Chapter 41: You Should Carry a Mirror to Look at Yourself

Xia Yan’s plan was to first investigate the source of the syringe. When it came to syringes, the first place that sprang to mind was the hospital. At the base, only the infirmary would have such items.

Arriving at the infirmary, Xia Yan happened to run into Zhu Yan, who was carrying a thermos to fetch water.

On her way over, Xia Yan had silently prayed not to meet Zhu Yan today. Fate, however, seemed to be on holiday, paying no heed to her wishes.

“What brings you here?” Zhu Yan glanced at her. Despite her personal dislike for Xia Yan, her professionalism as a doctor prevailed, and she asked, “Are you feeling unwell?”

“No, I’m fine,” Xia Yan shook her head.

“Then why are you here? Xia Yan, this is the infirmary, it’s my workplace. If you’re here to pick a fight, wait until I’m off duty.”

Zhu Yan’s words revealed her assumption that Xia Yan had come to cause trouble.

“You’re mistaken, Zhu Yan. I actually need your help with something else,” Xia Yan explained, waving her hand.

“You need my help?” Zhu Yan looked genuinely surprised; she hadn’t expected this at all. “Alright, come to my office and we’ll talk.”

Stepping into the office, Xia Yan was greeted by the sharp scent of disinfectant. She had been afraid of hospitals since childhood, and the smell always unsettled her, making her imagine a needle was about to pierce her at any moment.

“Are you afraid of hospitals?” Zhu Yan guessed from her expression. All the children who came here wore the same look, and she couldn’t help but laugh.

“Just a little,” Xia Yan replied with an embarrassed smile.

“I always thought you were fearless,” Zhu Yan teased, pouring two cups of water. “So, what do you need help with? Let me say upfront, if you want me to give up on Lin You, that’s impossible.”

“This has nothing to do with Lin You...” Xia Yan recounted the events of the day, and Zhu Yan listened with a puzzled expression.

“I know a bit about what you’re talking about. Back then, I was new to the base. I remember hearing rumors about swine fever and mountain spirits, but they died down after a few days.”

“I’ve never heard about syringe marks before, but your suspicion is valid. The infirmary keeps strict control over syringes.”

“Wait, Xia Yan, you’re not suspecting me of poisoning your piglet, are you?” Zhu Yan paused in her analysis, suddenly realizing something and looking up at Xia Yan. “I admit I dislike you, but I’d never stoop to such underhanded and immoral behavior.”

Xia Yan gave her an awkward smile. “Alright, I admit I did think that for a few seconds, but I quickly realized our conflict is only about a man. Besides, as the daughter of the commander, you’d never do something like that.”

“You...” Zhu Yan was left speechless by her words.

“Okay, don’t be angry. I apologize. I shouldn’t have thought that,” Xia Yan said.

“You should apologize!” Zhu Yan retorted.

The two exchanged words in a way that sounded less like rivals and more like close friends.

“Zhu Yan, help me think—who else on the mountain could get hold of a syringe?”

“If you’re asking who could get syringes, only the infirmary has them. Aside from me, there’s a Dr. Zhang Jun who handles internal medicine; I manage surgery.”

Just as Zhu Yan spoke, the office door knocked.

“Come in.”

It was Zhang Jun who entered.

“Dr. Zhu, is there a patient?” Zhang Jun looked at the unfamiliar silhouette sitting opposite Zhu Yan. He didn’t recall seeing such an attractive young woman before.

“Speak of the devil, this is Dr. Zhang,” Zhu Yan said, pointing at him.

Xia Yan turned around upon hearing this. The newcomer had refined features, a tall frame, and his white coat highlighted his gentle demeanor, though the narrowness of his eyes gave him an air of slyness.

Zhang Jun was visibly taken aback when he saw Xia Yan, a flicker of greed flashing in his eyes.

“Is this young lady here to see me?” His eyes lit up as he heard Zhu Yan’s words.

Sensing the way he looked at her, Xia Yan felt immediate aversion. “I’m not here to see you. I was just talking with Dr. Zhu and your name came up.”

“Oh?” Zhang Jun felt as if he’d been dipped in honey, delighted to be mentioned by the two women.

“Xia Yan, if you have questions, you can ask him,” Zhu Yan said, taking a sip of water. She knew Zhang Jun was the type who only got chattier the more attention he received, so she handed the conversation over to Xia Yan.

Seeing Zhang Jun’s gaze fixed on her, Xia Yan had no choice but to speak up, “Dr. Zhang, I do have a question.”

Zhang Jun beamed, moving a chair to sit near Xia Yan with exaggerated nonchalance.

“I wanted to ask, besides you and Dr. Zhu, is there anyone else in the hospital who could access syringes?”

“What do you mean? I’m not sure I understand.” Zhang Jun had expected Xia Yan to ask something more personal, like whether he was single.

“Xia Yan’s piglet was poisoned last night. She found a needle mark on its body, so she’s here to ask,” Zhu Yan interjected, eager to get his answer and send him on his way.

“What? Your piglet was poisoned? Who could be so vile! Such heartless deeds!” Zhang Jun erupted in outrage, as if the piglet belonged to him.

Xia Yan was taken aback by his outburst and hurried to clarify, “Dr. Zhang, please don’t get so worked up. I just want to know if you know of anyone else who could get hold of a syringe.”

“Well, aside from Dr. Zhu and myself, there’s Nurse Li.”

“Nurse Li?” The list of suspects grew ever longer, and Xia Yan felt her thoughts spiraling into chaos. It seemed she’d have to wait for a car tomorrow to go down the mountain and ask the pig farm owner directly.

“That’s right, but she’s been down the mountain these past couple of days, not at the infirmary...” Zhang Jun explained.

Hearing this, Xia Yan was exasperated—why couldn’t he just say everything at once?

“Then I have nothing else. Dr. Zhu, I’ll head back now.”

“Does Lin You know about this?” Zhu Yan hesitated, but still asked.

“Lin You went up the mountain on a mission, he’s not home...”

***

Just as Xia Yan left, Zhang Jun couldn’t wait to ask, “Dr. Zhu, who is she? How is she connected to Lin You?”

“You don’t know her?”

“No, I don’t...”

“Hah, I thought you knew all the young women on this mountain.”

“Yan Yan, do you really see me that way? My heart belongs to you alone,” Zhang Jun hurried to profess his loyalty.

Zhu Yan snorted, “You should carry a mirror with you. Did you notice how you practically drooled over Xia Yan just now?”