81: Restoration Effect

"Thank you for your hard work! I have to go back now. My home is far from the factory, and it'll be difficult to catch a ride if it gets any later," Jiang Kuo said.

"Yeah, go ahead!"

Su Hanyan glanced at the time—it was almost seven o'clock. Originally, she planned to stop by the factory director's house to say hello before heading to the printing factory to deliver the drafts. Now, it seemed unnecessary; she could go straight to her evening class.

She gathered the pile of papers on the table, intending to throw them into the trash can in the corner. As she walked, she thought to herself how convenient it would be if these papers could restore themselves.

She remembered her "golden finger," but unfortunately, it only had healing effects. If only it had a restoration effect, that would be great.

Just as this thought crossed her mind, she noticed a faint red glow between her palms. She was shocked, her eyes fixed on the glowing light in her hands. Gradually, the glow intensified, enveloping the objects in her palms.

[won't u look at that.]

Su Hanyan witnessed what she could only describe as a "miracle." The torn and tattered pieces of paper were inexplicably piecing themselves back together, and the damaged sheets were gradually becoming whole again.

In just a few minutes, she saw a heap of wreckage transform back into pristine condition. She couldn't contain her excitement. This was amazing—absolutely incredible!

Su Hanyan checked the drafts multiple times to ensure they were fine, folded them, and stuffed them into her pocket. She carefully examined her hands, feeling increasingly happy and satisfied.

The more she looked, the more she liked it!

Unable to contain herself, she burst into laughter, exclaiming, "Impressive, Su Hanyan! The heavens are indeed treating me well!"

To think that after transmigrating into the role of a cannon fodder woman, she would be blessed with such a powerful "golden finger"!

This ability could be called "Restoration"!

Hahaha~~

"Are... are you okay?" Suddenly, a man's voice came from the doorway.

Su Hanyan turned her head and was surprised to see Zhou Ningkai. He was looking at her with an incredulous expression, trying to speak several times but stopping himself.

"I'm fine, quite good actually."

Zhou Ningkai said sympathetically, "I went out for dinner and ran into Jiang Kuo on the way back. I heard about this incident. Are you alright? Were you shocked? Should I help you write those drafts? I happen to be working overtime tonight to design some drawings!"

"What shock? Well, I was actually quite shocked!" Su Hanyan giggled. "No need to trouble you. I have something to do, so I'll go ahead. Bye!"

Zhou Ningkai watched as Su Hanyan casually walked past him, not daring to stop her.

Most people would cry in such a situation, wouldn't they?

Why was she laughing?

Laughing so strangely!

Outside the factory gate, Su Hanyan saw a car approaching. She hurried to catch up with a man and jumped into the back seat. Fortunately, there were two seats available at this time.

Luckily, there were only two people getting on at this stop.

One was her, and the other was the man in front of her.

But why did the back view of this man look so familiar? It somewhat resembled Dr. Jin!

As this thought crossed her mind, the man in front sat down. Indeed, the man was Jin Chen.

He seemed different today compared to last time—clearly agitated, his face displaying impatience.

"Dr. Jin... Jin Chen? What a coincidence to meet you again!" Su Hanyan greeted him with a smile as he glanced her way.

"Yeah," Jin Chen nodded. "Actually, it's not that coincidental."

Unbelievably, he had spoken an extra sentence.

82: No Delay

Upon hearing this, Su Hanyan's heart skipped a beat twice. She suddenly remembered the incident when she stepped on his shoe that day. "You... You're not asking me to compensate you because I damaged your shoes, are you?"

Jin Chen's headache and tinnitus were severe. When he heard Su Hanyan's words, he suddenly found it amusing and burst into laughter. "What do you think?"

In the dim light passing through the window, Su Hanyan glanced at his shoes. She wasn't entirely sure if they were the same pair, but the uppers at least looked clean and undamaged now.

"I don't think so," Su Hanyan smiled, her lips curling up. "Even if it were true, it's too late for compensation now."

"Hmm?" Jin Chen raised an eyebrow.

