Lin Anning was woken by the loudspeakers near her ear and opened her eyes to find herself in a hospital.
"Laobaixing Pharmacy, Laobaixing Pharmacy, monthly member's day, spend a full yuan, get two jin of eggs for free..."
Lin Anning looked around, and nobody else seemed to react—it seemed that only she could hear it.
This is a pharmacy, she had read about in books.
She raised her hand to turn off the loudspeaker, and the world became quiet!
To the left of the pharmacy stood a row of traditional Chinese medicine cabinets, labeled with various medicinal herb names, all inclusive.
On the right was a row of glass cabinets, displaying some Western medicines.
The Lin Family had a lineage of traditional Chinese doctors, but her grandfather, filled with patriotic fervor, abandoned medicine to join the army.
Unexpectedly, after several twists and turns, he became a military doctor in the army and, upon being rehabilitated, was invited by Beijing Hospital to return and practice, but he refused.
Claiming he was too old to want to upend his life, he chose to live a simple life with her in White Crane Village instead.
In all honesty, her grandfather had been genuinely kind to her over the years, without a single flaw, painstakingly looking after her health and imparting all his knowledge to her, hoping that she would glorify the study of traditional Chinese medicine.
Regrettably, she had no chance in her previous life, but in this life, she wanted to give it a try.
Lin Anning came back to her senses and looked down to see that her pale, white hand had just finished an IV drip, covered with medical tape.
One could tell it had been pressed carefully, leaving not a single bruise—her fragile constitution bruised easily from the slightest mishandling.
It was already early summer, and while others were still wearing short sleeves, she was bundled up in long sleeves and still felt cold, so she pulled the blanket over herself.
Seeing her awake, the nurse turned and handed her an enamel mug.
"Comrade Lin, this was made for you by your partner. Drink it while it's hot. He's settled the medicine bill, and in a moment you'll be able to leave the hospital and go home to rest up."
Lin Anning took it and saw that it was freshly brewed ginger brown sugar water, still steaming.
She took a sip—it was sweet and warming.
Hold on, her partner?
Did she mean the man from last night?
After removing his pants last night, she had fainted!
When she woke up, her pajamas had been changed to a new fine linen shirt, and she was also wearing underwear.
In her heart, she and he had already gone through with it!
However, upon waking up, she hadn't seen him and didn't even know what he looked like!
If he really looked like that wretched man! That would be horrifying.
Suddenly thinking of something, she vaguely gestured with her hand.
Last night, she seemed to have touched something unspeakable!
Her face immediately became frightfully hot, and she let go of her hand quickly.
"Nurse comrade, where is he?"
"Oh, your partner had some urgent matters to attend to and left earlier. He asked me to tell you to remember what was said last night,"
"Also, to obediently wait for him at home."
Remembering that comrade, with his sturdy build and handsome looks, the nurse's face flushed red.
When he carried Comrade Lin into the hospital, he wasn't even out of breath, showing his excellent physical condition.
What female comrade wouldn't like a man like that?
Glancing down at Lin Anning and seeing her pale, delicate, goose egg-shaped face, her large eyes lively yet somewhat coquettish, her slender frame—it was as if Lin Daiyu from the movies stood before her right now.
But thin as she was, the nurse had found, when changing her clothes, that she had flesh where it counted, and none of it was missing.
Comparing herself, any thoughts the nurse might have had evaporated instantly.
Every pot has its lid; a man like that was suited only for a fairy-like Comrade Lin!
"Thank you for the trouble," Lin Anning said.
Lin Anning didn't know who the male comrade was, but right now, she needed to leave the hospital.
In a bit, she had to check on her neighbors.
Since she had taken over someone's body, it was only right to take responsibility for it.
She had to have a good talk with them—after all, they would be returning to the countryside soon, and without a formal job or a city residence permit.
If the family had objections, she would sincerely apologize and offer compensation.
If they didn't mind, she would take full responsibility.
As for the arranged marriage with the Huo Family, she had no interest—whoever wanted to marry could marry.
Lin Anning stepped out of the hospital, gazing at the bright sunshine and taking a deep breath.
Without a second thought, she turned her head and headed to the police station.
Last night, the hooligan named Ma San was a notorious scoundrel from the North Street.
In her last life, she was naive, thinking Ma San was just a thief who had accidentally bumped into her, which led him to harbor wicked thoughts.
Now, thinking about it, the drugged milk, the door locked from the outside, everything had traces to follow, clearly indicating it was all deliberate to harm her.
In these times, how important was the reputation of a female comrade?
A damaged reputation was like being half dead.
By doing this, they clearly didn't plan to leave her any way out.
Lin Anning walked into the gate of the police station, her eyes reddening.
"Police comrade, I want to report a crime, some hooliganism took place..."
————————
Lin Anning walked into Glory Lane right at mealtime.
Everyone squeezed under the narrow eaves to cook, filling the alley with lively scents of food and life.
