Chapter 024: Stay Here

"You're welcome, it was nothing," Jin'er replied with a calm smile, turning around, only to see that beside the young man stood an elderly gentleman with white hair, whose spirited demeanor belied his age. He was watching her with a gentle smile.

"Come here, little girl," the young man's attitude had changed markedly, and he beckoned to Jin'er with a friendly smile.

Jin'er felt a surge of joy, sensing that good fortune was approaching. She dared not be careless and hurried over.

Sure enough, as soon as she came near, he introduced her with a smile, "This is our proprietor, and the most renowned physician in the prefecture—Doctor Chen."

"Greetings, Doctor Chen," Jin'er said politely, bowing respectfully.

"What a sensible and well-mannered child. At your tender age, how is it you are out seeking a living alone?" Doctor Chen regarded Jin'er kindly, stroking his beard as he spoke.

Jin'er's expression darkened, her head bowed in sorrow. "There was an epidemic in my hometown, and all my family perished. I came alone to the prefecture, hoping to find kin, but they had long since moved away and I do not know where. Left with no choice, I must fend for myself. I have always had a fondness for medical books, so I thought perhaps I could find work in a pharmacy. Doctor Chen, may I stay?"

She lifted her gaze, eyes damp and full of hope, looking at Doctor Chen in hopes of moving him.

As expected, Doctor Chen's brows furrowed, his gaze full of pity as he nodded. "Such a pitiable child. I can see that though you are young, you are sensible and quick-handed. As it happens, we are a bit short-staffed lately—you may stay."

"Really?" Jin'er was overjoyed, scarcely able to believe the answer she had longed for so many times, as if she were dreaming. She had simply been refused too often.

"Of course. Xiao Jiu, take her to settle in," Doctor Chen instructed the young man.

"Yes, Master. Come with me, little girl." Xiao Jiu smiled, reaching out to gently pat Jin'er's head before leading her forward.

"Thank you, Doctor Chen," Jin'er said gratefully, bowing before turning to follow Xiao Jiu toward the rear courtyard.

"I am not 'little girl,' I am Jin'er," she protested, unhappy with his gesture of patting her head, though she dared not show it outright—she only frowned and corrected him.

"All right, all right—Jin'er, little girl."

"Hey! You…"

Their playful bickering faded away with their footsteps, as Doctor Chen watched them fondly, his heart warming to the lively child.

Jin'er… Wasn't that the name of Lady Yun's daughter?

He thought of this, but dismissed it as mere coincidence, giving it no further thought. Everyone knew Lady Yun and her daughter had been executed before the fall of the Mu Kingdom.

The next day, Jin'er began her work in earnest.

Her tasks were simple—assisting with collecting herbs, drying them, preparing decoctions, and handling miscellaneous chores around the shop. Jin'er worked diligently and was quite happy. To earn her keep by her own hands rather than begging in the streets was a gratifying feeling.

Moreover, everyone here was friendly and easy to get along with. The work was not strenuous, and she learned much as she went; she truly enjoyed the job.

Whenever she encountered unfamiliar herbs, she seized the opportunity to ask others, most often Xiao Jiu.

By midday, the shop was finally quiet, with not a single patient. Everyone took the chance to rest—some dozed, others sipped tea.

Jin'er found herself momentarily idle, so she wandered alone to the entrance of a small study in the rear courtyard. Gazing at the rows of medical books within, she pressed her rosy lips together and hesitated for a while, then gently pushed the door open and stepped inside.