After returning home, Lin Xiaoxiao watched Zhou Huai'an go about his usual routine—washing up, then doing the laundry—as if nothing had happened. Feeling a little mischievous, she decided to stir the pot.

"Aren't you even a little tempted to help Luo Caixia? Doesn't it bother you that Aunt Wang Ying might be hurt if she finds out?"

Zhou Huai'an paused his scrubbing. After a moment, he replied, "Aunt Wang Ying probably isn't completely in the dark. There's no way she didn't have some idea what Luo Caixia has been up to all these years. In a way, it's her tolerance that allowed things to get this far."

Xiaoxiao was surprised by his clarity. Now that he mentioned it, it made sense. Wang Ying must have known something—like all those rumors in the village about Luo Caixia and Zhou Huai'an seeing each other. Whether it was true or not, outsiders didn't know, but Wang Ying certainly did.

And yet she never said a word to clear the air.

Xiaoxiao walked over, squatted down, and pinched his cheeks playfully. "Well, well, I didn't expect you to be so perceptive. Why didn't you explain things to everyone before?"

Zhou Huai'an pressed his lips together. "Didn't think it was necessary. I assumed the rumors would die down on their own. I never thought she'd be so... persistent."

Xiaoxiao leaned in and kissed him. "You better keep that attitude. From now on, keep your distance from other women—no scandals allowed. Even though you're old and kinda dark, you're still a catch."

Zhou Huai'an, now officially "old and dark," fell silent. Was he really that old?

The next morning, to Xiaoxiao's surprise, someone at the clinic pulled her aside with gossip: Luo Caixia had packed up and left in the middle of the night.

Xiaoxiao didn't particularly care about Luo Caixia, but having her constantly underfoot had been irritating. Good riddance—hopefully she'd never see her again.

In a better mood, she settled at her desk, tidied up, and picked up the newspaper while waiting for patients. Then she glanced up and noticed Xiao Yan across from her—reading a chemistry book.

A chemistry workbook, no less.

Xiaoxiao's internal alarm bells went off. Who reads chemistry workbooks for fun? She must be studying for an exam. Had Xiao Yan also caught wind that the college entrance exams might be restored?

The more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed. Lately, Xiaoxiao had been studying every night and reviewing politics every morning. She'd been confident, almost certain of success.

But seeing Xiao Yan also preparing suddenly made her feel threatened. She couldn't afford to be complacent just because she had prior knowledge. This time, the exam would be open to everyone—no age or occupational restrictions. This country was full of hidden talent.

She had countless competitors.

Anxiety began to gnaw at her. She was so tempted to go over and feel Xiao Yan out.

Luckily, another doctor stopped by to chat with Xiao Yan. Noticing the chemistry book, she asked in surprise, "Why are you studying chemistry? Thinking of becoming a teacher?"

Xiao Yan smiled. "Oh, it's nothing. I've always liked chemistry, so I thought I'd review a bit. Look how interesting these experiments are."

The doctor wasn't convinced either. "I thought maybe you were preparing for the exams. I heard rumors the gaokao might be restored. Would we even be allowed to take it?"

Xiao Yan looked genuinely surprised. "Really? I haven't heard anything. Even if it were true, I wouldn't qualify—I only have a junior high diploma."

The doctor let it drop and switched topics—including, of course, Luo Caixia.

Xiao Yan was careful not to gossip, especially with Xiaoxiao nearby. She mostly listened, occasionally murmuring, "Really?"

That evening, Zhou Huai'an came home wondering why Xiaoxiao hadn't visited Li Yunlan at the hospital. Instead, he found her hunched over the small table, solving practice problems. She'd tied her bangs up in a little puff that bounced as she worked.

The table was already covered with filled worksheets.

Surprised, Zhou Huai'an sat down across from her and picked up one of the pages. Her handwriting was rushed but still elegant and strong.

Xiaoxiao barely glanced up. "Can you make dinner? I need to study. I can't let Xiao Yan beat me."

Zhou Huai'an didn't quite get the connection to Xiao Yan, but he knew better than to ask. He obediently went to cook.

After dinner, Xiaoxiao cleared the table and announced firmly, "From today on, I'm only sleeping five hours a day. The rest of my time—besides work—is for studying. Chemistry, physics, math... I need to review everything. Can you ask Lin Zihao if he can find me more practice tests?"

Zhou Huai'an knew how seriously she took the exam rumors, but this sudden intensity was new."Only five hours of sleep isn't healthy. And nothing's confirmed yet. There's no need to rush."

Xiaoxiao waved him off. "You don't understand. I need to be prepared. If the exams really are restored, it'll be a brutal competition. I'm not going in unprepared."

Especially not against Xiao Yan. She was going to crush her.

Any woman who had ever eyed her man was an enemy. She could hold a grudge.

Seeing she wouldn't be persuaded, Zhou Huai'an decided he'd just make sure she ate well enough to keep her strength up.

That night, Xiaoxiao suddenly sat up in bed. "Also, we need to cut back on... marital activities. They take up too much time."

Zhou Huai'an stayed silent. He wasn't willing to give that up.

And so Xiaoxiao buried herself in books, studying obsessively. She only visited Li Yunlan at noon, then rushed back to study.

Three days later, Li Yunlan had recovered enough to be discharged. She and Zhou Zhennan were preparing to return to Beijing.

Xiaoxiao decided they should at least have a meal together at home. She bought meat from town to make dumplings and prepare a few dishes.

While chopping filling in the yard, she looked up—and there was Zhou Xiaohong, pale and tired-looking, accompanied by a fair-skinned, handsome but shifty-eyed man.