Chapter 149: Let Him Expose Lin Xiaodou’s True Colors

That afternoon, Lin Xiaodou received word that Xiao Jingyao had finally regained consciousness. She and Zhu Damei returned to the hospital once again.

As soon as Director Hu saw her, he walked over excitedly. "Lin, you're here!"

"Director Hu, how is Comrade Xiao doing?" Lin Xiaodou asked.

"The doctors say his condition is quite good, but he is still very weak and will need to stay in the intensive care unit for another two days," the Director replied.

"That's a relief," Lin Xiaodou said. "Then there’s nothing more for me to do here; I’ll go back to work tomorrow."

"Go ahead. I’ve already submitted a report regarding your actions. You’ve performed a great service, and the higher-ups will certainly reward you for it!" Director Hu said with a kindly smile.

"Thank you, Director Hu," Lin Xiaodou replied.

She and Zhu Damei didn't linger and prepared to leave. However, just as they stepped out of the hospital, a figure suddenly blocked their path. It was Chen Ju, Xiao Jingyao's mother.

In a good mood, Lin Xiaodou greeted her with a smile, "Auntie, is there something you need?"

The woman who had been holding her hands and thanking her profusely only that morning now looked down her nose at her with disdain. "Come with me. I have something to say to you." With that, she walked toward a nearby corner.

Lin Xiaodou and Zhu Damei followed. Seeing Zhu Damei there, Chen Ju snapped, "Why is this person following us? I am speaking to you; I don't want anyone else around."

Noticing her hostile tone, Lin Xiaodou’s expression turned cold. "If you have something to say, just say it. There’s no need to be secretive."

Chen Ju glanced at Zhu Damei and huffed, "I intended to save you some face, but since you are so ungrateful, don't blame me for what comes next."

"Ungrateful?" Lin Xiaodou was speechless. "Just this morning you were thanking me for saving your son's life, and now you're turning your back on me? You flip your attitude faster than you turn the pages of a book. You’re exactly the kind of person people call an ingrate!"

Zhu Damei had been a bit confused at first, not knowing who the woman was, but once she heard Lin Xiaodou’s words, she immediately understood that this was Xiao Jingyao's mother. She flared up instantly and shouted, "Hey, lady, are you ridiculous? My friend saved your son's life—you don't thank her, and instead, you come here to cause trouble? Was your brain kicked by a donkey or flooded with water? I’ve never seen such a deranged woman in my life; it’s embarrassing to watch!"

Zhu Damei’s mouth moved like a machine gun. Chen Ju had never encountered such a shrewish verbal assault and turned green with rage. "I am talking to Lin Xiaodou! Why are you sticking your nose into this? Why don't you ask your 'good friend' what she’s done!"

"What could possibly be more important than a life-saving grace? Only a pig-headed person like you would treat a benefactor like an enemy! It’s truly eye-opening—people like you, so devoid of gratitude, would be beaten to death if you went out in public!" Zhu Damei thrust her neck forward and let out a barrage of insults, nearly spraying spit onto Chen Ju’s face.

Chen Ju recoiled in disgust.

Lin Xiaodou thought to herself, *I was going to do the talking, but I didn't expect Zhu Damei to be even more ruthless. Brilliant, she’s my perfect mouthpiece!*

"You young girl, why is your tone so sharp? Don't think that just because you have a loud voice, you’re in the right!" Chen Ju glared at Zhu Damei with disdain before turning back to Lin Xiaodou. "Comrade Lin, it’s not that I want to criticize you, but look at the kind of friends you keep—so low-class. I suggest you cut ties with this person immediately, or don't even think about getting close to my son again!"

Lin Xiaodou had three question marks slowly forming over her head. "So, you came here to confront me because you think I have designs on Xiao Jingyao?"

"Isn't that obvious?" Chen Ju looked her up and down with contempt. "You may be pretty, but you’re just a temp worker from a small county. How could you ever be worthy of my son? You’d better get that idea out of your head!"

Lin Xiaodou was so angry she laughed. She fired back, "You think your son is some sort of golden prize? Even if he is outstanding, I’m not exactly inferior. What makes you think I’d like him?"

Chen Ju was stunned. "You... you truly don't like my son?"

Zhu Damei interjected, "Xiaodou is beautiful and capable; plenty of people like her. She wouldn't deign to like your son!" Although she didn't fully understand the situation, she was firmly on Lin Xiaodou's side.

