As Zhou Changyuan waited for Zhou Huai'an to approach, he finally recognized who it was and looked as if he had spotted a savior. "Huai'an, it's good you're here. The tractor suddenly died on the road and I can't get it started no matter what."

Zhou Huai'an handed his bag to Lin Xiaoxiao and went over to inspect the tractor engine.

Zhou Changyuan shone a flashlight anxiously. "What's wrong? Can you fix it quickly? Who could Chang'an have pissed off to deserve something this brutal?"

Even though he usually had little patience for Zhou Chang'an's laziness, he never wished real harm on him.

He was afraid any delay might cost Chang'an his life.

Zhou Huai'an pursed his lips without a word, adjusted the engine belt, and gave the crank a turn. This time, it started immediately.

Zhou Changyuan didn't even ask where Zhou Huai'an and his wife were headed. "Get on, we need to hurry."

He was terrified they might be too late to save Zhou Chang'an's life.

Lin Xiaoxiao hadn't expected to make two trips to the county hospital in just two days. The Zhou family really was plagued with misfortunes.

Sitting next to Zhou Huai'an, she watched Wang Fenglan slumped lifelessly against the trailer, wailing every now and then. Chen Qiaolan kept wiping her tears while rubbing her large belly.

Lin Xiaoxiao wasn't sure whether to feel smug or sympathetic.

After a bumpy ride to the county hospital, Wang Fenglan had hoped Zhou Huai'an would step in to cover the hospitalization fees. But after getting off the tractor, Zhou Huai'an simply reminded Zhou Changyuan to take it easy, then left with Lin Xiaoxiao.

Too desperate to scheme, Wang Fenglan hurried into the hospital with Zhou Changyuan.

Zhou Huai'an took Lin Xiaoxiao to the police station to report the crime. The officer on duty was shocked by the brutality described. After reviewing Zhou Huai'an's ID from a confidential nuclear research unit, he took the case seriously and accompanied them back to the hospital.

Lin Xiaoxiao, energized by the drama, didn't mind returning to the hospital.

When they arrived, a doctor was just explaining that Zhou Chang'an's injury was beyond repair—all they could do was treat the wound and save his life.

Lin Xiaoxiao calculated the timing; under better conditions, reattachment might have been possible. But medical technology here wasn't advanced enough, and the county certainly lacked specialists capable of such surgery.

In fact, she herself knew how to perform that kind of procedure!

When Wang Fenglan heard her son would never be whole again, she fainted on the spot. Chen Qiaolan collapsed into a chair, unable even to cry—how could she go on with a husband who was no longer a man?

Once Wang Fenglan came to, the police began questioning: "Who did Zhou Chang'an go out with tonight?"

Zhou Changyuan didn't know. He hadn't seen Zhou Chang'an since returning from town. Upset by the family conflict, he'd lain in bed all afternoon, skipping both lunch and dinner.

Wang Fenglan and Chen Qiaolan also claimed ignorance: "He left in the morning and never came back."

The officer pressed further: "Did Zhou Chang'an have any enemies?"

Again, they had no clear answer. Villagers often clashed over trivial matters—even a handful of sheep dung could lead to fights—but no one seemed capable of such viciousness.

Zhou Changyuan did his best to list everyone Zhou Chang'an had argued with over the past two years, but concluded, "None of them are the kind to hold a grudge this dark. We're all neighbors—no one would do something this cruel."

After taking notes, the officer turned to Zhou Huai'an. "We'll go to Zhou Village at daybreak. We'll return to question Zhou Chang'an once he regains consciousness."

Zhou Huai'an nodded slightly. "Thank you for your efforts."

As they walked the officers out, Lin Xiaoxiao followed curiously. Once alone, she asked Zhou Huai'an, "Who do you think could be so ruthless?"

Zhou Huai'an suddenly turned to her. "Could you have performed that surgery?"

Lin Xiaoxiao blinked. "How would I know that kind of surgery? I'm not a doctor."

Zhou Huai'an fell silent. Earlier, when the doctor said it was too late for reattachment, he had noticed Lin Xiaoxiao's subtle smile—a clear dismissal of the doctor's opinion.

Then her eyes had lit up with a faint, knowing smirk.It was as if she was thinking: I could save him, but I won't.

Rubbing her nose, Lin Xiaoxiao changed the subject. "Should we stay at the hospital?"

Zhou Huai'an shook his head. "I'll take you to a guesthouse to rest. I'll come back later."

Lin Xiaoxiao refused. "Let's just stay. I can manage a night in the hallway."

She didn't want him spending more money, and besides, she didn't want to miss any developments.

Recognizing the eager glint in her eyes, Zhou Huai'an silently led her back inside.

Wang Fenglan was still slumped on a bench, weeping with her eyes closed. Of all her children, she had always favored Zhou Chang'an and the youngest, Zhou Xiaoli—they knew how to sweet-talk her.

Now that Zhou Chang'an would be less than a man, she was heartbroken.

Lin Xiaoxiao chose a bench far from Wang Fenglan and sat down.

The late winter night was bitterly cold. Without heating, the hospital corridor was freezing—every breath came out in a white puff.

Before long, Lin Xiaoxiao felt the chill creeping up from her feet. Her padded jacket did little to help.

Just as she was considering pacing to keep warm, Zhou Huai'an took off his army coat and handed it to her. "It'll get even colder later."

Hesitating, she said, "But you're still injured."

"The wound is fine."

Without further protest, she put on the coat. It was still warm from his body heat, carrying a dry, crisp scent—like sunlight in her dreams.

It was nearly dawn when Zhou Chang'an was finally wheeled out of surgery, still unconscious.

The doctor advised the family to ensure he received proper nutrition and emotional support when he woke up—losing "that" would be a devastating blow for any man.

As the doctor spoke, a nurse handed the treatment bill to Zhou Huai'an for signature.

Lin Xiaoxiao leaned over to look. Among the hastily scribbled notes, one line caught her eye: Blood Type — AB.She skimmed the surgical notes before turning away.

Once Zhou Chang'an was moved to a room, Wang Fenglan and Chen Qiaolan stationed themselves at his bedside, crying again.

Lin Xiaoxiao didn't follow them in. Standing by the door, she mused idly: As far as she remembered, Zhou Huai'an's blood type was O. Not too unusual for brothers to have different blood types, she supposed.

Zhou Chang'an woke around noon. As expected, when he realized what had happened, he flew into a raging fit.

Wang Fenglan clung to him, crying, "Chang'an, calm down! You'll reopen your wound!"

But Zhou Chang'an was beyond reason. Immobilized by pain, he could only howl and curse incoherently.

Between sobs, Wang Fenglan begged, "Who did this? Who was so evil?"

Suddenly, she looked up and asked, "Was it Luo Cai Xia?"

Lin Xiaoxiao, who had been watching from the doorway, froze in surprise. What did Luo Cai Xia have to do with this?