Lin Wenbin played his part flawlessly, giving Zhou Zhennan and Li Yunlan no reason to suspect a thing.

Zhou Huai'an, who had been quiet all along, was harder to read. But since he didn't seem like the sharpest type, Lin Wenbin assumed he hadn't noticed anything either.

After the meal, Lin Xiaoxiao couldn't bear to part with her brother just yet. Trying to sound casual, she said, "I'll walk Professor Lin out. We can talk a bit more about university matters. You all can wait for me here."

No one could really object—especially since it wouldn't be appropriate for family to hover while a student consulted with her teacher.

Zhou Huai'an simply gave Lin Xiaoxiao a long, quiet look before fetching her padded coat and scarf. He helped her into them, wrapping the scarf carefully. "Walk slowly, and come back soon if it's too cold."

Lin Xiaoxiao nodded obediently. "I will."

Lin Wenbin could hardly watch. Since when did his fiercely independent little sister become so... domestic? And so compliant?

Keeping a stern expression, he politely said goodbye to Zhou Zhennan and Li Yunlan, then turned to Lin Xiaoxiao with detached formality. "Let's go, Comrade Xiaoxiao. I'd like to hear more about your program preferences."

Once they were alone, and Lin Wenbin was still maintaining his act, Lin Xiaoxiao lightly coughed.

"Okay, that's enough. You're really laying it on thick. I almost thought you graduated from the Central Academy of Drama."

Lin Wenbin snorted, still scanning their surroundings and keeping a polite distance. "You little ingrate. You've really settled in here, haven't you? Your in-laws seem decent, I'll give you that.

But that husband of yours—couldn't get a word out of him with a crowbar. Doesn't it get boring? And he doesn't look all that bright, either."

Lin Xiaoxiao was tempted to kick him. "Shut up! He's plenty smart—he just doesn't talk much."

"Alright, alright," Lin Wenbin relented, clicking his tongue. "I'm sure he's brilliant. No wonder they say daughters forget their families once they marry. I'm leaving tomorrow, and you don't even seem sad."

Tears welled up in Lin Xiaoxiao's eyes. "Of course I don't want you to go. I'll miss you."

Hearing her choked-up tone, Lin Wenbin quickly checked again that no one was around. "Don't cry. If someone sees, they'll get the wrong idea. You know how people love to gossip when they've got nothing better to do."

Lin Xiaoxiao sniffled. "Then stop provoking me. I've been holding back this whole time because I really don't want you to leave."

Her brother smirked. "Could've fooled me. Three bowls of rice and eleven pieces of braised pork? Some farewell."

Furious and embarrassed, Lin Xiaoxiao shot back, "Lin Wenbin, don't be mean! I'm pregnant—I need to eat more!"

She couldn't understand it. Outside, he was this aloof, imposing CEO. But at home, he always bickered with her, teasing until she was fuming. Even now, reunited in another world, nothing had changed.

Seeing his sister pouting with familiar outrage, Lin Wenbin felt a wave of relief. Her face wasn't exactly the same, but her expressions were. She was still very much alive, and very much herself.

He decided to ease up. "You're coming to Beijing soon, aren't you? We'll see each other there."

But Lin Xiaoxiao still looked troubled. "We can't meet every day in Beijing. People don't know we're related—it would look strange."

"Leave that to me," Lin Wenbin said. "Once you're in Beijing, I'll figure something out."

Just like that, Lin Xiaoxiao felt reassured. If her brother said he had a plan, he did. Still, another worry surfaced. "I've been having dreams... I saw that other Lin Xiaoxiao being awful to Mom and Dad. And I saw your funeral—it broke my heart. What's going to happen to them with both of us gone? What if that impostor makes their lives miserable?"

Lin Wenbin's expression turned serious. "Don't worry. Mom and Dad aren't fools. They didn't suspect anything before because they thought it was you. But that won't last. Besides, my 'death' was suspicious from the start. And before I went to the yacht, I updated my will. Everything in my name goes to charity."

Lin Xiaoxiao stared in shock. Over the years, their family business had been transferred to Lin Wenbin's name. Donating it all would leave their parents with only some property and a modest amount of cash.

Noticing her stunned look, Lin Wenbin fought the urge to ruffle her hair. "They'll be fine. Now go back—your mother-in-law is coming."

Lin Xiaoxiao turned and saw Li Yunlan standing at the end of the road, watching them with concern.

Reluctantly, she said goodbye and waited until Lin Wenbin was out of sight before slowly heading back.

Li Yunlan hurried over as soon as the professor was gone, carefully taking Lin Xiaoxiao's arm. "Be careful, dear. That Professor Lin seems like such a good man—so young and accomplished."

Lin Xiaoxiao smiled. "Yes, he's very capable. He even suggested I consider neurosurgery at Peking University."

"That's wonderful!" Li Yunlan beamed. "You'll do great no matter what you choose. You're so talented."

Lin Xiaoxiao couldn't help but laugh. Li Yunlan's belief in her was boundless.

With that settled, they could finally focus on preparing for the move to Beijing. With the New Year only two weeks away, they had to work quickly.

Zhou Huai'an noticed the change in Lin Xiaoxiao immediately. Since meeting Lin Wenbin, she seemed happier and more enthusiastic about going to Beijing.

Lin Xiaoxiao and Lin Wenbin—both sharing the same surname. He couldn't help but wonder: were they related? But why wouldn't she acknowledge him?

Then he remembered Lin Xiaoxiao's current identity as a daughter of the Lin family.So there had to be some hidden connection between them.

What was her real name, he wondered? He felt close to an answer, yet everything seemed more tangled than before.

But Zhou Huai'an was good at hiding his thoughts. Lin Xiaoxiao remained convinced that she and her brother had fooled everyone. Happily, she continued packing, looking forward to seeing him again in the capital.

Zhou Huai'an had requested two weeks off to escort his family to Beijing. He would stay until the fifth day of the New Year before returning. And so, the entire family set off happily for Beijing by train.