"Deign?" Chen Ju sneered. "My son saved Lin Xiaodou; he suffered that gunshot wound because of her. And she? She turns around and claims the credit for herself, trying to win favor with me. If that isn't coveting my son, what is?"

"Xiao Jingyao saved me?" Lin Xiaodou frowned. "Who told you that?"

"Does it even need to be said?" Chen Ju mocked. "My son is such a big man. Could a young girl like you possibly carry him back? Who would believe that!"

"I believe it!" Zhu Damei raised her hands high and bounced on her toes. "Xiaodou is incredibly strong; she can lift a stone table with one hand!"

"You’re her friend, of course you’d take her side!" Chen Ju stiffened her face, her tone threatening. "Lin Xiaodou, in consideration of the fact that you donated blood for my son, I won't pursue this matter further. I hope you never appear in front of my son again, or I have plenty of ways to deal with you."

With that, she turned to leave.

"Wait a moment!" Lin Xiaodou called out.

"What other tricks are you planning..." Chen Ju had barely turned around in impatience before a slap landed squarely on her face.

*Smack!* She was stunned, shouting in fury, "Lin Xiaodou, how dare you hit me! Do you know who I am?"

Before she could finish, another heavy slap landed, knocking her to the ground. Lin Xiaodou stepped forward and planted her foot on Chen Ju’s palm, grinding it down hard.

"Ahhh!" Chen Ju let out a pig-like shriek.

Lin Xiaodou looked down at her, her apricot eyes icy. "Who do you think you are, daring to shout at me? Having a mother like you is a disgrace to Xiao Jingyao!"

Chen Ju trembled in pain, glaring at her with venomous eyes. "Lin Xiaodou, you hit me today—I will make you pay a hundredfold for this! Just you wait!"

"I’ll wait, then. Who’s afraid of whom?" Zhu Damei clenched her fists indignantly. "Xiaodou, can I hit her too?"

"Go ahead," Lin Xiaodou said. "Since this old woman doesn't know how to act like a human, we should teach her a lesson."

Zhu Damei’s eyes lit up, and she rubbed her palms together. "My hands were itching anyway!"

"You dare—" Before Chen Ju could finish, she was punched hard in the face.

Zhu Damei said excitedly, "Sorry, Auntie, but you’re just too annoying. I’d feel terrible if I didn't hit you."

Ten minutes later, Chen Ju's face was swollen like a fermented bun. She gritted her teeth and hissed, "Lin Xiaodou, as long as I, Chen Ju, am alive, you will never get close to my son. Never!"

"Well, that's too bad, because I happen to want to get close to him. What are you going to do about it?" Lin Xiaodou sneered and turned to leave.

Zhu Damei followed behind, hesitating for a moment before asking, "Xiaodou, do you regret saving Comrade Xiao? His mother is truly impossible."

Lin Xiaodou shook her head. "I don't regret it."

Xiao Jingyao was Xiao Jingyao, and his mother was his mother. She couldn't blame him for his mother's faults; that wouldn't be fair. However, considering she had saved his life twice, it wouldn't be too much to ask for some favors in return, right?

...

After parting ways with Zhu Damei, Lin Xiaodou returned to the pig farm dormitory. It was still afternoon, and everyone was still at work. However, Mr. Wang, who had been buried in the laboratory for days, was there. He sat under a large tree in the courtyard, sipping tea slowly from a pot on the stone table.

Seeing Lin Xiaodou return, Mr. Wang spoke up, "You're back? How is it at the hospital?"

He had been living in the lab for days to focus on medical research and hadn't seen the girl in a long time. Having finally finished his work today, he realized how much had happened outside. What surprised him most was the news about Lin Xiaodou. The girl was truly remarkable—she had thrashed the troublemakers at the veterinary station and even helped the public security officers catch enemy agents. Mr. Wang felt he had never truly seen through her; she was full of surprises every single day.

"Things are alright. Comrade Xiao has been saved..." Lin Xiaodou gave him a brief update and looked at him.

Having not seen him for over ten days, the old man looked even thinner and more withered. He often forgot to eat when obsessed with research. Considering he was her mentor in name—and she had often sought his medical advice—Lin Xiaodou felt it was necessary to give him a nudge.

"Old Man Wang, do you often skip meals in the lab? If you keep going like this, your body will collapse."

Ever since they had become familiar with each other, Lin Xiaodou had taken to calling him "Old Man Wang." Surprisingly, the usually rigid old man didn't seem to mind.

