Chapter 84
After much deliberation, Mark and Song Ling decided that Mark would be the lead surgeon for the craniotomy, with Song Ling assisting. Although Song Ling was the more skilled surgeon, with more experience and qualifications, Mark was concerned that her emotions might cloud her judgment when operating on Li Xinjun. They agreed that it would be safer for Mark to lead the surgery, with Song Ling providing guidance if needed.
Mark took a deep breath, looking at Li Xinjun on the operating table, then glanced at Song Ling, who nodded reassuringly. He exhaled slowly and began the procedure.
They first shaved a portion of Li Xinjun’s hair and then sterilized the area with iodine before making an incision in her scalp. Song Ling monitored Mark’s every move, ensuring precision and safety, handing him instruments, and checking the vital signs on the monitors.
After about twenty minutes, Mark carefully removed a section of Li Xinjun’s skull and handed it to Song Ling, who placed it on a sterile tray. She then joined Mark, peering into the exposed brain.
A monitor displayed a live feed of the surgical field, revealing a dark gray object embedded deep within Li Xinjun’s brain. It looked like a piece of metal, but its exact nature was unclear.
“Mark, move the camera slightly to the left. I want a closer look.”
“Here?”
“Yes, stop there. Look, the color is different in this area. It looks like a branch.”
“Huh, you’re right.”
“Move it a bit more, and angle it downwards.”
“Like this?”
“Wait! Wait a minute! I think I know what it is! Look! Doesn’t that look like a broken arrowhead?”
“Really? Let me see. Oh! You’re right! Hold on, let me try to move the tissue aside. There! See? Now you can see it clearly. It’s definitely a broken arrowhead!”
“It’s embedded quite deep. The new tissue has grown around it. It won’t be easy to remove.”
“It’s okay. Let’s take some more images from different angles and then figure out the best approach.”
“Okay.”
Mark maneuvered the camera, exploring the depths of Li Xinjun’s brain, capturing images from various angles before closing the incision. The removed skull fragment wasn’t replaced, as they would need to access the brain again to remove the arrowhead. They carefully bandaged Li Xinjun’s head, ensuring proper sterilization to prevent infection.
After the surgery, they wheeled Li Xinjun back to her room. She remained unconscious, the anesthetic still in effect. Mark and Song Ling went downstairs to the living room, carrying the medical reports and images, their faces grim.
Mark picked up an image and compared it to a sheet of paper, his brow furrowed in concentration.
“Song Ling, I think removing it won’t be difficult, but because of its location, I’m not sure what kind of impact it will have on her.”
“Yes, I agree. If she were an ordinary human, I would say we shouldn’t remove it. The mortality rate is very high. It’s a miracle she’s even alive. But she’s a jiangshi, so she won’t die. However, I’m worried about potential brain damage.”
“But theoretically, our bodies should heal themselves. Even if there’s some damage, it should be temporary. We can’t apply human medical knowledge to our situation.”
“But then why is she still amnesiac? If I’m not mistaken, that arrowhead must be from the fire in the capital. I remember they said they used flaming arrows to ignite the kerosene. It’s been centuries! Her brain should have healed by now! But her memories haven’t returned.”
“Are you stupid? Didn’t you see that the arrowhead is still embedded in her brain? How is it supposed to heal with that thing stuck in there? The tissue has only grown around it, not over it!”
“You’re right.”
“I think if we remove the arrowhead, and the tissue heals properly, her memories might return.”
“Oh! I understand! That’s why she gets headaches whenever she tries to remember something! The arrowhead is disrupting the connections in her brain! When she tries to access those memories, her brain tries to reconnect the severed pathways, but the arrowhead is blocking the way, creating pressure and even damaging the new tissue! That’s why it hurts so much!”
“Exactly!”
“So, if we remove the arrowhead…”
“Her brain might be able to heal properly…”
“And she might regain her memories!”
Excited by their breakthrough, they high-fived each other.
