Lin Xiaoxiao looked at Zhang Wanqing in surprise. Could this girl smell like a dog? How else could she detect something like that? Still, she nodded. "Yes, we had some leftover pan-fried dumplings this morning, so I brought them for lunch."

Noticing the sudden sparkle in Zhang Wanqing's eyes, Lin Xiaoxiao fished out the lunchbox. "Have you eaten? Would you like some?"

She wasn't even sure why she made the offer—maybe it was because Zhang Wanqing was so pretty.

Zhang Wanqing seemed taken aback by the generosity. After all, beef dumplings were a rare treat; most families only had them during special holidays.

Hesitating for a moment, she pulled two national food ration coupons from her pocket—each worth five pounds of grain—and held them out. "Here. Let's trade."

Lin Xiaoxiao quickly waved them away. "Just help yourself! This isn't worth ten pounds of coupons. Come on, they're still warm."

But Zhang Wanqing insisted, pressing the coupons into Lin's hand before taking the lunchbox. She pulled out her own chopsticks and began eating with obvious pleasure.

The rich aroma of fried dumplings soon filled the classroom. Several students glanced over, some subtly swallowing.

Who could afford to eat something so luxurious in the morning? Lin Xiaoxiao suddenly felt self-conscious. Maybe bringing food to class wasn't such a good idea. It only made her stand out.

Zhang Wanqing, however, seemed completely at ease. She ate unhurriedly, a faint, contented smile softening her usually guarded expression.

"They're good, right?" Lin Xiaoxiao asked proudly. Their cook really was excellent.

Zhang Wanqing nodded eagerly after swallowing. "The filling is tender—must be good brisket or shank. And the wrapper is perfectly chewy and crispy."

"You sound like a food critic. Do you cook?"

"No," Zhang Wanqing admitted frankly. "I just enjoy eating. Someday I'll take you somewhere really good."

Lin Xiaoxiao was pleasantly surprised. Friendship had come unexpectedly, but she'd always believed food-lovers were good-hearted. Plus, she genuinely liked Zhang Wanqing. "It's a deal," she said warmly.

Just like that, a box of dumplings brought them closer.

Still, Lin Xiaoxiao noticed that Zhang Wanqing remained cautious—friendly but guarded, not yet ready to fully let her in.

Up front, Meng Xiaona glanced back several times, annoyed to see Lin Xiaoxiao chatting and smiling with the new girl. But watching Lin laugh, something suddenly clicked.

She'd seen that face before—in a newspaper. An overseas Chinese investor who was planning to return to Shanghai. Her father, who was involved in the welcoming preparations, had discussed the family at home.

Lin Xiaoxiao looked just like the man's wife, especially when she smiled sideways. The resemblance was uncanny.

Meng Xiaona frowned. Suddenly, she didn't care who Lin Xiaoxiao might be related to. Whatever it is, it's none of my business.

In fact, she almost hoped Lin had no connection to the family at all.

Meng had always been fascinated by the West. Since the country had opened up, she'd devoured foreign films—envious of the whiskey and Western dinners on screen. She'd even splurged on a meal at a Shanghai Western restaurant, convinced steak and coffee were the height of sophistication.

Now, turning back to her book, she thought determinedly: I heard the school offers study-abroad programs. I have to get one of those spots.

At lunch, Lin Xiaoxiao and Zhang Wanqing went to the cafeteria together. The usual options were there: steamed buns—both white and coarse-grain—and a potato stew with a few sparse pieces of pork.

Lin Xiaoxiao took one bun and a serving of stew. She was surprised when Zhang Wanqing asked for three buns. "You're having three? After that whole box of dumplings?"

Zhang Wanqing smiled, skipped the stew, and packed the plain buns into her lunchbox. "They're for tonight."

"Do you live nearby?" Lin Xiaoxiao asked casually.

"Around the east side," Zhang Wanqing replied vaguely.

Lin didn't press further. Clearly, she didn't want to share more.

May arrived, bringing with it Beijing's most pleasant season—soft breezes and mild temperatures without any summer heat.

The babies were nearing their hundred-day milestone. All three had learned to roll over, each grunting and clenching little fists with effort. They'd turn curiously toward sounds they heard.

Little An'an was still the most demanding. She was the last to roll over, but the first to fuss—crying when frustrated, insisting on being held, and preferring to be outside even when she couldn't see much. Bring her indoors, and she'd complain immediately.

So whenever she was awake, someone had to carry her around the courtyard or the compound.

Riding home, Lin Xiaoxiao spotted Zhou Liyun from a distance, holding An'an near the small square in the compound. She quickly walked her bike over.

"Look who's back," Zhou Liyun said cheerfully to the baby.

An'an, happily sucking on her fingers, couldn't care less. Her little feet kicked joyfully.

"Being difficult again?" Lin Xiaoxiao asked fondly.

Zhou Liyun adjusted her hold, letting the baby sit up a little. "Look, it's Mama!"

An'an began waving her arms, bouncing excitedly.

"She's getting strong," Zhou Liyun laughed. "By the way, we had a visitor today."

"Oh? Who?"

"An old comrade of your father's. He's here from Shanghai for some conference—something to do with the Ministry of Commerce."

Since it didn't seem to involve her, Lin Xiaoxiao simply walked home with Zhou Liyun.

By the time they arrived, the guest had already left. Zhou Zhennan was talking with Zhou Xiaocheng, reflecting, "The policy changes are promising. Encouraging overseas Chinese to return and invest—it's a good step."

Lin Xiaoxiao overheard but didn't think much of it. Her attention was caught by the radio—a news report about the situation at the border.