Geng Aiguo was still on his wedding leave, over the moon about finally marrying the girl of his dreams. These past few days, he'd been practically glowing with happiness.

When he heard noises in the yard and looked out the window, he saw Zhou Xiaoling storming in with a shovel, heading straight for the cherry tree without a word.

He rushed outside. "Xiaoling! What are you doing?"

Luo Anran also noticed Xiaoling and hurried out after him. She looked both nervous and guilty at the sight of her old friend. "Xiaoling? When did you get back?"

Xiaoling stopped digging and straightened up, studying Luo Anran. The girl who had once been like a sister now felt like a stranger.

It still bothered her that Anran had married the snitch, but she quickly looked away. "Geng Aiguo! I'm taking back my cherry tree. Don't even try to stop me. And don't think you can mess with the Zhou family just because my brothers aren't here."

Geng Aiguo had always been a little afraid of Xiaoling—childhood trauma, really. She wasn't like other girls; she was tough as nails. He puffed out his chest, trying to sound firm. "What are you talking about? I've never disrespected your family."

Xiaoling snorted. "Setting off firecrackers right outside our gate on your wedding day—what was that supposed to mean? Don't tell me it was an accident. I know you, Geng Aiguo. You wanted to show off, didn't you? Well, let's see you show off now!"

Angrily, she hacked at the tree trunk, which was already as thick as a bowl.

Geng's face flushed red. He couldn't deny it—on his wedding day, he'd indeed asked his friends to set off firecrackers near the Zhou family's gate, just to annoy them.

It still ate at him that Luo Anran had been with Zhou Xiaocheng for years. Who knew what they'd done together? The thought drove him crazy, so he wanted the Zhou family to feel a little of that irritation.

It wasn't until their wedding night, when he confirmed that Anran was still a virgin, that he finally felt somewhat satisfied.

Now, watching Xiaoling angrily chopping at the tree, he wanted to stop her but was afraid she might turn the shovel on him. All he could do was repeat, "I really didn't know! I was busy with guests. It wasn't me who set them off!"

Xiaoling spat on the ground and delivered several more fierce blows until the tree was hanging by a thread. With one final strike, it toppled over. "Shut up, Geng Aiguo! The only reason I'm not beating you up today is out of respect for our parents. Otherwise, I'd smash your face in with this shovel!"

She glared at him, slammed the shovel into the ground a few more times for emphasis, and warned, "I'm back now. If you ever mess with the Zhou family again, I'll come for you."

Then she turned and walked away, shovel slung over her shoulder.

Luo Anran hesitated before chasing after her. "Xiaoling, wait!"

Xiaoling turned around, her expression unreadable.

Anran reached for her hand. "I know you're angry, but... I didn't have a choice."

Xiaoling shook her head. "Let's not talk about it. What's done is done. Just live your life. If he ever mistreats you, tell me. I'll deal with him."

Tears welled in Anran's eyes, but she smiled. "Okay. I was afraid you'd never speak to me again."

Xiaoling looked puzzled. "Why wouldn't I? I'm not mad that you got married—I'm mad that you married him. You could've chosen anyone else. Was he really the only option?"

She sighed. "Anyway, it's too late now. I'm not going to tell you to get divorced. Just be happy, and don't look back."

Anran nodded tearfully. Xiaoling waved a hand. "Wipe your tears. If Geng Aiguo sees you crying, who knows what that petty jerk will think? I'm leaving."

And with that, she walked off, shovel resting confidently on her shoulder.

Anran stood there for a long time before finally drying her tears and returning inside. She had buried Zhou Xiaocheng deep in her heart, but she also felt the distance growing between her and Xiaoling.

Xiaoling returned home in high spirits. She'd blown off steam, and as long as Geng Aiguo was unhappy, she was happy.

Not seeing Xiaoxiao downstairs, she asked, "Where's my sister-in-law?"

Li Yunlan was feeding An'an. "I told her to rest upstairs. She's still in confinement—she shouldn't be running around. And you—stop bouncing around like a monkey all day."

Xiaoling widened her eyes innocently. "What did I do?"

Li Yunlan sighed. "Did you take your anger out on the Geng family? Just don't cause trouble for Anran. We all live in the same compound. I don't want her to be caught in the middle."

Xiaoling nodded half-heartedly. "I know, I know. I'm going to see my sister-in-law."

As long as Geng Aiguo didn't provoke her, she'd leave him alone. But if he did—she'd be ready.

Li Yunlan shook her head as she watched Xiaoling bounce upstairs. "When will that girl ever grow up?"

Zhou Liyun smiled. "I think she's fine just the way she is. Carefree and full of life. Everyone loves her—she'll find a good husband someday, and her in-laws will adore her."

Li Yunlan felt a twinge of sadness at the thought of Xiaoling getting married. "We'll have to choose carefully. The last guy she liked was a bit too old for my taste... But as long as she's happy."

Zhou Liyun laughed. "You can't keep her at home forever. She's already twenty-six—practically an old maid!"

But Li Yunlan wasn't worried. In her eyes, Xiaoling was still that mischievous little girl. Whether she married or not, the Zhou family would always be there for her.

Upstairs, Xiaoling chattered away about how she'd put Geng Aiguo in his place. "Who does he think he is? If I weren't worried about making things hard for Anran, I would've punched him today!"

Xiaoxiao couldn't help but worry—if Geng Aiguo was as petty as he seemed, Anran's marriage would be difficult. Everyone who grew up together knew each other's histories. When Zhou Xiaocheng returned, how would Geng Aiguo handle it? The thought gave her a headache.

Xiaoling, however, was unbothered. She leaned over the crib and teasingly poked the sleeping baby. "Look at you, still snoozing! Grandma seems to like An'an more, you know. She's playing with her downstairs while you and your brother laze around."

Xiaoxiao laughed. "Don't stir up trouble! Grandma loves them all equally. An'an just doesn't sleep much, that's all."

Xiaoling grinned. "Do you think twins run in our family? Maybe I'll have twins too when I get married!"