Lai San's leg trembled slightly, but then he remembered: Zhou Huai'an was just a cripple. Instantly, his confidence returned. "Well, well, if it isn't Lin Xiaoxiao's lame man," he sneered. "Shouldn't you be at home keeping your wife company in bed? What brings you out here? Could it be that you're not... up to the task?"

He stared fearlessly at Zhou Huai'an, spewing vulgarities.

From the shadows, Lin Zihao finally understood: Zhou Huai'an was acting out of personal revenge.

And this guy Lai San truly had it coming.

Growing more aggressive, Lai took a few steps forward, closing the distance between them. He couldn't resist taunting further: "What can a cripple like you even do for Lin Xiaoxiao?"

He spat contemptuously. "That bitch Lin Xiaoxiao—flirting with every man she sees—"

Before he could finish, Zhou Huai'an planted his good leg, swung his crutch, and struck—so fast that Lai San had no time to react.

The crutch connected hard with Lai's mouth. A sharp pain exploded; he felt like his front teeth had been knocked loose.

Before Lai could even process what happened, Zhou Huai'an landed the crutch back on the ground, used it for support, and kicked out with his uninjured leg—landing a heavy blow to Lai San's chest.

The force sent Lai flying several meters back.

His two friends couldn't catch him in time. They watched, stunned, as he hit the ground, clutching his chest and rolling in pain. Who would've thought a man with one leg could be this fierce?

They swallowed hard, uncertain whether to help their friend or drag him away and run.

Under the moonlight, Zhou Huai'an looked like the god of death himself. There was no guarantee they could take him even if they tried.

Lai San spat a mouthful of blood—along with four front teeth. His chest hurt so badly he couldn't stand. Mumbling through the pain, he threatened, "Just you wait... You just wait!"

Lin Zihao, seeing that Zhou Huai'an had vented enough, decided to step in. A small-time thug like Lai San wasn't worth Zhou's skills.

He emerged from the shadows, walked over, and stepped firmly on Lai's chest. "Lai San. You're the one who peeped at the female workers bathing, aren't you? And stole cotton yarn from the factory to sell, right?"

Crimes like public misconduct and theft were serious—if someone decided to pursue them.

Lai San immediately fell silent, filled with regret. If he had known Lin Xiaoxiao's man was this ruthless, he would never have provoked him.

He began to whimper and beg for mercy.

Lin Zihao kicked him lightly. "Get out of here."

The two lackeys hurriedly pulled Lai up and scrambled away. They couldn't even handle a man with one leg—and now another, equally intimidating man had shown up.

Lin Zihao watched the three stumble into the distance before turning to Zhou Huai'an. "I never knew you could fight."

Zhou Huai'an flexed his wrist. "He insulted me."

Lin Zihao raised an eyebrow. "Since when did you get so sensitive, Zhou Huai'an? You went out in the middle of the night just because someone talked trash? Even when you were a rookie soldier, you weren't this impulsive."

Zhou Huai'an didn't respond. In his nearly thirty years of life, it was indeed the first time he had lost his temper like this—the first time he'd ambushed someone just to settle a score. And just as Lin Xiaoxiao had demanded: he'd knocked the guy's teeth out.

Lin Zihao lit a cigarette. "It wasn't because he insulted you—it was because he insulted Lin Xiaoxiao, wasn't it? You've grown fond of her?"

Zhou Huai'an ignored him and began moving toward home on his crutches.

After a few steps, he paused and turned back. "Why did you get divorced?"

Lin Zihao nearly dropped his cigarette. Around others, he was cold and reserved, but with Zhou Huai'an and a few close friends, he was much more relaxed.

He cursed under his breath. "Since when do you gossip? And why ask that now?"

Zhou Huai'an looked serious. "I haven't been attentive enough to you. Can't I ask?"

Lin Zihao studied him skeptically. "Whatever spell your little wife cast on you, it's working. I divorced because she wanted me to return to Shanghai, and I didn't."

Zhou Huai'an pressed further. "How did you two meet?"

Lin Zihao took a slow drag. "Childhood sweethearts. Grew up together. Got married when we were old enough. Satisfied?"

Zhou Huai'an seemed to consider this, then turned and continued walking without another word.

Lin Zihao smirked around his cigarette. "You've finally started acting human. I thought you'd never understand love. But honestly, Lin Xiaoxiao isn't as bad as the rumors say."

Zhou Huai'an frowned. "She's good."

Lin Zihao glanced at him, amused. He never thought he'd see Zhou Huai'an so quick to defend someone.

When Lin Xiaoxiao woke up, she had no idea Zhou Huai'an had gone out during the night. After breakfast, she recalled Lai San's insults again.

She had talked herself out of anger the day before, but now, thinking about it again, she was furious.

She chewed fiercely on her coarse grain bun, imagining it was Lai San's face, plotting how to get even. She wasn't about to let this slide.

And she was sure Sun Ailing had something to do with it.

As she ate, Zhou Huai'an watched her chew with angry determination. He wanted to offer comfort but was at a loss for how. Having already dealt with Lai San, he was confident she was safe—even if she went out of her way to find trouble.

So he said nothing and silently served her a bowl of congee.

After breakfast, Lin Xiaoxiao shamelessly clung to Zhou Huai'an for a while before gathering her books and heading to the hospital. Before she even entered the classroom, she saw the instructor, Dr. Li, rushing out in a panic.

"Class is canceled today!" he called to the students gathered near the entrance. "There's been a collapse at the stone quarry. We're needed for emergency rescue!"

Without hesitation, Lin Xiaoxiao stepped forward. "Dr. Li, I can help! I know basic first aid and bandaging."

Dr. Li, aware that Xiaoxiao was one of his top students, nodded immediately. "Good, come with us quickly!"

An Xiuyu also wanted to go—it was a great chance to prove herself—but with a child to look after, she could only watch as Lin Xiaoxiao seized the opportunity.

In the end, only Lin Xiaoxiao and Dai Xueming joined the medical team heading to the quarry fifty kilometers away for the rescue operation.

The journey was bumpy. When they arrived at the quarry, Lin Xiaoxiao realized the situation was far worse than she had imagined.

The mining operations were primitive, relying on manual labor to set explosives. The mountain had been overworked, making collapses inevitable.

By the time they arrived, medical teams from several hospitals and rescue units from various regions were already on site.

They were told that twenty to thirty workers were trapped underneath. The rescue would be difficult.

The rubble was unstable—one wrong move could trigger another collapse.

Lin Xiaoxiao's heart sank. She followed Dr. Li closely, heading to higher ground to search for other potential survivors.

The rescue teams began their work.

Dai Xueming stayed close to Lin Xiaoxiao. "Xiao Lin, I'll stick with you."