When Zhou Xiaoling saw Geng Aiguo, her expression instantly darkened. "What are you doing here?" she snapped coldly. "Who invited you?"

Geng Aiguo hadn't wanted to come either—he was only here because his parents had ordered him to. His mother and father had already arrived.

Now, feeling publicly slighted by Xiaoling, his face tightened with anger. "You think I want to be here? I'm doing this out of respect for Uncle Zhou. Xiaoling, I'm trying to be civil since you're a woman, but keep this up and you'll regret it."

Xiaoling let out a sharp laugh. "Regret it? Fine, Geng Aiguo. I'll remember that. After today, we'll see."

Luo Anran tugged at Geng Aiguo's sleeve, trying to calm him. Once Xiaoling walked away, she frowned. "Why do you always have to argue with her?"

Geng Aiguo smirked. "What, does it bother you? Is it because she's Zhou Xiaocheng's sister? Does it hurt?"

Anran was getting angry herself. "Geng Aiguo, that's not fair. I married you, didn't I? What more do you want?"

His expression turned even uglier. "Touch a nerve, did I? You've always wanted to come back to the Zhou family, haven't you? Well, now you're here. Bet you're thinking how things could've been—if Zhou Xiaocheng hadn't died, you'd be married into this family. You'd be hosting today, not just another guest."

Luo Anran couldn't stand his constant insinuations. Every time Zhou Xiaocheng was mentioned, Geng Aiguo would make these snide remarks. He'd even ask whether Xiaocheng had ever held her, kissed her, touched her.

If she said no, he wouldn't believe her. "What kind of man was he?" he'd say mockingly. "He was with you for years and didn't even hold your hand?"

Life wasn't easy for Luo Anran.

Pushing those thoughts aside, she walked over to Lin Xiaoxiao and the babies. Li Yunlan, Zhou Liyun, and the housemaid were each holding a child dressed in identical little red coats and hats.

At first glance, the three babies looked exactly alike. "They're beautiful," Anran said, genuinely surprised. "And so identical."

Lin Xiaoxiao smiled. "Mom's holding the oldest, Qianqian. Aunt Liyun has the girl, An'an. The housemaid is holding Xuanxuan, the second son."

Looking closer, Anran could see the little girl was more delicate, and she resembled Lin Xiaoxiao quite a bit. "She's lovely," she said softly. "She looks like you."

Lin Xiaoxiao smiled proudly. "Everyone says An'an looks like me and the boys look like their father. But honestly, I think all three look similar."

When Anran heard the boys took after Zhou Huaian, she looked more closely. In their features, she could almost see a shadow of Zhou Xiaocheng. Her smile faded slightly, a faint wistfulness in her eyes.

Li Yunlan, sharp as ever, noticed Anran's expression. But whatever she was thinking, she was married now—and that meant she shouldn't entertain any other ideas.

"Aiguo's already taken his seat," Li Yunlan said politely but firmly. "You should join him. The banquet will begin soon."

Anran forced a smile and turned away.

When no one was nearby, Li Yunlan whispered to Zhou Xiaoling, "Keep your distance from Anran from now on. She's a Geng now—and everyone in the compound knows she dated your second brother. We don't need people gossiping."

Xiaoling nodded. "I understand, Mom."

Since Lin Xiaoxiao had just finished her postpartum month and the babies were still small, they were brought out for a brief appearance before being taken back home to rest.

Zhou Liyun and the maid went back with them to help with the children, while Zhou Xiaoling stayed to assist Li Yunlan with the guests.

Lin Wenbin, with nothing else to do, also returned with Lin Xiaoxiao. The moment they got home, all three babies started crying hungrily, one after another—each louder than the last.

Even An'an, who usually cried as softly as a kitten, had found her voice recently. Zhou Liyun and the maid hurried to the kitchen to prepare formula.

Lin Wenbin watched the three infants wailing in a row on the sofa and shook his head. "They're only a month old. Imagine when they start walking—these three could tear the house apart. And people say nieces take after their aunts. If An'an ends up with Zhou Xiaoling's temper, that'll be something."

Lin Xiaoxiao disagreed. "Don't say that. I'd be happy if An'an turned out like Xiaoling. I really admire her spirit."

Lin Wenbin chuckled. "I always thought you were plenty stubborn, but next to Zhou Xiaoling, you were practically a princess."

Lin Xiaoxiao felt like hitting him, but she understood. They'd grown up in different times and environments. She'd been spoiled and pampered—willful but not tough. Xiaoling, on the other hand, had grown up like wild grass in the compound—her parents were always busy, there were few toys or places to play, so she'd learned to be bold and resilient.

After a moment, Lin Wenbin added, "Actually, that's not a bad thing. If An'an is anything like Zhou Xiaoling, she won't let anyone push her around."

It was better for a girl to be strong.

Zhou Liyun came out with the bottles and overheard them. "Xiaoling is wonderful. She stands her ground and doesn't hold grudges. Whatever happens, she lets it go."

Then she sighed. "The only problem is she doesn't act like a 'proper' girl. She still doesn't have a boyfriend. I was asking around the compound the other day, and can you believe it? Someone actually had the nerve to look down on our Xiaoling! That Zhu family in the first row—their son has a face like a winter melon—said they wouldn't dare become in-laws with us. As if we'd ever consider them!"

Lin Xiaoxiao didn't know whether to laugh or sigh. "When did this happen?"

"A couple days ago," Zhou Liyun said. "I was out front sunbathing and asked Aunt Peng if her son was seeing anyone. Old Mrs. Zhu overheard and said—all sarcastic—'Oh, looking for a match for Xiaoling? She's so fierce—who'd dare marry into your family?'"

She imitated the woman's tone and sneering expression perfectly.

Lin Xiaoxiao couldn't help laughing. "Don't worry about it. Xiaoling wouldn't be interested in them anyway. Let them talk."

But Zhou Liyun was concerned. "What if this ruins Xiaoling's reputation? How will she ever find a husband?"

While they were talking, someone came running to the door. "Quick! Come quick! Xiaoling and Geng Aiguo are fighting—right outside the Gengs' house!"