Transmigrated as My Aunt in the 70s
Chapter 177 - 170 Infantile Malnutrition

Chapter 177: 170 Infantile Malnutrition

Zhou Yali was extremely surprised to see so much stuff; she had not expected her daughter-in-law’s relatives to be so wealthy. It seemed like all of it could cost more than what one person’s annual bus fare could afford! From the tone of He Xuewen just now, he seemed to have connections in this regard, prompting Zhou Yali’s interest, and her demeanor became even more enthusiastic.

Zhou Yali’s friend lived in Xujiahui, which was a bit far from Yangpu District. They had to transfer between two bus routes. Since Tian Mantong had drunk alcohol and could not drive, they had no choice but to take the public bus. Fortunately, at this time, Shanghai’s public transportation system was still well-developed, with stations right outside.

Nowadays, bus fares are really cheap, costing just two cents or five cents a ride. The quality of the passengers on the bus was also very good. As soon as Zhou Yali got on the bus, several young men and women offered her their seats. Even Tian Sisi was offered a seat by a middle-aged woman, but Sisi, not wanting to impose, hurriedly declined with a smile.

However, the middle-aged woman was simply too enthusiastic. The final arrangement was for the woman to hold Sisi in her lap. In truth, Tian Sisi would have preferred to stand; being held by someone in such hot weather was truly uncomfortable.

Finally, it was a relief to reach their stop. Tian Sisi thanked the kind auntie and fled the bus as if escaping. The bus without air conditioning was stifling, with the smell of sweat and body odor combining into an indescribable mix. Had she not gotten off, she felt she might have vomited.

"Is Ah Nan feeling sick from the ride? Your little face is so pale, how pitiful!" Seeing Tian Sisi’s face pale yet another shade, Zhou Yali began to nag worriedly.

Tian Mantong, feeling pity for his niece, picked up Tian Sisi. He Xuewen held an umbrella behind her to block the sun. Zhou Yali watched in secret amazement — this niece from her daughter-in-law’s side was truly a delicate Princess made of tofu, seemingly about to shatter with a single touch.

Zhou Yali’s friend’s house was also located in an alleyway, not a small western-style building, but a two-story wooden attic shared by several families, using a communal kitchen and bathroom. Such houses were very common in Shanghai during the 70s and 80s. It was often the case to see several households cooking together, with a variety of delicious scents wafting from the kitchens, mingling together into another wonderful fragrance.

At that time, not every family could afford good food. When someone did cook a nice meal, they would perform each step of the cooking process as if in slow motion, ensuring that everyone in the corridor could see that their family was having a feast that day, subsequently reaping countless envious stares and covetous looks. The satisfaction and vanity felt during those moments is something today’s people can no longer comprehend.

Zhou Yali’s friend’s husband was a skinny old man, whom Zhou Yali called Ouyang Tao. He sported a goatee and looked a bit sleazy, but his medical skills were indeed very high. A simple pulse diagnosis and tongue examination would give him a good understanding of the condition.

"No big deal, just a bit of infantile indigestion. I’ll just give her a few acupuncture needles and she’ll be fine."

"Infantile indigestion? My Ah Nan is already 10 years old, how could she still suffer from that? Isn’t this an illness that only three-to-four-year-olds get?"

He Xuewen had some understanding of infantile indigestion, but it never crossed his mind that his daughter could still be afflicted with it at her age.

"Although infantile indigestion is more common in children around the age of five, it’s still possible for children of your daughter’s age to suffer from it. You’ve been raising your daughter too delicately. Hehe, kids need to be raised more robustly, they should eat everything for a well-rounded nutrition!"

Ouyang Tao took out a shining silver needle from his medicine bag. The needle was triangular in shape at the tip, looking sharp and emitting a chilling aura. Tian Sisi went blank at the sight. Wasn’t she here for recovery? Why was she going to be needled?

Doctor Ouyang lit an alcohol lamp and heated the needle in the blue flame. The needle, scorched by the flame, emitted a cold gleam. Tian Sisi suddenly felt weak at the knees, her chest tight and head dizzy. Oh, how she wished she had some cooling oil right now!

"Don’t be afraid, little Ah Nan. Grandpa’s acupuncture won’t hurt at all, just like a mosquito bite."

"Really doesn’t hurt?" Tian Sisi was not reassured and sought confirmation again.

"It doesn’t hurt. I’ve been pricked before, and I didn’t feel a thing." Zhou Yali added from the side.

Despite her doubts, Tian Sisi had no choice but to brace herself. She extended her hand with a resigned expression, which made everyone laugh.

Ouyang Tao held Tian Sisi’s right hand, searching for the acupuncture point with his needle. As soon as the needle touched the skin, Tian Sisi subconsciously wanted to withdraw her hand, but Ouyang Tao’s grip was too firm, and she could only look pitifully at him.

Ouyang Tao was unfazed, his heart as firm as iron. He targeted the index finger first, finding the right spot on the transverse crease of the second phalange, and quickly pierced through. Then, he gently squeezed Tian Sisi’s finger, pressing out a yellowish fluid and even some fat particles, leaving Tian Sisi astonished. She couldn’t believe there was such stuff inside her own finger.

The needling indeed wasn’t very painful, just like a mosquito bite. The same procedure was applied to the other seven fingers, squeezing out varying amounts of yellow liquid, with the most coming from the index finger. Ouyang Tao carefully cleaned Tian Sisi’s fingers with a cotton ball before setting down his tools.

"All done. Your child’s health issue isn’t too severe; another session in half a month should suffice. For today and tomorrow, don’t eat anything else, just some plain congee. After two days, you can eat normally."

"Got it, thank you Dr. Ouyang. Really, thank you so much. Otherwise, I would have just thought Ah Nan merely had a small appetite!"

He Xuewen and Tian Mantong were both very grateful, and of course, they were also thankful to Zhou Yali. Had she not suggested it, they would never have considered Ah Nan’s lack of appetite as a health issue.

"No need to be so polite, you are Yali’s relatives, and she and I are good sisters. We’re all family."

Ouyang Tao’s wife, Xu Chunjiao, was a somewhat plump elder lady with a kind and benevolent face. She had a loud voice; when she spoke, her voice could be heard throughout the alley.

He Xuewen had brought a can of malted milk, a can of milk powder, and a piece of silk for a quilt cover; both Xu Chunjiao and Zhou Yali were pleased. Xu Chunjiao was content with the high-end gifts while Zhou Yali, of course, felt honored since her relatives had brought gifts that added luster to her face.

He Xuewen wanted to pay a consultation fee, but Xu Chunjiao and Ouyang Tao refused. Gifts were gifts, and money was money. It was acceptable to accept gifts, but taking money was an absolute no; accepting gifts was part of social exchange, but taking money would mean losing face.

He Xuewen did not insist. After all, they would have to return in half a month, and it wouldn’t hurt to bring more gifts next time. He was genuinely grateful to The Ouyang Tao’s house and was willing to give as much as possible.

Just as they were about to leave, Tian Sisi suddenly remembered an important question, "Grandpa Ouyang, can I eat ice cream after two days?"

"You can, but just eat a little. One bowl a day is enough. It’s not good for children to consume too much cold food." Ouyang Tao was taken aback for a moment, then quickly responded.

Being able to eat was good enough. Alas, the pleasure of eating a big bowl of ice cream and gulping down cold drinks in her previous life could never be experienced again. Tian Sisi felt extremely regretful. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to go to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)

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