Lin Xiaoxiao was taken aback for a moment—she hadn't expected to run into the rumored ex-girlfriend so soon.

Everyone had always said that Zhou Huai'an should have married her. Now that she saw her, she had to admit: the woman was dignified and carried herself well.

Zhou Huai'an shifted inward. "Sit down and eat first," he said.

Xiaoxiao sat beside him. She didn't miss the flicker of disappointment on Luo Caixia's face, but thought it better not to comment.

Once she was seated, Luo Caixia turned to Zhou Huai'an. "When I heard you got married, I wondered what kind of woman you'd end up with. I have to say, she's beautiful. You're a lucky man, Huai'an."

Zhou Huai'an didn't respond. Instead, he poured a bowl of tea and pushed it gently toward Xiaoxiao.

Knowing his temperament, Luo Caixia smiled at Xiaoxiao. "You didn't come back to host a wedding banquet when you got married. Are you planning to have one now that you're here?"

Before Xiaoxiao could reply, Zhou Huai'an answered, "No. We have other plans."

Luo Caixia sounded genuinely disappointed. "Why not? Everyone in the village knows you're married, but no one's had the chance to celebrate. I run a tailor shop in town—I was hoping I could make your wedding clothes. It would only take two or three days."

Xiaoxiao was puzzled. If Luo Caixia really had feelings for Zhou Huai'an, how could she bear to see him marry someone else? Let alone offer to sew his wedding suit?

The noodles arrived, and Zhou Huai'an remained quiet. Luo Caixia did most of the talking, sharing news from the village:

Uncle Cattleman had died of a cold two years ago;

The teacher who taught them how to write had been about to return to the city but died of coal gas poisoning;

Their childhood friend Qiu Tian had married Hu Zi from the next village...

Xiaoxiao didn't know any of these people. She ate quietly, listening to stories from a past she hadn't been part of. The thought that Zhou Huai'an and Luo Caixia shared so many memories made her noodles taste sour.

After the meal, Xiaoxiao began to feel out of place. She excused herself and stepped out of the restaurant.

Not long after, Zhou Huai'an and Luo Caixia emerged. Luo Caixia's eyes were red. She glanced at Xiaoxiao, then turned and hurried away.

Zhou Huai'an's expression was unreadable. What had they talked about that made Luo Caixia leave in tears?

Xiaoxiao wondered.

They took another bus from the station. This ride was short—just over half an hour—and brought them to a small town. From there, they had to walk to Zhou Village.

It was completely dark. The town had no streetlights, and the road to the village was pitch black.

In the distance, shadowy mountain peaks loomed. An owl hooted now and then, sending a shiver down Xiaoxiao's spine. "How much longer until we reach the village?" she asked.

Zhou Huai'an thought for a moment. "We have to cross two ridges. At this pace, it'll take about two hours."

"That far?" Xiaoxiao exclaimed. "Do people not usually leave the village?"

"Many have never even been to town," he replied.

He picked up her bag. "Let's go."

She reached for it. "Let me carry it. You're still injured."

"It's fine. The path is rough. Stay close."

An hour later, Xiaoxiao could barely feel her legs. She stumbled along, holding onto Zhou Huai'an's sleeve for support.

Just as she thought she couldn't go on, she saw faint lights dotting the foot of the mountain.

Zhou Village was poor. Life depended on the weather, and many families couldn't afford electricity—they still used oil lamps. Zhou's family.

Wang Fenglan had brought news of Zhou Huai'an's return days ago. Since then, the whole family had been on edge—afraid their secrets would be exposed.

What if he found out and stopped sending money?

When the gate creaked, Wang Fenglan paused and nudged her youngest son, Zhou Changan. "I think I heard the gate. Go see if it's your second brother."

Zhou Changan grumbled, "So what if he's back? Why is everyone so nervous?"

The old man, Zhou Mancang, propped against a quilt, coughed and scolded, "Just go check. Stop arguing!"

Zhou Changan rose reluctantly. Before he could reach the door, it opened. Zhou Huai'an walked in with Lin Xiaoxiao.

Stepping out of the darkness, Xiaoxiao blinked under the dim oil lamp. The room was full of people, and it took her a moment to adjust.

A large kang bed took up half the room. An old man with a wrinkled, honest face lay partially reclined at one end. Wang Fenglan sat near a small table on the kang, stitching shoe soles. A young woman on the other side eyed them with raised eyebrows. Next to her sat a man in his thirties who resembled the old man—simple and sturdy. Another young man stood on the floor nearby. He had narrow, sharp eyes and looked a lot like Wang Fenglan.

Xiaoxiao scanned the room. One thought stood out: None of these people looked anything like Zhou Huai'an. She couldn't see any family resemblance at all.

Wang Fenglan hopped off the kang in a fluster, pulling on her shoes. "Huai'an! Why didn't you tell us you'd be back so soon? We thought you'd need a couple more days. With your injury, you should've rested longer!"

Zhou Mancang sat up straighter and smiled warmly. "Yeah, why didn't you send word? Your eldest brother could've picked you up with the donkey cart."

After some awkward exchanges, Xiaoxiao sorted out who was who: The old man was Zhou Huai'an's father, Zhou Mancang. The man beside the kang was the eldest brother, Zhou Changyuan. The one standing was the youngest brother, Zhou Changan. The young woman was Zhou Changan's wife, Chen Qiaolan.

Wang Fenglan warmly urged them to sit on the kang. "Come, rest your legs! You must be hungry. We still have a couple of eggs—I'll make you some egg drop soup."

Zhou Huai'an stopped her. "It's fine. We already ate in town."

Wang Fenglan clicked her tongue. "You should've come straight home! Eating out is such a waste."

Zhou Changan stood to the side, stealing glances at Xiaoxiao. His mother and sister had said his second brother's wife was beautiful, and it was true. Her skin was as smooth and white as porcelain, and she carried herself with a grace he couldn't quite describe.

He felt a twinge of jealousy. Zhou Huai'an had all the luck—first with Luo Caixia, the prettiest girl in the village, and now this stunning city woman.

Zhou Changyuan, honest and straightforward, asked warmly, "How was the trip? Mom said you were injured. Is it serious? Should we ask the village doctor to take a look?"

Zhou Huai'an replied kindly, "It's alright. I'm almost healed. No need to trouble anyone this late."

Zhou Mancang coughed deliberately. "You're back, that's what matters. Your mother prepared your room days ago—the quilts are clean. Rest tonight. We can talk tomorrow."

Wang Fenglan nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes, tomorrow. Xiaoxiao, your bag looks heavy—let me help you with it."