Qingqing quickly asked, “However what?” The young master continued, “However, there might be someone who could cure your dark skin condition, but I’m not sure where he is.” Qingqing, disappointed, asked casually, “What good would that do? Who is it?” The young master replied, “He’s known as the ‘Ghost Doctor.'” Qingqing had initially held out a sliver of hope, but upon hearing the name, her spirits sank, “If he could, I would’ve been cured ten years ago.”
The young master was curious, “You’ve met him?”
At this moment, Qingqing’s mood seemed to improve slightly. She invited the young master to sit on the grass beside her and said, “I heard from Hong Mama at home that when I was born, I was very weak, so my father invited the ‘Ghost Doctor’ to treat me. If he could’ve cured me, I wouldn’t be like this now…” She choked up, unable to continue.
Few hadn’t heard of the “Ghost Doctor’s” fame, but even fewer had actually seen him, especially since he mysteriously retired ten years ago, with no one knowing his whereabouts. The young master was extremely curious, looking at Qingqing’s ragged attire, wondering which family’s daughter she was to have been able to summon the Ghost Doctor. “Are you boasting, miss? The Ghost Doctor isn’t someone just anyone can summon.”
Qingqing replied, “If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do.” The young master simply smiled faintly and did not press further. He had been well-educated from a young age and knew not to ask twice if someone was unwilling to talk. Thus, the two strangers sat by the river in silence. After a while, the young master suddenly asked, “Did you run away just because of this? It’s not worth it.” Qingqing replied somberly, “Not entirely, I was also beaten by my father.” As she spoke, her hand instinctively touched her still swollen cheek, almost crying again.
