Lin Xiaoxiao was so desperate to save Li Yunlan that she deliberately overlooked many crucial questions. Why did Zhou Huaian trust her so unconditionally? Why had he so quickly arranged a false identity for her? When it came to a matter of life and death, didn't he think this decision was far too reckless?

Guided by Zhou Huaian, Lin Xiaoxiao entered the operating room under the guise of an expert...

Zhou Huaian waited outside the operating room doors, under even greater pressure. From the moment Lin Xiaoxiao told him Li Yunlan needed immediate surgery, he had conceived this bold plan.

His intuition told him that Lin Xiaoxiao was exceptionally capable, but her potential was stifled by her identity, trapping her in this small village.

Though he had never believed in gods or spirits, at this moment, he did.

He was so lost in thought that he didn't even notice when Lin Zihao appeared beside him.

Lin Zihao looked at Zhou Huaian, then at the operating room doors, somewhat puzzled. Was Zhou Huaian really this deeply attached to his biological mother? He patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, I just heard the expert from Beijing has arrived."

Zhou Huaian turned to glance at Lin Zihao, his brow furrowed. "Why are you here? Any news on Xiaoling?"

Lin Zihao shook his head. "Not yet, but it won't be long. I just came to tell you—within three days, I'll bring your sister back. You don't need to worry about things on that end."

Zhou Huaian nodded. "Alright. Please, you must bring Xiaoling back safely."

Lin Zihao gave Zhou Huaian's shoulder another pat. "No need for formalities. I'll head out now."

Zhou Huaian said nothing, watching Lin Zihao leave before turning back to face the operating room doors, his hands clenched tightly at his sides.

As time ticked by, the surgery that began at 4 PM stretched on until midnight without any sign of concluding.

Zhou Huaian stood vigil outside the doors for eight hours, anxious about Li Yunlan's condition while memories of his time with Lin Xiaoxiao flashed through his mind like fleeting shadows.

It seemed that every moment spent with her passed quickly and joyfully.

Inside, Lin Xiaoxiao faced an extremely arduous surgery. Without access to sophisticated modern equipment and collaborating with these doctors for the first time, she feared making even the slightest error.

Every step required meticulous care; sweat beaded continuously on her forehead.

The surrounding doctors watched with bated breath as Lin Xiaoxiao's skilled hands deftly separated the tumor.

Ten hours later, Lin Xiaoxiao completed the final suture. Raising her hands, she addressed the team, "The surgery was successful! She needs 24 hours of observation in a sterile environment.

If she remains stable through the critical period, she'll be out of danger."

The doctors gazed at Lin Xiaoxiao with admiration. Though she appeared to be only around forty years old, her exceptional skill clearly lived up to her reputation as an expert from the capital.

Exhausted, Lin Xiaoxiao shuffled out of the operating room. After ten hours of intense concentration, every muscle in her body ached. Now, relaxing at last, she felt weak and unsteady, her legs heavy as lead.

Seeing Zhou Huaian still standing straight and tall outside the doors, she removed her mask.

Behind her black-framed glasses, her eyes curved into a happy smile. "Zhou Huaian, I succeeded!"

No sooner had she spoken than her knees buckled, and she nearly collapsed. Zhou Huaian quickly caught her arm and, while no one was watching, guided her back to his dormitory.

Lin Xiaoxiao was utterly spent. The moment they entered the room, she flopped onto the bed, mumbling, "So tired... but so happy... surgery was a success."

With annual check-ups, Li Yunlan would be fine from now on.

Zhou Huaan fetched a basin of warm water so she could wash up, but she was already fast asleep, so exhausted that she was even emitting soft snores.

Zhou Huaian set the basin down quietly, dampened a towel, and sat on the edge of the bed.

Gently, he took Lin Xiaoxiao's hand and wiped it clean, then softly brushed the towel over her face. Though they were already intimately familiar with each other, watching her like this in the stillness still made his heart flutter.

Her delicate features looked like a painting. With her face pressed against the pillow and her lips slightly puckered, she exuded a sweet, innocent charm—completely different from her usual lively cleverness. Now, she seemed especially docile.

Zhou Huaian couldn't resist poking her cheek lightly. In her sleep, Lin Xiaoxiao frowned in annoyance. "Ge (Older brother), stop it, you're so annoying!"

After mumbling this, she turned over and continued sleeping soundly.

Zhou Huaian withdrew his hand. This was the second time he had heard Lin Xiaoxiao call out for an older brother in her sleep. Who was this brother?

A faint pang of jealousy stirred within him. He gazed at Lin Xiaoxiao for a long moment before finally rising and leaving the room.

He first made a trip to the hospital. Li Yunlan had been transferred to a sterile room, and all her vital signs were excellent.

Even Dr. Li, who had initially treated Li Yunlan, couldn't help but express his admiration to Zhou Huaian. "Simply remarkable! Experts from the capital are truly on another level. If only our hospital had talent like that."

Zhou Huaian nodded slightly. "She is indeed remarkable. But you all are highly skilled as well—it's just that her specialty lies in neurology."

Dr. Li, still marveling at the surgery, continued praising, "I've never seen anyone more skilled.

The scalpel seemed to come alive in her hands. By the way, what is the expert's surname? Where is she? We'd love for her to give a few lectures—it would be a great learning opportunity for us."

Zhou Huaian declined outright. "That won't be necessary. She isn't very talkative and doesn't enjoy lecturing. Besides, she's very busy in Beijing and will need to return as soon as she's rested."

Dr. Li sounded disappointed. "She's leaving already? Shouldn't she at least wait until your mother wakes up?"

He was even more regretful about missing the chance to discuss Li Yunlan's case with the expert or hold a seminar.

Zhou Huaian didn't want to continue the conversation about Lin Xiaoxiao. "I'll be in the dormitory. Please notify me immediately if my mother wakes up."

He needed to return to watch over Lin Xiaoxiao.

Dr. Li waved a hand. "Of course. If I ever get the chance to study in Beijing, you must introduce me. I'd really like to meet that expert."

Zhou Huaian nodded. "Certainly. I will when the time comes."...Lin Xiaoxiao was so exhausted that she fell into a deep, long dream. Though aware she was dreaming, she couldn't wake herself.

In the dream, her mother had grown much thinner, her face pale and weary as she sat on the sofa, looking helplessly at the "Lin Xiaoxiao" across from her. She spoke gently, "Xiaoxiao, if you need money, you can tell us. Mom and Dad will give it to you. But could you please stop hanging out with those good-for-nothing rich kids?"

"Lin Xiaoxiao" rolled her eyes impatiently. "Will you stop nagging? Don't I even have the freedom to choose my friends? And if you want to give me money, just transfer it. Don't use money to control or threaten me. You're embarrassing me in front of my friends."

Lin Xiaoxiao's mother looked at her with profound disappointment. "Xiaoxiao, you never used to spend time with them. Your best friend died because of them—have you forgotten that already?"