Chapter 117: Someone Stole Lin Xiaodou’s Belongings

The canteen at the pig farm served very simple meals. Two vegetable dishes and one soup: Chinese cabbage, stir-fried potatoes, and sauerkraut soup. Although all vegetarian, the coarse rice was filling—much better than many who went hungry. This was the advantage of eating state-provided grain. The work at the pig farm was exhausting, yet many people clamored fiercely to get in.

Of course, aside from the workers, some were sent to the farm for reformation. Those who had committed offenses and were banished here certainly did not receive such good treatment. They were allotted at most one meal a day—just a bowl of porridge or a few potatoes, enough to keep from starving. These people lived in dilapidated huts with wind blowing through on all sides, forced to work from before dawn until dusk, barely able to rest. Such intense labor was even more grueling than farming in the fields, and many were worn down to death at the farm.

If it weren’t for Mr. Wang, an elderly man with some medical knowledge, he likely would have collapsed long ago.

When Lin Xiaodou followed Sister Chen to the canteen, the old man sat alone in a corner, devouring a large plate of food. Lin Xiaodou couldn’t help but twitch the corner of her mouth. An hour ago, this old man had just finished drinking the pot of soup she made—how was he already hungry again?

Noticing Lin Xiaodou’s curious gaze, Sister Chen quietly explained, “That’s Mr. Wang, the head of our veterinary station. Before he got promoted, he was in the reformation zone. He used to have his food stolen often and developed the habit of eating very quickly. Just watch quietly and don’t be too surprised. He’s peculiar, so don’t disturb him.”

Lin Xiaodou nodded in understanding. No wonder when he drank the soup earlier, he devoured it like a starving ghost reincarnated. She had thought he was simply hungry, but now she understood the reason. Since he liked to eat so much, she resolved to prepare some tasty treats for him whenever she had time. Securing his favor would make learning traditional Chinese medicine and working here much easier.

Lin Xiaodou was always self-serving in her actions and saw nothing wrong with that.

After eating, Sister Chen took Lin Xiaodou on a walk nearby to familiarize her with the surroundings. As dusk approached, Sister Chen said, “That’s enough for today. Tomorrow morning, work begins early. Rest well tonight.”

Lin Xiaodou nodded, “Alright, thank you for your hard work, Sister Chen.”

Back at the bungalow, Lin Xiaodou intended to give Sister Chen a pack of White Rabbit milk candies as a token of gratitude, since she had been quite kind to her. But after searching her bag thoroughly, she discovered the pack of candies had mysteriously vanished.

Not only that, a bag of sunflower seeds and a can of malted milk powder she had stored in her bag were also missing. Clearly, someone had sneaked into her belongings while she was out.

Lin Xiaodou told Sister Chen about it, who was shocked. “No way, someone actually stole things? I’ve been at the veterinary station over a year and never lost anything.”

Sister Chen quickly checked her own bag. She had a box of fine biscuits she hadn’t dared to eat yet, so she was relieved to find them intact. But then she frowned. “If someone was just greedy, they would have taken my biscuits too. But mine are still here. Could it be someone targeting you? And you’ve only been here a day.”

Lin Xiaodou said, “Sister Chen, maybe I should just ask around outside.”

“I think it’s better not to confront anyone rashly. They might think you’re accusing them and it could lead to arguments. You’re new here—you need to establish yourself and build good relationships first, not constantly quarrel.”

Sister Chen was kind-hearted and soft-natured, always avoiding conflict. That was why she advised caution. But she didn’t understand Lin Xiaodou’s temperament. Being pushed around was not something Lin Xiaodou would silently endure.

“Sister Chen, I understand, but if I stay quiet now, maybe more of my things will go missing later,” Lin Xiaodou said, her eyes cold with determination. “This thief must be caught, or I won’t let it go!”

Sister Chen opened her mouth to argue but didn’t know what to say, so she finally nodded. “Alright, do you want me to help?”

The girl was younger and hot-headed, like a child—she needed looking after.

Lin Xiaodou replied, “No, I’ll handle it myself.”

She wasn’t afraid. She had dealt with many lives in her hands—why fear a petty thief?

It was early evening, and everyone was chatting in the courtyard. Lin Xiaodou slammed her enamel basin down with a loud bang. “Who went into my room and rummaged through my bag? Step forward!”

Everyone was startled by the sudden outburst. When Lin Xiaodou had introduced herself earlier, she was gentle and sweet, and people thought she was a soft girl. But now, when angry, she was terrifying.

Who was so despicable to bully her after just one day?

Peng Yong, who had a crush on Lin Xiaodou, immediately stood up, concern written all over his face. “Comrade Lin, did you lose something? Want me to help look?”

Lin Xiaodou said, “I lost a pack of White Rabbit milk candies, a bag of sunflower seeds, and a can of malted milk powder. That’s not so bad, but I also lost 100 yuan.”

Of course, she hadn’t really lost the money; she kept it in her space. She said it to scare the culprit into revealing themselves.

As she spoke, her gaze swept across everyone’s faces. When they heard about the 100 yuan, expressions turned surprised. Judging from her appearance, it was clear her family was well-off. Yet she casually left 100 yuan in her bag—a considerable sum these days, usually kept locked away or on the person.

“Who could be so shameless? Stealing such a large amount!” Sister Chen said angrily. Lin Xiaodou hadn’t told her about the money to avoid worrying her. Losing 100 yuan was painful enough for her; no wonder Lin Xiaodou was so furious.

Someone else chimed in, “That’s outrageous! People like that should be handed over to the police!”

Everyone looked righteously indignant except for two: Zhang Guihua, who had quarreled with Peng Yong earlier, her face flushed red, and a small, timid girl whose eyes darted nervously.

Lin Xiaodou stepped over to the smaller girl and asked, “Did you see someone going through my bag?”