Zhou Liyun had heard from Li Yunlan about the strained relationship between Lin Xiaoxiao and her mother. Even though they lived in the same compound, they never interacted—a tension obvious to anyone with eyes.

Because of this, Zhou Liyun had long held a grudge against Cheng Mingyue. Zhou's own life had been marked by tragedy: she had given birth to six children, but only two survived to adulthood and married. She adored children and often blamed herself for not being able to protect hers better. It pained her to see a mother treat her own child poorly.

So hearing that Cheng Mingyue had landed in trouble gave her a sense of grim satisfaction. "I heard your mother and your brother were caught stealing from the steel mill. Someone reported them."

Lin Xiaoxiao was stunned. "Stealing from the mill? What were they thinking?"

Zhou Liyun scoffed. "Who knows? Probably desperate for money. But even if your brother does something that stupid, what excuse does your mother have? Is she out of her mind?"

After a moment of spiteful glee, Lin Xiaoxiao grew concerned. "Will this affect Zhou Huaian's future? Or our family?"

Li Yunlan waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry. It won't involve us at all. You're part of our family now. What they did was theft—it has nothing to do with you."

Relieved, Lin Xiaoxiao almost hoped they would receive a harsh sentence.

Over at Cheng Mingzhong's home, Li Jing was fuming. She glared at Lin Hongyan, who sat silently on the sofa. "What kind of people are your mother and brother? And to think they were arrested right from our home—what will the neighbors think?"

Lin Hongyan muttered under her breath, "If only you'd given them the money..."

Li Jing laughed bitterly. "Why should I pay your brother's gambling debts? And your mother—if she thought someone was scamming her, why not go to the police? Instead, she goes stealing! Do you have any idea what kind of place they targeted?"

Cheng Mingzhong had been sitting with a dark expression. He had noticed Cheng Mingyue sneaking around lately, leaving early and returning late. He'd even warned her to be careful and avoid breaking the law.

But she had brushed him off impatiently. "We're adults. We know what we're doing."

Now she and her son were behind bars.

Cheng Mingzhong knew he didn't have the connections to get them out. He stood up with a sigh and said to Lin Hongyan, "I'll send a telegram to your father. Stay here and don't go anywhere."

Lin Hongyan nodded silently.

Li Jing shot her a disgusted look and followed Cheng Mingzhong out. At the door, she warned him, "Don't even think about pulling strings for Cheng Mingyue. It's too embarrassing. And it would cost a fortune."

Cheng Mingzhong frowned. He hated how Li Jing reduced everything to money. "I don't have that kind of influence anyway. And must you always talk about cost?"

"If we had money like the Zhous, I wouldn't have to!" she retorted. "Did you see the banquet they threw for the baby? If we were that well-off, I wouldn't care about money either!"

Cheng Mingzhong ignored her and left on his bicycle.

Li Jing stared after him, then went back inside. The sight of Lin Hongyan irritated her, so she went into another room to avoid her.

Lin Wenbin knew exactly how Cheng Mingyue and her son had ended up where they were—after all, he had orchestrated it all.

He understood human greed all too well, and how to ruin someone who walked willingly into the trap.

Knowing that Sheng Dalong and Cheng Mingyue would grow desperate for money in the city, he had Liangzi arrange an "opportunity" for them.

He lured Cheng Mingyue and Lin Dalong into stealing a few times—small, successful operations that paid well. It was all designed to make them overconfident.

When they finally went for a bigger haul, they were caught red-handed before they could even sell the goods.

Liangzi came to report with pride, "They won't get out for at least five or six years. That wasn't just any scrap they stole."

Lin Wenbin feigned concern. "Wasn't that a bit too harsh?"

But Liangzi saw right through him—Lin Wenbin was clearly pleased.

"They broke the law knowingly," Liangzi said smoothly. "They got what they deserved. The law is fair—it'll give them a just sentence."

Lin Wenbin nodded. "Yes, you're absolutely right."

After discussing Cheng Mingyue, Liangzi asked, "So, Brother Lin, what should we do next?"

Lin Wenbin thought for a moment. "Give it some time. Then come south with me. Would you dare?"

Liangzi thumped his chest. "Of course I dare! I'm not afraid you'll sell me out."

"Good," said Lin Wenbin. "Wait for my word. I'll find you when I've wrapped up a few things here."

Liangzi left satisfied.

Lin Wenbin felt content. He had gone easy on Cheng Mingyue and her son. A gambler like Lin

Dalong could've easily ended up with broken limbs—or worse. But he didn't want to be too ruthless. He had to accumulate good karma for Lin Xiaoxiao and the three children.

By mid-March, Lin Xiaoxiao was finally allowed to go outside—but now she didn't feel like it. It was almost like reverse psychology: when she was stuck indoors, all she wanted was to step outside for a moment. Now that she could, she didn't even want to go downstairs.

Spring brought frequent drizzles. That evening, a light rain began to fall, accompanied by occasional rumbles of thunder.

Li Yunlan was worried the thunder would frighten the babies. "Tonight, let each of us sleep with one of the children. They'll feel safer being held."

Lin Xiaoxiao thought it was unnecessary—the three little ones slept like logs. Even an earthquake probably wouldn't wake them. But not wanting to spoil the idea, she let Li Yunlan take Qianqian and Anan to their room, while Zhou Liyun took Xuanxuan to another room.

With the children gone, the room felt oddly empty. That night, Lin Xiaoxiao found herself unable to sleep.

Tossing and turning, she wondered what Zhou Huaian was doing at that moment. She thought of her dad and mom in her original world—were they doing okay?

"No news is good news," she comforted herself.

As the sound of dripping rain filled the room, she eventually drifted into a fitful sleep. In her dreams, she returned to her familiar home—but her parents were nowhere to be seen. The rooms were empty, and a layer of dust covered the floors.