Zhou Xiaoling, always drawn to drama, immediately grabbed Lin Xiaoxiao's arm. "Come on, let's see what's going on. Maybe there's a fight."

They pushed through the crowd and found two young men in flashy shirts blocking a girl's path, hurling crude insults. To Lin Xiaoxiao's surprise, the girl was Zhang Wanqing.

Zhou Xiaoling's temper flared at the sight of two men bullying a young woman. She rolled up her sleeves, ready to jump in, but Lin Xiaoxiao held her back. "Let's see what's really going on first."

She didn't know Zhang Wanqing well enough to understand why she'd drawn this kind of attention.

One of the men, with long hair, glared at Zhang Wanqing. "You think you can just walk away after what you did to Brother Lin? Do you have any idea who you're messing with?"

Zhang Wanqing's face was flushed with anger. "He got what he deserved."

"Listen here—Brother Lin's father runs the neighborhood committee. They can tear your house down anytime they want. You really think you can disrespect us like this?"

"How dare you!" Zhang Wanqing shot back.

"Just watch us. Now, you're going to go apologize to Brother Lin. He's still in the hospital waiting for you. Do the right thing, and maybe he'll treat you nice after."

Lin Xiaoxiao was starting to understand. Zhang Wanqing had attracted the attention of a local gang leader—someone who thought he could bully anyone he wanted just because his father had a minor official position. She'd fought back, apparently injuring him badly enough that his lackeys were now seeking revenge.

Zhang Wanqing had no patience for them. "Get out of my way."

One of the men sneered. "You think you're going anywhere?" He reached for her wrist while the other made a move to touch her face—Zhang Wanqing was known as the prettiest girl in the east district.

That was all Zhou Xiaoling needed to see. In broad daylight, these thugs thought they could manhandle a girl? She stormed over and kicked the one reaching for Zhang Wanqing. Worried she might be outnumbered, Lin Xiaoxiao quickly joined the fray.

In seconds, the two men were on the ground, rolling in pain yet still hurling threats. "You'll pay for this, Zhang Wanqing! Just you wait!"

Zhou Xiaoling wasn't having it. She delivered another sharp kick. "Keep talking and I'll knock your teeth out!"

Just then, someone in the crowd shouted, "The police are coming!"

In a flash, Zhou Xiaoling and Zhang Wanqing each grabbed one of Lin Xiaoxiao's hands and bolted toward the hillside. They ignored the shouts behind them, ducking into a wooded area and weaving through trees until the voices faded completely.

Zhou Xiaoling collapsed against a tree trunk, breathing heavily. "Wow... haven't done that in years."

Lin Xiaoxiao's heart was still racing. The whole thing had been terrifying yet weirdly thrilling—like flying with the wind screaming past her ears.

Zhang Wanqing was also catching her breath on the ground.

"We were in the right," Lin Xiaoxiao said between gulps of air. "Why did we run?"

Zhou Xiaoling wiped sweat from her forehead. "Doesn't matter who started it. If the police catch us, they'll report it to our workplaces and your school. We could get formal demerits."

Lin Xiaoxiao hadn't realized the consequences could be that serious.

After a moment, Zhang Wanqing spoke up. "Thanks, both of you. Let me treat you to a meal."

Zhou Xiaoling grinned. "No need! I know you're my sister-in-law's classmate. We can be friends."

Zhang Wanqing seemed surprised to learn Lin Xiaoxiao was married—they looked about the same age. But she just nodded. "I insist. There's a place nearby with amazing soup dumplings. Let's go."

Zhou Xiaoling's eyes lit up. "Where? Tell me!"

Lin Xiaoxiao found the whole situation surreal. One minute they were running from the police, the next they were planning a meal.

She turned to Zhang Wanqing. "Won't those guys come after you again?"

"They won't dare touch me in the city."

Zhou Xiaoling, ever the protector, frowned. "People like that are the worst. Does that 'Brother

Lin' often bother you? Doesn't your family do anything?"

Zhang Wanqing was quiet for a moment. "I don't have any family."

Zhou Xiaoling fell silent, not daring to ask more. Lin Xiaoxiao could tell there was more to Zhang Wanqing's story, but she didn't push.

After resting awhile, the three found another path down the mountain. They met no resistance—and no police.

Zhang Wanqing retrieved her bicycle and insisted on taking them for soup dumplings.

Before Lin Xiaoxiao could decline, Zhou Xiaoling eagerly agreed. "We're in! But it's my treat. You two are students—your ration coupons barely cover meals as it is."

Zhang Wanqing didn't argue. She led them to a small, unassuming eatery.

Along the way, Zhou Xiaoling kept the conversation going. By the time they arrived, Lin Xiaoxiao had learned that Zhang Wanqing was twenty-one, lived on Cherry Blossom Lane in the east district, and had a passion for exploring the city's food scene—a hobby she'd picked up from her grandfather.

Lin Xiaoxiao was fascinated. Here was a girl who carried obvious burdens, yet still found joy in the small pleasures of life.

The dumpling shop was tiny, with just three tables.

Zhang Wanqing ordered three baskets of soup dumplings and explained, "This place has been around for generations. They had to shut down for ten years, but the recipe survived."

Lin Xiaoxiao studied the dumplings—they looked familiar. Then it hit her: Zhou Xiaocheng had brought home exactly these same dumplings one morning.