After bathing the three children, Zhou Liyun carried Qianqian and Xuanxuan downstairs to sleep. She would take Xuanxuan for the night, while Li Yunlan and her husband took care of Qianqian.

Lin Xiaoxiao kept An'an with her. The little girl was fussy and clingy—whenever her mother was home, she insisted on sleeping beside her.

Zhang Wanqing watched as the children were settled in different rooms. "It's amazing how you handle three at once. Good thing your family is big enough to help—otherwise, it'd be impossible to keep an eye on all of them."

Lin Xiaoxiao considered it one of the greatest blessings since arriving in this world—she'd been met with in-laws who were nothing but warm and kind. Life felt full and happy.

She explained to Zhang Wanqing, "Xiaocheng and my husband are twins. Their family has a history of twins, so I knew there was a good chance I'd have multiples. I just never expected triplets."

Zhang Wanqing smiled softly. "I have to admit, I'm a little jealous."

Lin Xiaoxiao grinned. "I can read fortunes, you know. Want to hear yours? I see a very happy future for you—surrounded by people who love you."

Zhang Wanqing's eyes flickered. "When I was little, my dad used to let me sit on his shoulders. He always said I was a lucky girl."

Knowing her history, Lin Xiaoxiao felt a pang in her chest. She nodded earnestly. "He was right.

Just look at you—rounded nose tip, that means wealth. A long, defined philtrum—that's longevity. And those full earlobes are a sign of good fortune." She paused, then added playfully, "See? I have all those traits, too."

Zhang Wanqing laughed, though a shadow of sadness crossed her face. "I look just like my mother," she murmured.

Before Lin Xiaoxiao could steer the conversation elsewhere, Zhou Xiaoling bounded into the room, her hair still damp from a shower. "Did you hear? There's an outdoor movie in the compound tonight! Want to go?"

Lin Xiaoxiao gestured toward An'an, who was happily crumpling a piece of newspaper on the bed. "I can't leave while she's still awake. You know how she gets—if she wakes up and doesn't see me, she'll cry her lungs out."

Zhou Xiaoling tickled An'an, making the little girl giggle breathlessly. "Why won't you sleep for grandma, hmm? If you do, Auntie will buy you treats and pretty dresses!"

In the end, Zhou Xiaoling took Zhang Wanqing to the movie. After putting An'an to sleep, Lin Xiaoxiao continued her letter to Zhou Huai'an.

Zhou Zhennan had warned that mailed letters might not reach him, but a military journalist would be heading that way at the end of the month and could deliver it personally.

So Lin Xiaoxiao wrote every day—page after page about the children's milestones, their first teeth, their weight. She wanted to write more, something tender and private, but Zhou Zhennan reminded her that all letters would be screened before reaching Zhou Huai'an.

She didn't dare write anything too intimate—not even her longing could be expressed openly.

She sealed the letter, placed it in the drawer, and sighed. By the time Zhou Huai'an returned, the children would probably be calling them Mama and Baba.

At the movie, Zhou Xiaoling and Zhang Wanqing drew curious looks from everyone in the compound. Whispers followed them.

"Is that Xiaocheng's new girlfriend? She's quite pretty."

"Yes, that's her! I saw them together the other day."

"Looks serious this time. She's over at their house often—Li Yunlan must approve."

Luo Anran, who had come with Geng Aiguo, heard every word. She spent the entire movie tense and silent, which earned her another round of sarcasm from Geng Aiguo later that night.

Li Yunlan had originally prepared a room for Zhang Wanqing next to Lin Xiaoxiao's, but Zhou Xiaoling insisted Zhang Wanqing share with her.

Zhang Wanqing didn't mind. She'd never been particular about living conditions, and after so many years alone, she welcomed the company.

It was late when Zhou Xiaocheng finally returned home.

Hearing him come in, Li Yunlan got up and found her son slumped on the sofa, looking exhausted. "Have you eaten? Let me make you some noodles."

Xiaocheng waved her off and checked the time. "Mom, could you please ask Sister-in-law to come down? I need to talk to her."

Without asking why, Li Yunlan went upstairs to fetch Lin Xiaoxiao.

Lin Xiaoxiao guessed it was about Zhang Wanqing's parents' case. She changed quickly, asked Li Yunlan to watch An'an, and hurried downstairs.

Knowing Zhang Wanqing was inside, Xiaocheng led Lin Xiaoxiao outside near the gate. The streetlights were off, and the night was still and dark.

Xiaocheng kept his voice low. "Sister-in-law, I'm almost certain Zhang Wanqing has her father's original research notes."

Lin Xiaoxiao frowned. "But that alone wouldn't be enough to convict the real culprit, would it? Her father's own records wouldn't hold up in court."

Xiaocheng shook his head. "I want to force their hand—flush the snake out of its hole. But I need what she has." He paused. "She trusts you more than me. Would you be willing to talk to her?"

Lin Xiaoxiao hesitated. Right now, Zhang Wanqing believed none of them knew about her past. Bringing it up would shatter that illusion—and her pride.

After a moment, she spoke softly. "Xiaocheng, I think we need to be careful with her feelings. I might have another way to draw the snake out. Would you like to hear it?"