Back to the ‘70s: My Life as the Trouble-Maker's Bride

Annette never thought of herself as a good person, nor was she one to feel excessive sympathy.

Now, seeing Laura—the very sight of her was irritating—she shifted closer to the car door on the opposite side, putting more distance between herself and Laura.

Sean glanced in the rearview mirror as he drove, watching the crowd they had left behind and wondered aloud, "Where did all these people suddenly come from?"

Stuart said nothing. Just moments ago, when he had leaned out the window, the wound near the edge had stung sharply. The sudden burst of strength had worsened the pain.

In his mind, he was already thinking about how Annette would react—she was bound to lose her temper.

Laura took a long moment to collect herself from the shock. Her arms were still tied behind her back, but she twisted her body and sat upright, tears streaming as she stared at the back of Stuart's head. "Axun, thank you… are you hurt?"

Annette snorted and turned her head to glare at the pitiful Laura. The tears reminded her of Lin Daiyu, so fragile and heart-tugging. "How did you get kidnapped? Weren't you supposed to be resting at home? These people wouldn't dare come to your house and drag you out, would they?"

Laura was at a loss for words under Annette's sharp questioning, stunned for a moment. "I… I heard about Carl getting into trouble, and since you all went to the county, I worried and wanted to help."

Annette didn't buy it. "Are you a doctor or a cop? What help could you possibly give? Look at yourself — are you here to help or just to make things worse?"

Laura hadn't expected such aggression from Annette. She pressed her lips together, unable to answer, remaining silent.

Annette didn't care about Laura's motives. What she hated most was this kind of reckless behavior: "Help people only if you have the ability. Don't make things worse and then cry a few tears thinking you're some poor victim."

Laura fell utterly silent. She couldn't argue with Annette, and she didn't even dare to cry now, turning her face away, full of grievance.

Sean thought Annette had a point. On missions, they dreaded encountering people like Laura—overestimating themselves and ultimately causing more harm than good.

They didn't stop until they reached the town. Sean looked at Stuart and asked, "What now?"

Bound tightly, Laura urged quickly, "Please untie me. I can walk back on my own."

Stuart glanced over, seeing Annette pressed tightly against the car door behind Sean, eyes closed, completely ignoring Laura. It was clear Annette wouldn't untie her.

He turned to Sean. "You go help untie her."

Sean figured Stuart was trying to avoid suspicion and got out to untie Laura.

Freed from the ropes, Laura felt truly alive again. She stretched her arms and, eyes still red, looked at Stuart. "Axun, I'll be going now. Thank you for today."

Stuart frowned. "Eat in town first. We'll be heading to the village afterward."

Laura shook her head. "I won't. I've already caused enough trouble."

Annette snapped, annoyed: "If we tell you to eat, then eat. No need for all that nonsense. What if something happens on the way back? Whose fault would that be?"

Her harsh tone silenced Laura immediately.

Sean couldn't help but silently applaud Annette. Stuart's wife was certainly sharp-tongued and fierce—but not unreasonable. Actually, she made a lot of sense.

The only place in town was a small state-run canteen serving just buns and noodles.

Annette ordered three tofu-filled buns; Stuart and the others ordered noodles.

Laura dared not speak, especially with Annette around. She was too fierce to argue with.

Annette noticed Stuart sitting less upright than usual, leaning slightly forward. No guess was needed—his wound must have reopened. With all this tossing and turning, that wound would never heal properly.

She shot Stuart a sharp glance and sipped her tea leisurely.

Stuart knew Annette had noticed his worsening injury and felt guilty, so he kept silent.

When the food arrived, Stuart pushed his bowl toward Annette. "Want some?"

Annette's irritation softened a little. It was rare for this stoic man to make such a gesture—she accepted it with a nod. "Just some broth, that's enough."

Stuart fetched an empty bowl and poured some broth for her, carefully picking out the rare spinach leaves and giving them to her.

Annette saw Laura's face fall and felt her mood improve. "Enough, enough. After we eat, we need to get his wound treated at the town clinic. If not done soon, it'll get infected."

If the wound re-opened, it would need to be stitched again.

Laura looked anxiously at Stuart. "Axun, your wound isn't healed yet?"

Annette snorted. "He's no immortal. Wounds don't heal overnight. If you keep messing with him, maybe he'll heal faster."

Her sarcasm shut Laura up again.

Sean nearly burst out laughing but quickly lowered his head to eat. Stuart's sharp-tongued wife was actually quite adorable.

After the meal, they headed to the town's health clinic—a small and simple place.

Two rows of old bungalows, six rooms total, looking quite worn.

Annette worried if this clinic could perform surgery.

The doctor had just started his shift at noon. Seeing Stuart's wound, he looked troubled. "This needs stitches. The surgeon is away in the county for training. You might want to go to the county hospital."

Behind a yellowed curtain, Annette lifted it and stepped in. The ten-centimeter wound was half-open, with exposed flesh—not good at all.

She asked, "Where's the operating room? I'll stitch him up."

Local anesthesia and suturing—she could handle it herself if she had the tools.

The doctor hesitated. "You're a doctor? What if something goes wrong?"

Annette pressed her hand near the wound. "He's got a ruptured spleen. Leaving it exposed risks infection."

The doctor was reluctant. "Still no. What if something happens? Who's responsible?"

Annette stared at him firmly. "I will be."

Stuart trusted Annette completely. He told the doctor, "Let her do it."

Sean nearly dropped his chopsticks. "Sister-in-law, you can do this? Are you sure? I can drive him to the county hospital—just over an hour away."

Stuart shook his head. "No need. She's capable."

The doctor handed Annette a clean mask and rubber gloves. He'd administer the anesthesia.

Annette put on the gloves and picked up the surgical needle. The moment she held it, she felt like she was back in her favorite world…