This part belonged to the old district of De City, where low-set bungalows were interspersed with a few shabby multi-storey buildings.
As soon as Lin Anning turned the corner, she drew everyone's sidelong glances.
"Wow, isn't that the Lin Family's eldest daughter? I heard she's been back for half a year?"
"That's right, the big sister is pretty indeed, but what a weird temperament. The younger sister is lovely, always smiling at everyone, truly endearing. She always makes me laugh whenever I see her."
The crowd buzzed with discussions, which Lin Anning ignored.
As she approached the dark little building at the end of the alley, she saw Zhao Hua standing in front of her house with a plate of meat buns, chatting and sighing with the neighboring chatterbox, Nie Dazui.
"She didn't come back for the whole night without even a word. Now I made her favorite meat buns, and Jiaojiao will benefit from them."
"I'm telling you, Anning's mom, aren't you just too gullible? Whatever she says goes?"
Nie Dazui was notorious in this alley for being a loudmouth and gossipmonger.
Upon hearing this, she immediately started a fuss.
"What movie? She must have run off into the bushes with some fella! And you, just letting her do as she pleases?"
"Our Glory Lane is inhabited by the spotless working class. If the family's reputation is tarnished, what if we can't be recognized as an advanced family in the future? Will your family take responsibility?"
At that moment, Su Jiaojiao emerged from the house dressed in a brand-new green blouse and with two braids in her hair, fluttering like a butterfly.
In her hands, she carried bags big and small, which seemed like she had just come back from a shopping spree and had not yet stepped inside the house.
She spoke earnestly, "Auntie Nie, you are mistaken. My sister really went out to watch a movie with someone, and you shouldn't spread rumors. If you tarnish my sister's reputation, it will be difficult to explain to the Huo Family."
Nie Dazui sneered, "Pah!"
"Sure, as if there's an engagement with the Huo Family!"
"Hanging out with men outside, she's bringing shame to Glory Lane!"
Half a year ago, Lin Anning was brought back by the Huo Family, in a flashy jeep.
That entrance really dazzled the eyes of the people in Glory Lane.
A flicker of amusement passed through Zhao Hua's eyes, though she didn't show it on her face.
"No way, Auntie Nie, you mustn't talk nonsense."
"Mom, Auntie Nie."
Lin Anning stepped forward and interrupted the two, causing Nie Dazui to visibly startle.
"You're back? As long as you had fun, that's good. Mom understands, the guys in the city are different from those in the countryside... Mom isn't worried..."
Zhao Hua turned to glance at her, her tone gentle. In front of others, she always appeared as the epitome of a caring mother.
Nie Dazui rolled her eyes at Lin Anning and said irritably.
"Oh, so you mean to say you liked not coming home at night even back in the countryside? Only your mother spoils you like this. If it were my daughter, I'd break her legs."
Lin Anning pretended to be shocked, covering her mouth.
"Auntie Nie, were you hiding under my bed last night?"
"You know all this? You are a mother too, how can you so maliciously damage another girl's reputation? It's clear that not giving birth to a child means you don't hold them dear."
While speaking, she casually grabbed a meat bun and stuffed it into her mouth.
Delicious, truly delicious.
Since being brought back half a year ago, she had only been eating thin porridge and cabbage.
A tough body wouldn't withstand that, let alone someone ill like herself.
Both of Lin Anning's parents worked, earning a combined salary of over sixty yuan a month.
And then there were the grain, oil, and meat coupons. Theoretically, the family shouldn't be struggling so much.
But both of them kept saying it was for her health, that the family was not well-off.
She took all of this to heart and voluntarily cut her own food portion in half to lessen the burden on the family.
But ever since Su Jiaojiao returned, Lin's mother would prepare a bowl of meat soup with sesame oil for her daughter with each meal.
Only then did she realize that she didn't deserve such food.
Now, she wasn't about to be polite with them.
Zhao Hua felt a pang of anxiety and smiled apologetically at Nie Dazui.
"I'm sorry, Auntie Nie, this child wasn't like this before."
Watching as a whole plate of meat buns was nearly gobbled up, Zhao Hua felt terribly distressed.
These were specially made for Jiaojiao, and seeing Lin Anning reaching for more,
she quickly pushed the plate into Su Jiaojiao's hands and signaled her with a glance.
"Eat up!"
Lin Anning finished the last bite of the meat bun, wiped the oil from her hands, and resumed chatting with Nie Dazui.
"Auntie, we had a thief break into our house last night."
Nie Dazui glanced at the Lin Family's small building and said annoyedly.
"Who are you trying to fool? Our houses are so close. If a thief really broke in, would I not hear a thing?"
"And look at these doors and windows, perfectly intact. How would a thief get in? Lin Anning, fooling around with men is bad enough, but lying through your teeth, you're really rotten."
Lin Anning nodded and slowly raised her eyebrows toward Zhao Hua, her face filled with confusion.
"Indeed, I'd also like to know how the thief got in?"