Lin Xiaoxiao shook her head and replied softly, "I'm not going. I have three children at home.

Besides, the selection must be very competitive—only the very best would qualify."

Zhang Wanqing blinked. "I still think you're the best in our class."

She'd observed Lin Xiaoxiao more than once during lab sessions. Not only did she never make mistakes, but her techniques were also exceptionally skilled.

And during exams, Lin Xiaoxiao consistently ranked second—something not just anyone could pull off.

Lin Xiaoxiao smiled. "Don't say that, people will laugh. And my children are still very young—only six months old. They're quite a handful right now."

Zhang Wanqing had never seen Lin Xiaoxiao's children, but she could imagine how challenging triplets at that age must be.

That afternoon, as Lin Xiaoxiao was leaving class, Meng Xiaona stopped her with the same question—though Meng's tone was laced with clear hostility and pride.

"Lin Xiaoxiao, what did you think of the teacher's announcement today?"

Lin Xiaoxiao played dumb. "What announcement? I'm not sure what you mean."

Meng Xiaona didn't believe her. "About the study-abroad program. You really have no opinion?"

Lin Xiaoxiao smiled lightly. "Why would I? Those opportunities are for the most outstanding students. Even if I were interested, I'd need the ability first."

Something in her tone struck Meng as a slight. Tossing her head proudly, Meng said, "My English is quite good, you know. When I was in Shanghai, I even went to Western restaurants. Foreigners complimented my English. You do realize that without a solid foundation, you'd be practically blind and deaf overseas—an embarrassment to the country."

Lin Xiaoxiao nodded calmly. "You're absolutely right. Well, good luck with that. I really need to get home."

Meng Xiaona was infuriated by her dismissive attitude, but there was nothing she could say. She turned away angrily and headed back to the dorm, more determined than ever to study hard—especially English.

Lin Xiaoxiao really was in a hurry to get home. At six months old, the babies were at a wonderfully fun stage.

Except for An'an, the two boys had already started crawling. Li Yunlan had laid out a carpet and blankets in the living room so all three could play safely.

An'an hadn't figured out crawling yet and grew easily frustrated—quick to cry over little things.

Qianqian and Xuanxuan, on the other hand, were calm and quiet, though they moved around like twins—where one went, the other followed.

Lin Xiaoxiao also noticed that Xuanxuan seemed to enjoy picking on his brother. Whenever they were close, he'd plop his chubby little leg right on top of Qianqian.

Li Yunlan would chuckle. "The oldest is usually more easygoing, while the second one is clever.

Look at our Xuanxuan—already knows how to tease his brother. He's going to be a sharp one."

When Lin Xiaoxiao got home, she saw Xuanxuan wriggling his way over to Qianqian before rolling onto his back and draping his leg over him again.

She couldn't help but laugh. "Look at that—it's not that they're inseparable. Xuanxuan's just being a little bully. If he keeps this up, he's going to get a spanking."

Completely unaware he was being talked about, Xuanxuan waved his arms, sucking loudly on his thumb, drool dripping from the corner of his mouth.

Qianqian, pinned underneath, didn't fight back—he just turned red with effort, struggling to escape his brother's chubby tyranny.

But his crawling skills weren't quite there yet. Trapped and flailing, he remained stuck in place until Li Yunlan gently moved Xuanxuan's leg aside. Finally free, Qianqian scrambled away faster than ever.

Seeing his brother escape, Xuanxuan flipped over and tried to follow, but Li Yunlan scooped him up and patted his bottom lightly. "What a little troublemaker you are. Why do you always pick on your brother?"

Xuanxuan pouted up at her, wide-eyed and indignant, babbling loudly enough to show off two tiny white teeth. He looked adorably fierce.

Li Yunlan couldn't stop smiling. "Oh, you sweet little thing. Do you understand what Grandma is saying?"

Lin Xiaoxiao leaned in and gently pressed her forehead against her son's. "Be nice to your brother, you little rascal."

Noticing that everyone was paying attention to each other and not her, An'an began waving her arms, demanding to be held.

Zhou Liyun, who was holding her, stood up. "You wouldn't believe how strong she is—I can barely keep hold of her sometimes."

She'd noticed that although six-month-olds usually liked to bounce when held, An'an's kicks were surprisingly powerful—almost like an adult's. She hadn't mentioned it to anyone, not wanting to make a fuss over a baby's strength.

Lin Xiaoxiao washed up and changed, then took An'an into her arms. "You're right, she is strong."Zhou Liyun agreed. "She's going to be an active one, that's for sure."

Safe in her mother's arms, An'an giggled happily, squirming and pointing insistently toward the door.

Zhou Liyun laughed. "You little wild thing—you just came inside! Let your mom rest a bit."

But An'an wouldn't have it. She kept pointing and babbling, determined to go back out.

Lin Xiaoxiao smiled. "Alright, let's go out for a little walk."

Zhou Liyun brought over a little pink hat and placed it gently on An'an's nearly hairless head.

Once outside, An'an wasn't content to just stand by the gate—she wanted to be walked around so she could see more.

Lin Xiaoxiao obliged, carrying her along the path and talking softly. "Look at you, such a curious little girl. And on such a hot day, too."

It was then that she noticed Lin Hongyan returning from outside.

It took Lin Xiaoxiao a moment to recognize her—Lin Hongyan had grown taller and thinner, looking more like a young woman now.

Lin Xiaoxiao was surprised. Even after Cheng Mingyue and Lin Dalong's sentencing, Lin Hongyan was still here?

Seeing Lin Xiaoxiao holding her child, and having heard that Zhou Huaian was safe, Lin Hongyan felt a twinge of jealousy but didn't dare make trouble. She pretended not to see Lin Xiaoxiao and walked around her instead.

She'd recently found a very profitable side hustle. If it worked out, she might just make a good life for herself in Beijing after all.