Lin Xiaoxiao thought hard for a moment. While she was climbing up, she had heard someone shout, "Xiaoxiao, be careful!" followed by a sudden exclamation. Then, a sharp pain shot through her hand, and she fell.

She shook her head. "No, I didn't recognize anyone else. Anyway, I hardly know the others. I only really dislike Dai Xueming. I feel like he's the most likely one."

Zhou Huai'an fell silent. He also knew that trainee named Dai Xueming and disliked him intensely as well.

But personal dislike wasn't enough to conclude that he was the culprit.

Lin Xiaoxiao sat up but felt an ache in her back, so she lay down again. Even lying down, her back still hurt. She asked Zhou Huai'an to help her turn over onto her stomach. "My back is itchy.

Can you scratch it for me?"

Zhou Huai'an hesitated. When Lin Xiaoxiao was unconscious, assisting her felt natural. But now that she was awake, he felt somewhat restrained.

Lin Xiaoxiao wriggled slightly, turning her head to look at him. "Hurry up! It's itchy right below the shoulder blade. Scratch it for me."

Reluctantly, Zhou Huai'an reached under her clothes and focused on gently scratching the spot.

Resting her chin on her hands, Lin Xiaoxiao closed her eyes contentedly and began recounting every detail of what had happened during the rescue operation—praising herself a little along the way.

While they were talking, Lu Yuanda and his wife entered the room.

Ruan Shuqin carried a food container and a bag of supplies. She hurried to the bedside and said, "You're finally awake! If you hadn't woken up soon, Xiao Zhou would have worried himself to death."

As soon as the door opened, Zhou Huai'an quickly withdrew his hand and stood up. When Ruan Shuqin approached, he stepped aside to make room.

Propping her chin on her hand, Lin Xiaoxiao smiled faintly at Zhou Huai'an. "Sis, what are you saying? If I hadn't woken up, Zhou Huai'an could've just found himself a gentler wife. Everyone says I'm a shrew, and anyway, he has plenty of admirers."

Ruan Shuqin laughed. "Don't talk nonsense! Lao Lu told me everything. These past few days have been really hard on Xiao Zhou. He was arranging to transfer you to a hospital in the provincial capital—even asked Lin Zihao to help find a vehicle."

Surprised, Lin Xiaoxiao glanced at Zhou Huai'an. "But my injuries aren't that serious. There's no need to go to the provincial capital."

Lu Yuanda sighed. "That's true. Several of us examined you and confirmed your injuries aren't severe. We just didn't understand why you hadn't woken up. That's why he was so anxious."

Ruan Shuqin smiled and waved at Lu Yuanda. "Alright, alright, you men go talk outside. I'd like to chat with Xiaoxiao for a bit."

After Lu Yuanda and Zhou Huai'an left, Ruan Shuqin took Lin Xiaoxiao's hand. "I never knew you were so brave! When I heard what happened, I was terrified. If anything had happened to you, think how heartbroken Xiao Zhou would have been."

Lin Xiaoxiao blinked, pretending not to understand.

Ruan Shuqin continued, "My Lao Lu told me he's never seen Xiao Zhou so panicked before.

When they carried you out of the vehicle, his hands were shaking. You know what he's like—he's seen everything. So, you two must take good care of each other."

Lin Xiaoxiao had already sensed that the older man was emotionally involved with her, but she hadn't been sure if it was heartfelt. This injury had unexpectedly revealed his true feelings.

She smiled and nodded at Ruan Shuqin. "Don't worry, Sis. We'll be just fine."

Ruan Shuqin smiled warmly. "I've always had a good feeling about you since the first time we met. I knew you were a remarkable young woman."

Lin Xiaoxiao blushed slightly at the praise. "I'm not nearly as good as you say."

Since her injuries weren't serious, Lin Xiaoxiao was advised to rest for a few days. The back pain would gradually fade, and she could still walk around. So, she decided to recover at home—staying in the hospital was too inconvenient.

Zhou Huai'an supported her as they walked slowly back. When they passed the hospital gate, the security guard called out, "Lin, there's a letter for you!"

Knowing she was injured, he kindly brought it out to her.

It was a thick envelope, almost like a book. Lin Xiaoxiao knew immediately it meant a new assignment. She quickly tucked it under her arm, thanked the guard with a smile, and continued on her way.

Zhou Huai'an glanced at the letter but didn't ask about it. Even after they arrived home, he still didn't mention it, which relieved Lin Xiaoxiao. She didn't want to have to lie to him.

She appreciated the space he gave her and happily slipped the letter under her pillow, planning to read it once he left.

Originally, she had been taking care of him, but now the roles were reversed. Watching him move around on crutches, she felt both touched and a little guilty.

At noon, Zhou Xiaoling arrived in her usual energetic manner, this time carrying a 30-pound bag of rice.

Lin Xiaoxiao's heart ached at the sight of Zhou Xiaoling, her face flushed and her hair damp with sweat. "You really didn't have to carry so much at once," she said.

Zhou Xiaoling waved it off. "It's nothing, I'm not tired."

She poured herself a large cup of cold water, drank it in one go, wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, and sat down by the bed. "I heard you were injured too," she said to Lin Xiaoxiao, who was propped up against a pillow. "I thought since my brother is also hurt, I should take some time off to help. Can't have the seriously injured taking care of the lightly injured."

Lin Xiaoxiao laughed. "I guess now it's the seriously injured taking care of the lightly injured.

Your brother is something else."

Zhou Xiaoling beamed with pride. "Of course! Whose brother do you think he is? So, what would you like for lunch? I'm not the best cook, but it's edible."

Lin Xiaoxiao didn't stand on ceremony. "Rice, please. I'd like some stir-fried cabbage too."

Zhou Xiaoling shook her head. "That won't do. I've got money—I'll buy some meat and treat you."

Since there was still time, Zhou Xiaoling chatted with Lin Xiaoxiao for a bit. "I called my parents a couple of days ago, and apparently my sister has moved out. Mom said she and Dad had some kind of argument. What do you think my sister is thinking?"

Lin Xiaoxiao was surprised. Hadn't Zhou Luming learned his lesson?

Zhou Xiaoling sighed angrily. "If she weren't my sister, I wouldn't want anything to do with her.

She's always had a princess complex, thinking everyone should revolve around her. She's constantly accusing Mom and Dad of favoritism, but I think they've always been fair."

She suddenly chuckled. "She always says they favor me, but I actually got beaten a lot more when I was little! I was naughty, and Mom never held back."

Lin Xiaoxiao laughed along, reminded of her own childhood mischief. Her parents had been more indulgent—her father always believed that if she hit someone, that person must have deserved it for provoking his sweet and obedient daughter. The memory brought a bittersweet ache to her heart.

After chatting a while longer, Zhou Xiaoling hurried off to buy meat and prepare lunch.

She was fast at cooking, though the flavor left much to be desired. Still, it was made with kindness, and Lin Xiaoxiao gratefully ate a full bowl of rice.