With Cheng Mingyue's sentencing finalized, Li Jing began hinting—both openly and subtly—that it was time for Lin Hongyan to leave. But Lin Hongyan was reluctant. Even though living here meant enduring Li Jing's coldness, her uncle Cheng Mingzhong still treated her kindly.

Besides, if she went back now—with both her mother and brother in prison—she'd be the laughingstock of her hometown.

So she dug in her heels. She told Li Jing she was too scared to make the several-day train journey back alone. Li Jing had no choice but to let her stay.

When Lin Hongyan heard that Zhou Huaian was dead—missing was as good as dead in her eyes—she felt a thrill of excitement. She couldn't wait to see Lin Xiaoxiao's world fall apart. Let's see how proud she acts now.

Lin Xiaoxiao fell into a deep, long dream.

In it, she brought Zhou Huaian back to her own world—a world of advanced technology.

Zhou Huaian looked at everything with wonder. He was afraid to step too hard on the gleaming floors. "Is this... the world forty years from now?" he asked, disbelief in his voice.

Smiling, Lin Xiaoxiao took his hand and explained every appliance to him.

"This one cooks rice. This is for toasting bread. And this is a dishwasher..."

Zhou Huaian looked stunned. "No one has to wash dishes by hand?"

"That's right," Lin Xiaoxiao said, nodding. "There are little helpers for all the chores. See that robot over there? It cleans the floor every day."

She took him to the finest restaurant, where they sat by the window, listening to music and gazing at the glittering city lights below.

Zhou Huaian grew quiet, his initial curiosity fading into silent unease.

Lin Xiaoxiao knew he felt out of place—overwhelmed by this strange new world. She held his hand as they walked down the street. "You should be happy. All of this exists because of what your generation fought for. We can enjoy these comforts in peace because of the blood you shed."

Even in her dream, she wondered why she was saying something so emotional. It moved her to tears.

Then, standing before her, Zhou Huaian's image began to fade, growing blurry until he disappeared entirely.

Lin Xiaoxiao jolted awake, sitting up suddenly and gasping for air.

Zhou Lingling had kept watch day and night, terrified that Lin Xiaoxiao might wake alone or do something desperate.

Seeing her sit up so abruptly, she rushed over. "Sis! You're awake! Are you okay?"

Lin Xiaoxiao blinked back tears. As her vision cleared, she knew the dream was over. Hiding from reality wouldn't solve anything.

After a long silence, she said, "Lingling, I'm hungry."

Relieved and worried at the same time, Zhou Lingling nodded eagerly. "Okay! Okay! I'll tell the nanny to make you something!"

She ran out, calling, "Auntie! Quick! My sister-in-law is awake—she wants food!"

Before Lin Xiaoxiao could get out of bed, Zhou Liyun and Li Yunlan hurried in. Seeing her awake and alert, they finally relaxed.

Li Yunlan hugged her tightly. "Thank goodness you're alright. You scared us to death."

Still somewhat dazed, Lin Xiaoxiao noticed the new redness in Li Yunlan's eyes and the extra grey hairs at her temples. However sad she felt, she couldn't add to their burden. She hugged her back. "I'm fine, Mom. I just slept for a while."

Zhou Lingling corrected gently, "You slept for three days, sis. You really worried us."

"Three days?" Lin Xiaoxiao could hardly believe it.

Li Yunlan nodded. "Yes, three days. And your father called—Huaian has been found. He's safe. Your dad is on his way back."

Lin Xiaoxiao was skeptical. It had all sounded so serious before.

Zhou Lingling chimed in, eyes red-rimmed. "It's true, sis."

Lin Xiaoxiao paused. "Then... why isn't he coming home?"

Li Yunlan's voice was soft. "He has his duty. He can't return until his mission is complete."

Logically, Lin Xiaoxiao understood. Emotionally, it was hard to accept.

Zhou Lingling changed the subject. "While you were asleep, Qianqian and Xuanxuan had diarrhea, and An'an cried unless someone held her."

Lin Xiaoxiao immediately tried to get up to see them.

Li Yunlan stopped her. "Don't rush. They're sleeping now, and they're much better today. You've been in bed for three days—you must be sore. Move slowly."

With Zhou Lingling's help, she went downstairs. The three babies were sleeping side-by-side in a small bed in the living room.

Zhou Liyun said gently, "Children sense their mother's heart. When you were unwell, so were they. Now that you're better, they're resting peacefully. Remember, Xiaoxiao—whatever happens, you must think of them first."

Lin Xiaoxiao gazed at her children, still amazed she'd slept for three days. The dream had felt so real—showing Zhou Huaian her world, his cautious curiosity, everything.

The nanny brought a bowl of wontons. Under everyone's caring gaze, Lin Xiaoxiao ate every last one, broth included.

Zhou Liyun smiled, satisfied. "That's good. You children are blessed. Your family and future will be full of happiness."

That evening, Zhou Zhennan returned, travel-weary and carrying his briefcase.

As soon as he entered, he said, "You can all relax. Huaian is safe."

Even though he'd called ahead, hearing it directly from him lifted a weight from everyone's shoulders.

Only then did Lin Xiaoxiao feel tears welling up. She rubbed her eyes, looking at Zhou Zhennan, eager for more details.

He sat down, not even stopping for water. "Huaian was missing for a week. They'd nearly lost hope—that's why they notified us."

It was a warning—a preparation for the worst. Zhou Zhennan had gone expecting to bring his son's belongings home.

But then, everything changed.

Zhou Huaian had used the enemy's own radio to contact headquarters.

Zhou Zhennan's eyes grew moist with emotion. "That boy... he really made us proud."