Chapter 9: 9. Chapter 9: Intensifying Conflicts

Chapter 9: Escalating Conflict

In her previous life, Meng Youyou was exceptionally fastidious about skincare. Combined with her congenital tendency for scarring and her pale, cool-toned complexion, even the slightest injury would leave a mark that stood out prominently on her skin.

Fortunately, medical standards in her previous life were advanced; effective scar removal creams could be found in any local pharmacy. Even failing that, medical aesthetics at beauty salons offered instant results, so the beauty-loving Meng Youyou never had to worry.

But now that she was here, forget medical aesthetics—even finding a simple tube of scar cream was a struggle.

In the treatment room, the other two men and one woman watched Meng Youyou. Seeing her so despondent over the inability to find scar medication, they felt as though her very spirit had been drained, as if the sky had fallen. Each of them wore a different expression.

Chu Yao: "It's just a few scratches from some branches. Even if it leaves a scar, how much of an impact could it really have? Is there really a need to be this upset?"

Huo Qingshan: "If any scar on my body appeared on her one day, she'd probably lose her mind on the spot..."

Zhong Heng: "I think I'm starting to understand what the Battalion Commander meant... Interpreter Meng seems to be quite... precious?"

In their military life, training and missions meant that injuries were an inseparable part of their existence. They even viewed every scar on their bodies as a medal of honor, a source of pride.

Although Zhong Heng didn't quite understand Meng Youyou's current feelings, he maintained his usual considerate and meticulous nature. He attempted to explore other options for the interpreter: "Medic Chu, do you know of any other ways we might be able to purchase scar cream?"

Chu Yao's gaze lingered on Meng Youyou. After a moment of thought, she spoke unhurriedly, "This comrade probably isn't a local, is she? Did she come from the Capital? As far as I know, large hospitals in the Capital might carry some imported Western medicines for scar treatment. If you truly need it, you could try contacting your relatives or friends there to see if they can buy it for you."

Meng Youyou: *[Ugh... I just got here, and that damn system is still malfunctioning. I'm effectively blind right now. How am I supposed to know if I have relatives in the Capital? Where would I even contact them?]*

Meng Youyou gave a sheepish smile and explained vaguely, "My family and friends in the Capital... they are just ordinary people. It would be best not to trouble them with such a small matter across half of China. I would feel quite guilty."

Deep down, Chu Yao rolled her eyes. *[So you actually realize this is a small matter?]*

Standing to the side, Huo Qingshan heard her words. A sarcastic, thin smile suddenly tugged at the corners of his sharp features. "Just ordinary people? The rising Meng family of the Capital becomes an 'ordinary family' the moment it leaves your mouth?"

Zhong Heng was still not giving up. "Is there really no other way? Somewhere closer than the Capital?"

Chu Yao thought for a moment, her eyes suddenly lighting up with surprise. "Actually, I heard before that there is a prestigious folk TCM clinic in the neighboring Nanyu Town. They once released a type of 'Scar-Smoothing Ointment.' It is said to be made from various precious Chinese herbs through complex processes, and it is remarkably effective at promoting blood circulation, reducing swelling, and regenerating damaged skin."

Upon hearing this, Huo Qingshan's eyes darkened slightly, but his expression remained impassive. He stood there calmly, appearing entirely detached from the conversation.

Zhong Heng pressed further, "What is the name of that clinic? Nanyu Town isn't far from here. I can apply for leave to go buy it tomorrow."

Chu Yao let out an almost imperceptible sigh and added, "Don't be in such a hurry. I only heard this from the village elders; it was a long time ago. I don't remember the name clearly—was it something like 'Rui-something-Xuan'?"

"Furthermore, it's said that because the production cost of this scar cream was too high, the price was quite expensive. Since the general public didn't have such a high demand for scar removal, the ointment gradually disappeared from the market over time."

Hearing this, Zhong Heng felt a wave of disappointment. Suddenly, as if struck by a realization, he hurried over to Huo Qingshan by the window.

He asked urgently, "Battalion Commander Huo, aren't you from Nanyu Town? I remember you mentioning that several of your elders are TCM practitioners. They are all in the same place and in the same profession; surely you must know something about it?"

However, Huo Qingshan's reaction was exceptionally cold. Unlike the warm-hearted Zhong Heng, he replied emotionlessly, "I'm not sure." He maintained an attitude of complete indifference.

With that, the man turned and walked away.

Zhong Heng stood there dazed. "The Commander is usually stoic, but he's never been this cold and stern. Could it be that Interpreter Meng's shouting at him on the training field a few days ago really made him hold a grudge? Otherwise, why would he be so hostile when it comes to her matters?"

Meng Youyou had naturally noticed Huo Qingshan's cold reaction. She could feel his deep prejudice against her. She felt indignant and frustrated, but had no outlet for her anger. *[What a petty man! I haven't even targeted you like that. A grown man with a smaller heart than a woman! And I actually worried about the wound on your back just now—what a waste!]*

Chu Yao stared at the doorway for a long time. Huo Qingshan was long gone. She fell into deep thought.

Her natural intuition told her that although Huo Qingshan seemed to dislike this new interpreter, she had a strong premonition that this woman would be the greatest obstacle on the path to the successful implementation of her plan.

She began to carefully recall her memories from her previous life. After a long while, she confirmed that at this point in time in her previous life, no such figure existed in the military.

This sudden change was not a positive sign. Could her rebirth have triggered a chain reaction?

...

After leaving the infirmary, Huo Qingshan went straight to his office. After sitting in silence for a moment, he placed a call to the Capital.

Meanwhile, Meng Youyou was walking down the corridor of the office building, fuming. The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. It was infuriating!

Just now, when Zhong Heng remembered that Zhang Yong was also from Nanyu Town, he had dragged her along to ask Zhang Yong if he knew of the clinic called "Rui-something-Xuan."

If they hadn't asked, they wouldn't have known. But once they did... guess what?

Zhang Yong: "You mean Ruizhi Xuan? That clinic is quite famous in our area. In fact, it was opened by Battalion Commander Huo's maternal grandfather. 'Ruizhi' was taken from the name of Battalion Commander Huo's grandmother."

"You want to buy medicine, right? Just go directly to Battalion Commander Huo. It'll save so much trouble."

Completely oblivious to the bizarre expressions on the faces of the two people before him, Zhang Yong was fully immersed in promoting his commander's heroic deeds. He promised confidently, "Battalion Commander Huo will definitely agree!"

He even provided a logically sound example: "A while back, a kid in our company somehow developed hives. Every autumn and winter, his body would itch so badly he couldn't sleep. When our Commander happened to find out, he proactively offered to get him a few prescriptions to try. It turns out the medical skills of Battalion Commander Huo's grandfather are truly legendary. He recovered in just a few days and hasn't had a recurrence since."

Hearing this, Zhong Heng looked increasingly troubled, his expression extremely awkward. He was just about to say something to make excuses for their commander.

But then he caught sight of Interpreter Meng. Having heard the whole thing, her face was dark, her lips were tightly pursed, and her eyes flashed with sharp, piercing light. She was radiating an unmistakable fury.

After hesitating for two seconds, Zhong Heng spoke up: "Interpreter Meng, please don't overthink it. Our Commander certainly isn't targeting you. There must be some misunderstanding..."

"No need to explain. I don't care." Meng Youyou didn't want to stay for another second. She turned and left immediately.

Meng Youyou thought resentfully, *[Since you dislike me so much and hold such a prejudice against me, and since it's clearly your family's clinic yet you lie through your teeth saying you don't know about it—it's obvious you have a problem with me and don't want to help!]*