Chapter 28 The Deceived Girl in the 1970s: Fake vs. Real Daughter Story (28)

Xiaoxiao resigned herself to her fate and went to borrow a towel, but unsurprisingly, there was none to be found.

The auntie in the next bed looked over as Xiaoxiao returned empty-handed and asked, “Little girl, weren’t you off to buy something? Why are you back so soon?”

“I went to borrow one from the nurses,” Xiaoxiao replied calmly. “Didn’t work out.”

“Well, of course not,” the aunt chuckled knowingly. “You have to buy it. Go to the hospital’s shop—no ration coupons needed. It’s a little pricier than the supply co-op, but cheaper than most other places, and only families of patients are allowed to buy there.”

Xiaoxiao appreciated the advice but had no intention of spending money. Couldn’t this ward be quiet like the others? Looking at the warm-hearted aunt, she still managed a polite response. “It’s alright. Someone will come by soon with supplies. I came in a rush and didn’t bring any money.”

The aunt seemed to sense her reluctance and instead grew more curious. “So, little girl, what’s your relation to that one?” She nodded toward the unconscious Feng Qingqing.

Others nearby perked up their ears, especially the young man in the neighboring bed. Though he’d had his back to them this whole time, he had heard everything clearly. Even without turning around, he could tell how impatient the girl sounded.

Given what he’d overheard from the team leader earlier, he figured this girl probably didn’t get along with the patient. He was genuinely curious how she’d respond.

Xiaoxiao met the aunt’s gaze and said lightly, “Well, we share something in common—we’re both called ‘educated youth,’ aren’t we?”

Everyone nearby, including the aunt, the young man, and even the old man in the corner, was speechless.

Still unwilling to give up, the aunt leaned forward. “You don’t seem close… but a nice girl like you still came to help. That’s rare these days.”

Luckily, the door opened just then, sparing Xiaoxiao from further questioning.

Everyone turned to look and was surprised to see a soldier walk in.

Xiaoxiao frowned slightly as Wang Jianjun entered. So he really had no intention of avoiding suspicion? Could he actually be serious about Feng Qingqing?

In truth, she’d misunderstood. It wasn’t that Wang Jianjun had fallen for her. After all, he was a married man. He just felt guilty. He couldn’t shake the feeling that if not for Zhang Jiabei’s aggressive behavior, Feng Qingqing wouldn’t have jumped a second time. He just wanted to make amends.

“Comrade,” he asked, walking straight to Xiaoxiao, “how’s the patient?”

“You didn’t run into the team leader on the way?” Xiaoxiao replied.

Wang Jianjun shook his head. He’d dropped off Zhang Jiabei and taken a shortcut back, running the whole way.

“She’s stable for now,” Xiaoxiao answered. “But her hair’s soaked. It needs to be dried, or she’ll catch a chill. I don’t have any money on me, so if you could go buy a towel, that’d help.”

“Of course. “Thank you,” Wang Jianjun said sincerely.

Xiaoxiao waved off his thanks. “Don’t bother thanking me. This has nothing to do with you. I’m only here because the team leader asked. If anyone should be grateful, it’s Feng Qingqing—when she wakes up. My name’s Ye Xiaoxiao. You can call me Comrade Ye or Ye Xiaoxiao. Now go get the towel before she gets worse.”

She looked at him again, skeptical. “Don’t tell me you didn’t bring money either?”

“I did, I did,” Wang Jianjun quickly assured her, and then rushed out.

The aunt across the aisle, still nosy as ever, asked, “Who’s that young man?” What’s his relationship with the girl on the bed?”

Xiaoxiao really wanted to roll her eyes. “Please don’t make things up, Auntie. There’s no relationship.”

The aunt clearly didn’t buy it. “Really? Then why was he so nervous?”

She then eyed Xiaoxiao suspiciously. “Wait a minute, don’t tell me you’ve got your eye on him too?”

Before she could finish, Xiaoxiao cut her off, “Auntie, please. I’m young. I’m not looking to get married anytime soon. And that comrade is already married. Don’t go spreading gossip—it’ll ruin reputations.”

That did the trick. The aunt shut up instantly. Interestingly, the young man in the next bed turned to glance at her.

Xiaoxiao caught his look and offered a small smile, just to be polite, then turned away again.

That one small smile made the young man’s heart skip a beat. She was truly beautiful, with fair skin and sweet dimples—it was enough to daze someone.

Soon, Wang Jianjun returned with the towel and handed it to Xiaoxiao. “Thanks again, Comrade Ye.”

She nodded and began gently drying Feng Qingqing’s hair. But halfway through, she noticed Feng Qingqing’s complexion flushing unnaturally. At first, she thought maybe she was getting better, but when she felt her forehead, she realized something was wrong.

“She’s running a fever. Go get the doctor!” Xiaoxiao said urgently.

Wang Jianjun’s expression changed immediately. He turned and ran.

After a brief check, the doctor confirmed it. “Looks like a lung infection. She’ll need to be kept under observation. I’ve given her an antipyretic injection, but you need to monitor her closely tonight. If anything changes, call someone right away.”

Wang Jianjun nodded and asked the doctor for further instructions. Once the man left, Xiaoxiao watched Wang Jianjun fuss attentively over Feng Qingqing and couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

Was this what fate looked like? No matter how Zhang Jiabei had tried to avoid it, the plot still forced these two back together.

With the coincidence of the rescue, the borrowed coat, and now the hospital room, Feng Qingqing might very well marry Wang Jianjun. And with Zhang Jiabei’s help—jumping into the drama with a full-on jealous outburst—Feng Qingqing would be seen as pitiful and innocent, while Zhang Jiabei would become the villain. Even the second river jump seemed like part of the act.

Xiaoxiao felt a subtle chill. That woman wasn’t simple at all. If this worked out, she wouldn’t have to stay in the countryside. Either she’d be sent back to the city, or she’d follow Wang Jianjun and become an army wife.

And now, Xiaoxiao had been roped in to help.

Originally, she just wanted to watch the show and eat melon seeds. But because she’d been too close to the action, the team leader had pulled her into the cast. Even if she’d wanted to refuse, she hadn’t been given the chance. And once she’d hesitated, it was too late.

From now on, she vowed, she’d watch from a distance. No more front-row seats for village drama.

The doctor was gone, and the team leader had also left after asking Xiaoxiao to help for a bit longer. She agreed, figuring it wouldn’t hurt to wait until someone else arrived to take over.

Meanwhile, the aunt next to her piped up again. “Girl, what’s wrong with her, anyway?”

“She fell in the river. Twice,” Xiaoxiao replied.

“No wonder her hair’s all wet,” the aunt murmured. “She’s lucky you’re here. Dry her off properly, or she’ll get really sick.”

Xiaoxiao stared at the girl lying on the bed and sighed. She was too kind for her own good. Feng Qingqing had stirred up so much drama, yet here she was, still doing her part to help.

She really was the quintessential soft-hearted supporting character.