The discovery shocked Wu Dongling deeply. In the educated youth group, Xing Dongyang was someone everyone looked up to. To the village girls, he was like the sun in the sky—something to admire from afar, nothing more.
She had never thought of climbing up to Xing Dongyang herself. What she couldn’t accept was that someone like Wu Tong—this so-called “jinx” everyone despised, this dirty, laboring girl—could actually win Xing Dongyang’s attention. If even she couldn’t have him, why should Wu Tong?
A seed of jealousy quietly took root in her heart from that moment on.
Because of this, Wu Dongling had tormented the original owner more than once. The original owner felt guilty and afraid Wu Dongling would expose the matter, so she could only endure in silence.
Wu Dongling grew even more excessive, eventually trying to push her completely into ruin.
Su Tong recalled that in the original owner’s memory, she had always believed only Wu Dongling knew about this secret. With her proud personality, Wu Dongling would never admit that her “useless older sister” was better than her.
But unexpectedly, Tian Qingrong also knew.
She even brought two books today after learning she had started reading. What was that supposed to mean?
Trying to imitate Xing Dongyang’s “mutual help and friendliness”?
Seeing that Su Tong had not spoken for a long time, Tian Qingrong became anxious as well. She glanced unconsciously at the ward door and took back How the Steel Was Tempered from Su Tong’s hand, flipping it open.
“Are you worried there are words you don’t recognize? Foreign classics can be a bit difficult. How about I read it to you?”
Read it to her? So she really came here to keep her company?
Unfortunately, she had already glanced toward the door several times since entering. Was someone else coming?
Was she waiting to “accidentally meet” someone here?
Just as she opened the first page and began reading the opening lines, someone knocked on the door.
A deep male voice came from outside:
“Is Wu Tong in this ward?”
Tian Qingrong’s eyes lit up instantly, and she immediately put the book down.
Sister Dong, lying on the hospital bed bored out of her mind, tried to join the conversation but couldn’t find a chance. Hearing the knock, she immediately responded loudly:
“Yes, she’s here! Come in!”
The ward door was already slightly ajar for doctors and nurses to enter easily.
The door was pushed open, and a handsome young man stepped in carrying a net bag of nutritional supplements.
Tian Qingrong stood up at once and greeted him sweetly:
“Brother Dongyang, you’re here too!”
Xing Dongyang looked surprised to see her.
“Qingrong, what are you doing here?”
Tian Qingrong took the items from his hands and welcomed him in as if she were the hostess.
“Brother Dongyang, what do you mean I can’t be here? I was just reading a novel to Wu Tong!”
Xing Dongyang smiled in surprise.
“So you two are that close? I didn’t even know before!”
He walked to Su Tong’s bedside and gave her a big thumbs-up.
“Little girl, not bad at all! Quietly did something great—you’ve brought honor to our village!”
Su Tong looked at the young man before her.
In the short life of the original owner, this man had been the only bright color in her otherwise gloomy youth—the embodiment of all her teenage dreams and imagination.
Although she had barely spoken to him, just the fact that he had once lent her books had been enough to sustain her for a long time.
Every book he gave her, she read carefully. He had opened a window for her, letting her realize the world contained not only coldness and ridicule, but also many beautiful things.
The kindness he showed her became one of the few warm memories she had in this world.
Xing Dongyang sat on the chair Tian Qingrong had vacated, smiling warmly.
“I came to the county to pick up tractor parts, so I stopped by to see you. The village secretary told me to bring you his regards. He said he would have come himself if he could, but things are busy in the village. He told you to rest well and not rush to leave the hospital.”
Xing Dongyang was the tractor driver for Yunshan Commune, a skilled technical worker. He didn’t do farm labor but still earned work points like everyone else—many people envied him.
The position had been publicly selected. Candidates needed to know driving, repair, and regulations. After several rounds of exams, Xing Dongyang ranked first.
Fortunately, he was responsible and warm-hearted. He would always help others when they needed transport or assistance, and everyone respected him.
“Brother Dongyang, please tell the village secretary not to worry about Wu Tong. I’ll come keep her company often,” Tian Qingrong said smoothly, already taking out the gifts Xing Dongyang brought and placing them into the small cabinet by the bed.
Xing Dongyang looked relieved.
“That’s great, Qingrong. Before I left, the secretary was still worried that Wu Tong’s family can’t really be relied on and that she’d be inconvenient here alone.”
Su Tong lay quietly on the bed, watching Tian Qingrong busily acting like a family member, answering quickly and naturally, almost like her spokesperson.
Xing Dongyang then turned back to Su Tong.
“Wu Tong, how are you feeling? Still dizzy?”
Tian Qingrong was about to answer, but realized it wasn’t appropriate. She stopped, then smiled at Su Tong.
“Brother Dongyang is asking you. Don’t just stay quiet.”
Then she turned back and added to him:
“Brother Dongyang, Wu Tong is shy. Let her answer slowly.”
Su Tong found it slightly amusing.
It was obvious Tian Qingrong was trying to leave a good impression in front of Xing Dongyang. Many female educated youths admired him, so if this came from her affection, it was understandable.
But she really didn’t need to make such a special trip to the county—there would have been more chances back in the village.
Her actions were a bit presumptuous, but not harmful, so Su Tong didn’t intend to expose her.
After all, she had come to visit a patient—even if her sincerity was questionable.
Youthful admiration often led people to behave in ways that others might not understand.
Xing Dongyang didn’t mind Su Tong’s silence. His eyes were full of encouragement.
“It’s fine, Wu Tong. I just went to see the doctor first. He said you’re recovering well. Even if you feel a bit dizzy sometimes, that’s normal. You’ll be fine after more rest.”
Su Tong smiled at him.
“Brother Xing, thank you for your concern. I feel much better now, and my wounds are healing well. Please tell the village secretary for me that I can take care of myself, so he doesn’t need to worry.”
Xing Dongyang was slightly stunned.
He couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing.
The Su Tong in front of him still had that thin face, but her eyes were calm and steady. She smiled openly and looked at him with ease and composure.
She was no longer the timid, weak girl who couldn’t even lift her head in front of others.
Xing Dongyang’s voice rose slightly with emotion.
“Wu Tong, you really surprised me. Do you know? This is the first time you’ve ever called me Brother Xing, and the first time you’ve spoken so much to me. I’m really happy for you!
“That’s how it should be—bravely express your thoughts, don’t be bound by the shackles around you. Stand tall and live as your true self!”