008, disabled, anticipation

“Left leg,” Gao Shen replied in a low voice.

Jing Qingxin immediately looked toward the legs covered by the quilt. Without hesitation, she reached out and pulled the quilt aside, exposing the legs beneath. The injured left leg was fixed with wooden boards and bandages, making it impossible to see the exact nature of the wound. Yet, it was clear that from prolonged immobility, his legs had begun to change shape slightly, and the muscles had noticeably atrophied.

“You—” The sudden uncovering of the quilt left the usually composed Gao Shen flustered. He hadn’t expected this woman to be so bold and direct, to simply throw back a man’s bedding. For a moment, he was at a loss for words.

“How did your leg get injured? How long has it been?” Jing Qingxin gently touched the wooden board, carefully examining his leg as she asked.

“Are you a doctor?” Gao Shen narrowed his eyes slightly, asking.

Jing Qingxin lifted her gaze, lips curled in a smile. “No, I just know a little about medicine. Tell me what happened? Maybe I can help.”

Gao Shen’s mouth twisted into a bitter smile. He answered in a low voice, “It’s a gunshot wound. The bone marrow was damaged. It’s been half a month now.”

“What did the doctors say?” Jing Qingxin’s heart skipped a beat. In this era, medical knowledge was still limited, and a gunshot wound was no small matter. No wonder he had been bedridden for most of the month, still looking so gaunt and ill. Even minor illnesses in this time could easily become major ones.

“They said it depends on how things heal, but there’s a seventy or eighty percent chance I’ll be left with a disability,” Gao Shen replied, expressionless, as if he had already resigned himself to this fate.

Jing Qingxin gazed at Gao Shen’s cold, resolute expression. She understood that for a man, having a crippled leg was a severe blow to dignity, especially for a soldier. Without healthy legs, it must be an immense pain and setback. The meaning was clear—what would a soldier be without the freedom to move?

Earlier, when she had hidden under the covers, she had noticed a neatly folded green military uniform by the pillow. Clearly, he cherished his profession; otherwise, why keep his uniform so close, within sight and reach?

At that moment, Jing Qingxin thought of her mother and sighed inwardly: If only mother were here. With her “Spirit Crystal,” she could surely help Gao Shen’s leg. If he were in her time, he would never have to worry about being disabled. But unfortunately, he lived in an era where medicine was so primitive.

Jing Qingxin spoke softly, with gentle reassurance. “Don’t give up hope yet. There’s still a chance. Eat your meal first—it’s getting cold.”

She stepped forward, picked up the bowl, and saw that it was thin rice porridge. Quickly, using the cover of her left palm, she channeled the creek water from the “Flowing Brocade” into the bowl with her right index finger. In just seconds, she smiled and handed the bowl to Gao Shen, her eyes encouraging him.

“You eat. There’s only me here. Da Hu delivers fixed meals each time. I can wait until noon,” Gao Shen said seriously. He might not understand the comforts of her era, but as a man, he wouldn’t let a woman go hungry for his own sake.

Jing Qingxin felt a warmth in her heart. She knew how precious grain was in this era. His consideration, though a small and ordinary gesture, touched her deeply—more than any jewel could. It was as if someone with only ten yuan was willing to give it all to you.

The “porridge” was really more like rice water, with barely any grains. The bowl beside held two yellow pancakes, of unknown type, but clearly dry with not a drop of oil. Although breakfast was rough and simple, she knew that in this time, most families lived frugally, with many mouths to feed and scarce grain.

Jing Qingxin smiled sweetly and spoke lightly, “Don’t worry, I won’t go hungry. You’re the patient now, so you must eat on time and regain your strength. Go ahead.”

Gao Shen, sensing her sincerity, took the bowl and drank the rice porridge. He was now unable to care for himself; the army sent grain to Aunt Li next door, who helped him with his daily meals.

Jing Qingxin saw Gao Shen drinking the porridge and smiled gently. Perhaps because they both possessed the ancient jade pendant, she felt an inexplicable closeness to him.

“Ah!”

Suddenly, Jing Qingxin cried out, clutching her head, her expression showing discomfort.

“What’s wrong?” Gao Shen quickly put down the bowl, worried.

“My head hurts,” Jing Qingxin murmured. A sudden daze washed over her, making her feel unwell. Then, she sensed a familiar weightlessness and thought, Was she about to return?

She turned to Gao Shen. “Don’t worry. I think it’s time for me to go back.”

“Back? Back to your own era?” Gao Shen asked urgently. He hadn’t had time to learn everything he wanted, and now she was leaving? A wave of indescribable loss swept through him.

Jing Qingxin nodded with a gentle smile. The familiar sensation was growing stronger—she knew she was about to return.

Gao Shen’s expression grew anxious. Instinctively, he grabbed her arm, his voice low and intense. “Will you come back?”

Jing Qingxin glanced at their joined hands. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her head, and the air seemed to press in. She quickly replied, “Gao Shen, I will come back!”

As her words fell, Gao Shen saw a flash of golden light before him. The delicate sensation in his palm vanished instantly. He opened his eyes to see the empty bedside, not a trace of her left. His gaze darkened. If he had not seen it himself, he would hardly believe a person could disappear into thin air.

Gao Shen stared at his left palm, lost in thought. The lingering sensation of her skin seemed to remain. He didn’t know if she would truly return.

Since his injury and the doctor’s prognosis, his heart had sunk to the depths, calm and unmoving. Yet now, a ripple of hope stirred, and he began to look forward—perhaps his life would be different?

It was as if a ray of bright color had been cast into his monochrome world. Maybe the future would hold something new.

“Jing. Qing. Xin,” Gao Shen murmured softly.

—Extra—

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