Lin Zihao greeted Zhou Huaian, and the two walked out side by side.

Zhou Huaian told Lin Xiaoxiao to wait at the guesthouse—they had some business to take care of and would come back to pick her and Zhou Xiaoling up later.

Lin Xiaoxiao wasn't in a hurry. There was no such thing as docking her bonus or getting criticized for being late to work.

After Zhou Huaian and Lin Zihao left, Zhou Xiaoling and Lin Xiaoxiao ignored Hu Yaozong, who was still loitering nearby, and went into Li Yunlan's room.

Li Yunlan was lying in bed, looking worn out. Zhou Zhennan was wiping her face with a towel—clearly, she had been crying again. Just thinking about Zhou Xiaohong's marriage was enough to upset her.

Zhou Xiaoling pretended not to notice and cheerfully sat on the edge of the bed. "Mom, I got my wages today. You can have my food coupons and money—buy whatever you want."

Li Yunlan sat up slowly and smiled. "I have money. You save yours for your dowry."

Zhou Xiaoling shot a glance at Zhou Xiaohong. "Mom, I'm not getting married. I'm staying with you to keep you happy."

Li Yunlan ruffled Zhou Xiaoling's short hair. "Silly girl."

Zhou Xiaoling looked pointedly at Zhou Xiaohong again. "Even if I do get married, I'll make sure Mom and Dad approve. I won't bring some jerk home."

Zhou Xiaohong had been spacing out. She never expected to see Lin Zihao again.

She had only seen him once but had quietly liked him for a long time. She didn't even know his

name or anything about him, but that hadn't stopped her from falling for him at first sight.

The thought made her bitter. What right did she have to like anyone now?...

Zhou Huaian and Lin Zihao walked toward the fields at the edge of town.

Lin Zihao filled Zhou Huaian in on the suspicions surrounding the Hu family. "The only thing we're not sure about is who else in the Hu family is involved. But it's clear they're selling

information. I'll need to go to Beijing soon."

Zhou Huaian believed Hu Yaozong was the best lead. "Hu Yaozong is suspicious, spineless, and

hasn't been tested under pressure. He'll crack easily."

In other words, he was a coward.

Lin Zihao nodded. "That guy in the courtyard earlier? The one marrying your sister? What are the Zhous thinking, agreeing to let their daughter marry into the Hu family? Their reputation in Beijing is terrible."

Zhou Huaian wasn't concerned. "Not sure. Zhou Xiaohong is willing."

Lin Zihao wasn't one to gossip, but knowing Zhou Zhennan and Zhou Xiaocheng, he felt compelled to add, "The Zhou family has always had strong principles. How did they end up with a child like that?"

Personally, he rather admired Zhou Xiaoling—unspoiled, straightforward, and spirited.

After seeing Lin Zihao off, Zhou Huaian returned to pick up Lin Xiaoxiao.

Lin Xiaoxiao was curious. "How did Lin Zihao leave? The roads are still out. Is he hiking back over the mountains?"

Zhou Huaian nodded. "He has urgent business. He had to go back."

Before getting in the car, Lin Xiaoxiao asked Zhou Xiaoling again if she wanted a ride back. Zhou

Xiaoling waved her off. "No, it's fine. I already took time off. I'll go back tomorrow morning. Tonight, I'll stay with my mom."

She watched Zhou Huaian drive away with Lin Xiaoxiao before turning cheerfully back toward the guesthouse. It was only then that she noticed Zhou Xiaohong had followed her out and was

standing under the eaves.

She rolled her eyes. "You scared me! Can't you make some noise when you walk?"

Zhou Xiaohong hesitated. "Xiaoling, there's something I want to ask you."

Zhou Xiaoling didn't think much of it. "What is it?"

Zhou Xiaohong looked around and pulled Zhou Xiaoling into a quiet corner. "Do you know that man who came to see Big Brother earlier?"

Zhou Xiaoling looked suspicious. "Lin Zihao? Why do you ask?"

Zhou Xiaohong murmured, "Lin Zihao... so that's his name."

Zhou Xiaoling stared at her sister, looking her up and down. "What's going on? Do you know him?"

Zhou Xiaohong quickly shook her head. "No, no. I was just curious."

Zhou Xiaoling didn't understand. "Curious about what? You're not interested in him, are you?

Don't forget you're about to get married." She felt a twinge of jealousy—she had her eye on someone too, and now her sister was showing interest?

Zhou Xiaohong didn't answer and turned to leave.

But Zhou Xiaoling grabbed her arm. "Sis, be honest with me. Does Hu Yaozong have something on you? Tell me, I can help. It's not too late before you're married. Once you are, no one can help you."

Then she had a bold idea. "Sis, the way you asked about Lin Zihao... have you met him before?

He's single, you know."

Zhou Xiaohong's heart fluttered for a second, but then she thought about what she'd become and shook her head. "Don't talk nonsense. Everything's fine with me and Yaozong. There's no

need to worry."

Zhou Xiaoling was disappointed. Even after all that, Zhou Xiaohong was still refusing to see reason. She stamped her foot. "Fine, I give up. But don't come crying to me when that bastard

Hu Yaozong mistreats you." She stormed off, not wanting to deal with her sister anymore.

Zhou Xiaohong stood alone. The sunlight fell on her, but she only felt a bone-deep chill.

What young girl doesn't have dreams? She'd had hers—she'd seen Lin Zihao once years ago in Beijing. Then, once at a park with classmates, she saw him again talking with an old man by the lake. He stood tall and dignified, and from that moment, his image was etched in her heart.

Now, even if she didn't marry Hu Yaozong, she had no right to pursue happiness. Zhou Xiaoling was right—she had made her own choices....The roads were supposed to be repaired in two days, but continuous heavy rain caused flooding

in many areas.

Lin Xiaoxiao worried every day that their little house would leak. She dug a small ditch in front of the door to keep rainwater from flowing inside.

To get to work, she had to wear knee-high rubber boots, arriving soaked each way.

Zhou Zhennan and the others were also stuck at the town guesthouse. The bad weather made everyone's mood worse.

Li Yunlan grew increasingly irritable, occasionally throwing things and losing her temper—especially toward Hu Yaozong.

Zhou Zhennan knew this couldn't go on. He discussed it with Li Yunlan: "What if I take you to

Huaian and Anning's place? I'll come back for you when the roads are clear."

Li Yunlan readily agreed. "Let's go now. I can't stand the sight of that disgusting creature another minute."

Hu Yaozong was sitting right there. He heard every word, his face stiff, fists clenched tightly...