Chapter 22 A matter of life and death

If her powers really mutated—no, changed—then this “energy charger” that is Xie Yu could only belong to her. Want to run away? Don’t even think about it! But for now… no rush. Because the bed had collapsed, Chang Suisui helped Xie Yu tidy up the room a bit, propping up the broken bed board with some wooden planks, and then continued with the acupuncture. When Xie Yu felt thirsty, she handed him a kettle filled with spiritual spring water.

After a while, the last needle was gently pulled out. Chang Suisui carefully smoothed Xie Yu’s collar and then spoke again, “That’s enough treatment for today. Remember to massage your leg using the method I taught you; it will help your recovery.”

“Mm, got it.” Xie Yu glanced outside and noticed the rain had eased considerably. He reminded her, “It’s dark and slippery outside; be careful on your way back.”

“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. See you tomorrow, Comrade Xie.” After saying this, Chang Suisui waved at him and turned to leave, leaving behind a graceful silhouette.

Soon after, the door to the neighboring room creaked open. Qian Weimin rushed in excitedly, his eyes scanning Xie Yu from head to toe, grinning broadly. “Brother Xie, have you fallen for someone?”

Xie Yu frowned slightly and sharply said, “Don’t talk nonsense. Chang Suisui is a healer with a compassionate heart. I’m just her patient.”

Qian Weimin chuckled, “Well, she’s your patient now, but it could be something else later. As long as you boldly pursue her, I’m sure she’ll be willing!” After all, the young lady came here in the middle of the night to treat the regiment leader. The more Qian Weimin thought about it, the more he felt like he’d discovered something incredible.

Xie Yu saw through his thoughts immediately. Before Qian could say anything more outrageous, he quickly changed the subject. “Since you plan to stay in the village, you’ll need an appropriate status. Otherwise, if the villagers find out, how will you explain?”

Qian Weimin nodded. “The commander can definitely handle that. I’ll call him in town tomorrow. It should be no problem.” He felt that as long as he stayed close to Xie Yu, any request made to the commander would be approved. After all, back then…

“Going to town tomorrow?” Xie Yu’s words snapped Qian back to reality. He nodded and instinctively asked, “Brother Xie, do you need me to buy anything?”

Qian thought about the situation he’d seen at Xie Yu’s place—pretty rough, especially with the bed broken now. Xie Yu, looking at Qian’s hopeful expression, pressed his forehead. “Buy whatever we’re short on, but… when you go to town tomorrow, please look after Chang Suisui. She’s unfamiliar with the area, and I’m worried she might get into trouble.”

Qian immediately patted his chest in assurance. “Don’t worry, Brother Xie, I’ll get the job done!” Seeing Xie Yu’s expression was still good, he couldn’t help but ask, “But really, don’t you think you’re being a little too good to Chang Suisui? Do you really like her…?”

Before he could finish, Xie Yu interrupted, a complicated emotion flashing in his eyes. “Chang Suisui is a good girl, and naturally, I admire her. But right now, I’m not worthy of her.” Once his leg is healed, if she’s willing, he’ll give her a proper answer. But whether he can stand again is still uncertain, so how could he drag a young girl down with him? For now, just treating her well and protecting her is enough. No need to gamble a lifetime of happiness for a young girl.

He couldn’t help but bitterly smile. Xie Yu had never been this weak before! He slowly clenched his fists, took a deep breath, and looked out the window again, eyes dark.

The rain stopped by late night. At dawn, the smoke from the Youth Labor Station’s kitchen rose. The courtyard was still moist with dew.

Chang Suisui didn’t get up late, but for most youths, it was already late. She was brushing her teeth in the yard, wondering whether to wait by the village entrance for the cattle cart, when suddenly a commotion came from the Youth Labor Station’s gate.

“Chang Suisui, you shameless slut! Get out here!”

People inside the station curiously peeked out, watching toward the gate. Some whispered, “Isn’t that the village chief’s wife? What’s she doing causing a scene at the Youth Station?”

“Didn’t you hear? Last night, the village chief’s eldest son, Xie Jianguo, tried to molest Chang Suisui and got thrown into the pigpen. His mother is notorious for defending her kids—no wonder she’s here causing trouble!”

“Tsk tsk, Chang Suisui’s in serious trouble. The village chief’s wife is fierce; many people have been on her bad side…”

“Chang Suisui, you better hide in your room. The village chief’s wife is tough, but as long as you don’t show your face, she can’t touch you.”

Zhang Fen, who was cooking, heard the noise and hurriedly tried to push Chang Suisui inside. The young girl had been through so much recently; Zhang was worried she might not be able to bear it. If something happened, it would be a serious matter. Zhang didn’t want to meddle, but this was about a person’s life.

Seeing Zhang’s urgency, Chang Suisui patted her hand gently. “Fen Jie, don’t worry. I have a clear conscience. I’m not afraid of her.”

Zhang’s mouth was almost burning with anxiety, but she lowered her voice and urged, “You foolish girl, if she had any reason, would I be this worried? Listen to me and hide for now. Once things settle…”

“Chang Suisui! Get out here!” Before Zhang could finish, the village chief’s wife, Zhao Xiulan, stormed in. Seeing Chang Suisui standing with Zhang Fen, her small eyes instantly narrowed.

“Chang Suisui! Get out here! You’re the reason my son had to sleep in the pigpen last night, you heartless witch! How can you sleep at night?!”

“How did the Xie family offend you?! You had to ruin my son?! And saying my son molested you? Even if he did, that’s your luck!”

“There are so many young girls and wives in the village, who dresses as flashy as you? Always seducing men around the village, and you have the nerve to say my son molested you? Ugh!”

Zhao Xiulan’s loud shouting drew people’s attention from outside. Since there wasn’t much to do in the village beyond farming, everyone was naturally curious about free entertainment, especially juicy gossip.

Among the crowd was a short figure who smirked watching Zhao Xiulan curse at Chang Suisui. The thought of the two fighting delighted her; it meant Chang Suisui would have no chance to marry into the Xie family.

Chang Meili thought this, rolled her eyes, and then dashed straight into the Youth Labor Station—