"There's a saying—'No delay for expired goods'! If your shoes had broken the next day and you came to me, I would admit it! But now, it's been over half a month. Who would still remember? What if the shoes were damaged for another reason, and you came to me for compensation, right?" Su Hanyan blinked and said.

Jin Chen's lips twitched slightly. "Makes sense."

"So, you don't need me to compensate you, right?" Su Hanyan breathed a sigh of relief. She was quite broke now and couldn't afford to compensate Jin Chen for his shoes.

Besides, she didn't believe that stepping on his shoes would have caused them to break.

"Hmm." Jin Chen nodded lightly, then turned to glance at her. The light from the streetlamp flashed across her face, revealing her slightly smiling expression, with a hint of mischief.

Seeing Jin Chen looking at her, Su Hanyan's lips curved into a broad smile. She grinned at him and said, "Dr. Jin, are you not busy lately? This is our second time meeting on the bus, right?"

"This is the route I take home," he said.

"Oh," Su Hanyan nodded. "No wonder!"

"What about you? Is this also your daily route home?" Jin Chen asked casually.

"No, I live in the single dormitory at the factory."

"Single?" Jin Chen's eyes flickered slightly. He turned his head back and looked her over, seeming a bit puzzled.

"Why, don't believe me?" Su Hanyan chuckled. Perhaps because she had discovered a new skill of her golden finger tonight and was excited, she couldn't help but smile occasionally. "I actually find it hard to believe myself. I think I'm naturally beautiful and hard to give up, but I haven't had any men chasing after me!"

Jin Chen looked at her with a subtle gaze.

Seemingly realizing this, Su Hanyan smiled awkwardly and said, "Too immodest, right?"

"Not at all." Jin Chen didn't delve into that question further. Instead, he asked, "Do you take this bus every day? Where are you headed?"

"I'm going to tutor at someone's home," Su Hanyan glanced out the window. Seeing that the next stop was approaching, she hurriedly stood up and said, "Stop here, please!" She hurriedly slung her bag over her shoulder and prepared to get off.

Jin Chen lowered his gaze and glanced at his crossed legs. He lightly tapped the raised leg.

The timing was just right. Su Hanyan was about to step out when this leg suddenly blocked her path.

Her leg was tripped, and she staggered forward.

"Ah—"

She exclaimed in surprise, thinking she was going to fall, but unexpectedly, a large hand firmly grabbed her arm, while the other arm lightly encircled her waist, steadying her firmly.

 83: Dangerous Night Road

Su Hanyan cautiously exhaled, turning around to thank Jin Chen, "Thank you, Dr. Jin!"

"You're welcome." Jin Chen replied calmly, "Take care!"

Getting off the bus, Su Hanyan felt that Dr. Jin wasn't as aloof or irritable as before. She thought it might have been due to his exhaustion during their previous encounters.

Jin Chen lowered his eyes, watching Su Hanyan's figure gradually disappear beneath the bus. He looked at his palm, faintly smiling, "Confirmed. She really is different."

However, did his recent actions seem a bit too despicable?

When Su Hanyan arrived at Director Zhang's house, he was absent. Only a few children and Zhang's elderly mother were there. She had wanted to discuss the newspaper with Director Zhang but decided not to disturb him since he wasn't around. Instead, she began teaching the children. Two classes passed quickly, and by the time she finished, it was already 9 o'clock. Director Zhang still hadn't returned.

It seemed Director Zhang was very busy, so she decided not to bother him further.

Leaving Zhang's house, Su Hanyan stood at the door waiting for the bus. She planned to visit the printing factory to ensure the newspaper was properly formatted and printed. According to Deputy Chief Niu, even if the three of them worked overtime tomorrow, they might not finish writing the articles. It was better for her to handle this matter now to avoid a big mess that would upset both Deputy Chief Niu and Director Zhang.

Looking at the destination of the last bus, Su Hanyan realized it wouldn't go directly to the printing factory; she would need to transfer in between. She boarded the bus and rode for about twenty minutes before disembarking to catch another bus.

