The 1970s—an era when all neglected tasks were being revitalized!
Su Tong stared at the number for a long time, her heart somewhat unsettled.
It wasn’t until a young nurse called out to her that Su Tong withdrew her gaze, responded with a few smiling words, and then calmly descended the stairs.
A thin layer of snow covered the courtyard. Though chilly, the crisp air was invigorating, evoking a sense of refreshment and delight.
Having stayed in the hospital for several days, she had mostly come to terms with the fact that she had traveled back to the 1970s. As unbelievable as it was, it had become her reality, and she could only accept it with composure.
Su Tong took a deep breath of the cool air to steady her emotions, then leisurely explored the county hospital of the 1970s from front to back.
When she reached the backyard, she discovered a basketball court behind the hospital. It was enclosed on three sides by single-story buildings, with the inpatient ward on one side. Several soldiers stood guard at the doors of the rooms on the western end.
Though they weren’t in military uniforms, Su Tong, having spent a long time in the army, could immediately tell from their posture and alertness that they differed from ordinary police officers. The moment she revealed half her figure, several sharp gazes swept over her.
Su Tong felt puzzled. Ma Liu and Zhang Kui hadn’t been seriously injured, and even she, who had hit the pillar, had recovered. Why were they still in the hospital?
She briefly pondered the question but dismissed it. If they were still here, there must be other reasons, and she had no intention of prying.
However, the nurses were all gossiping about two human traffickers being held in the backyard. If they were referring to Ma Liu and Zhang Kui, she found it hard to believe.
Those who carried handguns and bombs were desperate outlaws—how could their crimes be minor? Besides, human traffickers wouldn’t warrant specially assigned soldiers to guard them. These two were likely involved in no ordinary case. Otherwise, there would be no need to spread rumors while using “human traffickers” to conceal their true identities…
As Su Tong mulled this over on her way back, she suddenly heard a distant scream from one of the rooms behind her. It sounded like… Ma Liu?
Were they being interrogated?
Tortured?
Su Tong glanced around. The inpatient ward housed many patients, and it wasn’t far away. Was this really an appropriate place for such activities?
Just as she was thinking this, she saw a door open. Several doctors in white coats emerged, followed by Qin Yi. They exchanged a few words in front of the room before dispersing, all looking preoccupied.
Su Tong had no intention of snooping and thought it best to keep her distance. She was about to head to the front when someone called out, “Wu Tong!”
She turned and saw Qin Yi walking toward her. Today, he was wearing a work uniform and military boots, which accentuated his tall, straight figure and heroic demeanor.
“How’s your recovery?” Qin Yi stopped in front of her.
“Much better,” Su Tong replied, then added, “I came out for some fresh air and accidentally wandered here.”
Noticing her cautious tone, a flicker of amusement passed through Qin Yi’s eyes. “It’s fine. Ma Liu and Zhang Kui are detained back here. They’re a bit troublesome.”
Seeing that he wasn’t avoiding the topic, she followed up, “Troublesome? Their condition or the people?”
“Both!” Qin Yi looked weary as he pulled out a cigarette case from his pocket, placed a cigarette between his lips, and began searching his pockets for matches.
Su Tong thought back to the two criminals and asked with a hint of doubt, “Regarding their conditions, Zhang Kui has external injuries, and Ma Liu doesn’t seem to have any serious illness, right?”
Qin Yi, unable to find a match in his pocket, took the cigarette from his lips and stared intently at her. “You’re not going to tell me you also know medicine, are you?”
Su Tong blinked her eyes and stared back at him just as intently.
If it were anyone else, she would have decisively said no—just asking casually…
But this man was so sharp, as if he already knew many of her secrets. How should she answer appropriately?
While she was still hesitating, Qin Yi showed no intention of pressing further. He took out his cigarette case, put the cigarette back inside, and said:
“Ma Liu’s current situation isn’t a problem for the doctors. He has appendicitis and needs immediate surgery, but his blood clotting function is impaired. The surgery carries significant risks, and without it, he probably won’t last much longer.”
Seeing that he didn’t press further about her medical knowledge, Su Tong thought for a moment and asked another question:
“Is this Ma Liu very important?”
Qin Yi glanced at her, his gaze profound.
Su Tong realized she might have asked too much. Before Qin Yi could respond, she waved her hand at him and said:
“I was just asking casually. If it’s inconvenient, you don’t have to answer. Comrade Qin, you’re busy. I’ll take a walk over there!”
With that, she turned to leave, only to find a young comrade striding quickly toward her. The moment he saw her, his expression lit up with excitement, and he even saluted her on the spot, exclaiming:
“Co—Comrade Wu, hello!”
Su Tong froze, almost reflexively raising her hand to return the salute. She was baffled by the young comrade’s unusually fervent gaze. What was going on now?
The newcomer was Lin Li.
Ever since he learned from Ma Liu that it was “Wu Tong” who had stopped the car, dismantled the bomb, disarmed the gun, and tied up the criminals with her bare hands, Lin Li had been utterly astonished. He immediately regarded “Wu Tong” as the “Great Hero” of his dreams.
Unfortunately, his boss had ordered him to keep his mouth shut—not a word to anyone. Not only that, but he was also forbidden from visiting Su Tong. The frustration had been eating at him!
Today, finally able to meet Wu, the “Great Hero,” his heart was racing with excitement.
Lin Li took a quick step forward, intending to shake Su Tong’s hand, but then realized it might be too forward. He retracted his hand and scratched his head, chattering eagerly:
“Comrade Wu, you’re already up and about? What brings you to the backyard? Are you here to help us interrogate Ma Liu?”
“Lin Li!” Qin Yi snapped softly.
“Boss, Comrade Wu isn’t an outsider! She’s the one who caught him!” Lin Li muttered under his breath.
“Wu Tong is also a victim! What? She helped you catch the criminal, and now she has to help you solve the case too?” Qin Yi said sternly.
Lin Li grinned sheepishly and said:
“Of course not! I just got carried away and spoke without thinking!”Then, lowering his voice, he added: “But since Comrade Wu was the one who captured Ma Liu, maybe she has some kind of deterrent power over him!””
“You must have too much free time! Starting today, double your morning drills!”
With that, Qin Yi waved at Su Tong, turned around, and headed toward the backyard.
“Don’t do that, Boss!”
Lin Li’s smile vanished instantly. He hurriedly nodded at Su Tong, his face crestfallen, and rushed after Qin Yi.
“Boss! I was wrong! Please spare me!”
Su Tong stood still, watching their retreating figures. Without hesitating for long, she called out to stop them.
Having coagulation issues doesn’t necessarily mean surgery is impossible…
Lin Li turned back, “Comrade Wu, is there something else?”
“May I go see Ma Liu?” Su Tong asked with casual ease.
Lin Li scratched his head and glanced toward Qin Yi up ahead.
Qin Yi was too far away for Su Tong to make out his expression clearly. After a moment, she saw Lin Li turn back to her with a cheerful grin, waving her over, “Comrade Wu, come along!”