70s Island Flower Survivor

Chapter 38: That's How Expectations Disappear Little By Little

Yang Shan's headaches became increasingly severe, to the point where she couldn't continue teaching at the school. Many of her students and colleagues visited her, expressing deep concern. Several elementary school students, in particular, were so distressed that they cried.

Neighbors who had lived near Yang Shan for over a decade, all of whom had good relationships with her and had received her help, were quick to hear about her illness. 

They visited regularly, bringing various items such as eggs one day and homemade buns the next. In every gesture, there was genuine care for Yang Shan.

It was through conversations with these people that Gu Ling learned about the events her mother had experienced.

During the maritime accident that year, Yang Shan fell into the sea and was washed ashore. Nearby residents found her, and she was quickly taken to the hospital. However, the medical capabilities of the small county were limited. Yang Shan's injuries were severe, and she remained in a coma for a month. The person who brought her to the hospital was just a common fisherman, lacking the financial means to cover her medical expenses.

Yang Shan had used up all the money found on her person. Fortunately, after waking up, she willingly took off the wristwatch from her wrist and sold it to cover the medical expenses. Only then could she successfully undergo treatment at the hospital and recover her health.

However, this recovery was only physical. She had almost completely lost her memory, unable to recall where she came from, what she had done, or if she had any relatives. Whenever she tried hard to remember, her head would start to ache.

Initially, Yang Shan held onto the hope that the public security bureau or her supposed relatives would eventually come looking for her, right?

However, after a month passed, then a year, there were no leads from the public security bureau, and no relatives showed up.

She didn't even know her own name. In the end, she had to give herself a surname. 

Since that day, she adopted the surname 'Wu,' which sounds like '无' [wú], meaning none or without.

With a mix of great disappointment and anticipation, she decided to stay in this small county town. 

Gradually, her expectations diminished, and the sense of loss settled into a calm acceptance. Relying on the knowledge and culture she could still remember, she took a temporary teaching job at a nearby elementary school. Initially, people were hesitant to hire her, but when they were short on teachers, she stepped in to teach for a few days. The children liked her, their academic performance improved quickly, and the school eventually recognized her abilities.

Life gradually fell into a routine for Yang Shan. She saved money to build a small courtyard, cultivated vegetables and flowers, taught children, and built good relationships with her neighbors.

 However, she never expected that one day she would be reunited with her daughter.

Whenever Gu Ling thought about her mother's years of loneliness, it filled her with heartache. She regretted her past helplessness and negligence, and she resented her father, Gu Changjian, for betraying her mother!

Gu Ling couldn't leave the affairs on the island behind. Originally, she wanted to bring Yang Shan to the island to live together, but Yang Shan had grown accustomed to her life in the county town and was reluctant to leave. Gu Ling visited her every two days, massaged her, took her to see both traditional Chinese and Western doctors, and worked hard to treat her headaches. She hoped to cure her mother's condition and, if possible, help her regain her memory.