Chapter 148: Well, Saving People Feels Pretty Good

Zhu Qingqing’s face was instantly flushed bright red from the blows. The assailant, seemingly unsatisfied, took off a rubber-soled shoe and began to strike her with it. The shoe was heavy and the sole rigid, and the attacker swung with immense force. Zhu Qingqing wailed in agony, tears spraying from her eyes. She lost count of how many times she was struck until her cheeks were swollen and throbbing with pain.

Just as she thought it was over, the assailant acted with chilling cruelty, stepping hard onto her ankle and grinding down. With a sickening crunch, the bone shattered. A piercing, soul-deep pain surged through her entire body. She tried to scream, but no sound escaped her throat; she could only tilt her head back, gasping for air. Amidst the haze of impending unconsciousness, she heard a cold sneer: "Zhu Qingqing, you occupy another person's body yet act without humanity—this is your punishment!"

The pupils beneath Zhu Qingqing’s blindfold dilated in shock. Someone knew she was a transmigrator! Who was this person? Could it be that there were others like her in this world? It all made sense now—no wonder the heavens hadn't favored her since she arrived. She desperately wanted to know who the other person was, but she had no chance.

After she regained consciousness, the Public Security Bureau took over her case. Despite her injuries and the shattered ankle, they showed her no mercy; she was, after all, a criminal. Following the interrogation, she was promptly sent to prison. Because she had initially been unaware of the enemy spies and showed a good attitude during her confession, she was sentenced to twelve years.

Xu Mo’s fate was far worse. He had assisted enemy spies in their escape and used a firearm against the police. After investigating his background, the authorities had him executed by firing squad. Da Niu and the others met the same end. Before their execution, they were subjected to brutal treatment, leaving them battered and broken. After all, enemy spies were universally despised and loathed.

The fates of Zhu Qingqing and Xu Mo are stories for another time. Returning to Lin Xiaodou: at the hospital, thanks to emergency treatment, Xiao Jingyao was finally stabilized. However, there was bad news. During the surgery, Xiao Jingyao suffered a massive hemorrhage and required an urgent blood transfusion. The complication was that he had a rare blood type: Rh-negative, commonly known as "panda blood." Everyone knew how precious and scarce this blood type was. It was impossible to find a donor in a small town, and even in a major city like Beijing, it was no guarantee. In an era without the internet, finding a donor was like looking for a needle in a haystack. Even if the police posted a public notice, it would take time—time that Xiao Jingyao did not have. If he did not receive blood within twenty-four hours, he would die from blood loss.

Upon hearing the news, Lin Xiaodou rushed to the hospital. Before she even reached the operating room, she heard a commotion. Nearby, a sophisticated middle-aged woman with tear-reddened eyes was wailing, "How could this happen? My son was perfectly fine—how did he get so badly hurt? If anything happens to him, how will I go on? My son!"

Seeing Director Hu walking over, sweating profusely, Lin Xiaodou hurried forward. "Director Hu, what’s going on?"

Director Hu sighed. "That is Xiao Jingyao’s mother. I heard she came from Beijing to visit him and only just arrived to learn the news. Xiao Jingyao inherited his father's rare blood type, but his father is far away in Beijing—too far to help in time. We can't find any 'panda blood' here, so I’m afraid he’s waiting for the end. It’s a tragic situation."

"He won't die," Lin Xiaodou stated. "I can save him."

Director Hu rubbed his forehead. "Unless you are Hua Tuo reborn, I don't see how."

"Director Hu, I also have 'panda blood.'" Back in Beijing, it was her original body's father noticing this blood type that had led to the discovery that his daughter had been switched at birth.

Seeing the seriousness in Lin Xiaodou’s expression, Director Hu trembled. "Are you telling the truth?"

"Of course." With that, Lin Xiaodou walked up to the grieving Mrs. Xiao. "Ma'am, please don't worry. I have 'panda blood,' and I can save Comrade Xiao Jingyao." Xiao Jingyao was an upright man, a person of integrity, and a fine public servant. She had the ability to save him, so she would.

"Really?" Mrs. Xiao grabbed her arm as if it were a lifeline. "Are you really 'panda blood'?"

"Yes." Lin Xiaodou turned to the surprised nurse nearby. "Comrade Nurse, please take me to get my blood tested so we can proceed with the transfusion as soon as possible."

