Zhou Xiaoling scratched her head. "No, it's comfortable like this. When I was stationed in Tibet, I used to squat like this to relax in the sun. Besides, personally, I feel like squatting this way doesn't make me lightheaded."

Lin Xiaoxiao was curious. "Was it very hard in Tibet? How old were you when you joined the army?"

Zhou Xiaoling answered with some pride. "I went at seventeen and served for five years. I came back at twenty-two—the same year my second brother had his accident."

That year, she had joined the military at seventeen, while her older sister Zhou Xiaohong had left for university at nineteen.

By the time Zhou Xiaoling returned from service, her sister had already graduated and become a teacher at the university.

Their second brother was also home on leave. The whole family had been together and happy.

No one could have guessed it would be the last time they saw him.

Zhou Xiaoling's mood suddenly dipped. "If I'd known something would happen to him, I would've gone with him."

Lin Xiaoxiao patted her shoulder comfortingly. "It wouldn't have made a difference. And you couldn't have gone anyway."

Zhou Xiaoling thought about it and nodded. She slurped her ice pop and gazed at the blue sky.

After finishing it, she turned slowly to Lin Xiaoxiao. "Sis, my second brother must still be alive. He might come back any day, right?"

Lin Xiaoxiao nodded. "I believe he's alive. Good people deserve good endings."

Zhou Xiaoling jumped up, nodding vigorously. "Yes, yes! He must be alive! Back then, Xia—... many people said that there's a lot of uncertainty in this world, so we shouldn't be pessimistic.

We have to live strong and hard—we'll see a miracle one day."

As she spoke, she waved her fists enthusiastically.

Zhou Xiaoling had spoken too quickly for Lin Xiaoxiao to catch the barely uttered "Xia—" she'd slipped in. After finishing their ice pops, Lin Xiaoxiao led Zhou Xiaoling home.

Unexpectedly, they had guests—Li Guohao and Dong Hongmei.

Dong Hongmei was back to her warm, affectionate self. She took Lin Xiaoxiao's hands as soon as she saw her. "It's only been a month, but you've changed so much, Xiaoxiao! I heard you're studying medicine now. That's wonderful! Soon we'll have another doctor in our compound. No one will have to run to the medical station for every little ache or fever."

Lin Xiaoxiao didn't hold anything against Dong Hongmei. People naturally looked out for their own families, and besides, she rather liked Dong Hongmei's big-sister demeanor.

She smiled and greeted Dong Hongmei warmly.

Dong Hongmei beamed. "Lao Li and I came to congratulate you. Zhou Huai'an got promoted this review cycle! He might even get selected for further training."

Lin Xiaoxiao was pleasantly surprised. "Really?"

Dong Hongmei nodded repeatedly. "Would I lie? I heard the news and tagged along with Lao Li since he had business in the city. We wanted to congratulate you both and check on Zhou Huai'an—we've been worried since we heard about his injury."

She pointed to a pile of items on the floor. "Look, everyone rushed to send things when they heard I was coming—eggs, milk powder, malted milk, even meat!"

Lin Xiaoxiao noticed the assortment for the first time—there was even half a bag of flour.

Once again, she marveled at how well-liked Zhou Huai'an was.

Since the main room was too crowded, Lin Xiaoxiao greeted Li Guohao briefly and took Dong Hongmei into the bedroom to chat.

Dong Hongmei sat on the bed, running her hand over the sheets. "Are these new? They're lovely.

I remember seeing these before—they cost fifteen yuan! I thought they were too expensive at New Year's and didn't buy them."

Lin Xiaoxiao hadn't known the price—Li Yunlan had bought them. Hearing they cost fifteen yuan, she agreed it was quite expensive. "My mother-in-law bought them. I didn't know."

Dong Hongmei continued praising everything. "How nice! You and Huai'an can finally enjoy some good fortune."

She'd met Zhou Xiaoling many times and found her a delightful girl. She'd also heard that Zhou Huai'an's biological parents were reasonable people.

That meant Lin Xiaoxiao wouldn't have to deal with mother-in-law or sister-in-law conflicts—something worth envying.

Some people even said Lin Xiaoxiao was lucky. After all the past drama, now that Zhou Huai'an's background had changed, surely she wouldn't make trouble. They assumed she was counting on going to Beijing with him for a comfortable life.

Zhou Xiaoling didn't quite agree with Dong Hongmei's view. "Sis, it's not like that. Our family became happier because we found my brother. My brother and sister-in-law are amazing—we're the ones benefiting from them."

Dong Hongmei paused, then laughed. "What a wonderful sister-in-law, always sticking up for you. I knew you were blessed."

Lin Xiaoxiao just smiled and let Dong Hongmei shower them with compliments.

After praising Lin Xiaoxiao, Dong Hongmei moved on to Zhou Huai'an's accomplishments, eventually bringing up Zhang Zhongyi. Since she didn't know much, she could only sigh. "I don't know if you remember Zhang Zhongyi. He seemed like such a good man—good family, bright future. How could he do something so foolish?"

Lin Xiaoxiao chose her words carefully. "Maybe he was tempted and lost his way?"

Dong Hongmei nodded. "Exactly! Threw away a good life for nothing. My Lao Li always said Zhou Huai'an was steady and reliable—that he'd go far."

Lin Xiaoxiao smiled without commenting.

Someone as sharp as her understood perfectly: Li Guohao was trying to get back in their good graces now that Zhou Huai'an's biological parents had influence.

People like that often did well within the system. They offended no one and knew how to seize opportunities.

Dong Hongmei was simpler. When Li Guohao said to keep a distance from Zhou Huai'an, she did so for her husband's career.

When he said Zhou Huai'an's family background was special and they should build good relations, she came to do just that. Besides, she genuinely liked Lin Xiaoxiao.

Dong Hongmei chatted about life in the compound and mentioned, "I figured you'd be away a while longer and might miss planting season. So I turned the soil in your garden and planted some vegetables. Some have already sprouted!"

Lin Xiaoxiao was deeply touched. "Sis, thank you so much."

Dong Hongmei waved it off. "Don't mention it. It's the least I could do. In a few days, when it's warmer, I'll plant peppers and tomatoes. They'll be ready by the time you return. I also got a few chicks—do you want some? I can raise some for you too."

Lin Xiaoxiao quickly declined. "No, no, I wouldn't know how to care for them. Let's talk about it when I get back."

Dong Hongmei didn't press further. "Alright, just let me know if you need anything."

Lin Xiaoxiao thought they should at least stay for a meal. They had flour, vegetables, and meat—they could make meat dumplings.

When she suggested it, Dong Hongmei immediately agreed. "Sure! I'll help knead the dough."

She was about to roll up her sleeves and start working when she suddenly turned to Zhou Xiaoling. "Xiaoling, are you seeing anyone? Should I introduce you to someone?"

Zhou Xiaoling was startled and waved her hands. "No, no! I'm in no hurry."

Dong Hongmei looked a little disappointed. "There's that young man, Lin Zihao. He seems quite good—nice family too. I think he'd be a good match for you."