Zhou Huaian ignored Lin Xiaoxiao's teasing and answered seriously, "No one ever wrote me love letters. And I never received any handmade shoes."

Lin Xiaoxiao wasn't buying it. "I've heard plenty of stories—matchmaking aunties, superiors trying to set you up, doctors, nurses, even lead dancers from the song and dance troupe showing interest."

She couldn't help but bring up Li Yinping, the singer she'd mentioned before, and started teasing him about her all over again.

Zhou Huaian chose to say nothing. He knew whatever he said would only make it worse.

Lin Xiaoxiao loved seeing him flustered and speechless. She leaned back in her seat, giggling.

When they arrived at the guesthouse, Zhou Xiaoling was already there, wandering around the courtyard with a big watermelon in her arms.

"Big Brother, Sis-in-law, perfect timing!" she called out cheerfully. "I bought this watermelon, but I don't have a knife."

Lin Xiaoxiao laughed. "You could've put it down first and then looked for a knife. Wasn't it heavy to carry around?"

Zhou Xiaoling hugged the watermelon tightly and jerked her chin toward one of the rooms. "I don't want that bastard Hu Yaozong eating my watermelon. I don't even want him to see it.That's why I'm carrying it."

Lin Xiaoxiao tapped her arm lightly. "Language, young lady. What would Lin Zihao think if he heard you?"

Zhou Xiaoling groaned. "Sis-in-law, why did you have to bring him up?"

Curious, Lin Xiaoxiao asked, "He saved you, didn't he? Haven't you two kept in touch?"

Zhou Xiaoling sighed dramatically. "My brother is the strong, silent type—but Lin Zihao? He's an iceberg. Doesn't talk, and his vibe alone could freeze you solid."

She nudged Lin Xiaoxiao with her shoulder. "With everything going on in my family, don't start matchmaking for me too. Come on, let's go cut this watermelon."

They found a knife and brought the watermelon into the room. Zhou Xiaohong and Li Yunlan were sitting on one bed; Zhou Zhennan wasn't there. Hu Yaozong sat on the other bed.

When he saw Zhou Xiaoling carrying the watermelon, he stood up to help, but she shot him a glare. "Don't touch it. And you're not having any."

Hu Yaozong gave an awkward laugh. Then he noticed Zhou Huaian entering behind the others, and his smile stiffened before widening unnaturally. "Big Brother, Sis-in-law, you're here! Have you eaten? Should we all go into town?"

Zhou Xiaoling rolled her eyes. "We can afford our own meals. Why would we eat with you? Just looking at you kills my appetite."

Hu Yaozong wanted to strangle her. This annoying girl had never given him an inch since they were kids. But with Li Yunlan and Zhou Huaian present, he didn't dare react. He forced another laugh. "Xiaoling, still as sharp-tongued as ever, I see."

"You're wrong," she retorted coldly. "I'm only ever rude to animals."

Lin Xiaoxiao watched, amused. She liked Zhou Xiaoling's attitude—someone like Hu Yaozong didn't deserve courtesy.

In the end, Hu Yaozong took Zhou Xiaohong out to eat, while Zhou Huaian brought Lin Xiaoxiao and Zhou Xiaoling to a local food stall.

Zhou Zhennan brought back dumplings for Li Yunlan—neither of them was in the mood to eat out.

Zhou Xiaoling also loved the local specialty, potato fish—mashed potatoes mixed into dough, shaped into little fish-like strips, and served either stir-fried, in a sour soup, or with a spicy garlic and broth sauce.

Lin Xiaoxiao preferred hers with garlic-vinegar sauce and braised broth—tangy and spicy, perfect for a summer day.

Zhou Xiaoling liked the sour soup version, cooked with local pickled vegetables.

Worried Zhou Huaian might still be hungry, Lin Xiaoxiao bought two baked flatbreads to share.The three sat at a small street stall enjoying their meal.

Meanwhile, Hu Yaozong and Zhou Xiaohong ate at the state-run canteen next door.

The options in a small-town canteen were limited—dumplings, noodles, a few basic sauces.

Hu Yaozong frowned as he ordered two portions of dumplings and two bowls of noodle soup. "I can't stand this place," he grumbled. "It reeks of mutton, and everyone talks like they're straight off the (Loess Plateau). I don't want to spend another day here."

Zhou Xiaohong kept her eyes down and stayed silent.

Hu Yaozong wasn't in the mood to coddle her. He glanced around and through the window saw Zhou Huaian with his wife and Zhou Xiaoling eating at the outdoor stall.

He studied Zhou Huaian for a moment, then turned back to Zhou Xiaohong. "I heard your brother was quite accomplished. How did he end up stuck here doing security work?"

"I don't know. Ask him yourself if you're so curious."

Hu Yaozong's tone turned sharp. "Zhou Xiaohong, do you think you can talk to me like that? Look at yourself. Who else would want you besides me? You're not the prized Zhou family daughter anymore. Even Zhou Xiaoling seems more loved than you are."

Zhou Xiaohong bit her lip and said nothing.

Hu Yaozong snorted and turned back to look out the window—only to meet Zhou Huaian's gaze. Zhou Huaian seemed to glance over casually, bowl in hand, but Hu Yaozong felt a chill run down his spine.

He couldn't stay here. Zhou Huaian's eyes were too unsettling.

He wanted to avoid Zhou Huaian, but as they left the canteen, he ran into him again right outside the guesthouse. This time, Zhou Huaian was alone.

It would be rude not to acknowledge him, but Hu Yaozong's legs felt weak. He forced a smile. "Big Brother, finished eating? Would you like to come inside?"

It was meant as empty politeness, but to his surprise, Zhou Huaian nodded. "Alright."

Trapped, Hu Yaozong had no choice but to lead him to the room he shared with Zhou Zhennan.

Zhou Xiaohong didn't follow them in, instead going next door to her own room. Zhou Zhennan was also next door with Li Yunlan.

So the room was suddenly occupied only by Zhou Huaian and Hu Yaozong. Hu Yaozong's heart raced. He was used to hiding his guilt behind a calm face.

"Please, have a seat," he said, trying to sound hospitable. "Sorry the room is so basic. Smoke?" He pulled out a pack of Hademen filter cigarettes—a premium brand from Beijing—and offered one eagerly.

Zhou Huaian waved a hand. "I don't smoke. Let's just talk."

Beads of sweat formed on Hu Yaozong's forehead. What did they have to talk about?

He kept the overly bright smile on his face. "Of course. I was so angry when Xiaohong told me what happened to you. If you hadn't been switched at birth, you would've been my brother-in-law."