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

Stuart ignored him, but Sean kept pestering with a mischievous grin.

As they stepped outside, Sean continued, "Hey, come on, tell me—what exactly did you dream about?"

Before Stuart could answer, Annette appeared from the next room, her dark circles obvious, looking exhausted: "Good morning. Which one of you dreamed?"

Sean quickly shut up, glancing at Stuart.

Stuart shot Annette a quick look. "Did you freshen up? Let's go have breakfast together. After eating, I'll bring meals to Third Uncle and Little Zhu, then stay with them for the checkup."

Annette waved him off. "No, I won't go with you to the hospital. I'm going to the barber to get my hair cut first."

She couldn't get a good night's sleep until the lice were gone.

Stuart nodded and turned to leave, his gaze cold. Sean hurried after him, noticing Stuart avoided looking at Annette.

From his experience, Sean guessed that Stuart must have dreamed about Annette—he once dreamed of the neighbor's sister and knew how rare such dreams were.

He sighed mentally: "A once-in-a-century event."

Annette found the two men a bit baffling and only focused on getting her haircut.

After breakfast, Stuart and Sean went to the hospital, while Annette asked around for the barber's location and headed there.

Inside the barbershop, a stove warmed the room, making it quite cozy.

The barber was a woman in her forties with a pleasant demeanor. Hearing Annette wanted to cut her long hair short, she seemed a little reluctant: "You have such beautiful hair—so black and shiny. It's a pity to cut it off."

Annette felt embarrassed to tell the truth: "I'm just tired of long hair and want a new style."

The woman noticed Annette was determined and stopped persuading. "But you're pretty—short hair will look good on you too. Your hair's so nice, sell it to me for two bucks."

Annette refused. "I want to keep it as a memento."

The barber smiled and began cutting. Despite Annette's nervousness, the short hairstyle turned out even better than she expected—neat and lively, with the back trimmed up slightly.

She looked like a handsome young boy, lips red and teeth white—quite attractive.

Satisfied, Annette checked herself in the mirror, paid twenty cents for the haircut, and left to find Stuart at the hospital.

She still didn't know where to buy the comb Stuart mentioned, as the original owner had never needed one in the city.

Stuart had just finished accompanying Third Uncle and Little Zhu for the checkup. The diagnosis was as Annette expected: Little Zhu had a growth on his vocal cords that was blocking closure, requiring surgery to remove.

Because Little Zhu was young, the earlier the surgery, the better.

Stuart immediately agreed to schedule the surgery as soon as possible and explained everything to Third Uncle.

Third Uncle, hearing that it involved cutting open the throat, grew fearful, tears welling in his aged eyes: "Stuart, can't we avoid surgery?"

Stuart comforted him, "Third Uncle, it's not that scary. You wouldn't want Little Zhu to be unable to speak for life, right? It's a minor operation, and the doctors here are excellent. When I was badly injured, they saved me. This surgery will be a breeze for them."

Third Uncle was still worried, "Little Zhu is all that's left from Changdong. If anything happens to him, how can your Third Aunt and I go on?"

Stuart patted his back, "Don't worry. Nothing will happen. We're all here with you."

Annette hurried over and, overhearing the concern, chimed in confidently: "That's right, Third Uncle. Don't worry—I guarantee Little Zhu will be fine. I'm good at fortune telling; you can believe me. Little Zhu looks like university material."

Stuart turned at her voice, slightly startled by the neat short hair that made Annette look like a pretty tomboy—almost unfamiliar.

He stared at her a moment before looking away.

Since Annette was the one who suggested Little Zhu get checked and pushed for surgery, Third Uncle trusted her deeply.

His voice choked with emotion, "I'm old and ignorant; I just don't want the child to suffer. I fear something bad will happen to Little Zhu."

Annette reassured him, "Don't worry. The doctors here are very capable."

Third Uncle nodded with relief, "Then I can rest easier."

Little Zhu stood by Third Uncle's legs, looking up at Annette, the new short hairstyle unfamiliar to him, yet he thought his second aunt looked very pretty.

Annette stayed with Little Zhu and Third Uncle in the ward, while Sean was nowhere to be seen.

Stuart was summoned by Dr. Lu Yuanda to his office.

Upon entering, Dr. Lu immediately told him to take off his shirt: "Let me check your wound. It should be time to remove the stitches."

After inspecting, the doctor was surprised: "Your wound was pulled apart and then sewn again?"

Stuart nodded.

Dr. Lu was impressed: "The suturing technique is excellent. This kind of stitch is stronger than the original one, less likely to split open, but requires great skill. The method you had before usually leaves a scar resembling a centipede, but your current wound shouldn't have that problem."

After all, human flesh isn't fabric—without exquisite skill, such precision is impossible.

Stuart pressed his lips, saying nothing. If he admitted Annette had helped, he'd have to answer countless questions, some lies he couldn't cover.

Dr. Lu exclaimed again, "I should learn this technique someday."

Stuart asked thoughtfully, "Are there any short-term medical training courses available now?"

Dr. Lu was surprised, "There are, but no one stays permanently. Most who finish end up as doctors in local villages or towns. Not everyone can learn—recommendations and exams are needed."

Stuart sat up, tidying his clothes, "I want Annette to learn. I'll ask her."

Dr. Lu's opinion of Annette improved considerably. After thinking, he said, "If she studies and passes the exams, I can recommend her to stay at the hospital."

Stuart was uncertain about Annette's willingness, "Thanks. I'll discuss it with her first."

Dr. Lu started rambling, "I heard Annette's a bit stubborn, but I think she's quite good. You're older than her by a lot, so be patient—women like that need pampering."

Stuart's face darkened at the mention of his age.

Dr. Lu continued without noticing, "Isn't she almost ten years younger than you? Or even more? You're old, and she's young. Eventually, she'll be taking care of you. So you better treat her well now. And you're like an old bull with a young cow—don't keep frowning all day."

Stuart's expression grew even gloomier at the "old bull" remark.

Just as Dr. Lu was packing up to leave, Sean suddenly rushed in, "So you're here! The Longbridge family from Capital City has arrived..."