Zhou Xiaoli hesitated for a moment. "Do you think Lin Xiaoxiao will agree to this? She's so domineering every day—I really doubt she will."

Wang Fenglan pinched Zhou Xiaoli's arm in frustration. "Look what a mess you've gotten us into.

She has no choice but to agree. They've been married for three months already and there's still no sign of a baby. If she doesn't get pregnant by the end of the year, she'll be the one losing face. We're only trying to help her."

Zhou Xiaoli thought her mother made a good point. With her support, she felt a weight lift off her chest, and her mood lightened considerably.

Of course, Lin Xiaoxiao knew nothing about the mother and daughter's scheming. She was still preoccupied with her own plans for the future and casually chatted with Zhou Huai'an about school.

To her surprise, she learned that Zhou Huai'an was actually a college student. He had been admitted through a military recommendation and was studying at a university in Shanghai.

Lin Xiaoxiao was impressed. In this day and age, college students had bright prospects. "I really envy you being able to attend university," she said. "I've always loved reading too, but I was too young and playful back then."

Zhou Huai'an, leaning against the headboard, glanced at Lin Xiaoxiao's earnest expression and thought for a moment. "It's never too late to learn," he replied. "Policies have been changing a lot these past couple of years, and university admission rules will likely be adjusted as well."

Mentally, Lin Xiaoxiao gave him a thumbs-up. She had to admit, this quiet and reserved man was actually quite perceptive and wise.

Pretending not to know much, she said, "If that's the case, that'd be wonderful. I'll do my best—maybe I can test into university too."

Zhou Huai'an nodded. "You will."

It was rare for Lin Xiaoxiao to have such a peaceful conversation with him, so he chose his words carefully, afraid of setting her off and causing another scene in the hospital.

Though he didn't understand why Lin Xiaoxiao's attitude had suddenly changed, he wasn't sure how long this calm would last.

As they made small talk, Wang Fenglan and Zhou Xiaoli returned, both all smiles and in high spirits.

Wang Fenglan even—uncharacteristically—turned to Lin Xiaoxiao with a friendly expression. "Xiaoxiao, you've had a long day. Why don't you rest? I'll take care of Huai'an with Erni."

Lin Xiaoxiao was more than happy to agree. "Alright, you stay in the ward then. I'll go out to buy a few things."

Hearing this, Wang Fenglan instinctively asked, "What are you buying?"

Lin Xiaoxiao pretended not to hear and walked out with her cloth bag.

Wang Fenglan pointed angrily at Lin Xiaoxiao's retreating figure. "Huai'an, look at your wife—she has no manners at all!"

Zhou Huai'an rubbed his temples. "In a little while, take Xiaoli to the guesthouse to stay. If everything is fine tomorrow, you can head back first. In a couple of days, Anning and I will also return."

Wang Fenglan was taken aback. "Huai'an, you haven't been home in four or five years. Why do suddenly want to go back?"

Zhou Huai'an lifted his gaze and gave her a faint look that made her shiver. "You're not still holding a grudge about that Cai Xia incident, are you? We had no idea about that back then.

Besides, you're doing so well here. Everyone says you've become a high official. From now on, your father and I can just rely on you. Why go back to the village?"

Zhou Xiaoli, however, thought it was a good idea for her brother to return. "Mom, it's good if Second Brother goes back. Let everyone in the village see how successful he's become."

Wang Fenglan shot her daughter a sharp look and continued trying to persuade Zhou Huai'an.

"Are you planning to go back with xiaoxiao? Things are tough back home right now—we don't even have wild vegetables to eat. I'm worried you won't adjust. If anything comes up, just send word, and I'll have your father come here."

Zhou Huai'an shook his head. "No need. I've made up my mind to go back." His tone was calm but left no room for argument.

Seeing that she couldn't change his mind, Wang Fenglan grew restless and uneasy. She told Zhou Xiaoli to go rest at the guesthouse, not even bothering about whether Zhou Huai'an would have anyone to look after him.

Lin Xiaoxiao went to the only department store in the city center—a three-story building that was relatively spacious inside. The counters were arranged in rigid, orderly rows, with salesclerks clustered in small groups chatting behind them.

After carefully exploring all three floors, Lin Xiaoxiao confirmed that there was indeed very little merchandise. The ready-to-wear clothing sections offered dull, outdated styles.

By contrast, the fabric counters displayed a variety of materials and patterns. The most expensive were the wool and wool-blend fabrics, which felt thick and comfortable to the touch.

Lin Xiaoxiao didn't know much about fabric blends, but she had a good eye for which materials would make nice clothing.

The shop assistant noticed Lin Xiaoxiao feeling various fabrics without any intention to buy and grew impatient. "Comrade, these wool blends are new arrivals—perfect for coats. Are you interested?"

Not ready to commit, Lin Xiaoxiao smiled politely. "I'm just looking, thanks."

The assistant rolled her eyes and pointed toward a bin in the corner. "If you're shopping on a budget, check over there. Those fabric scraps are on clearance—fifty cents a pile, no fabric coupons needed."

Lin Xiaoxiao didn't take the dismissive attitude personally and went over to look. The pieces were too small for clothing—maybe only good for making a rag or a mop.

Seeing that Lin Xiaoxiao still wasn't buying anything, the clerk muttered under her breath, "If you're too cheap to buy anything, why even go shopping?"

Lin Xiaoxiao was aware that clerks like these had the security of a government job and often acted superior.

She turned around, leaned calmly against the counter, and smiled at the woman. Just as the clerk was about to lose her temper, Lin Xiaoxiao spoke slowly, "I know a thing or two about fortune-telling. You should be careful these days—there may be trouble in your marriage. It might be a good idea to get a health check-up, too."

The salesclerk was furious. Her marriage was perfectly fine, thank you very much—harmonious and stable. And she could easily put away two big bowls of noodles in one sitting—what would she need a check-up for?

But by the time she gathered herself to retort, Lin Xiaoxiao was already gone. Grumbling under her breath, the clerk couldn't help feeling a little uneasy. She unconsciously touched her face.

Lin Xiaoxiao was skilled at playing mind games, but it was also true—the clerk's complexion hadn't looked great: dull, sallow, with a yellowish tinge around the eyes, often a sign of liver issues. In a way, Lin Xiaoxiao had done her a favor.

Leaving the department store, Lin Xiaoxiao wandered into the back alleys. There were a few vendors with pushcarts, but they only sold everyday household items.

It was clear: although this was a city, it was far from the provincial capital—not to mention Beijing or Shanghai.

If she wanted to start a business, she'd have to start small.

Lin Xiaoxiao felt utterly lost—sometimes she thought she had a idea, other times she had no clue where to begin.

In the stories she'd read, time-travelers always adapted easily, integrated seamlessly, and ended up riding the tide of change to become pioneers of their era.

So why was she still empty-handed, stuck in such a difficult situation?

Lin Xiaoxiao walked back to the hospital feeling a little down. Before she even reached the gate, she heard someone call out:

"Xiaoxiao..."