Dong Hongmei beamed, waving her hand warmly. "No need for thanks! You two go get some rest and come over for lunch soon."

As she turned to leave, she called out after a few steps, "Yimei, bring Shanzi over to give me a hand. You'll both stay for lunch too."

Lin Xiaoxiao watched Dong Hongmei hurry off with Zhang Yimei before heading home with Zhou Huai'an.

This was the place she had first arrived after transmigrating, and walking in felt strangely familiar. She dashed into the inner room to tidy her bed, and as she did, an idea began to form.

Step one—the kiss—was done. Step two would be getting him into this very bed.

Even if nothing happened, sharing a bed would be a start.

Standing before the bed, Lin Xiaoxiao stared thoughtfully at the bright red quilt, then suddenly hatched a plan. Seeing that Zhou Huai'an and Lü Zhigang had gone out, she didn't hesitate. She grabbed the basin from the stand—who knew how long the water had been sitting there?—and poured it all over Zhou Huai'an's cot.

She made sure the quilt was soaked too. Let's see him try to sleep there tonight!

Satisfied with her handiwork, she clapped her hands together and returned to the inner room as if nothing had happened.

After all, if she didn't admit it, no one could prove she'd done it.

She was waiting for Zhou Huai'an to discover the mess when Dong Hongmei showed up first, knocking and calling out, "Xiaoxiao, are you ready? I ran into Xiao Zhou and Xiao Lü on the way and told them to go ahead. I came back to get you."

Lin Xiaoxiao went out, surprised at how quickly Dong Hongmei had cooked. "You're so efficient, Hongmei! Lunch is ready already?"

Dong Hongmei chuckled and linked arms with her. "Oh, it's nothing fancy—just a few simple dishes and noodles. They can't drink at noon anyway, so we'll keep it light. I'll make you something nicer for dinner."

When they arrived, Lin Xiaoxiao saw six dishes on the square table: three cold, three hot, with a bowl of minced meat sauce mixed with diced radish, tofu, and carrots in the center. Surprisingly, spinach leaves floated on top.

Zhou Huai'an, Lü Zhigang, Li Guohao, and Zhang Yimei with her child were already there.

Dong Hongmei urged Lin Xiaoxiao to sit. "Everyone, dig in—no standing on ceremony here. The noodles will be ready in a minute."

She proudly explained to Lin Xiaoxiao, "See this spinach? I planted it before the snow. It was half-grown when the snow covered it, but now that things have warmed up, it's turned green again. Tastes wonderful!"

Lin Xiaoxiao made a mental note; she hadn't known you could grow spinach that way.

Even the bean sprouts in the dishes were homegrown by Dong Hongmei.

As she ate, Lin Xiaoxiao reflected that she could learn a lot from Dong Hongmei's positive attitude toward life.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Li Guohao, between bites of noodles, remarked, "I know this situation isn't your fault, but since someone reported you, you'll need to submit a written statement. I'll put in a good word for you."

Zhou Huai'an shook his head. "That won't be necessary. I can explain everything clearly myself."

Li Guohao set down his chopsticks. "It's no trouble. I believe you, and with Elder Zhong backing you, it'll be fine."

Lü Zhigang frowned. "What do you mean, 'with Elder Zhong backing you'? Chief Li, that makes it sound like Zhou Huai'an actually did something wrong."

Li Guohao laughed heartily. "I'm a blunt man—I don't mince words. Anyway, I trust that Zhou Huai'an wouldn't make a professional error."

Although Lin Xiaoxiao didn't fully understand the work details, she gathered that someone was framing Zhou Huai'an, accusing him of a leak in some external data.

The consequences could range from a minor internal reprimand to a major charge like treason.

It struck her that Li Guohao's offer to "put in a good word" indirectly implied Zhou Huai'an was at fault. Was he trying to help or harm him?

She glanced skeptically at Li Guohao. If not for Dong Hongmei's warmth, she would've thought him untrustworthy.

But who knew how office politics worked? What if Li Guohao and Zhou Huai'an were on opposing sides?

Noticing Li Guohao's continued focus on work, Dong Hongmei quickly changed the subject. "You talk about this stuff all day at the unit—can't you give it a rest at home? Huai'an and Xiaoxiao just got back. Let them enjoy a meal in peace. Do you ever stop?"

Li Guohao laughed sheepishly. "I'm just concerned for Huai'an. Alright, alright, we'll drop it.

We're just glad to see you both doing well."

Lin Xiaoxiao smiled sweetly. "I was immature before, but Hongmei has taught me so much. I'll definitely come to her again if I need help."

Li Guohao seemed surprised but laughed. "Well, well. It's good to see you two getting along.

We're happy for you."

Dong Hongmei was genuinely pleased. "That's wonderful! Anytime you need advice, just ask. I'll always be honest with you."

Lin Xiaoxiao's eyes curved slyly. "Then I'll be sure to trouble you often."

She understood the power of "wife diplomacy"—where men might keep their distance, their wives could build bridges through friendship.

If Li Guohao had ill intentions toward Zhou Huai'an, he wouldn't want Dong Hongmei growing close to Lin Xiaoxiao.

Helping them reconcile publicly was one thing; genuine friendship was another.

She noted with satisfaction that Li Guohao's smile tightened slightly as he slurped his noodles.

Trying to take advantage of Zhou Huai'an's quiet nature? Not on my watch.

She might not understand Zhou Huai'an's work, but she was an expert at setting traps.

After the meal, Lin Xiaoxiao left with Zhou Huai'an and Lü Zhigang. Once Zhang Yimei and her child had also gone, Li Guohao frowned at his wife. "From now on, don't get too close to Zhou Huai'an's wife."

Dong Hongmei was confused. "Why? I think Xiaoxiao has changed a lot. She must really care about him."

Li Guohao hesitated, then decided not to say too much—Dong Hongmei tended to talk. He simply frowned. "She's still a city girl from a privileged family. It's better to keep some distance."

Dong Hongmei didn't agree. So what if she was a city girl? She'd married a man like Zhou Huai'an, shared his bed, and would have his children someday.

Seeing his wife wasn't convinced, Li Guohao hinted cautiously, "There are people trying to block Zhou Huai'an's promotion."