Lin Xiaoxiao's first day of class went smoothly. She found her classroom without trouble and picked up her textbooks.

As she had expected, her classmates came from all over the country. Only a few looked relatively well-off; most had sallow, gaunt complexions—clear signs of malnutrition. Some even wore patched clothes. There were also several older students who appeared to be at least in their mid-thirties.

Wanting to keep a low profile, Lin Xiaoxiao took a seat in the back row and kept mostly to herself.

It was interesting, though, to listen to the conversations around her, filled with a mix of dialects and accents.

One student, a woman in her late twenties, stood out. She spoke with a soft, melodic tone and often started her sentences with "Ālā"—a typical Shanghainese expression. Dressed in a white blouse and a red plaid pinafore dress, she was lively and sociable. She introduced herself confidently: "I'm Meng Xiaona, from Shanghai."

She greeted almost everyone around her and soon made her way to Lin Xiaoxiao. "Hi, I'm Meng Xiaona, from Shanghai. And you?"

Not wanting to seem rude, Lin Xiaoxiao looked up and smiled. "I'm Lin Xiaoxiao."

Meng Xiaona was struck by her smile. She had already noticed Lin's fair skin when she was looking down, and had guessed she might be pretty—but hadn't expected such a dazzling smile. For a moment, Meng was stunned, then frowned slightly. "You look so familiar... Are you from Shanghai?"

Lin Xiaoxiao shook her head. "No, I'm from Gansu Province. But my husband's family is from Beijing."

Meng Xiaona still looked puzzled. "I really feel like I've seen you somewhere. Have you ever been to Shanghai?"

Lin Xiaoxiao thought about it. Even the original owner of this body had never left Longbei City—she certainly hadn't been to Shanghai. "Maybe I just have one of those common faces," she replied lightly.

"No, no," Meng insisted, studying her more closely. "You're too pretty to have a common face. I'm sure I've seen you before. I'll have to think about it..."

She returned to her seat, but kept glancing back at Lin Xiaoxiao, even tapping her forehead as if trying to jog her memory.

Lin Xiaoxiao didn't think much of it. Many people look alike, and as far as she knew, neither her family nor Cheng Mingyue's had any relatives in Shanghai.

After morning classes, Lin Xiaoxiao headed to the cafeteria with her lunchbox. Meng Xiaona followed, glancing at Lin's spotless white sneakers and neatly ironed clothes—clear signs that her family was doing well. "How come you got married so young?" Meng asked. "Was your husband an educated youth assigned to your village? Did you take the college entrance exam together?"

Not in the mood to share personal details with a stranger, Lin Xiaoxiao simply smiled. "No, I took the exam on my own."

Meng wasn't easily deterred. "You must be really smart, then. I had to get a tutor before the exams. So... did your husband move back to the city?"

Lin Xiaoxiao didn't answer and quietly joined the cafeteria line.

Meng followed again. "Are you not living on campus?"

Annoyed by the intrusive questions, Lin Xiaoxiao pretended not to hear and didn't even turn around.

Meng Xiaona finally got the hint and backed off, though not without some private grumbling. So haughty for someone from the countryside. If she hadn't married a Beijing man, she'd probably never have made it to the capital. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that she'd seen Lin somewhere.

After getting her food, Meng took her lunchbox back to the dorm, while Lin Xiaoxiao found a quiet spot in the garden to eat alone.

The afternoon passed busily with more classes, and Meng was too occupied to bother Lin again.As soon as school ended, Lin Xiaoxiao rushed home. She hadn't seen her three babies all day and had felt distracted all afternoon, like something was missing.

She was wheeling her bicycle out of the school gate when she saw Zhou Xiaoling standing on tiptoe, waving enthusiastically. "Sis! Over here!"

Lin couldn't help but laugh. Zhou Xiaoling never missed a chance to remind everyone that Lin was married—as if personally safeguarding her for Zhou Huaian. She really takes her duty seriously.

Lin rode over and stopped beside her. "What are you doing here? Your training school is pretty far away, isn't it?"

Zhou Xiaoling grinned. "I finished early today. We don't have many afternoon classes, so I thought I'd come pick you up."

They cycled home together while Zhou Xiaoling chattered away. "How was your first day? Anyone bother you? If anyone gives you trouble, just tell me—I'll take care of them."

Lin Xiaoxiao laughed. "You make me sound so helpless. Don't worry, the teachers and students are all nice." After all, everyone here had fought hard to get into college—this was their chance to change their lives. Nobody would dare make trouble openly. Even if some had less-than-good intentions, they kept them well hidden beneath a façade of progress and positivity.

Zhou Xiaoling seemed reassured. "Well, just remember—if anyone messes with you, I've got your back."

On their way home, they bought some roasted sweet potatoes from a street vendor.

One nice thing about this era was that the streets weren't crowded with cars. The alleyways offered a shortcut, and it took them only about forty minutes to bike from the school to the compound.

The sun had just dipped below the horizon when they arrived.

Li Yunlan was standing at the gate, holding one of the babies. "Look who's back—it's Mama!" she cooed.

The baby was still too small to be held upright, so Li Yunlan supported her carefully with one arm.

Zhou Xiaoling exclaimed, "Why'd you bring her out here?"

Li Yunlan sighed affectionately. "This little one—her brothers ate and fell right asleep. They're happy lying on the couch playing. But not her... As soon as she's full and rested, she cries unless I bring her outside."

Lin Xiaoxiao was amused. She parked her bike and came over to look at her daughter. The baby's eyes were still unfocused, wandering vaguely around as her tiny lips pursed.

"Aren't you a little young to be so curious?" Lin said softly. "What are we going to do with you when you're older?"

Li Yunlan beamed. "It means she's clever! You'll see—our little An'an is going to be a smart one."

They went inside together, and this time, the baby seemed content now that everyone was home. She lay on the couch, kicking her legs happily and trying to fit her small fist into her mouth.

After changing and washing up, Lin Xiaoxiao came back downstairs and took turns holding each of the children. She shared stories about her day at school with Li Yunlan, and even Zhou Zhennan came out of his study with a cup of tea, sitting quietly and listening.

The family was enjoying this warm moment when suddenly, loud arguing and commotion broke out just beyond the gate.

Zhou Xiaoling, always eager for action, was the first to dash out and see what was happening.