Zhou Xiaohong was taken aback when Lin Xiaoxiao suddenly spoke to her. After a moment's surprise, she set her book down, looked at Lin Xiaoxiao, and shook her head. "No, thank you."

Lin Xiaoxiao kept smiling. "Auntie's steamed egg custard is really good. You should try some. Besides, it's no fun eating alone. I can't believe your brother went out without even telling me."

Zhou Xiaohong paused, and just when Lin Xiaoxiao was convinced she looked guilty, she stood up and walked over. She fetched a small bowl from the kitchen, scooped out half of the egg custard for herself, pushed the rest toward Lin Xiaoxiao, and sat down to eat in silence.

Lin Xiaoxiao watched her closely, still not touching her spoon. She was convinced her guess was right—there was something wrong with the egg custard.

When Zhou Xiaohong finished and saw Lin Xiaoxiao still hadn't eaten, she blinked. "Aren't you going to eat? It's really quite good. Don't you like it? Would you prefer something else?"

It was the longest sentence Zhou Xiaohong had said to her since she arrived. Lin Xiaoxiao began to doubt herself. Had she been wrong? Was the egg custard safe? Was that really just flour on the rim?

She forced a light laugh. "I'm not really hungry yet. I've gotten used to having your brother around when I eat. Without him, I just don't have much appetite."

Zhou Xiaohong nodded, her expression cool and unreadable.

After Zhou Xiaohong left, Lin Xiaoxiao quickly found a bag and carefully placed both Zhou Xiaohong's empty bowl and her own untouched portion of egg custard inside. She decided to ask Lin Wenbin to have it tested later.

Without proof, she couldn't accuse anyone. If it turned out to be a misunderstanding, she would only look petty and distrustful, upsetting Li Yunlan and Zhou Zhennan. After all, Zhou Xiaohong was their biological daughter.

She also couldn't tell Zhou Huai'an. He would probably storm over and grab Zhou Xiaohong by the throat demanding answers—he tended to lose all reason when it came to her and the babies' safety.

Just as she hid the bag, Lin Wenbin arrived carrying two bottles of liquor, along with canned food, milk powder, malted milk, chocolate, coffee beans, and even a coffee maker.

Lin Xiaoxiao stared at the mountain of gifts in amazement, giving him a light punch. "I've been craving coffee, and you bring this? You know I can't have any right now!"

Lin Wenbin looked amused. "It's not for you—you can have some later. I couldn't show up empty-handed for New Year's, could I? I got all this at the Friendship Store. This manual coffee grinder is surprisingly well-made. Here, I'll grind some beans so you can at least smell it."

Lin Xiaoxiao glared at him. Seriously, what kind of brother was he?

Not seeing anyone else around, Lin Wenbin asked, "Where is everyone? Are you here alone?"

Lin Xiaoxiao pointed upstairs. "Zhou Xiaohong's up there. Everyone else is out. Auntie's in the kitchen preparing the New Year's feast."

Lin Wenbin gave an acknowledging "oh" and didn't think much of it. He set the large coffee maker on a low cabinet near the dining table.

Lin Xiaoxiao moved closer, about to bring up the suspicious breakfast, when Zhou Xiaohong came downstairs and walked over. She seemed genuinely interested in the coffee maker.

Unaware of Zhou Xiaohong's past, Lin Wenbin—seeing her as his sister's sister-in-law—was polite. "Do you like coffee? Should I make you a cup?"

Zhou Xiaohong looked curious. "So this is what a home coffee maker looks like. I've had coffee at a restaurant in Beichen before. It wasn't very good."

Lin Wenbin waved a hand. "They probably didn't make it right. Try a cup of mine."

Noticing Lin Xiaoxiao standing awkwardly with her large belly, he shooed her away. "You can't even drink it. Why are you standing here? Go sit down."

Lin Xiaoxiao shot him a discreet glare before moving to the sofa. She watched as Zhou Xiaohong and Lin Wenbin chatted.

It was strange. Today, Zhou Xiaohong seemed different—almost as if she'd suddenly decided to be sociable.

Putting aside her prejudices, Lin Xiaoxiao had to admit Zhou Xiaohong was quite striking—tall and slender, wearing a beige turtleneck and brown straight-leg pants. She had a quiet, elegant air about her, with a natural bookishness that Lin Xiaoxiao usually admired. But remembering what Zhou Xiaohong had done, she sighed inwardly. Such a waste of a pretty face.

Lin Wenbin brewed a cup of coffee for Zhou Xiaohong, adding sugar and milk. The rich aroma filled the room. Lin Xiaoxiao covered her nose and leaned back on the sofa, shooting her brother a resentful look.

When Li Yunlan walked in, she sniffed the air and frowned. "Did something burn?"

Lin Xiaoxiao laughed. "My brother brought a coffee maker. He's making coffee."

Li Yunlan was intrigued by the foreign gadget and walked over for a closer look. She seemed to notice Zhou Xiaohong only then, watching her sip the coffee. After a brief glance, she turned to Lin Wenbin. "I've tried it before—tastes like bitter medicine. I don't know why foreigners like it so much."

Lin Wenbin thought for a moment. "It's a cultural thing, like how we enjoy tea. Once you acquire the taste, it's quite good. When I was abroad, I had a cup every morning. It kept me energized all day."

Zhou Xiaohong sipped her coffee quietly, listening to Lin Wenbin. The drink was indeed smooth, with a subtle sweetness lingering after each sip.

While they were talking, Zhou Huai'an and Zhou Zhennan returned together. Lin Xiaoxiao still hadn't found a chance to tell Lin Wenbin about the breakfast.

In the Zhou household, New Year's celebrations meant a simple lunch, a more elaborate dinner, and dumplings eaten around midnight.

After lunch, Zhou Huai'an was to accompany Zhou Zhennan and Zhou Bingwen to pay New Year's visits to several senior leaders in the compound—a chance for them to formally introduce Zhou Huai'an. Because of her condition, Lin Xiaoxiao stayed behind.

Li Yunlan went for her afternoon nap, and Zhou Xiaohong retreated upstairs to read, leaving only Lin Wenbin and Lin Xiaoxiao in the living room.

Lin Wenbin remarked thoughtfully, "The old men are paving the way for Zhou Huai'an. With a little backing from any of them, his career could take off."

Lin Xiaoxiao snorted. "Zhou Huai'an doesn't need connections. He's plenty capable on his own."

Her brother gave her a look of mock disdain. "Look at you, completely smitten."

Ignoring his teasing, Lin Xiaoxiao lowered her voice and told him about the suspicious incident at breakfast. "It's been bothering me all day. Can you have this tested for me?"

Lin Wenbin's expression turned serious. "You think someone in this house is trying to harm you?"