Zhang Yimei hesitated. She had promised Xiao Yan she wouldn't betray her—mentioning her name now was out of the question. Pressing her lips together, she remained silent.

Director Ma's voice was calm but insistent. "Since you refuse to talk, let me ask you one more time: did Wang Wenju write that letter? You may not realize how crucial that document is. This isn't just about who reported you—it's also about whether someone is falsely accusing others of betraying the revolution."

Trembling with fear, Zhang Yimei shook her head frantically. "No... It wasn't Wang Wenju. He knows nothing about this. I found someone else to write it."

Ma's tone hardened. "Who was it? Who helped you? Do you understand what false accusations could lead to?"

Tears welled in Zhang Yimei's eyes. The words stuck in her throat—Xiao Yan's name remained unspoken. Instead, she broke down. "My mother-in-law was fine... She only went next door. And now this—a cerebral hemorrhage? They cut her head open. How did this happen? Shouldn't someone be held responsible?"

Director Ma frowned. "Do you have any idea how serious the aftermath of a brain hemorrhage can be?"

Zhang Yimei cried harder. She didn't know—not really. All she knew was that soon she would be tending to a bedridden old woman. Their home was already in disarray. How could they go on like this?

Director Ma and Zhong Zhiguo soon left, their visit perfunctory, almost rushed.

Meanwhile, Lin Xiaoxiao had learned about their stop at Zhang Yimei's neighbor's house, though she didn't know what was said. Later, Zhou Xiaoling returned beaming, carrying a basket full of potatoes and a fresh fish.

She pulled a cloth-wrapped bun from her army satchel. "Here, eat. You must be hungry. I also got peach pastries. The buns are still warm—stuffed with tofu, vermicelli, and pork. Go on, have some."

Lin Xiaoxiao grinned. "Such a thoughtful little comrade. Maybe I should marry you instead of waiting for your brother."

Zhou Xiaoling waved her hands in mock panic. "No, no! My brother would never forgive me. I haven't even dared to call home lately..."

At the mention of the Zhou family's telephone, Lin Xiaoxiao's mood lifted. She could call from the post office—maybe even hear Zhou Huainan's voice. "Do you think he's home? If I call...

would he answer? When I'm better, I'll try."

"Once you've recovered," Zhou Xiaoling agreed, "I'll go with you."

Then Lin Xiaoxiao told her about Director Ma's visit. Zhou Xiaoling's temper flared instantly. "That Zhang Yimei... such a fool. Xiao Yan's using her. She can't stand seeing you and my brother together. She's jealous."

"Look at her—narrow eyes, petty heart. Dreaming of catching my brother? A toad lusting after a swan. What bad luck to have someone like her chasing him."

She ranted on, growing more furious, even rolling up her sleeves as if ready to throw a punch. "How can someone be so shameless? I ought to hit her!"

Lin Xiaoxiao held her back. "We have no proof. Even if we did, she'd just cry and deny everything. Say she was only trying to help Zhang Yimei. Play the victim. Then we look like the bullies."

She had seen plenty of women like Xiao Yan—innocent on the outside, pure "white lotus" act.

Zhou Xiaoling fumed. "So we do nothing? No fighting, no shouting? Isn't that cowardly?"

"No," Lin Xiaoxiao said coolly. "We destroy what she values most. She wants to take the college entrance exam, doesn't she? I'll make sure she never sits for it. If she does, we report her. Fabricate evidence—just like she would."

Who was more cunning? Lin Xiaoxiao wasn't a saint. The idea of ruining Xiao Yan's future—her one chance at university—brought a faint smile to her lips.

Zhou Xiaoling's eyes glittered with excitement. "Sister-in-law, that's brilliant! Let's do it. I'll even tell her I was the one who reported her. That'll drive her crazy."

Lin Xiaoxiao laid out her plan: Xiao Yan needed a recommendation from the village party secretary to even apply. But slots were limited, competition fierce. If they spread the word that Xiao Yan was scheming her way in, the other educated youths would turn on her in jealousy.

After outlining everything, Lin Xiaoxiao smiled slyly. "We're civilized people, after all. Fighting is uncivilized."

Zhou Xiaoling stared at her, half-astonished, half-impressed. There was something devilish in her sister-in-law's playful grin. "Sister-in-law, I really admire you. You've covered everything.

Let's see how long she stays smug."

Lin Xiaoxiao wasn't known for her mercy. If someone made life difficult for her, she would return the favor tenfold. And when it came to revenge, she always aimed where it hurt the most—cutting off the snake's head.

Xiao Yan, meanwhile, had no idea that Zhang Yimei's report had sparked an investigation. Experts and doctors from the city came to examine Grandma Wang, but found no improvement. If anything, they praised Lin Xiaoxiao's quick thinking and surgical skill—her emergency procedure had saved a life.

Rather than criticism, Lin Xiaoxiao received growing interest. They asked for her background, stunned to learn she'd only had three months of training at a military hospital.

Even Lu Yuanda came. He was shocked when he heard Lin Xiaoxiao had performed the surgery. Seeing her neat sutures, he struggled to believe it. Still, he covered for her smoothly: "Xiao Lin already had a foundation—her grandfather's influence. And Old Cheng's wife was a famous surgeon in her day. Talent runs in the family."

It sounded plausible, if not entirely solid. Could surgical skill really be inherited?

But there was no denying Lin Xiaoxiao had done it. Soon, hospitals began vying to recruit her. Everyone wanted her on their team.

Lu Yuanda shooed them away lightheartedly. "Don't dream too big. If she goes anywhere, it'll be our military hospital. She's practically my student."

Xiao Yan never saw it coming—her attempt to undermine Lin Xiaoxiao had only raised her status. Clenching her fists, she felt the bitter sting of having shot herself in the foot.