Seeing her confidence, the nurse’s eyes lit up, and she nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes, I’ll take you right now."

Mrs. Xiao’s face was filled with joy. "Thank you, little comrade."

"It’s nothing," Lin Xiaodou replied with a smile before following the nurse. Director Hu’s troubled face finally broke into a smile. Thank goodness, Xiao Jingyao could be saved! While the incident wasn't his fault, it had occurred because of the spies at the pig farm. As the person in charge, he bore some responsibility. If Xiao Jingyao died, not only would it affect his career, but he would carry the guilt forever. Fortunately, there was Lin Xiaodou; this girl was truly his benefactor, having helped him several times. Director Hu felt deeply moved. When this was all over, he decided to promote her from veterinary apprentice to veterinary consultant. He had seen her capabilities and knew she was excellent. Furthermore, Old Mr. Wang, the head of the veterinary station, had often remarked that Lin Xiaodou was talented and that it was a waste to keep her as an apprentice. Promoting her would be a fitting way to repay her kindness.

Also present at the hospital with Mrs. Xiao, whose name was Chen Ju, was a pretty young girl named Huang Yaxin. When Lin Xiaodou had stepped forward to offer help, Huang Yaxin had been delighted, but upon seeing Lin Xiaodou’s stunning face, her internal alarm bells rang.

"Auntie Chen," Huang Yaxin asked, "who was that comrade? I don’t think I’ve seen her before."

Chen Ju shook her head. "I don’t know her either. Maybe she’s a friend of Jingyao’s."

Huang Yaxin’s eyes flickered. "I saw her talking to Director Hu earlier. Why don't we ask him?"

"Alright." Chen Ju thought it would be polite to find out more so she could thank her later. After learning from Director Hu that Lin Xiaodou was merely a veterinary apprentice at the pig farm who had helped Xiao Jingyao capture the spies, Huang Yaxin gasped and covered her mouth.

"Yaxin, what’s wrong?" Chen Ju asked.

Huang Yaxin hesitated. "Auntie Chen, I don't know if I should say this..."

"Go ahead, it's fine."

"Lin Xiaodou is just a woman. Even if she's good at fighting, how good could she be? I’m wondering if Brother Xiao only got shot and seriously injured because he was trying to protect her..."

"But Director Hu said it was Comrade Lin who saved Jingyao and brought him back."

Huang Yaxin replied quickly, "That’s the problem! You saw her—she’s so thin and frail. How could she possibly carry a big man like Brother Xiao?"

Chen Ju’s brows furrowed as she listened. "You mean this Lin Xiaodou is deliberately claiming credit for herself?"

"Auntie Chen, I’m only guessing. We’ll know the truth once Brother Xiao wakes up."

"Hmph, it must be that!" A look of disdain flashed across Chen Ju’s face. "I was wondering why that girl was being so helpful. It turns out she was waiting for this. She must have looked into our family's background and is intentionally currying favor with me."

Huang Yaxin’s eyes darted around. "Auntie, maybe we should ask more, so we don't have a misunderstanding."

"What misunderstanding! I know the tricks of little girls like her. She’s just got her eyes on my son!"

Huang Yaxin bit her lip. "Auntie Chen, if she really has 'panda blood,' she is technically saving Brother Xiao’s life. I’m worried she might use this as an excuse to demand something from him..."

"She wouldn't dare!" Chen Ju snapped. "If it weren't for her, Jingyao wouldn't be this badly hurt! It’s fortunate that her blood is useful. If my son doesn't make it, I’ll skin her alive!"

A flash of schadenfreude crossed Huang Yaxin’s eyes. The Xiao family was part of the upper circles in Beijing, and Xiao Jingyao was handsome and accomplished; many girls flocked to him. Auntie Chen had a fiery temper and hated it when people clung to her precious son. Regardless of whether Lin Xiaodou had such intentions, she would never pass Auntie Chen’s test.

"Don't be angry, Auntie Chen. You’ve been on the train for days and must be tired. Why don't you go to the guesthouse to rest? I’ll keep an eye on Brother Xiao."

Chen Ju patted her arm, relieved. "You’re such a sensible girl. Don't worry, when Jingyao wakes up, I’ll talk to him and get him to accept you. After all, it’s not easy for you to have come all the way from Beijing."

Huang Yaxin stiffened, then smiled shyly. "Thank you, Auntie. Don't worry, I will take good care of Brother Xiao."

