Lin Xiaoxiao's excitement did nothing to affect Zhou Huai'an, who remained expressionless as he listened to Third Grandpa.

What surprised Lin Xiaoxiao was that she had never deeply considered what era Zhou Huai'an had been born into.

She had only vaguely known that the country was not yet liberated at that time, with lingering resistance from certain factions and constant internal turmoil.

Zhou Huai'an had been born in the midst of that chaos.

Third Grandpa sighed nostalgically. "I still remember an official came to our village with his injured wife. She stayed to recuperate and wasn't picked up until the county had stabilized."

Remote as it was, their area was dominated by various independent warlords and landlords, making any official work exceptionally difficult.

Lin Xiaoxiao listened as if enchanted by a story. When she glanced back at Zhou Huai'an, his face was still detached.

She couldn't help but wonder what it would take to move this man.

By the time dusk fell, Lü Zhigang returned from making a phone call, still buzzing with energy.

"I'll make another call tomorrow to confirm. If it's true, what are you going to do?"

Zhou Huai'an shook his head. "I'm fine as I am. I don't have any plans."

Lü Zhigang was practically vibrating. "How are you not excited? I'm thrilled just hearing about it!

If they really are your family, you wouldn't have had to suffer so much."

Zhou Huai'an seemed puzzled. "Is my job not good enough now?"

Lü Zhigang thought for a moment. "Well, it's not that... I'm just really excited."

Zhou Huai'an stood up and lifted Little Zhu into his arms. "Let's go eat."

Lin Xiaoxiao quickly grabbed the milk powder and the boy's little metal bowl and followed.

In the cafeteria, they ran into Liu Mei, who rushed over when she saw Lin Xiaoxiao. "I'm so glad you're okay! I was so scared my legs went weak running back. I couldn't have taken another step."

She'd only relaxed after hearing that Lin Xiaoxiao had been rescued—and that Zhou Huai'an had been the one to save her.

Lin Xiaoxiao felt grateful. "I should be thanking you! I'll treat you to something good later."

Liu Mei waved her off. "No need, really. I just did what anyone would. I'm such a coward—I was too scared to go back."

Then she leaned closer and whispered, "Li Yinping is here. She's performing at the hospital tonight, and she'll be touring nearby units later this week. Want to go watch?"

It took Lin Xiaoxiao a moment to remember who Li Yinping was—then it hit her. The singer who had a crush on Zhou Huai'an.

Just perfect. Everything seems to be happening at once.

Lin Xiaoxiao's good mood from uncovering a major secret vanished instantly. Why was Zhou Huai'an such a magnet for women? What was so great about him anyway?

When she sat down, Zhou Huai'an had already brought over the food: a serving of rice and stir-fried potatoes for her, and cabbage with two steamed buns for himself.

Lin Xiaoxiao's tone turned pointed. "I thought you liked dumplings. Why didn't you get any?"

Zhou Huai'an paused. "Do you want dumplings? I'll get you some tomorrow."

Lin Xiaoxiao sniffed. "No, thanks. I'm sure they wouldn't be as good as someone's homemade ones."

Even with his emotional (dullness), Zhou Huai'an could tell there was subtext in her words—he just didn't know what had upset her. He chose to stay silent and focus on his meal.

Watching him, Lin Xiaoxiao gritted her teeth in frustration. It's always like this with him—I get worked up, and he doesn't even know why.

Then she caught herself. Why am I getting mad? I know he's clueless. Getting upset over this is pointless.

Just like that, her mood lifted. She picked up the metal bowl, fetched hot water, and prepared formula for Little Zhu.

Lü Zhigang, watching nearby, felt Lin Xiaoxiao's temper was more unpredictable than the weather in June. One moment she was angry, the next she was fine.

As they ate, someone approached, calling out brightly, "Zhou Huai'an, Lü Zhigang! I heard you were here."

The voice was clear and melodious, like a nightingale's song.

Curious, Lin Xiaoxiao looked up and saw a woman in a camel-colored coat, her hair tied in a high ponytail that gave her a crisp, efficient look. Though not strikingly beautiful, she carried an air of confidence and superiority that was hard to ignore.

Zhou Huai'an glanced at her but said nothing.

It was Lü Zhigang who stood up. "Well, if it isn't the songstress Li Yinping! What brings you to our humble corner?"

So this is Li Yinping, Lin Xiaoxiao thought silently.

Li Yinping smiled breezily, her eyes briefly sweeping over Lin Xiaoxiao. "Don't tease me.I'm here for the people (comfort performance)."

Lü Zhigang piled on the praise. "How dedicated! I never thought our high-society miss would be willing to endure such hardships."

Li Yinping's gaze returned to Zhou Huai'an, who was still focused on his meal, ignoring her completely—just like every other time they'd met. While everyone else flocked around her, Zhou Huai'an never gave her the time of day.

And that only made her more interested.

She had believed that with enough persistence, she could win him over. But before she could succeed, he got married—to the granddaughter of Elder Cheng, her father's political rival.

How could Li Yinping accept that? This trip was partly because she'd hoped to see Zhou Huai'an at the Second Institute. Running into him here was a surprise.

The woman sitting beside him must be Elder Cheng's granddaughter.

She's not even that pretty, Li Yinping thought, unable to suppress a slight sneer.

Seeing Zhou Huai'an's silence, Lü Zhigang continued making conversation. "Have you eaten yet, songstress? Would you like to join us?"

Li Yinping glanced at Third Grandpa and Little Zhu in his patched clothes, her eyes flickering with distaste. "No, thank you. I've already eaten. I just saw you and thought I'd say hello. There's a performance tonight—you should come if you have time."

After a few more polite exchanges and Lü Zhigang's promise to attend, Li Yinping glided away like a proud peacock.

Lin Xiaoxiao shot Zhou Huai'an a sharp look, her tone lilting with sarcasm. "Don't forget to go watch the performance later."

Zhou Huai'an frowned. He had noticed Lin Xiaoxiao's strange tone and the way she'd stabbed her lunchbox with her chopsticks when Li Yinping was standing there. Was she angry because of her?

Although socially clueless, Zhou Huai'an was highly observant and logical. He deduced that Li Yinping's appearance had upset Lin Xiaoxiao—though he didn't understand why.

After a moment, he offered an explanation: "I don't know much about music. I won't be going later."

But Lü Zhigang looked surprised. "Why not? It's Li Yinping! The 'Little Nightingale of the Military.'

So many people adore her."

Lin Xiaoxiao cut him a look. "Do you like her too?"

Lü Zhigang hesitated, neither admitting nor denying it. "She really does sing well. You'll see once you hear her, sis-in-law."

Zhou Huai'an glanced at the bandage on Lin Xiaoxiao's neck. "You should rest early after eating."

Lin Xiaoxiao's eyes sparkled as a thought seemed to occur to her. She smiled brightly. "Will you come back with me?"