Lin Wenbin, caught off guard, took the blow straight to his abdomen. Gasping in pain, he instinctively released his grip. The girl seized the opportunity, darting away like an arrow.

Doubled over and barely able to breathe, Lin Wenbin remained frozen for a moment, unable to move.

In that instant, Zhou Xiaocheng swiftly grabbed the girl's arm and skillfully guided her through the crowd. They didn't stop until they were well clear of the ghost market, slipping into a quiet alley where no one could see them.

The girl adjusted her cap and glared at Zhou Xiaocheng. "What do you want? Can't handle losing fair and square?"

"Zhang Wanqing."

Hearing her name spoken so clearly made her pause, though she quickly regained her composure. Tipping her chin up defiantly, she retorted, "You've got the wrong person. I don't know any 'Zhang Wanqing' or whatever you're saying."

The dim light around them made the stars overhead seem especially bright.

But Zhang Wanqing's eyes shone even brighter—fixed on Zhou Xiaocheng like two burning flames.

Zhou Xiaocheng remained calm. "Your grandfather is Zhang Zhongyuan. A highly respected master of seal carving."

Zhang Wanqing fell silent, studying him warily. Over the past two years, as policies had relaxed, more and more people had begun asking about her grandfather and the Zhang family.

Zhou Xiaocheng didn't beat around the bush. "Your grandfather asked me to find you."

Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Without bothering to question whether it was true, she asked bluntly, "He sent you? Then will you keep me safe? That guy back there can't find me again."

Zhou Xiaocheng didn't even ask why. He simply nodded. "Yes. But on one condition: you report to school properly, focus on your studies, and stop running around outside."

Zhang Wanqing stared at him in surprise. "How did you know?"

Instead of answering directly, Zhou Xiaocheng said, "Your grandfather lived his life with integrity. Don't dishonor his name."

She puffed her cheeks but found no comeback. Eventually, she lowered her head and stared at her feet in silence.

Lin Xiaoxiao hadn't expected any new students to arrive so late in the term. Maybe they're from another province and got delayed, she thought.

But when the new student walked into the classroom with her stack of books, Lin couldn't help but be struck by her appearance. She was strikingly pretty—in an almost defiant way—with clear, bright eyes that shone like crystal.

Chen Fangfei felt a flicker of hostility. First Lin Xiaoxiao, and now this new girl—another pretty face, though in a completely different style.

Lin's beauty was soft and luminous, warm and pure.

This new student was beautiful like a thorny rose—wild and untamable.

The homeroom teacher introduced her as Zhang Wanqing and assigned her to the empty seat next to Lin Xiaoxiao.

Without a word or even a smile, Zhang walked over and sat down. She shot Lin a brief glance before turning away and flipping open her textbook.

Since having children, Lin Xiaoxiao felt she'd aged in perspective. Looking at Zhang Wanqing was like looking at a rebellious teenager—stubborn yet oddly endearing.

Zhang Wanqing didn't live on campus either. After school, Lin saw her walking out alone, backpack slung over one shoulder.

Noticing Zhang showed no intention of speaking, Lin didn't bother either. She smiled and went to find Zhou Lingling.

Zhou Lingling had also noticed Zhang. There was something fiercely independent about the girl—like a lone wolf, even more of a troublemaker than herself. She felt an odd sense of kinship.

As Lin approached, Zhou asked curiously, "Was that a new student? She's really pretty."

Lin nodded. "She's in my class. My new deskmate, actually."

Zhou Lingling's eyes lit up. "She is, isn't she? Maybe we should introduce her to Second Brother—keep him from getting mixed up with Luo Anran again."

Lin couldn't help laughing. "We can't go playing matchmaker like that. Besides, Luo Anran has been quiet lately."

After being escorted out by Zhou Lingling that day, Luo hadn't shown up again. She'd probably realized how pointless it was—some doors, once closed, couldn't be reopened.

It was better to live with dignity.

Zhou Lingling shrugged. "Haven't seen her around. I'm just being cautious. Don't want my brother doing anything reckless out of pity."

Personally, Lin Xiaoxiao doubted Zhou Xiaocheng was the type to act recklessly.

When they got home, they were surprised to find Zhou Xiaocheng there, sitting in the courtyard, awkwardly holding An'an.

Li Yunlan was coaching him gently. "Support her head and neck. Babies aren't fully developed yet—you can't let her neck jerk around."

Zhou Xiaocheng adjusted his hold carefully. "Qianqian and Xuanxuan were easier to hold."

Li Yunlan smiled. "That's because those two have always been strong. An'an is the smallest—she didn't get as much nutrition in the womb as her brothers. She's been delicate since birth."

Zhou Lingling looked at her brother in surprise. "No going out tonight? Did you find who you were looking for?"

Zhou Xiaocheng nodded. "Yes. It's done."

"Who was it? And where are they now?"

But Zhou Xiaocheng didn't answer. He simply rose, carefully supporting An'an's head, and began slowly walking around the courtyard.

Lin Xiaoxiao's breath caught for a moment. With his gentle and dignified manner, Zhou Xiaocheng almost reminded her of Zhou Huaian holding their child.

At dinner, Lin Wenbin dropped by. Lin Xiaoxiao hadn't seen her brother in days, and she immediately noticed he looked unwell. "Are you feeling okay? You don't look well."

Lin Wenbin felt too embarrassed to explain. He'd just boasted to his sister that he wouldn't be taken advantage of in this world—and then he'd let some young girl get the better of him.

He couldn't bring himself to say it. Worse, he still didn't understand how she'd slipped away. Even that fool Liangzi hadn't managed to catch her at the gate.

Seeing his hesitation, Lin Xiaoxiao grew even more curious. "You look like you've just eaten something disgusting."

Lin Wenbin pinched her cheek playfully. "You've become quite the cheeky little sister, haven't you?"

They bantered for a while, but he still didn't tell her what had happened. Instead, he reminded her he'd be leaving the day after tomorrow.

"Your in-laws are good people. You can rely on Zhou Xiaocheng and Zhou Lingling if anything happens. Don't try to handle everything on your own, alright?"