Chapter 273
He said , “ With the rising number of infected , medical equipment and medicine will soon run short , Caleb’s gone to procurs more . He’s warned you’re overworking yourself .
“ We’re neighbors , so looking out for each other is only natural . You’re doing something big , saving lives . My own charity plans didn’t work out , so i figured I’d volunteer during the pandemic and do what I can to help you out . ”
Anyone familiar with Owen knew whenever he felt guilty or had something to hide , he’d unconsciously start overexplaining
Aria wasn’t that familiar with Owen yet , but hearing his words , a relaxed smile bloomed across her face . “ You’ve done more than enough . ”
Aria said , “ Let’s head inside . ”
Watching her walk away , Owen thought to himself , ‘ Thank God I explained in time ! Managing a strained smile , he nodded and replied , “ Okay . ”
Outside the pig farm stood makeshift living quarters . Aria and Owen donned their protective suits before heading inside .
The wooden pig pens were built with slats , their
offering glimpses of the interior .
Huddled weakly in the corners , the pigs , cows , and sheep looked listless , showing little sign of life .
Even the usually energetic cats , dogs , chickens ,
cks , and geese now lay weakly on the ground , their usual liveliness gone .
The feeding troughs were piled with food , only about half of it eaten .
Despite signs of cleaning , patchy stains of vomit and waste still lingered on the ground .
Owen followed Aria toward the pigsty . Nearly twenty pigs glanced their way , but most showed no reaction , remaining in their slumped or prone positions . Only a few managed weak , occasional grunts .
Aria crouched down to take a closer look . The pigs ‘ skin looked a bit red , especially around the base of their ears .
It looked like they’d got a fever .
The two then proceeded to check the other livestock pens .
In Jamelan , pigs and cattle were the main livestock , with few sheep and no horses . Based on visible symptoms alone , most were suspected to be infected .
Chickens , ducks , and geese showed no symptoms , while about half of the dogs , cats , and rabbits were suspected to be infected .
A large quantity of veterinary blood collection kits was needed .
Aria stood up . “ Let’s separate the asymptomatic cats , dogs , and rabbits into different pens . Time to work . ”
“ Okay , ” Owen said .
They started by separating the easiest ones first – the cats and rabbits – leaving the dogs for last .
The dogs that still had energy were barking like crazy , their deafening noise making their eardrums ache .
The only two dogs that were tied up – both large and muscular – were barking the loudest . They lunged forward so violently that their leashes strewed taut , looking ready to snap at any moment .
With those two leading the charge , the rest of the pack erupted into a frenzy .
Aria blocked Owen’s path with an outstretched arm . “ Keep your distance , ” she warned .
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Owen considered how to handle them . Knocking them out with a kick might work , but he was afraid he’d use too much force .
Aria said , “ Step back . I’ll handle this . Pass me the medical tools . ”
Those two years she spent learning animal acupuncture from Gael were finally paying off .
Owen caught on immediately , quickly took a few steps back , and opened the medical kit .
Aria pulled out a needle . Seizing the split – second pause of one of the dogs , her lightning , striking true into a critical pressure point .
wrist snapped with practiced precision – the silver needle shot out like
The once – frenzied dog gradually calmed down . Its body slowly sank to the ground , then lapsed into a drowsy , semi – coriscious state .
Owen carefully carried the sedated dog to another pen .
The barking grew even more deafening .
Aria once again applied the needte , while Owen took charge of the transfer .
The barking quieted down considerably .
Aria eyed the dogs , holding a needle . “ Are you going to move to another place on your own , or shall I make you ? ”
Even the two leashed dogs didn’t dare to make another sound .
Working together , Aria and Owen effortlessly moved all the asymptomatic dogs .
AD