Chapter 47: Poisoned, Insults at the Village Entrance

In the following hours, Junsheng Lin seemed to transform into a meticulous scientist, wholly immersed in examining the long-haired rabbits. His gaze was sharp and focused as he carefully inspected the condition of each rabbit, diagnosing their ailments. Meanwhile, Guifen Wang stood anxiously by his side, her hands nervously twisting together, her eyes filled with worry and urgency. She frequently handed him tools, fearing she might miss a single detail.

In truth, these long-haired rabbits were her lifeblood—the fruits of her diligent care and labor, and a vital source of income for her family.

“I don’t have the medicine here. We must rush to buy some,” Junsheng Lin suddenly said, breaking the quiet of the courtyard. His brows furrowed, and a serious expression darkened his eyes.

“What? What’s wrong?” Guifen Wang’s heart tightened, her voice trembling. She looked at the once lively and adorable rabbits, now listlessly lying in their cages, and felt a painful ache in her chest.

“They’ve been poisoned,” Junsheng Lin stated simply but with weight, like a thunderclap striking Guifen Wang’s heart.

“What? Which heartless wretch would poison them!” Guifen Wang shouted angrily, her eyes wide and blazing as if about to shoot fire. To her, these rabbits were like her own children, and to see them treated so cruelly filled her with unbearable sorrow.

At that moment, a girl entered through the gate. She wore simple clothes and had two braids, exuding an innocent charm. It was Ling’er Ke, Guifen Wang’s daughter.

Junsheng Lin heard the noise and glanced over, momentarily taken aback. Wasn’t this the pure girl with braids he had seen at the market? He hadn’t expected to encounter her here again.

“What are you doing in my house?” Ling’er Ke recognized Junsheng Lin and asked with a mix of surprise and displeasure. Their unpleasant encounter at the market had left a poor impression on her.

“My house?” Junsheng Lin was stunned; he hadn’t realized this was Ling’er Ke’s home. Truly, fate had a cruel sense of irony to bring them together again.

Guifen Wang observed the tense atmosphere between the two and grew curious. “Ling’er, do you two know each other?” she asked cautiously.

“Mom, he’s the one who ruined my business at the market last time,” Ling’er Ke said sharply, her eyes flashing with resentment and hostility toward Junsheng Lin.

Junsheng Lin ignored her provocation and headed toward the door. His priority now was to buy medicine to save the poisoned rabbits.

Seeing this, Guifen Wang quickly followed. “Junsheng, you can’t leave! You have to cure my rabbits,” she urged, her voice filled with desperation.

Ling’er Ke froze, surprised that this lame veterinarian was the savior her mother had called upon.

“Mom, he’s...?” she asked uncertainly.

“The veterinarian from the neighboring village,” Guifen Wang explained.

Ling’er Ke muttered, “So that lame vet is him.” She scrutinized Junsheng Lin skeptically. How could a cripple possibly heal her family’s rabbits?

Junsheng Lin shot her a displeased glance, not expecting such shallow judgment. But he said nothing more and turned back to Guifen Wang. “I’m going to buy the medicine. All your long-haired rabbits have been poisoned, without exception. We must act quickly to save them.”

Hearing this, Guifen Wang grew even more anxious. “Thank you. Please, save my rabbits!” she said gratefully.

Junsheng Lin nodded. “Have your daughter ride the bike and take me to town. We have to get the medicine back as soon as possible. There’s no time to waste.”

“All right, Ling’er, hurry and take Junsheng to town,” Guifen Wang urged, her tone urgent. The fate of these rabbits lay entirely in Junsheng Lin’s hands, and she was determined to cooperate fully.

Though Ling’er Ke was still reluctant, she understood the dire situation. Gritting her teeth, she went to the bicycle and motioned for Junsheng Lin to get on. Without hesitation, he climbed onto the back seat.

Ling’er Ke pedaled forcefully, racing toward town with Junsheng Lin. Neither spoke during the journey. Ling’er Ke’s heart brimmed with suspicion and distrust, while Junsheng Lin concentrated on devising a way to heal the rabbits. This mission was both a challenge and an opportunity to prove himself.

At last, they arrived at the veterinary pharmacy. Junsheng Lin swiftly selected the necessary medicines and had Ling’er Ke escort him back to Guifen Wang’s home.

Meanwhile, Guifen Wang stood at the village entrance, hands on her hips, her face ablaze with fury like an enraged lioness. Her eyes burned like torches, spewing fierce anger capable of igniting the entire village.

“Who’s the despicable scoundrel, lacking all decency, who dared poison my long-haired rabbits!” she bellowed hoarsely and sharply.

“You all look so honest and simple, but behind your backs, you’re up to all kinds of sneaky tricks! My long-haired rabbits are what I’ve painstakingly raised—they’re like my own children! Which black-hearted fiend could stoop so low?”

Guifen Wang’s voice rose with passion; her face flushed red, veins bulging on her neck as if about to burst.

“Do you understand? These rabbits are my lifeline! If anything happens to them, I won’t let it go! I swear, if I find out who did this today, I’ll skin him alive and pull out his tendons to show him how many eyes the Horse King has!” she roared, waving her arms and spitting venomous threats.

The villagers, drawn by Guifen Wang’s loud curses, gathered around. Some exchanged uneasy glances, others whispered among themselves, but none dared to step forward to calm her. Guifen Wang’s fierce reputation in the village was well known, and no one wanted to bring her wrath upon themselves at such a moment.

“You watchers don’t think you can stay out of this! If this problem isn’t solved today, our whole village won’t find peace! Anyone who knows something better come forward now, or don’t blame me for being ruthless!” Guifen Wang’s curses grew harsher.

The villagers were unafraid, merely enjoying the spectacle.

“Probably someone she crossed before,” one murmured.

“Those long-haired rabbits are precious. If they all die, how much will she lose?” another wondered.

“I heard she bought eight of them, worth several hundred yuan. If they all perish, Guifen Wang will probably be devastated,” a third added.

“That’s over three hundred yuan. Wow, she’s hit a tough spot this time.”

Meanwhile, Guifen Wang continued her tirade, vowing to seek justice for her beloved rabbits.