One of the leading doctors joked, “With straw hats and emergency kits, we really do look like we’re marching into battle!”
Another chimed in, “We’re the guerrilla army of Liu and Deng, advancing into Dabie Mountains!” [Referring to historical military campaigns during the Chinese Civil War.]
Fang Ke Xin handed out tea and warned, “The roads are slippery in this rain—please be careful out there.”
Quietly, He Su Ye pulled aside one of the interns. “Can we swap assignments? The route you’ve been assigned crosses a mountain, and it’s hard to traverse in this weather. I’m more familiar with the area—it’ll be safer for me.”
The intern, both surprised and flattered, stammered, “Uh—sure, sure, no problem!”
The rain was so heavy that an umbrella was useless. Within minutes, He Su Ye was soaked through—his shoulders drenched, his pants splattered with mud. He felt like he was wading through water, every breath a struggle.
The mountain trail was treacherous, its unstable foundation giving way to loose stones and flowing mud. Rainwater carved rivulets down the path, exposing jagged rocks beneath the surface. Every step required caution. It took him nearly double the usual time to reach his destination.
By the time he had visited all the homes on his route, the sky had turned pitch black. A local young man offered to walk him back. “It’s no trouble—my mother-in-law lives nearby, and I’ll be staying there tonight anyway.”
As they walked, they chatted about the village’s health conditions, with the young man answering all of He Su Ye’s questions openly.
Suddenly, as they reached the mountainside, a child’s frantic cry pierced the night. “Help! Help!”
The voice was hoarse and desperate, cutting through the sound of rain like a knife. Both men froze in shock before the young man suggested cautiously, “It seems to be coming from the east. Let’s go check it out?”
The cries grew fainter and raspier, making the search all the more urgent. Guided by the beam of their flashlight, they finally spotted the source—a child clinging to loose soil and rocks, blood streaming down their arms.
The slope was steep and treacherous, and one misstep could be deadly. The child, paralyzed by fear, stared at them with wide, terrified eyes, unable to utter another word.
He Su Ye approached the edge carefully, speaking in a gentle, reassuring tone. “It’s okay. Big brother is here. I’ll pull you up.” He stretched out his hand, grasped the child firmly, and hauled them to safety.
The young man quickly took the child and checked for injuries under the flashlight’s beam. “Luckily, it’s just some cuts and scrapes—nothing serious.”
But before he could finish saying the word “serious,” the ground beneath He Su Ye suddenly gave way. A powerful surge of mud and debris swept him off balance, pulling him down the slope.
“Dr. He, be careful!” the young man shouted, reaching out to grab him. But it was too late—He Su Ye vanished in an instant, swallowed by the rain and mudslide.
By the time the medical team returned to their quarters, it was late at night. Every member of the team was drenched, rainwater streaming from their sleeves and pant legs.
“This is wetter than a sauna! What a day!” one doctor exclaimed, laughing despite their exhaustion.
Fang Ke Xin handed out towels and hot tea, urging them, “Take a hot shower. I’ve asked the kitchen to prepare red date and ginger tea to ward off the cold. I’ll also make some yi yi ren porridge to help with the damp weather—it’s great for reducing swelling.”
The others sighed with gratitude. “It’s great having a female doctor on the team—so thoughtful, taking care of us like we’re her patients.”
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