Lin Xiaoxiao's soft lips pressed firmly against Zhou Huai'an's. She blinked, then mischievously darted out the tip of her tongue to lightly taste his lower lip before sitting back with a grin, watching for his reaction.

Zhou Huai'an remained bent forward, his expression frozen, and—as expected—the tips of his ears slowly turned red.

His gaze was dark and intense as it fixed on Lin Xiaoxiao.

She found him utterly adorable like this, yet when she met the depth in his eyes, she couldn't help blushing herself.

That look of his was too much for her to handle.

Just as she was debating whether to pounce on him for another proper kiss, Zhou Huai'an suddenly straightened up. Avoiding her eyes, he said stiffly, "I'll... step out for a moment."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and left quickly, as if afraid that lingering for even a second would give Lin Xiaoxiao another chance to take advantage.

Lin Xiaoxiao pouted, slightly annoyed. Was she really that scary? It was just a kiss—why did he have to act so startled?

Zhou Huai'an hurried downstairs and outside, stopping in front of a flowerbed to collect himself.

He never imagined Lin Xiaoxiao would be so bold—and what surprised him more was that he had liked it. He'd even wanted more.

But it also scared him. How long would she stay?

Might she disappear one day?

And if she did, where would he even begin to look?

Zhou Huai'an wasn't made of wood; he was just slow when it came to emotions. But now, he clearly understood: after these days together, he had grown fond of Lin Xiaoxiao.

He stood silently, staring blankly at the empty flowerbed.

Upstairs, Lin Xiaoxiao leaned against the windowsill, watching him. She couldn't help smiling. It seemed she'd really shaken up that old-fashioned man.

Resting her chin in her hands, she gazed at his(silhouette). Better take it slow and steady, she thought.

In a good mood, she went to wash up and get ready for bed. She didn't even notice when Zhou Huai'an returned.

Lin Xiaoxiao discovered one great advantage of this era: no insomnia, no anxiety.

The next morning, she woke up feeling refreshed. Zhou Huai'an was already gone. Lazily, she picked up her basin and tooth mug and headed to the washroom.

In the hallway, she ran into Zhou Xiaoling, who was carrying a backpack. "Where are you off to so early?" Lin Xiaoxiao asked.

Zhou Xiaoling looked rushed. "I have to catch the shuttle to report at my new unit. I'm running late—gotta go!"

She dashed off with her travel bag and backpack. It wasn't until she was on the bus that she realized she'd forgotten something important: to tell Lin Xiaoxiao that her mother was coming.

It was too late to turn back. Oh well, she thought, they'll run into each other eventually.

Lin Xiaoxiao watched Zhou Xiaoling vanish like a gust of wind. After washing up, she was surprised to find Zhou Huai'an back in the room, a lunchbox waiting on the bedside table.

Seeing her return, he looked slightly uncomfortable. "I brought breakfast. Lü Zhigang and I need to go back to the unit today. We'll return tomorrow to take Third Grandpa home."

Lin Xiaoxiao was surprised. "What about me? Do I stay in the city?"

Zhou Huai'an wasn't sure what she wanted. He was only going to the unit to handle a quick matter and returning the next morning, but the round trip would take hours. He didn't want to drag her along if she found it tedious. "You can come with us if you'd like."

Without hesitation, Lin Xiaoxiao said, "I'll go with you. Liu Mei can look after Little Zhu and Third Grandpa."

Little Zhu was already making "ah-ah" sounds, though his wound was still healing.

Zhou Huai'an nodded. "Alright. I'll let Lü Zhigang know. We'll wait outside—finish your meal."

Then he quickly left again, as if afraid she might do something to him if he stayed.

Lin Xiaoxiao chuckled. Was that really necessary?

She wondered how long he could keep avoiding her.

Opening the lunchbox, she was surprised to find it full of wontons—with very little broth, mostly large, hearty dumplings, almost like (jiaozi), just wrapped differently.

Who would be extravagant enough to eat dumplings first thing in the morning?

Then she realized: she'd mentioned dumplings yesterday, and Zhou Huai'an must have thought she wanted them. She couldn't stop smiling. How thoughtful.

She happily ate the dumplings, rinsed her mouth, and tidied up. Since they'd be back tomorrow, there was no need to pack much.

She could bring a few things back later for her hospital training.

She hurried outside where Lü Zhigang and Zhou Huai'an were waiting in the car, both looking serious. As she climbed into the back seat, Lü Zhigang turned around with a smile. "Sis-in-law, I heard you're staying for the training program at the hospital?"

Lin Xiaoxiao glanced curiously at Zhou Huai'an's back. He didn't seem the gossipy type. She nodded at Lü Zhigang. "Yes, I'm still young—I ought to find a proper job."

Lü Zhigang agreed. "That's good. Nursing is a fine profession."

He didn't say more and started the car.

Throughout the journey, Lü Zhigang and Lin Xiaoxiao chatted occasionally. Zhou Huai'an remained silent, as if he weren't even there.

Eventually, Lin Xiaoxiao grew drowsy and dozed off against the seat.

Half-awake, she caught pieces of conversation between Lü Zhigang and Zhou Huai'an:

"Calling you back to write a report—it's obvious someone's targeting you. Any idea who?"

"Not sure. I'll write it first."

"Dammit, how is internal information leakage your fault? That's not even your department."

"Enough. Drop it."

Lin Xiaoxiao was too sleepy to open her eyes, but her mind was clear. So Zhou Huai'an was being rushed back because someone was trying to undermine him.

Those in power often played dirty.

Her thoughts drifted until the car entered the family compound.

After being away for days, the place seemed transformed. The snow and ice had melted, and tender green shoots peeked through the dark soil. Willow branches hung with delicate new leaves.

Clusters of winter jasmine bloomed bright yellow along the path.

Lin Xiaoxiao pressed her face to the window, curious. The compound actually looked quite lively.

As the car stopped, several women who had been sitting outside with their children turned to look—including Dong Hongmei, who was knitting a sweater.

Seeing Lin Xiaoxiao get out, Dong Hongmei hurried over in delight. "Oh, you're back already?

Weren't you just visiting home a few days ago?"

Lin Xiaoxiao smiled. "We missed it here, so we came back."

Dong Hongmei laughed. "See? Our compound's not so bad, is it? Is Xiao Zhou's injury all healed?

Go get settled in, and come over for lunch at my place."

Before Lin Xiaoxiao could politely refuse, Dong Hongmei insisted, "Now, don't be shy! You've been gone so long, you probably have nothing at home. You're having lunch with us."

Lin Xiaoxiao still felt bad about intruding and assumed Zhou Huai'an would decline.

To her surprise, he nodded. "Thank you, Hongmei. We appreciate it."