Old Master Cheng patted Lin Xiaoxiao's hand cheerfully. "Good, good. It feels like just yesterday you were a child, and now you're already married. Seeing the two of you doing well puts my mind at ease."

As for what Xiaoxiao had done in the past, the old man had only been angry at the time. Later, he came to understand—during those turbulent years of chaos, it was inevitable for a child to make wrong choices.Besides, in a way, it had protected her. Otherwise, she would have had to follow him to the countryside and suffer.

The reason Cheng Yuanmin doted on Lin Xiaoxiao so much was also because she looked the most like her late grandmother.Xiaoxiao's mother had abandoned her almost immediately after giving birth, upon hearing the news that Xiaoxiao's father had died in service, and remarried.As soon as Cheng Yuanmin found out, he took the infant Xiaoxiao in and raised her himself.

Lin Xiaoxiao stole a glance at Zhou Huai'an, whose expression remained serious and unreadable. Satisfied that he probably hadn't said anything unnecessary in front of the old man, she nodded obediently."Grandpa, I was too immature and selfish before. Now that I'm married, I will definitely live properly with Huai'an."

Cheng Yuanmin nodded with satisfaction. "The man I chose won't be wrong. He may not give you riches, but he can keep you safe and secure. That was all I ever wished for you."His words brought a warm sting to Lin Xiaoxiao's eyes—it was the first time since coming to this world that she had felt the warmth of family.

Zhou Huai'an spoke up, "Grandpa, this isn't the best place to talk. Shall we find somewhere to sit down?"Cheng Yuanmin agreed readily. "Yes, let's sit. Just seeing you both well makes me happy."

They didn't go far, just to a state-run restaurant nearby where they requested a small partitioned room. A curtain provided a degree of privacy.While Zhou Huai'an went to order food, Cheng Yuanmin looked gently at Lin Xiaoxiao. "Is Huai'an good to you? If not, you tell me. I'll straighten him out."

Ever since Zhou Huai'an left, Lin Xiaoxiao had felt a nervous tension. Under the old man's kind gaze, she sensed a penetrating sharpness—as if he could see right through her soul.She tried her best to act like the original owner. "He's very good. It was me who was too foolish before... I hurt you."She lowered her head guiltily, offering an apology on behalf of the original host.

The old man smiled. "The situation forced your hand. What you did was right—in difficult times, one must choose what's best for oneself."Lin Xiaoxiao agreed with the sentiment, but not the original host's actions. "But I still never should have abandoned you. How could I be so heartless? I was too young to think clearly then, and now I regret it so much. Grandpa, if life could start over, I would definitely stay with you."

Hearing her childish yet earnest words, Cheng Yuanmin's last trace of doubt vanished. She had grown up, but still retained that naive sincerity."Silly child, your grandpa wouldn't want you to suffer with him. If we really could start over, I would still want you to make the same choice."

Lin Xiaoxiao's eyes reddened as she smiled, deeply moved by the old man's selfless love.Still, she felt a wave of relief when Zhou Huai'an returned. Lying to him was one thing—but deceiving such a kind old man filled her with guilt.

Cheng Yuanmin chatted cheerfully with Zhou Huai'an, mostly about work, advising him to stay humble and cautious, avoid taking sides, and focus on doing his job well.Lin Xiaoxiao sat stiffly beside Zhou Huai'an, back straight and hands on her knees, not daring to fidget under the old man's observant gaze.

As her mind wandered during their conversation, Cheng Yuanmin suddenly turned to her."Xiaoxiao, I'm so glad you're studying medicine. Study hard—be a remarkable doctor like your grandmother."

Hearing her name, Lin Xiaoxiao snapped to attention. "Don't worry, Grandpa. I will study hard. I won't let you or Zhou Huai'an down."Cheng Yuanmin nodded contentedly. "Good. Your grandmother would have been very happy."

Lin Xiaoxiao reflected quietly—the original host's grandmother had been a talented and gentle doctor who treated the original host very well. Unfortunately, she was in poor health and passed away when the original host was five or six.

Cheng Yuanmin was a busy man. After the meal, he prepared to leave in a hurry. Before going, he handed Lin Xiaoxiao a newspaper-wrapped package."Huai'an mentioned over the phone that you're studying medicine. These are some of your grandmother's notes. See if they're useful to you."

Lin Xiaoxiao was touched. Notes left by senior doctors were incredibly valuable, especially from someone like her grandmother, who had been quite well-known."Grandpa, these are too precious."

Cheng Yuanmin smiled gently. "They have no value sitting idle. Their worth is realized only when you learn from them and use them to help others. That would not— not waste your grandmother's efforts."

Lin Xiaoxiao received the package almost reverently. The old man patted her head. "Good child. Do well."

After Cheng Yuanmin's car drove away, Lin Xiaoxiao turned to Zhou Huai'an. "Aren't you leaving?"Zhou Huai'an paused. "There's no return bus tonight. I'll go back tomorrow morning."Lin Xiaoxiao beamed. "Then I'll stay with you tonight!"Without waiting for his reaction, she hugged the box and hurried back to the partitioned room.

She unwrapped the newspaper, revealing an exquisitely carved sandalwood box—likely wrapped to avoid drawing attention.Pressing the brass clasp, she opened it. Inside were two or three yellowed handwritten journals filled with neat fountain-pen notes recording rare clinical cases and treatments.

Lin Xiaoxiao was amazed. These were incredible—full of knowledge she'd never encountered. Compared to diagnosis, she was more skilled in surgery.Beneath the journals lay a jadeite necklace and a pair of jade bracelets. Their color and translucency were top-quality—old mine, ice type.

She stared at the jewelry for a long moment. For these to have survived through those years, still perfectly preserved, was no small feat. It seemed Old Cheng had his ways.Since these were meant for the original host, Lin Xiaoxiao quickly closed the box, afraid she might be tempted to keep them for herself.

Zhou Huai'an had followed her in. Watching her fascinated, almost greedy expression, and then her struggle and final decision to close the box, his steps softened.He sat down across from her. Before he could speak, Lin Xiaoxiao leaned in, chin in hand, and asked with a smile:"So... did you miss me these past four days?"