Unfortunately, the last bus for the second route had already stopped running. Calculating the cash she had on hand, Su Hanyan found it barely enough to take a taxi back to the factory.

Fortunately, the remaining distance wasn't too long, so she decided to walk instead.

It was already after 9 o'clock at night. With the last bus no longer running, there were noticeably fewer people on the road. Walking alone on the empty road, Su Hanyan felt a bit uneasy.

She quickened her pace, eager to reach the printing factory as soon as possible.

With each step, Su Hanyan could feel the wind blowing past her. She crossed two major roads and needed to pass through a narrow and elongated street before reaching the next one where the printing factory was located.

Just as she saw hope ahead, Su Hanyan took larger strides forward.

The street was long but only lit by two street lamps. The dim light cast a dismal glow on the ground. Suddenly, a cold wind blew by, and the box in her hand emitted an unpleasant whimper.

She tightened her coat around herself, crossing her arms and walking briskly.

"Hey! Someone's actually walking through here so late!" A voice sounded, lazy but somewhat excited.

Immediately, several voices joined in agreement, "And it's a girl!"

"Aren't you bold? Walking alone on a night like this, don't you know it's dangerous for a girl?"

Su Hanyan abruptly stopped in her tracks, looking ahead to see several shadows swaying toward her.

Just her luck!

She swiftly turned around to walk back but was surprised to find more people gradually closing in behind her.

"Don't go, little sister! It's late at night, and us brothers are feeling lonely! How about you come over and keep us company? We can watch a movie together."

"Yeah, we have some good movies here!"

After this remark, it immediately led to a burst of laughter.

Clearly, everyone understood the implications of these "good movies"!

Su Hanyan naturally grasped the meaning behind their words; it seemed she had come across a group of scoundrels gathering to watch some unhealthy content.

She was just unlucky to have passed by their resting spot during their "break."

[yes. exactly. i dont need to say it, do i? :/]

84: Mixed Feelings

"Hey! Don't mess around!" Su Hanyan steadied herself, trying to sound calm and composed, "I came with my boyfriend, he's right behind me! He's a soldier in the army, tough as nails!"

"Oh really?"

"I say this beautiful lady hasn't spoken a single true word, that's for sure!"

"Let your soldier brother come out, let's all see whose fists are tougher!"

Clearly, these guys didn't believe a word Su Hanyan said.

In the middle of the night, a girl hurriedly passing through this narrow alley with a bag slung over her shoulder—no one would believe she was out for a date with her boyfriend.

Damn it!

Su Hanyan cursed her bad luck. Was she going to end it here tonight?

Just as she was anxious, a familiar voice suddenly came from a distance. She turned around and saw a slender figure moving towards them from the narrow end of the alley.

"Stay away from her!" The person warned the hoodlums again.

"Oh? Minding other people's business?"

"Seems like it!"

The group of hoodlums gathered together, smoking and shaking their legs, showing an air of arrogance and disdain.

"What? Trying to play the hero? Let's see if your puny frame can handle a beating!"

"Hahaha! Thin as a stick!"

"I could knock him down with just one arm!"

Listening to these guys boasting, it was obvious they were gearing up for a fight. Su Hanyan watched the figure approaching, lit dimly by the streetlamp, and she couldn't decide whether to feel relieved or worried upon seeing Jin Chen's handsome face.

Or perhaps, it was a mix of both!

Relieved because she wasn't alone tonight; someone had come just in time. Worried because Jin Chen was a surgeon—his hands were meant for surgical knives, not brawls.

Even if both were about saving lives... could he handle this?

Su Hanyan was very worried, feeling that Jin Chen might experience the malice of the world tonight. A beating seemed inevitable.

"Dr. Jin!" Su Hanyan called out.

Jin Chen stopped less than two meters away from her, locking his gaze directly onto hers. "What are you standing there for? Come over here."