"Mm." Chen Ju nodded indifferently and left. Watching her walk away, Huang Yaxin’s smile vanished, her expression turning cold. A year ago, when she learned Xiao Jingyao had gone to this obscure little county to work as a police officer, she had followed him immediately. She had her parents use their connections to get her a position dancing in the county’s cultural troupe. She had thought that being close by would win him over, but he had remained unmoved. Chen Ju’s words just now were clearly a jab—she didn't approve of her at all! But it didn't matter. Xiao Jingyao was injured now and needed someone to care for him. As long as she performed well, he would surely see her worth. The Huang family was wealthy by local standards, but they couldn't compare to the Xiao family. Once Xiao Jingyao accepted her, the old woman Chen Ju would have to listen to her son. Thinking this, a look of grim determination flashed in Huang Yaxin’s eyes. She would win Xiao Jingyao over, no matter what.

...

Lin Xiaodou, currently having her blood drawn, was unaware of the drama unfolding in her absence. Had she known, she might have given both of them a piece of her mind. Damn it, she was doing a good deed, only to have it twisted like this.

The blood test results came back quickly. Lin Xiaodou did indeed have "panda blood." The nurse cheered, "That’s wonderful! Comrade Xiao is saved!"

Lin Xiaodou was puzzled by her enthusiasm. The nurse explained, "Comrade Xiao is a hero who captured enemy spies. A person as selfless as he is deserves our admiration; I certainly don't want to see him die!"

"Well said," Lin Xiaodou agreed. It was precisely because she admired Xiao Jingyao’s character that she was donating blood. She had done the most work in catching the spies, and since the police were still skeptical, things would be much easier once Xiao Jingyao woke up to verify the truth.

Three hundred milliliters of blood were drawn from Lin Xiaodou and immediately rushed to the operating room. During the process, Zhu Damei hurried over. Both of them had thoroughly enjoyed beating up Zhu Qingqing the night before. Hearing that Lin Xiaodou was at the hospital, Zhu Damei had rushed over to show her support. Seeing Lin Xiaodou donating blood and learning the reason, Zhu Damei was filled with admiration.

"Xiaodou, you’re amazing! You’ve saved Xiao Jingyao twice now; he definitely won't die!" In her dreams, Zhu Damei had seen a tragic ending for Xiao Jingyao—he had infiltrated the pig farm alone, been shot by spies, and died due to lack of treatment. But now, Xiao Jingyao was alive. "You once said I was just 'cannon fodder,' but I think Xiao Jingyao was too. Now, we aren't fodder anymore—we’re real, living people!" Zhu Damei grinned happily.

Lin Xiaodou was momentarily stunned. She remembered the first time she had saved Zhou Qinglang. If she hadn't known the little golden monkey, would he have died in the cellar? Both Zhou Qinglang and Xiao Jingyao were selfless, noble individuals. Without her, their deaths would have been sacrifices for the country. She hadn't just saved the "cannon fodder" of the book; she had saved important figures—selfless heroes. A surge of pride filled her heart. She suddenly felt that coming to this world had real meaning.

"My home is near the hospital," Zhu Damei suggested. "You shouldn't walk too much after donating blood. Why don't you come to my place to rest?"

"Alright." Lin Xiaodou didn't refuse. Thirty minutes later, they arrived at the Zhu house. Because of the incident with Zhu Qingqing, Zhu’s parents hadn't gone to work. Seeing Zhu Damei bring Lin Xiaodou home and learning that she had donated blood to save someone, the couple was deeply impressed. They discussed privately how to buy some food to help Lin Xiaodou recover.

"Wife, I’ll go to the slaughterhouse and get some pork bones," the father said. "You can make some soup for Comrade Lin."

"Get some pork liver and duck meat while you're at it," the mother added. "Both are good for replenishing blood."

"Got it!" The father nodded and left.

Zhu Damei led Lin Xiaodou to her room. "It’s a bit messy, don't mind it," she said shyly.

Lin Xiaodou shook her head. "It’s fine. I’m already intruding by coming here to rest."

Unable to sleep, Lin Xiaodou leaned against the headboard and chatted with Zhu Damei. Though their experiences were different, their personalities clicked. An hour later, Zhu’s mother called them to eat. Looking at the table full of food and the smiling faces of Zhu’s parents, Lin Xiaodou thought to herself once more: Yes, the feeling of saving someone was pretty good.