“I’m going to tell Jun’er!”
“She’s still asleep.”
“It’s okay, I’ll wait until she wakes up.”
“Hehe, look at you! Where’s all your worry and despair now?”
“Gone!”
Song Ling rushed upstairs, eager to share the good news with Li Xinjun.
“Hahaha! Hey, aren’t you going to take a blood bag with you? She’ll be hungry when she wakes up.”
“Oh, right! Can you bring it up for me? You’re coming up anyway!”
Mark shook his head, smiling, as Song Ling disappeared up the stairs. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment. Since meeting these two women, his life had regained its color. He was no longer the lonely and aimless vampire he had been for centuries.
Perhaps he should follow their example and find someone to love, someone to spend his eternity with. But it was just a fleeting thought. How many people were willing to risk everything for love, like they had?
He sighed, pushing those thoughts aside, and went to the kitchen to prepare dinner for the two women upstairs.
Song Ling arrived in Li Xinjun’s room and found her still asleep. She sat down beside her, her gaze fixed on her sleeping face, waiting for her to wake up, eager to share the good news.
After about half an hour, Li Xinjun stirred, her eyelids fluttering. Song Ling leaned closer, taking her hand.
“Jun’er, are you awake?”
“Hmm…?”
Li Xinjun mumbled sleepily.
“Jun’er? Can you hear me?”
Li Xinjun slowly opened her eyes and looked at Song Ling. Her first reaction was a sweet smile.
“Did I sleep for long?”
“No, not long. How are you feeling?”
“Hmm… A bit tired…”
“That’s normal. The anesthetic is wearing off. You’ll feel better soon. I have good news!”
“What is it?”
“We know what that triangular object in your head is.”
“What is it?”
“It’s an arrowhead.”
“An arrowhead?”
“Yes, a broken arrowhead. We think you were accidentally shot during the fire in the capital, when you were saving those people. It must have been so chaotic that you didn’t even notice you had been hit, and it’s been embedded in your brain ever since. That might be why you’ve lost your memory.”
“I don’t remember any of that, but is this good news?”
“Yes! Because if we remove the arrowhead, you might regain your memories!”
“Really? That’s great!”
“Yes, although we can’t guarantee it, but it’s very likely.”
“So, are you going to operate on me again?”
“No, not today. We’ll wait until tomorrow. No rush. Get some rest tonight.”
“Okay.”
“Are you hungry? I had Mark prepare some blood for you. He’ll be up soon.”
“I’m okay.”
“Drink some anyway.”
Just then, Mark entered the room, carrying three glasses of warmed blood. Song Ling took one from him and handed it to Li Xinjun, helping her sit up in bed.
She then took another glass from Mark for herself. Mark, leaning against the wall, looked at Li Xinjun.
“Song Ling told you about your situation, right?”
“Yes.”
“We’re planning to remove the arrowhead tomorrow. If all goes well, you might regain your memories. And even if you don’t, at least it will stop your headaches, and you won’t lose control again. It’s a win-win situation.”
“Thank you. Thank you both for doing so much for me.”
“You don’t have to thank us.”
“But I want to.”
“Look how polite Xinjun is! Learn from her! You always act like it’s my duty to help you!” Mark couldn’t resist taking a jab at Song Ling.
Song Ling glared at him.
“Tsk.”
“What? Am I wrong?”
“You complain about everything! You’re like an old woman!”
“You! Put down that glass! And spit out that blood!”
Song Ling quickly finished her blood and handed the empty glass back to Mark, her expression defiant.
Mark wanted to strangle this ungrateful woman. If not for Li Xinjun, he would have already lost his temper.
“Just you wait! When Xinjun recovers, I’ll deal with you!”
“I’ll be waiting.”
“Hee hee hee, you two are so cute.”
Li Xinjun laughed, watching their banter. Song Ling, seeing her smile, felt a surge of warmth. It was like old times.
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