The island itself was not large. Local villagers had lived here for generations, and people from all the surrounding areas knew one another well. For a time, rumors spread vividly and in great detail, and many villagers even deliberately went to the gates of the military camp to inquire.
If Su Jinhui were not the person involved, she probably would have joined in on the gossip herself.
Following the principle of “if you can’t afford to offend them, then avoid them,” she simply stayed at home, studying medical books and cooking, waiting for the system to upgrade again.
Strangely enough, ever since the last upgrade was interrupted, the progress bar had shown no movement at all.
This was also the first time Su Jinhui had ever seen the system upgrading. For a while, she had no idea what to do and could only wait for the system to suddenly “have a change of heart” one day.
Could it be that this thing also depended on timing, location, and harmony?
For now, she had no way to investigate and could only wait patiently.
She did not care about the rumors, but naturally, someone else did.
Some villagers even went out of their way to find Yan Li’an and earnestly advised him, saying, “Officer, there are plenty of good girls on the island. You must not give in to a woman like that.”
“She has never forced me. I married her of my own free will,” Yan Li’an replied with a stern expression.
He had wanted to help Su Jinhui clear herself of the rumors, but instead was labeled as someone who had been deeply poisoned and dared not resist.
Suppressing the irritation in his heart, Yan Li’an returned home. The person involved was bent over a book, the light of sunset scattering across her fair face, her hair falling casually over the pages. It felt as though something gently struck his heart, and much of his negative emotions dissipated.
He wanted to mention the rumors outside, but could not bear to trouble her mind. Hesitating, the words reached his lips and were swallowed back down.
“You’re back! I’ll go heat up the food,” Su Jinhui said casually as she stretched, then got up to busy herself at the stove.
Before long, the meal was on the table.
“Something on your mind?” Su Jinhui noticed his abnormality at a glance.
Yan Li’an lowered his head and took a sip of porridge. “Don’t pay attention to the rumors outside.”
“Of course I don’t. People’s hearts are like mirrors—what kind of person you are is what you see in others. Why should I imprison myself for others? Besides, let me ask you: do you believe what they say?” Su Jinhui countered calmly, her bright eyes meeting his directly.
He shook his head without hesitation. No one knew the truth better than he did.
“Then that settles it. As long as you believe me, it has no impact on me at all. As for others, distance tests a horse’s strength, and time reveals a person’s heart.” Su Jinhui had already died once; she viewed things far more clearly.
Of course, the most important reason was that she had to be ready for the system upgrade at any moment—she absolutely could not let anyone interrupt it again!
As the thought flashed through her mind, a familiar voice sounded in her ears: “The system will begin automatic updating in five minutes. During the process, please do not close or interrupt.”
Su Jinhui’s eyes widened in shock. She jumped to her feet excitedly. “I’m sleepy. I’m going to rest first. I’ll leave the dishes to you.”
Without giving him a chance to react, she dashed to the bed and lay down peacefully.
Yan Li’an looked at her unusual behavior and shook his head with a sigh. Clearly feeling wronged, yet still holding it in—he must restore her good name!
Originally, out of respect for Su Jinhui’s wishes, there had been no plan to mention her in the public commendation announcement for the masses. But with rumors spreading endlessly, Yan Li’an had no choice but to report the situation to his superiors.
The higher-ups attached great importance to the matter and would not allow anyone to be wronged. They immediately made an exception, revised the official documents, and released them ahead of schedule.
Although Su Jinhui’s name was not listed, the document specifically stated that Yan Li’an’s military family member had played a key role in the operation.
It directly stated that she was a reliable provider of clues and that she had acted heroically without fear of danger. With several such descriptions stacked together, no one could find any grounds to say anything further.
The rumors collapsed on their own.
Su Jinhui had no idea what was happening outside. She slept for a full twelve hours before the system finally finished upgrading.
“It doesn’t seem any different,” she muttered softly.
The next second, she entered the space again, freely moving between reality and the space.
She experimentally picked up the pillow by the bed, and in the next instant, it passed into the space. She then picked up a book from the space and easily brought it out as well—it was even smoother than before.
But when she entered the space again, she discovered something different: this time, she entered the hospital where she had once worked.
The familiar smell of disinfectant, the familiar desk—even the pen missing its cap lay on the table. Could it be that she had crossed back?
But she had already died in a medical dispute. The surroundings were empty of people, making it clear she was still inside the space.
She wondered whether the operating room had come along as well.
The image flashed through her mind, and when she opened her eyes again, she was in the operating room. The tools placed by her side were also her exclusive set, each one carefully selected by her. More than half were custom-made overseas—every single one her precious treasure.
Su Jinhui picked up the scalpel, the familiar sensation flooding every nerve.
Still, she couldn’t help smacking her lips. Compared to the hospital, what she missed most was the research lab—the place where she devoted herself to drug research, where many of her awards had been earned.
The laboratory suddenly appeared before her eyes, materials and equipment all complete. Only then did she truly understand the key switch of the system upgrade—it was her imagination.
As long as it was a scene she was familiar with and could imagine, the space could recreate it one-to-one. For her, this was an enormous advantage.
There was a knock on the door in reality, and Su Jinhui had no choice but to reluctantly leave the space.
When she opened the door, a young soldier said directly, “Deputy Regiment Commander’s wife, the deputy regiment commander asks you to come over.”
“Alright.” Su Jinhui locked the door neatly and followed behind the young soldier.
She saw a crowd gathered at the entrance of the military camp—both civilians and soldiers. Yan Li’an gestured for her to come over. As she approached, she noticed a familiar face at the scene: Liu Ruolan.
“Since you said that criticism and education would be effective for you, then apologize to the victim, Comrade Su Jinhui,” Yan Li’an said in an official, impartial tone, showing no mercy.
Liu Ruolan bit her lower lip in grievance, glaring at her resentfully, remaining silent for a long time.
Yan Li’an’s voice turned icy. “If you’re unwilling, don’t force yourself. I will naturally report the full course of events to your village team leader.”
Whether sent-down educated youth or local villagers, matters of work points and discipline were uniformly managed by the brigade.
“Su Jinhui, sorry!” Liu Ruolan blurted out as if the words burned her mouth, finishing as quickly as possible.
Yan Li’an said sternly, “No! Your attitude is not sincere!”
“Brother Li’an! That’s enough already. Are you really taking her side like this? So many people are watching me make a fool of myself—how am I supposed to live after this?” Liu Ruolan said in disbelief, wishing she could crawl into a crack in the ground.
“Apologize again!” Yan Li’an refused to even look at her.
Filled with resentment, Liu Ruolan clenched her teeth, raised her voice, yet every word radiated coldness. “Comrade Su Jinhui, I’m sorry! I was petty and malicious!”