In a pile of dry grass lay a giant panda, barely clinging to life.  

Xia Zhi was momentarily stunned, but the monkey tugging at her feet snapped her back to reality. She hurried forward to check, only to pause after a single step—this was a wild giant panda, after all.  

Cautiously, she approached, and after sensing no hostility, she knelt to examine the panda’s injuries. It seemed to have come from the neighboring province, having undoubtedly endured many hardships along the way.  

Xia Zhi quickly pulled out some medicinal herbs to stop the bleeding, then glanced around, her gaze landing on the fruit in the trees. She looked down at the monkey at her feet.  

“Go pick some fruit for me,” she said, half-jokingly.  

Given that the little monkey had led her here, she figured it might have some intelligence. To her surprise, as soon as she spoke, the monkey scampered up the tree and began tossing fruit down.  

One fruit, unfortunately, landed right on Xia Zhi’s head. She gasped in pain and glared up at the tree.  

The monkey seemed to realize its mistake, scratching its back sheepishly.  

Xia Zhi sighed and turned her attention back to the panda, picking up a piece of fruit and tentatively offering it. Luckily, the panda ate it.  

Squatting beside it, she rested her chin in her palm and watched. As someone not from the neighboring province, she had always envied them. In her past life, she’d only ever seen pandas in videos.  

Now, a half-grown giant panda was right in front of her. Doing the math, she realized pandas hadn’t yet been listed as a protected species at this time. Would it be illegal if I took it home to raise?  

She reached out and stroked the panda’s fur, the soft texture blooming under her fingertips.  

Her heart melted instantly.  

A rustling sound came from behind. Turning, she saw the little monkey walking toward her with its arms full of fruit. One by one, the fruits slipped from its grasp until only two remained by the time it reached her.

Xia Zhi had no choice but to go back and pick up the scattered fruit. Meanwhile, the monkey circled the panda, scratching its head before giving it a tentative poke.  

Seeing this harmonious scene, Xia Zhi smiled. She fed the panda a few more pieces of fruit, then reached out to pat the monkey’s head. “It’ll be okay,” she reassured it.  

Still, they needed a better place—there wasn’t enough food here.  

“Stay here and watch over it. I’ll look around nearby and come right back.”  

If she remembered correctly, she’d seen bamboo on the way here. After searching for a while, she finally found it, but to her disappointment, the stalks were all too large.  

She continued exploring the area and, after some time, discovered a patch of tender bamboo shoots. A small stream ran nearby, making it a perfect spot.  

Returning to the panda, she considered carrying it. She could lift it, but she was afraid it might bite her.  

“I’m saving you, so don’t bite me, okay? Be good,” she muttered, psyching herself up. Mimicking the holds she’d seen in videos, she hoisted the panda up and staggered toward the new location.  

The little monkey bounded along behind her, even leaping onto her shoulder at one point, nearly causing her to topple over.  

“Get down! You’re too heavy!”  

The monkey obediently jumped off, scratching its head and whimpering softly.  

Xia Zhi walked in starts and stops, taking several breaks along the way before finally reaching the spot. The moment she set the panda down, she collapsed against a tree, utterly exhausted.  

That had nearly killed her.  

The panda seemed to sense the bamboo around it, reaching out to pull a stalk close and munching contentedly.

At that moment, a mechanical voice rang in Xia Zhi’s mind once again.  

[Ding! Congratulations, Host. You have unexpectedly unlocked a new identity: Veterinarian.  

Host has successfully treated a giant panda. Reward: 88 points. After deducting this morning’s negative points, current balance: 78.]  

Veterinarian?  

Well, veterinarian it is—at least she had points now.  

Xia Zhi sprawled on the ground for a while, indulging in a moment of laziness. When she felt it was about time, she got up and checked on the panda one last time before heading back. But after just a few steps, her mind blanked—which direction had she come from again? 

Then, the little monkey at her feet tugged at her pants and led the way.  

Following it for over half an hour, Xia Zhi finally returned to the original spot. She looked down at the monkey. “Alright, you can go back now. I’ll come again tomorrow.”  

That place was secluded enough—it should be safe.  

She filled her basket and picked some wild vegetables on her way down the mountain.  

At the gate, Xu Rufeng saw her return safely and quickly opened the door.  

“Thanks, Squad Leader Xu.” Xia Zhi walked in with her basket, but when she reached her quarters, she was surprised to find a crowd gathered outside.  

Li Jianguo, Su Yating, Lu Weifeng, a middle-aged woman in her forties, and a girl around sixteen or seventeen were all there.  

Li Jianguo and the others looked grim, while Su Yating wore a smug expression.  

Xia Zhi set down her basket, crouched to sort the herbs into the winnowing tray, then leaned against the wall to watch the drama unfold.  

These must be Lu Beiting’s family.  

Lu Weifeng had just finished arguing with Lu Beiting and stormed out. When he spotted Xia Zhi standing by the wall, he froze for a moment before scowling at her.  

“What are you standing there for? Can’t you see Beiting is injured? Hurry up and go take care of him!”  

Xia Zhi’s expression darkened. No wonder Lu Beiting doesn’t get along with his family.

Thankfully, Lu Beiting had been in the military all this time. If he’d stayed with parents like these, who knew what kind of person he’d have become?  

Without a word, Xia Zhi stepped inside and walked over to the bed, where Lu Beiting sat with a stormy expression, his entire body radiating low pressure.  

“What’s wrong?”  

The moment he saw her, his expression softened slightly. “Nothing,” he said, shaking his head.  

His cold eyes swept over his family, a chill settling in his heart. “My affairs are none of your concern. I’ll pay for the betrothal gifts and the wedding banquet myself. You’re welcome to come if you want, but if you’re just here to make trouble, then stay home.”  

Xia Zhi immediately understood—this was about them looking down on her.  

“Lu Beiting, I’m your mother! Are you really going to cut ties with your family over this woman?  

Hao Liping may have wronged you, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for someone like her!”  

Wang Xiulan scrutinized Xia Zhi’s thin, sun-darkened frame with disdain. In her eyes, she wasn’t even half as good-looking as Hao Liping.  

“If you like her so much, go adopt her as your goddaughter. Don’t come here to bother me.” Lu Beiting’s voice was icy, his expression one of utter disinterest. These people are insane.

“Lu Beiting, have you lost your mind?!” Wang Xiulan shrieked, nearly fainting from rage. “After all, she—she saved your father’s life!”  

“Then let Dad marry her.” Lu Beiting’s retort was merciless.  

Wang Xiulan swayed on her feet, as if about to collapse from sheer indignation. What kind of blasphemous nonsense was this?!  

Xia Zhi couldn’t help but admire him. In this era, few dared to stand up to their parents like this.  

“Big Brother, how can you talk to Mom like that? She’s only thinking of what’s best for you!” Lu Yan’an supported Wang Xiulan, shooting her brother a reproachful look.  

Lu Beiting frowned, his gaze settling on the sister he had always doted on.