Lin Xiaoxiao had always thought Zhou Xiaoling had a good job—decent benefits, early retirement in her forties given the physically demanding and high-risk nature of her work. There hadn't seemed to be any need for university.

But now, flushed with her own excitement, she thought how nice it would be if Xiaoling could go too. They could keep each other company.

Zhou Huai'an shook his head. "She probably won't."

He didn't know his sister well, but from what he'd seen lately, Xiaoling wasn't the studious type.

During group study sessions, she was usually the one asleep in the back.

Distracted by her own joy, Lin Xiaoxiao forgot all about her suspected pregnancy. Tugging Zhou Huai'an's arm, she said, "I'll ask her myself later. Right now, I'm starving. Let's go home and

cook. I want stir-fried eggplant and rice."

The thought of university—of building a future from the ground up—thrilled her.

They ran into Dong Hongmei at the entrance of the residential compound.

Lin Xiaoxiao hadn't seen much of her lately. Between work and studying, she'd been busy, and Dong Hongmei had barely stepped out since the incident. Once the model wife everyone

admired, proud of Li Guohao, she now had to face the fact that he had destroyed everything. She clearly couldn't bear facing the neighbors.

She nodded awkwardly at Lin Xiaoxiao before hurrying away.

Lin Xiaoxiao watched her go, feeling a pang of sympathy. Dong Hongmei had built her life around her husband, made him her entire world. Now that that world had collapsed, she had nothing left.

"This is what happens when a woman doesn't have her own income," Lin Xiaoxiao mused. "If she were economically independent, she wouldn't have to put up with this. If Li Guohao cheated, she could just divorce him. She could support those three kids herself—they're old

enough to understand what kind of man their father is."

It reinforced her belief that financial independence was a woman's greatest security. A man might not love you forever, but money would.

Zhou Huai'an stayed quiet. He knew Lin Xiaoxiao had ideas far ahead of her time—quick, sharp, and often clashing with reality. It was a shame someone like her was stuck here.

It wasn't until they were eating that he told her he'd be away on business for a few days.Still floating on happiness, Lin Xiaoxiao paused between bites. "Where are you going? How long?"

"About a month. Lin Zihao called. There's a lead in Beijing related to what happened three years ago—and to Zhou Xiaocheng."

Lin Xiaoxiao immediately put her bowl down. "Is it dangerous?"

"No. I'm just going to assist with the investigation as someone involved in the incident."

She wasn't convinced. "Why do you need to go? Doesn't Lin Zihao already know everything?

Beijing's where they got Zhou Xiaocheng killed. How can it be safe?"

Zhou Huai'an reassured her repeatedly. "There's no danger. I'll be back soon."

Lin Xiaoxiao hesitated, almost telling him about the pregnancy. But she decided to wait until she was sure. No need to worry him now—he'd only brood, and that could be dangerous if he was distracted.

Besides, she was curious what his reaction would be. The idea didn't seem so daunting anymore.

She nudged a piece of vegetable into his bowl. "Well, finish up and come back quickly. What if someone picks on me while you're gone?"

She meant it as a joke, but Zhou Huai'an took it seriously. After a moment's thought, he said, "If anything happens, go to Zhong Zhiguo. His wife can help too."

Lin Xiaoxiao laughed. "You really think anyone can mess with me? I don't start fights, but I don't run from them either. If someone provokes me, I settle it right then."

Revenge was best served immediately—waiting ten years was for people with no other options.

That only made Zhou Huai'an more concerned. He decided he'd ask Zhong Zhiguo to keep an eye on her—and on Zhou Xiaoling, whose temper was even worse.

After lunch, Lin Xiaoxiao dragged Zhou Huai'an into taking a nap with her. Buoyed by the possibility of the exams and a baby, she was too excited to sleep. She kept asking questions:

What had they found in Beijing? Would they uncover who was behind it all? Could they find Zhou Xiaocheng?

And since Zhou Xiaohong's wedding was postponed to August 20, would he go?

Zhou Huai'an nodded. "Yes."

It wasn't Li Yunlan or Zhou Zhennan's fault he was taken away as a child. They had been good to

him, and though he wasn't expressive, he was grateful.

Lin Xiaoxiao snorted. "How did your family end up with a child like that? They say daughters take after their aunts. If we ever have a daughter who acts like that, I'll break her legs myself—save her the shame. I'd rather support her forever. Your parents are too soft. They should just cut ties to protect the family name."

Zhou Huai'an didn't answer, but his heart swelled when she said "our child." He didn't know when it would happen, but the thought made him happy.

Overcome, he leaned over and kissed her.

Lin Xiaoxiao was startled. Usually so controlled during the day, today he was unusually passionate. Was it because they'd be apart for a whole month?

But until she knew for sure about the pregnancy, she couldn't take risks. Pushing against his shoulders, she said, "Not now. We have to go back to work soon."

She broke free, kissed his cheek, and slipped out of bed. "Be good. We can't be late."

Zhou Huai'an lay back, catching his breath. The scent of her lingered. He wished these quiet, happy days with Lin Xiaoxiao would never end.

Though she hadn't slept, Lin Xiaoxiao returned to work full of energy. She noticed Xiao Yan also seemed cheerful, humming as she flipped through a book. A small, uncharitable thought crossed Lin Xiaoxiao's mind: Did Xiao Yan also know the college entrance exams were coming back?