"Oh? Isn't it Soldier Brother turned doctor?" One of the men smirked sleazily, "This little girl's mouth sure loves to lie, doesn't it? That's not proper!"

"Is it your business?"

Su Hanyan tried to walk away, but the man grabbed her arm, "Trying to leave? Fine, give me a kiss on the cheek first!"

"Cough... Hah..." Su Hanyan coughed and considered spitting on his face, but she didn't want to be so shameless!

Considering the vast difference in their strength, she reluctantly spat on the ground.

Jin Chen seemed to understand her thoughts, chuckling softly. He stepped forward and effortlessly pushed aside the men surrounding her, then grabbed her arm and pulled her out from the man's embrace, shielding her behind him.

Su Hanyan breathed a sigh of relief and whispered, "Thank you, Dr. Jin, but... can you take on all of them?"

Jin Chen didn't answer her. Instead, he addressed the hoodlums, "Please step aside. Let's call it a night."

85: Practiced Since Childhood

"What did he say?" The hoodlum squinted, asking the guy beside him.

"He said 'call it a night'."

"He says that it's over and it's over? Not afraid of death, huh? Instead of finding out from the streets, you just grab food from under my nose! Brothers, we're idle anyway. Let's stretch our muscles a bit and show this doctor some color!"

Clearly, he was the leader of this gang. Since the boss spoke, his underlings naturally had to comply.

"Let's go!"

Several men rubbed their arms, shook their legs, and wore a smirk that belittled others as they approached Jin Chen.

Jin Chen raised an eyebrow and said coldly, "It's been a long time since I stretched my muscles. Come on then!"

[wow, of course he can also beat up hoodlums]

He provocatively beckoned with a finger.

Su Hanyan's heart was in her throat, nervously holding her breath.

"Step back and stay aside!" He reminded Su Hanyan before directly throwing a punch, meeting them head-on with a direct blow.

The speed and force were nothing like what one would expect from a doctor; instead, it resembled someone who had undergone intense training for years.

His attack startled the hoodlums. They changed tactics, rushing to surround Jin Chen.

Aware of this, Jin Chen swiftly kicked one down, broke through the gap, circled behind the remaining two, and grabbed one by twisting his arm.

"Ow ow ow!" The man couldn't move, bent his legs, tilted his head, and his face contorted in pain.

Jin Chen whispered, "Want to experience what it's like to have your arm dislocated?"

"N-no no, I don't!" He quickly replied.

"Bluffing! Let him come and give him some courage; he wouldn't dare!" The boss spat out his cigarette, rolled up his sleeves, and threw a punch at Jin Chen's handsome face.

"Careful!" Su Hanyan shouted.

Jin Chen let go of the man in front of him, kicked him away, grabbed the other's wrist, and stared at him without changing his expression, despite being in front of everyone. With a forceful twist, he folded the man's arm behind his back.

At that moment, the gang leader felt a chill.

Jin Chen exerted downward pressure on the man's arm, causing a piercing scream to escape his lips.

When Jin Chen released his grip, the man's arm hung limply by his side, as if devoid of bones.

"It's dislocated..."

Jin Chen stepped back, frowned, brushed off the dust from his clothes, turned to Su Hanyan, and said, "What are you standing there for? Let's go."

Only then did Su Hanyan let out a sigh of relief, giving Jin Chen a thumbs up. "Impressive, Dr. Jin! I never expected you to be so good at fighting. I thought you might lose!"

Jin Chen smirked, "I practiced when I was a kid."

In fact, he continued to train daily. For him, to sustain a long career as a surgeon, he needed a strong physique.

Despite his slender appearance, beneath his thin shirt lay muscles.

[man i love a man's heart. the muscles and chest that covers it is none of my concern]

The power unleashed by those muscles was not to be underestimated.

"It's so late, why aren't you going home? What are you wandering around here for?" Jin Chen asked.

"I need to go to the printing factory to get something printed!" Su Hanyan replied, looking at the disheveled gangsters. "Didn't expect to run into them here."

"Let's go, I'll accompany you," Jin Chen offered.