Chapter 125: Lin Xiaodou Gives Gifts to Friends

As before, Lin Xiaodou could only see the book title and its synopsis.

"Crossing into the Seventies: The Frail Male Educated Youth is Too Clingy" is a novel about redemption, sweet indulgence, and the era. The original owner, Zhu Qingqing, was a dancer at the county's cultural troupe. During a local performance, her spot was stolen by another actress with connections, who subsequently marginalized and bullied her. The original owner, possessing a timid nature, fell ill after repeated blows and eventually passed away. At the moment of her death, a soul from another world took over her body.

This traveler was also named Zhu Qingqing, a young nurse who had just graduated from health school in the modern era and arrived here following a car accident. She is the heroine of this redemption-era story. The moment she opened her eyes, she was met with the scene of being dismissed from the cultural troupe. Since she didn't know how to dance anyway, she simply left the troupe without even seeking revenge. In her own words, the original owner was the original owner, and she was herself. Having finally been reborn, she couldn't let the original owner's vendettas affect her future life; after all, the enemy's background was too powerful.

The heroine's family members all worked at the county slaughterhouse. Upon learning of her dismissal, her father immediately used a favor to secure her a position as a veterinary apprentice at the county pig farm. Once at the farm, she encountered the frail, sickly hero who was undergoing labor reform. Because his family had been persecuted—his grandparents and parents all dying tragically—he was left alone in the world, his heart deeply gloomy and blackened. Upon learning of his tragic past and being captivated by his handsome appearance, a strong impulse surged in her heart: she would save this soul trapped in darkness!

From then on, the heroine became a dedicated "licker," bringing warmth to the hero every day. Under her care, his frail body gradually recovered, and he became increasingly fond of her, as well as increasingly clingy. In the end, after overcoming numerous obstacles and setbacks, the lovers were finally united.

That was the gist of the book's synopsis. And now, the girl asking for directions before her was none other than the naive, sweet heroine, Zhu Qingqing. She was also a fellow countrywoman of Lin Xiaodou from the modern era. Logically, when compatriots meet, there should be tears of joy. But after reading the synopsis, Lin Xiaodou only wanted to stay as far away from the heroine as possible. A "love-brain" is scary enough, but a top-tier "love-brain" is even more terrifying! This heroine was on par with that Chu Ling from before. Having been reborn after such a struggle, her eyes were glued to a man; couldn't she just live for herself? Lin Xiaodou couldn't fathom why these "love-brains" all gathered together. Was it because there were too many mountains in Guizhou that everyone who picks wild vegetables has come here? Furthermore, the heroine hadn't even helped the original owner seek revenge. She had taken over someone else's body and enjoyed the care of their family. This was karma—shouldn't it be repaid? In any case, she couldn't be so content with herself. She knew well from experience: wherever the heroine goes, trouble follows.

"The farm is 500 meters straight ahead in that direction." After saying this, Lin Xiaodou turned and walked in the opposite direction. She didn't want to travel the same path as the heroine, so she decided to go to the county supply and marketing cooperative to buy some things instead.

"She’s so pretty, but her personality is just too cold." Watching Lin Xiaodou's departing back, Zhu Qingqing pouted, feeling slightly dissatisfied. Ever since she crossed into this strange era half a month ago, apart from the initial embarrassment of being fired from the troupe, everything at home had been smooth sailing; no one had ever treated her this way before. Never mind, she was just a passerby, not worth mentioning. She was the chosen daughter of heaven, blessed by fate with the protagonist's aura—no one could compare to her. Thinking of this, Zhu Qingqing's mood immediately brightened. She hummed a little tune and walked forward with a smile...

On the other side, Lin Xiaodou arrived at the county supply and marketing cooperative with great interest. She wove between the counters, carefully selecting various gifts to give to others. First were two bags of White Rabbit creamy candies, intended for Sister Chen. During her month of work, Sister Chen had been very caring and attentive toward her. Sister Chen also loved sweets, so Lin Xiaodou thought two bags of candy were the perfect thank-you gift. Then there was Old Man Wang—the little old man. During this month, whenever she encountered problems while studying traditional Chinese medicine, she would go to consult him. Though the little old man appeared unkempt, he was actually a very delicate person at heart. No matter what she asked, he would answer with great patience. Lin Xiaodou bought him a razor. The old man was always scruffy, and it was time he cleaned himself up. Finally, Lin Xiaodou picked out a gift for another important person—Dr. He. Although Dr. He seemed cold on the surface, she was actually a kind-hearted and warm person. After careful selection, Lin Xiaodou chose a bright green silk scarf. It was not only vibrant in color but also soft and smooth in texture; she believed Dr. He would surely like it.

Returning to the pig farm, Lin Xiaodou couldn't wait to give out the gifts. The three reacted differently, but all were very happy. Sister Chen's family was poor, and she rarely bought snacks. Seeing the two bags of White Rabbit candy Lin Xiaodou brought back, she was stunned. "Oh my, Xiaodou, why are you giving me so much candy? This is too expensive; I can't accept it."

Lin Xiaodou replied, "Sister Chen, I bought too much, and I have a toothache lately, so I can't eat it. If you don't take it, I’ll just have to throw it outside for the wild dogs."

Sister Chen panicked, "That won't do! How can you give such precious things to dogs? If you don't want them, I'll take them, just don't throw them away!"

Lin Xiaodou curled her lips into a smile, "Fine, as you wish, I won't throw them away." Seeing her expression, Sister Chen realized belatedly that she had been played by Lin Xiaodou. Yet, she felt inexplicably moved...

The little old man had just come out of the laboratory when he ran into Lin Xiaodou, who had come to deliver the gift. Seeing the razor in her hand, he was speechless, "What are you buying this for? Do you think this old man is too sloppy?"

Lin Xiaodou said, "Well, obviously. You look too disheveled."

"Hmph!" The little old man turned his head in anger, his mustache twitching high up. In the office, Lin Xiaodou brought out a basin of water and used a bar of soap to work up a lather. She beckoned to him with a smile, "Do you want me to trim your beard for you?"

The old man's expression immediately shifted from cloudy to sunny. He trotted over and sat down, muttering, "Be gentle, and if you cut me, I'll hold you accountable!"

Lin Xiaodou chuckled, "Got it!" What a stubborn guy—clearly, he was thrilled, yet he still put on airs.

Near the end of the shift, Lin Xiaodou sought out Dr. He and personally tied the green silk scarf around her neck. "Dr. He, your skin is fair, and this scarf makes you look even more beautiful."

"Xiaodou, how did you know I liked green?" Dr. He couldn't keep her hands off the scarf, her face full of pleasant surprise.

Lin Xiaodou smiled, "I noticed you often wear a green coat, and your hair accessories are also green, so I guessed you liked the color."

Dr. He paused slightly. She hadn't expected that Lin Xiaodou could figure out her preferences after just a month. Meanwhile, her husband, who had shared a bed with her for many years, still didn't know what she liked. He truly didn't love her, which was why he could be so indifferent. *Heh*, the irony—she had been self-hypnotizing for so many years.

Suppressing the bitterness in her heart, Dr. He finished her shift, looking listless. When she arrived home, her mother-in-law was nagging her again: "Coming back so late, do you want to starve me to death? Hurry up and go cook!"

"I know, Mom." Dr. He went to work without complaint. There was nothing she could do; since she couldn't bear children, she felt indebted to her mother-in-law...