Hu Yaozong was seething inside, fighting the urge to storm out. But he couldn't leave yet—not until he found out why Zhou Huai'an had returned.

Beside him, Zhou Xiaohong ate in silence, ignoring him completely.

He forced a smile and turned to her. "Did Big Brother come back for our wedding?" As he spoke, he picked a piece of chicken from his bowl and placed it in hers.

Xiaohong didn't want to engage, but with her parents present, she had to respond. She smiled faintly. "Brother is a busy man. He wouldn't make a special trip just for our wedding."

Zhou Zhennan shot her a sharp look before addressing Hu Yaozong. "I asked him to come visit while he's on leave. He should see the family home. Xiaoxiao couldn't make it this time, otherwise she would've joined him."

Though he didn't know the exact reason for Zhou Huai'an's sudden return, he knew it involved work with Lin Zihao—which meant it was likely confidential. He wouldn't pry.

Hu Yaozong nodded eagerly. "Of course, of course. If Brother has time, he should come to our place for a meal."

Zhou Zhennan declined on his son's behalf. "That won't be necessary. We have many relatives for him to meet. His time here is limited."

"I understand," Hu Yaozong said, still smiling ingratiatingly. "I just hope he can make it to the wedding."

The meal was a humiliating experience for Hu Yaozong. He wasn't used to being treated this way—outside these walls, people scrambled to please him.

After lunch, he said his goodbyes. Zhou Xiaohong walked him out for appearance's sake.

Once outside the compound, Hu Yaozong's expression darkened. "Your family acts like they're some kind of treasure. Looking down on me? One day they'll regret it."

Xiaohong replied tiredly, "You'd better go back. Since my family upsets you, maybe it's better if you don't come again."

He shot her a contemptuous look, all earlier meekness gone. "Who do you think you are? Still acting pure, Zhou Xiaohong? Should I remind you what you look like in bed? Be at my place tomorrow night—or face the consequences."

Her face paled. "You said you wouldn't force me before the wedding."

"I changed my mind. Come or don't. If you don't, I'll find someone else. But you won't like what happens next."

Trembling with rage, she clenched her fists at her sides. "Hu Yaozong, don't push this."

He wasn't intimidated. "What, you'll scream? Those photos I developed are very clear. No one's seen them yet—but that could change. Would your colleagues like them? Or your parents?"

"Hu Yaozong!"

She stared at him, fury in her eyes, wishing she could kill him.

Knowing he shouldn't cause a scene here, he snorted. "Think it over." With that, he turned and walked away.

Xiaohong closed her eyes, struggling to control her shaking. When she finally turned to go back, she noticed Lin Zihao at the gate—registering with the guard, a bag in one hand, a pen in the other.

Her heart sank. Had he heard everything? Even though she felt stained by it all, she couldn't bear the thought of him knowing.

After a moment's hesitation, she approached him. "Brother Lin?"

Lin Zihao had seen her arguing with Hu Yaozong but paid no mind—it wasn't his business. He'd simply come to deliver Zhou Huai'an's bag.

He acknowledged her with a slight nod, finished signing in, and handed the pen back to the guard.

"Are you here to see my brother? I can show you the way."

For a moment, she let herself imagine walking beside him.

"No need," he said politely but distantly. "I know the way."

He walked quickly toward the Zhou house, his pace firm and swift, leaving her behind within seconds.

She thought about running after him, but what would people think? She could only watch as he turned a corner and disappeared.

Lin Zihao dropped off the bag and spoke briefly with Zhou Huai'an at the door. He warned that Hu Shiliang was making moves and that Zhou Huai'an should be extra cautious in the coming days.

Zhou Huai'an nodded. "I'll be careful."

Lin Zihao clapped him on the shoulder. "Your family treats you well. That's a good thing—you're lucky."

"They do," Zhou Huai'an admitted. "I'm just not used to it."

"I get it. When you've been on your own too long, it's hard to accept kindness. But you managed with your wife—you can love. Learn to let them in. They're good people. Don't hurt them."

Zhou Huai'an didn't respond. He appreciated their warmth but still didn't know how to be close to them.

After Lin Zihao left, Li Yunlan showed Zhou Huai'an to his room. "This was meant for Xiaoling—it's the largest upstairs room, with its own bathroom. She didn't want it, so it's been empty. Now it's yours. I didn't even let Xiaohong have it."

It was the only room on the second floor with a private bathroom and a small balcony. When they'd first moved in, both Zhou Xiaohong and Zhou Xiaoming had wanted it.

But Li Yunlan had insisted it be reserved for Zhou Xiaoling, even after she married.

Zhou Xiaoming's wife Hu Ling and Zhou Xiaohong had both resented the decision but never dared complain to Li Yunlan.

Zhou Xiaocheng had supported his mother—Xiaoling was the youngest, so she deserved the best.

Li Yunlan pointed to the room next door. "Xiaocheng's room is right there. His books are still inside—feel free to read them. When he comes back and sees you here, he'll be so happy."

In her mind, Zhou Xiaocheng was still alive—away serving in the army. Only in rare moments of clarity did she remember he was gone.

Zhou Huai'an nodded. "Thank you. You've done a lot."

She smiled. "Silly boy, no need to thank me. This is what I should do. I only wish Xiaoxiao were here too. If you both stayed, we could help with the baby once it comes."