"Chief, the wounded soldier's injuries have been treated. Fortunately, the wooden stick in his abdomen didn't damage any vital organs, so that's not serious. The serious issue is we detected a severe blow to the back of his head."
After the lead doctor finished speaking, everyone's expressions turned grim.
"The concern is potential intracranial injury. Externally, we can only see bruising from the impact. The outcome depends on whether he can survive tonight."
The middle-aged man addressed as Chief frowned deeply, clenching his fists at his sides.
"What does that mean?"
"If he survives the night and wakes up, that's the best scenario. If he doesn't regain consciousness… we'll have to prepare for the worst."
"Make sure to use every available resource for his treatment!"
Inside the house, Shen Ning lay exhausted, feeling as if her body might fall apart. Yet her mind remained active – she now had forty points! She was practically wealthy~
Of course she was going to indulge in some serious shopping!
The top priority was buying underwear!
Who could understand the struggle? Every day she had to wear the loose shorts the original owner had made herself. After prolonged use, they had become so baggy she felt practically exposed.
It was utterly embarrassing!
And the three kids didn't have any either.
They truly couldn't afford to be particular about such things!
Women's underwear cost three points each, children's two points each. Nine points vanished in an instant.
Her finger swiped across the interface, her gaze falling on the clothing options that appeared.
The clothes the children wore were clearly altered from adult garments, and after countless washes, the fabric had become stiff and rough.
Fortunately, it was summer, and thankfully children's clothes weren't too expensive – five points each. Something she could still afford.
She got each boy a military green shirt. Most children these days preferred military green, and this color wouldn't make their new clothes stand out too much.
She was truly the best stepmother in the universe!
As for the little girl, of course she had to pick a soft pink color~
It's not like she was doing this for those little rascals – this was purely to earn favorability points! Exactly!
Then she bought a bra for herself – ten points each.
How it pained her to spend that much!
Why not just buy fabric and make them herself?
Sorry, but she didn't know how.
Only six points remained now.
She bought two pounds of rice, a lighter, and one large cabbage, becoming penniless again.
Creak – the courtyard gate made a sound.
Shen Ning assumed the three children had returned, perfect timing to give them the items.
Stepping outside, she saw the two boys walking in front, carrying a bucket of water between them using a wooden pole, while Xiaohua followed behind clutching a large earthen jar.
No need to guess – it was also filled with water.
"Oh, you went to fetch water?" Shen Ning was genuinely shocked. "Who told you to go? The well and river are so dangerous! Didn't I tell you not to go there?"
She couldn't believe it – if they accidentally fell in, the consequences…
The three children hadn't expected Shen Ning to react so strongly, her face so stern.
Had they done something wrong?
Xiao Hua'er showed the most obvious reaction, fear immediately appearing on her face.
"Ah."
Shen Ning let out a long sigh, bent down, and single-handedly lifted the water bucket they had been carrying.
As she walked, Shen Ning softened her tone slightly. "The well is so deep, and the surroundings are slippery. If you fall in, you can't climb out on your own. And what about the riverbank? If you accidentally fall in, what then? Do you still want to keep your lives?"
Li Jianjun quickly shook his head. "No, we can swim! Even if we fall in, we can swim back!"
Shen Ning glared at him. "Look how capable you think you are."
Being scolded, he completely wilted.
She poured the water into the water vat, and as she turned to put down the bucket, she didn't miss the indignant expression on little Li Jianguo's face behind her.
Sitting on the long bench, she pulled the children in front of her to properly discuss the issue of safety awareness with them.
"I know your intention was to help me, to do something for the family, right?"
Her gaze fell on the eldest child. He pursed his lips but still nodded.
The second and third children followed suit with nods.
"It's good that you have such thoughts, but the well and riverbank are too dangerous. I don't want anything to happen to any of you – not a single one. I hope you remember that whatever you do, your safety must come first."
She reached out and ruffled Jianjun's little head.
"Don't think that just because you can swim, you have nothing to fear. As the old saying goes, it's often good swimmers who drown."
After speaking, she gently patted Li Jianguo's shoulder.
"Jianguo, you're the older brother. You need to look after your younger siblings and lead by example. Don't go to those dangerous places, understand?"
Since their father brought the three siblings to this village, no one had spoken such caring words to them.
And now their stepmother, who supposedly disliked them, was saying these things.
Their young hearts were once again moved by her words.
"Mm, I understand."
A smile curved Shen Ning's lips. The children were really quite well-behaved.
"Well, to reward you for helping fetch water today, I have something for you."
Weren't they being scolded?
How come there were rewards now?
She beckoned, and the children followed behind her into the room.
"Here, this is for you, Jianguo. And this is Jianjun's."
When the two boys received brand new military-green short-sleeved shirts, they couldn't hide the surprise in their eyes.
"Really new clothes for us?!" Li Jianjun's small eyes widened as he repeatedly touched the new clothes, utterly fascinated.
The new clothes were really so beautiful!
"Really, really, couldn't be more real. One for you and one for your brother. Try them on to see if they fit."
Xiaohua watched eagerly, filled with envy.
It was normal that she didn't get one – when her brothers outgrew their clothes, they would eventually be passed down to her.
That's basically how things went in these times.
Younger children always wore hand-me-downs from their older siblings.
"Ta-da! Xiaohua, look, what's this?!"
A flash of pink color swept by, like a match lighting up the little girl's eyes.
"Wow~ so beautiful!"
[Ding! Li Xiaohua favorability +10!]
She knew it!
Xiaohua was the most well-behaved!
"Of course Niang Niang didn't forget our little Xiaohua! Pretty, right?! Our Xiaohua should wear beautiful clothes. Do you like it?"
"Mm, I like it! Pretty clothes!"
[Ding! Li Xiaohua favorability +10!]
Oh my, twenty points obtained just like that~
"And here are little underpants, one for each of you to wear after your evening bath."
[Ding! Li Jianguo's favorability +5]
[Ding! Li Jianjun's favorability +10]
Thirty-five points already secured! Shen Ning's heart was practically turning into a whole screaming chicken inside – this round was absolutely profitable!!!
Sugar-coated bullets work best on kids!
"To celebrate, I'll make you something delicious for dinner tonight!"