perform the surgery! Hurry!”
Lan Lan signed nervously, “Zhang Li, wait here. I’ll go get money.”
She returned with 2000 yuan. After waiting, the operating room door finally opened.
“How is he, doctor?”
“Surgery successful. Come with me!”
In the doctor’s office, he wrote hospital and medication orders. “Go pay first! He’ll be hospitalized for observation. He can be discharged if the wound doesn’t get infected!”
“Thank you, doctor!” They hurriedly expressed gratitude. The doctor’s attitude was quite good, unlike other doctors who seemed unapproachable.
They paid at the cashier – 758 yuan. But the trouble was just beginning.
[Text: Chapter Five – Grandfather and Grandson]
Due to her limited finances, Lan Lan booked a standard ward. After the surgery, Zhang Li went with the doctor. Once everything was arranged, she went out to buy boxed meals and fruits for herself and Zhang Li, and bought clothes for the old man. Exhausted, she could finally rest.
Wait! Why does this old man look so familiar? She realized he was the grandfather who had asked her for ten yuan yesterday. What a coincidence.
“Zhang Li, it’s getting late. You should go home and sleep. You have work tomorrow! I can watch him alone!”
“Okay, take care of yourself!” Zhang Li instructed before leaving.
So, Lan Lan worked during the day and cared for the old man at night. She learned the old man’s surname was Long. When asked where he was from, he hesitated, only saying he was looking for relatives.
“Hehe, I’m looking for my grandson’s wife, so that counts as finding relatives!” Grandpa Long chuckled to himself, smiling at Lan Lan as she looked puzzled.
