Zhou Huai'an watched the two women enjoying their meal when he suddenly remembered the matter concerning Lin Zihao. He brought it up casually, "Weren't you curious about why Lin Zihao got divorced?"

Lin Xiaoxiao had nearly forgotten. "That's right, why did he get divorced? Did he tell you?"

Zhou Huai'an nodded. "Because his wife didn't want to live apart. She wanted him to transfer back to Shanghai."

Lin Xiaoxiao was surprised. "Just because of that? Then his ex-wife was being rather unreasonable."

Zhou Xiaoling continued eating, but didn't miss a single word.

Lin Xiaoxiao asked again, "How did he and his ex-wife meet?"

Zhou Huai'an repeated Lin Zihao's words exactly: "They knew each other since childhood."

Lin Xiaoxiao glanced at Zhou Xiaoling. Seeing no change in her expression, she didn't press further. But she wondered: if the divorce happened despite good feelings, would those feelings resurface? If the ex-wife came back, would they reconcile? The thought was exhausting.

After lunch, Zhou Huai'an suggested they rest while he went out to take care of some business.

Lin Xiaoxiao didn't ask for details, assuming he was still investigating whether her fall was an accident or intentional.

Once he left, she invited Zhou Xiaoling—who had just finished washing the dishes—to lie down on the bed and chat. careful to avoid mentioning Lin Zihao for fear of upsetting her.

Zhou Xiaoling suddenly chuckled. "Sis, do you think I'm upset? It's okay, I'm not that fragile. I'm a woman soldier who's served on the plateau."

Lin Xiaoxiao nodded. "Exactly. And you're outstanding—anyone who ends up with you is lucky."

Zhou Xiaoling giggled, though she still felt a prick of sadness. But she was used to hiding her feelings to avoid worrying those who cared about her.

She had known for a while that Lin Zihao and his ex-wife were childhood sweethearts with a deep bond. Once, she had even seen him holding his ex-wife's hand, speaking softly, almost pleading—a side of him she had never seen before. In her eyes, Lin Zihao had always been as stern and unyielding as steel, strict and serious with his soldiers.

Maybe an eighteen-year-old shouldn't have met Lin Zihao, especially not in Tibet. Yet, one look and she felt as if she'd seen a whole lifetime with him.

She had liked him quietly, knowing he was married. When she heard about the divorce, she mustered the courage to come to Longbei. But when she finally saw him again, she didn't dare approach him. How could she just tell him she was the "dark little kid" who saved him from the snow in Tibet?

The thought frustrated her, so she pushed it aside. Turning to Lin Xiaoxiao, she said, "Sis, you and my brother have had a string of bad luck lately. You should really go find a Buddha to pray to."

Lin Xiaoxiao laughed. "Since when are you so superstitious? It's fine—I'll take these few days as a break. I've been exhausted from training lately. Haven't even had a chance to sleep in."

Zhou Xiaoling smiled. "Well then, it's perfect. I could use some rest too. Things have been so busy lately—even eating feels like a battle."

They chatted until they grew drowsy, their conversation fading in and out until both fell asleep.

His leg immobile, Zhou Huai'an sought out Lin Zihao, necessitating his help for even the simplest tasks.

Lin Zihao handed him the investigation results. "We looked into it again, and it still looks like an accident. We also spoke with several people—their stories are consistent. As for that Dai Xueming you mentioned, he wasn't at the front at the time; he was in the back moving rocks. He doesn't have a window of opportunity."

Zhou Huai'an wasn't convinced. "Xiaoxiao is certain someone stepped on her hand."

Lin Zihao rarely saw Zhou Huai'an so stubborn. "Is it possible it was accidental? In all the chaos, someone might've stepped on her without realizing."

Zhou Huai'an shook his head. "I believe Xiaoxiao. She wouldn't lie."

Lin Zihao felt like cursing. "I'm not saying she's lying. I'm asking if she might have been mistaken."

Zhou Huai'an still shook his head. "Investigate everyone who was there that day—look into all their connections."

Lin Zihao sighed. When Zhou Huai'an fixated on something, he wouldn't let go. He finally nodded in agreement but added a word of advice: "Don't be this stubborn in relationships, or you'll end up suffering. You don't want to wind up like me."

Zhou Huai'an was silent for a moment before replying, "Xiaoxiao isn't like Zhan Jing."

Lin Zihao pointed at him, unable to refute. He finally snorted. "I'll remember your words. I'll be waiting for the day you regret this."

Zhou Huai'an left Lin Zihao's office and stood silently by the roadside for a long time. He had to admit Lin Zihao had touched on his deepest fear: he was afraid Lin Xiaoxiao might suddenly disappear one day.

Unlike before, he could no longer calmly accept whatever she decided—whether she wanted a divorce or to make a life together. He had grown greedy; he wanted more. He wanted Lin Xiaoxiao to stay by his side, happy and lively, forever....When Lin Xiaoxiao and Zhou Xiaoling woke up, it was already mid-afternoon. Hearing movement next door, they assumed Zhou Huai'an had returned.

Lin Xiaoxiao got up, her back still aching slightly, and made her way to the next room after a moment.

Zhou Xiaoling lay lazily in bed, not moving, not wanting to interrupt her brother and sister-in-law's time together.

Lin Xiaoxiao gently stretched her shoulders as she entered. Seeing Zhou Huai'an sitting properly on a stool reading, she asked, "So? Any progress? I really don't think I've made any enemies.

Who would want me dead?"

It didn't make sense to her. She'd had conflicts with An Xiuyu, but surely that wasn't enough to justify killing her?

Zhou Huai'an shook his head. "No leads yet. But whoever did it will slip up eventually."

Lin Xiaoxiao thought that since Zhou Huai'an and the others could only investigate discreetly, it would naturally take time. Since she suspected Dai Xueming, maybe she could observe him herself.

She sat down across from Zhou Huai'an, about to pour some water, when she noticed he was sitting stiffly, acting unusually awkward.

She looked at him suspiciously. "Did you do something behind my back while you were out?"Zhou Huai'an quickly shook his head. "No."

"Then what's wrong? Some hidden condition—like hemorrhoids—making you sit so stiffly?" Lin Xiaoxiao looked him up and down, her eyes like X-rays, as if trying to see right through him.

Zhou Huai'an paused uncomfortably, then pulled out a neatly folded red scarf from his pocket and handed it to her. "I saw it on my way back and bought it for you."

Lin Xiaoxiao was stunned. She hadn't expected Zhou Huai'an to buy her a scarf. The color was awfully bright, but it was very fashionable for the time.

The last traces of gloom in her heart vanished. She took the scarf. "What made you think of buying a scarf?"

Zhou Huai'an pressed his lips together. "It looked nice, so I bought it."

Lin Xiaoxiao smiled at his bashful expression, but her heart suddenly ached. If she were to leave this world one day, would she be unable to let go of this man?