In the end, Xu Xinghe didn't touch the food on the table, but dragged her heavy steps back to her room.
The bedding was still warm, but she tossed and turned after lying down until dawn before finally falling into a light sleep.
When I opened my eyes again, the sunlight outside the window was already shining on the floor through the window frame.
She sat up, but instead of feeling relieved, she felt as if all her energy had been drained away, and even raising her hand felt weak.
It was already April, and the weather had quietly warmed up, with the wind carrying the fresh scent of sprouting grass and trees.
Xu Xinghe was still wearing her thick winter coat, and after sitting for a short while, she broke out in a light sweat, feeling sticky and uncomfortable on her back. She simply pulled out a thin jacket, put it on, and went out.
"Xinghe, what's wrong? Your brows are so furrowed you could trap a mosquito." Wang Chunmei happened to be passing by and, seeing her absent-minded look, immediately went up and took her hand.
She was well-informed in the logistics department and had already heard about the case in Hongqi Village. "Is she worried because the murderer hasn't been caught yet?"
Xu Xinghe nodded, her voice tinged with frustration, "Yeah, everyone's been searching desperately, but we just can't find a clue. I feel like a useless person, unable to help at all."
"We can't rush this." Wang Chunmei pulled her towards her own yard, moved a small stool for her to sit on, and patted the back of her hand with her rough palm. "Solving cases relies on evidence. Without evidence, we can't just arrest whoever seems suspicious, can we? That would be just making a mess of things."
Xu Xinghe's gaze fell on the green shoots sprouting at the base of the wall, and she suddenly remembered her past life.
During those days when she was locked in the basement, she could only piece together what the outside world looked like by reading in the newspapers and listening to the radio.
I heard that later on, fingerprint comparison and DNA testing technologies that she had never even heard of appeared, which solved many long-standing cold cases.
As technology advances step by step, criminal investigation methods must naturally follow suit.
“You’re just too preoccupied,” Wang Chunmei said, noticing her unfocused gaze. “No one can do everything perfectly. There’s no such thing as perfection. The military has set up a checkpoint in Hongqi Village, both to catch the murderer and to protect the villagers. That’s thorough enough. Eat and drink as usual, don’t wear yourself out. If you’re really bored, go to town and buy some sweets to cheer yourself up.”
Wang Chunmei still needed to go to the logistics department to check the supplies, and with that, she picked up her basket and left.
Xu Xinghe sat on a small stool, picking at the dirt on the ground with her fingers.
She still felt listless and realized that she seemed quite useless. Although she had been helping, it seemed that she hadn't really been of any real help.
Her original idea was actually very simple: to find Jiang Linchuan, marry him, and live a comfortable and happy life together.
She suffered too much in her past life, and in this life she just wants to do whatever makes her happy.
But after experiencing all of this, she felt that it wasn't enough.
At least when she encounters something like this, she feels unhappy and helpless.
This feeling of powerlessness weighed on her like a stone, and she didn't want to continue like this.
She might not be able to get involved in Er Laizi's case, but if she could become more capable, wouldn't she be able to help next time she encountered a similar situation?
As soon as the thought popped into her head, Xu Xinghe suddenly stood up, her eyes finally brightening, and even her previous fatigue dissipated.
She walked briskly towards the military headquarters office, the wind brushing against her cheeks, carrying a hint of warmth.
Jiang Linchuan was reviewing documents at his desk. He had been reinstated and was dressed in a crisp military uniform. When he saw her come in, he immediately put down his pen. "Why are you here? You look terrible. Didn't you get enough rest?"
"Jiang Linchuan, do you have any books on criminology? I'd like to take a look."
Jiang Linchuan saw through her thoughts at a glance, smiled and ruffled her hair, "Okay, Political Commissar Wang said that the higher-ups are sending people down to investigate, I'll have them bring some books over."
"The people above? What are they investigating?" Xu Xinghe was taken aback.
"The case of Er Laizi will be taken over by higher authorities." Jiang Linchuan's eyes darkened. "The murderer not only killed people, but also tried to use the case to smear the military. The nature of the crime is too heinous."
Xu Xinghe was secretly delighted. "Does that mean we'll catch the murderer soon?"
"Okay, don't worry." Jiang Linchuan pulled her to sit down. "Didn't you want to study medicine? Criminology isn't really suitable for you. Because compared to patients, there aren't that many criminals. Since you want to do something, why not study medicine and heal people in the future?"
He secretly didn't want Xu Xinghe to study anything related to criminology, because it was dark and studying too much of it could sometimes make one doubt humanity.
She was so pure and passionate; studying medicine would have been a better fit for her.
Moreover, she already has a solid foundation, so this is more suitable for her.
Xu Xinghe thought about it and felt that what he said made sense. "That's right. I asked someone to find some books on traditional Chinese medicine before. I'll take a good look at them later."
The two chatted for a while longer, but Xu Xinghe returned to the courtyard first because Jiang Linchuan still had work to do.
With something to look forward to, even the air seems to come alive.
Xu Xinghe started reading books, especially those related to medicine.
Fortunately, there was a hospital at the military base, so she could not only borrow books but also occasionally study with them.
Time passed day by day, and half a month went by in the blink of an eye.
Xu Xinghe had just drifted off to sleep when there was a loud knocking on the door.
The force was increasing with each strike, as if something terrible had happened.
Her heart skipped a beat. Could it be that something had happened in Hongqi Village again?
She quickly put on her slippers and hurriedly opened the door.
Lian Xiao stood at the door, his expression urgent, even somewhat fearful. "Xinghe, my grandfather fell and is in the hospital being treated. I have to go back right away. Will you come with me? The doctor said my grandfather's condition is critical. If he needs surgery, it would be best if he could be kept on an IV drip. That traditional Chinese medicine doctor you saw last time said your medicine is good. Do you still have any?"
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