Zhang Wanqing grinned and shook her head. “Don’t get the wrong idea—it was about the case.”

Lin Xiaoxiao smirked. “It’s not me getting the wrong idea—it’s Zhou Xiaocheng showing up to see you twice. So what are you gonna do next?”

Wanqing propped her chin in her hand and thought for a long moment, but came up empty. “I don’t know. What would you do?”

Xiaoxiao thought it over. “Tell him you lost your food coupons and have no money for meals. Go find him—I bet he’ll help.”

Wanqing shook her head without hesitation. “No way. Even if I really lost them, I’d figure out how to make money on my own.”

“It’s about showing vulnerability!” Xiaoxiao sighed. “What if you got sick, then? Have him carry you to the hospital.”

Wanqing tried to picture herself playing the delicate patient, but couldn’t see it. “That wouldn’t work either. You know me—even with a fever, I’d still chase a bully down three streets.”

Xiaoxiao looked at her stubborn friend and sighed. “Then just go see him directly. He’s treated you to meals several times—return the favor.”

That idea clicked. Eating was something Wanqing could handle.

Still, Xiaoxiao watched her happily plotting with a touch of concern. Would this straightforward girl ever figure out how to get a boyfriend?

…

When Xiaoxiao returned home that afternoon, she found Lin Wenbin seated on the living room sofa, holding Duoduo in one arm and An’an in the other, with Qianqian and Xuanxuan each perched on one of his feet.

He lifted his legs one after the other, bouncing the two younger children amid giggles and clapping from the ones in his arms.

Xiaoxiao walked over, amused. “Didn’t know you were so good with kids.”

Wenbin let out a breath. “It’s not hard—just a little exhausting for your dear uncle.”

Xiaoxiao pointed discreetly at Duoduo. “Remember, he’s your brother. Keep the family roles straight.”

Wenbin snorted. “He calls you 'Mom' pretty easily! And you’re trying to claim seniority over me?”

She rolled her eyes. “What nonsense. But seriously—when you look at Duoduo, don’t you feel like you’re seeing yourself as a child? What if… our parents are in this era too, just really young right now, and Duoduo is actually you?”

Wenbin stared at her, horrified. “Have you lost your mind? Watch one too many sci-fi flicks? Look what year it is—if our parents existed in this world right now, they’d be two little kids holding hands on their way to elementary school.”

He looked at her as if she’d gone completely mad.

Xiaoxiao glared. “I’m just speculating! Can’t a person wonder? Then you explain where this child came from!”

“Let’s not,” Wenbin cut in. “I’d rather not wake up one day to another kid turning up. What if our parents are over there having babies nonstop, and we’re over here raising an endless supply of little siblings? The thought alone is terrifying.”

Xiaoxiao smacked his arm. “How can you talk about Mom and Dad like that!”

Just then, Li Yunlan stepped out of the kitchen and saw the two siblings bickering again—with four children still clinging to Wenbin.

The kids watched the commotion, giggling uncontrollably.

Yunlan smiled as she approached. “Xiaoxiao, when did you get back? With your brother here, your aunt and I have been able to relax. These four have been glued to him—they don’t want anyone else.”

That’s when Xiaoxiao noticed: little An’an hadn’t even reached for her since she arrived. She clapped her hands and held her arms out, but An’an simply twisted away and buried herself deeper into Wenbin’s embrace.

Xiaoxiao patted the girl’s back lightly. “Look at this little traitor—won’t even come to her own mom.”

An’an just giggled, not even glancing her way.

Yunlan found it endearing. “I never knew Wenbin was so popular with children.”

Wenbin wasn’t surprised. “It’s simple—these kids are missing a father figure. They’re craving that kind of presence.”

The remark left both Yunlan and Xiaoxiao silent.

As if unaware, Wenbin went on, “Especially boys—they need a dad around from an early age. It’s important for their development.”

Li Yunlan sighed softly, turned, and headed back toward the kitchen, briefly wiping the corner of her eye along the way.

Xiaoxiao shot her brother a sharp look. “What’s wrong with you? Why bring up their father? You know exactly where Zhou Huai’an is. If he could come back, he would—he has responsibilities! You have no sense of duty at all.”

Wenbin scoffed. “You’re the heartless one. Why do you think I said that? I see you raising three kids alone—it’s tough. Look at you, turned into a full-time homemaker before your time. You talk about my lack of principles—what about your own dreams? Though I guess you do fit right into this era—married young, mother young.”

Xiaoxiao’s heart ached. She turned away, not wanting to engage. Some things never changed—even after all this time, her brother’s words still stung like a scorpion’s tail.

After a moment, Wenbin seemed to regret his harshness. He nudged her shoulder. “Alright, alright, don’t be mad. I’ll give you four small gold bars.”

Without turning, Xiaoxiao replied, “Make it eight.”

Wenbin laughed dryly. “You’ve really mastered the art of extortion, haven’t you? Fine, fine, eight it is. Now smile for your brother.”

Xiaoxiao spun around immediately and flashed him an exaggerated, insincere grin.

Wenbin readjusted the children in his arms. The two on his feet were growing restless now that the bouncing had stopped, so he started swaying his legs again to amuse them.

He gave his sister a look of mock disdain. “So money really does talk.” Then, more seriously, he added, “You know, these are interesting times. If you’re bold enough, there are opportunities to make something of yourself.”

Xiaoxiao quickly cautioned him, “Brother, don’t do anything illegal.”

He glared. “Is that any way to talk? Do I look like a criminal to you?”

Anyway, he had no plans to return to Hong Kong. If that young lady from there saw him again, she’d probably twist his head off and use it as a chamber pot.

Xiaoxiao just looked at him silently. They both knew how he’d made his first pot of gold.

But at least he was back now. If he hadn’t returned, where would she even begin to look for him?