After the Lin family's visit came and went, Zhou Xiaoling continued to live happily with the Zhous, seemingly the least affected by the whole affair.

By early April, Lin Xiaoxiao had received her acceptance letter from the prestigious Beijing University Medical School. All across the country, people working in the fields were receiving similar letters, becoming the first cohort of students admitted after the reinstatement of the national college entrance exams.

Li Yunlan held the acceptance letter, gazing at it over and over. "Well now," she kept saying, "we've got a university student in our family. Our Xiaoxiao is really something."

Even Zhou Bingwen, who was usually a man of few words, took the letter and examined it carefully several times. Then, hands clasped behind his back, he went out for a walk to the veterans' activity center. To every acquaintance he met, he'd casually bring it up: "The college exams are back this year—did anyone in your family take them?"

"Our Xiaoxiao—you know, my granddaughter-in-law—got into Beijing University's medical school. Top of her province, too."

He mentioned it to everyone as if it were just ordinary news, but everyone could tell: Old Man Zhou was boasting. And rightfully so—getting into university was no small feat, especially now.

Quite a few kids in the compound had taken the exam, but only a handful made the cut. After all, many had their studies interrupted for years. Even among those who got in, none had scored as high as Lin Xiaoxiao.

Lacking confidence in their results, lots of examinees had played it safe and applied to less competitive schools. So when they heard about Xiaoxiao, everyone congratulated Zhou Bingwen, bringing a rare, proud smile to the stern old man's face.

Zhou Zhennan couldn't resist calling a few close friends to share the news—he was simply bursting with pride.

As for Zhou Liyun, she made sure to mention it to everyone she met while out with the babies for some sun.

Even Cheng Mingzhong and Li Jing, who lived nearby, heard about Lin Xiaoxiao's acceptance. Li Jing couldn't hide her envy. "How did Xiaoxiao turn out to be so exceptional? But then again, she always did look like a clever girl."

She then shot a disapproving glance at Lin Hongyan, who was sitting idly on the sofa.

After all the trouble caused by Cheng Mingyue and Lin Dalong, Cheng Mingyue's husband Lin Yushan hadn't even shown up. And Lin Hongyan showed no intention of leaving—she just ate meals on time and sat around doing nothing.

It frustrated Li Jing to no end, but Cheng Mingzhong warned her not to say anything. If they drove the girl away and something happened to her, the Lin family would hold them responsible.

Li Jing understood, but it didn't make it any easier to hold her tongue.

Cheng Mingzhong was also surprised Lin Xiaoxiao had done so well. The exam was organized on short notice, but it truly reflected the students' abilities.

Li Jing, however, couldn't help wondering: "Do you think the Zhou family might have pulled some strings?"

She'd always heard Lin Xiaoxiao was a mediocre student, even a rebellious one.

Cheng Mingzhong's face darkened. "Is it so hard to believe she's just that good? Don't spread baseless rumors—you could cause trouble for the Zhous and Xiaoxiao."

Li Jing quickly nodded. "Don't worry, I understand. I was just curious. But your sister really lacked foresight—giving up a daughter like that! If I had a child like Xiaoxiao, I'd give her anything she wanted."

Cheng Mingzhong had repeatedly told her not to try and cozy up to the Zhou family, so after the full moon banquet, Li Jing hadn't seen Lin Xiaoxiao again. She had, however, run into Zhou Liyun a few times outside, each time with a different baby.

Just thinking of those three chubby, doll-like children made Li Jing sigh with envy. "Xiaoxiao is so blessed. She gets to attend a top university right here in the city, gave birth to triplets, and all three are healthy and beautiful..."

Cheng Mingzhong, who hadn't seen the children himself, was still intrigued. "That's wonderful. Let's bring some eggs over when we have more."

"I've been saving them," Li Jing agreed.

Part of her—a pragmatic, somewhat calculating part—felt that even if they didn't openly curry favor with the Zhous, being kind to Xiaoxiao and her children might pay off someday. If they ever needed help, surely the Zhou family wouldn't refuse.

And even without asking for anything, just being known as relatives of the Zhous had made the neighbors treat them with more respect. People could be so practical.

Lin Hongyan listened to all this, seething with resentment. She couldn't believe Lin Xiaoxiao was going to university, or that her three babies had survived.

The more she thought about it, the more jealous she became. But with her mother and brother awaiting sentencing, she had no leverage left. All she could do was curse inwardly—there was nothing else she could do.

After marveling at Xiaoxiao's luck, Li Jing remembered one thing that wasn't so perfect:

"Xiaoxiao's husband has been gone for over two months. When is he coming back? With things getting more tense over there... you don't think anything will happen, do you?"

Cheng Mingzhong frowned. "Don't imagine the worst. And even if something did happen, border duty isn't a game—soldiers can't just come home whenever they want. Some don't return for years. Don't bring this up around Xiaoxiao—and don't go stirring up trouble."

Li Jing rolled her eyes. "I know, I know. I'm just worried."

After all, how could heaven bless one person so much? Surely something had to go wrong eventually.

Li Yunlan felt such joyful news called for a celebration—a banquet with several tables of guests.

Even the usually reserved Zhou Bingwen agreed. "Invite our close friends in the compound and a few of Xun's uncles. We'll have a dinner at home."

Lin Xiaoxiao felt a little embarrassed. "We just had the full moon banquet. Isn't an acceptance party too much?"

But Li Yunlan waved her off. "What's the harm? It just means our family has lots to celebrate. Besides, we won't be accepting any gifts."

Zhou Liyun agreed. "Exactly. Xiaoxiao is the first in her generation to get into university on her own merit."

That wasn't something everyone could say—many of her peers had been admitted through recommendations, which wasn't quite the same.

Zhou Xiaoling also joined in, enthusiastically supporting the idea.

Seeing how much everyone wanted to celebrate, Lin Xiaoxiao didn't have the heart to refuse.

After confirming Xiaoxiao's acceptance, Lin Wenbin formally resigned from his teaching position. His resignation letter was sincere and moving: he explained that he still hadn't regained his memory and had no knowledge of his field. Staying at the university, he wrote, would be a disservice to his students. He decided to step down until the day his memories returned.

The school held a meeting and agreed it was inappropriate for him to remain, given his circumstances. It was a pity—such a talented neuroscientist, now lost to academia.

When Lin Xiaoxiao heard how he'd resigned, she didn't know whether to laugh or sigh. "All those months of acting... you really had to put on a show."

Lin Wenbin shrugged. "It wasn't so bad. I learned a lot about this era. Just you wait—I'll go south and make us a fortune. Enough to fulfill all your wishes."