"I ate, I ate. Don't worry so much," he brushed her off.

See? He was being evasive again.

"You had lunch, so you aren't hungry now, right?" Lin Xiaodou asked.

Old Man Wang took a sip of tea and waved his hand. "Not hungry!"

Lin Xiaodou nodded. "Fine. I was planning to stew some bone broth, but since you aren't hungry, I won't prepare a portion for you." She turned and headed toward the kitchen.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch." Old Man Wang suddenly clutched his stomach and groaned.

Lin Xiaodou turned around, feigning ignorance. "What’s wrong?"

Old Man Wang blinked. "My stomach suddenly feels hungry. How about... you share half a bowl of that bone broth with me?"

Lin Xiaodou chuckled. This old man really was stubborn.

In the end, she made a large pot of bone broth. On the stove, the thick, milky broth bubbled, emitting a rich, meaty aroma that made Old Man Wang swallow hard.

"Lin, when will that soup be ready? I've been waiting for nearly an hour."

"It's about time." Lin Xiaodou sprinkled some chopped scallions into the clay pot, and a strange, wonderful fragrance wafted into the air. The temptation was even greater now.

Old Man Wang eagerly brought over a bowl and handed it to her. "Quick, fill me a bowl. My stomach is growling!"

"Alright!" Lin Xiaodou laughed. She filled a bowl to the brim with the fragrant broth and several large bone-in meat chunks.

"Careful, it's hot!" Lin Xiaodou had barely finished speaking before Old Man Wang took a sip.

"Not hot! Delicious!" Old Man Wang loved nothing more than fresh, piping-hot soup. The boiling broth hit his stomach, and he felt revitalized. A satisfied smile spread across his face as he picked up a piece of bone-in meat and began to gnaw on it with relish.

Lin Xiaodou’s pot was enough for three or four people. She drank two large bowls, and the rest was completely devoured by Old Man Wang. The little old man had an incredible appetite. If he were in the modern era, he might have even made it as a food vlogger.

By the end, Old Man Wang's belly was round. He rubbed it contentedly and sighed, "Your cooking is the best, Lin. I've grown tired of the food at the canteen."

"If you like it, I'll cook for you whenever I have time," Lin Xiaodou said with a smile. "I'll make you a private meal."

Old Man Wang waved his hand. "No, no. You’re busy all day and must be tired. Once or twice a week is enough."

"Deal." Lin Xiaodou tidied up the bowls and chopsticks, then pulled a medical book from her room. "Old Man Wang, there are some concepts on this page I don't understand. Could you explain them to me?"

Old Man Wang paused, then smiled. This girl—she truly never missed a chance to gain something.

...

Meanwhile, after being beaten, Chen Ju limped back to the hospital. Seeing her disheveled state, Huang Yaxin looked concerned. "Auntie Chen, what happened to you? Who did this to you?"

"It was that wretched girl Lin Xiaodou and her friend!" Chen Ju said, her eyes dark and teeth gritted.

She had slept until noon at the guesthouse, grabbed a meal at a nearby state-run restaurant, and then come to the hospital to check on her son. She had happened to see Lin Xiaodou at the hospital entrance and had gone over to lecture her, only to be beaten like this. She had never been touched by anyone except her husband in her entire life. It was a humiliating disgrace!

Hearing that Chen Ju had been beaten by Lin Xiaodou, Huang Yaxin was stunned. Lin Xiaodou looked so delicate; she had no idea the girl had such a violent temper. She had been worried that Lin was a rival, but now she had nothing to worry about. Just the fact that she had hit Xiao Jingyao's mother would ensure he would never accept her.

Thinking of this, Huang Yaxin felt a surge of secret delight. "Auntie Chen, why don't we report this to the police? Brother Xiao works at the Public Security Bureau, and I know several of his colleagues. We can have them arrest Lin Xiaodou and punish her severely!"

"No! If people find out I was beaten by two young girls, where will my reputation go?" Chen Ju rejected the idea immediately.

After her encounter with Lin Xiaodou today, she vaguely sensed that the girl was not easy to deal with. Her son was still in the ICU, and everyone believed that Lin Xiaodou had saved him. If she went to the police, people would surely view her as someone who repaid kindness with cruelty, which would damage her own reputation.

"Wait a while longer. Once Jingyao wakes up, I’ll have him expose Lin Xiaodou’s true colors!"