Zhou Xiaoling might not always be the quickest on the uptake, but she was clever. As she watched Zhang Wanqing play with the children and realized Xiaocheng had stepped out, everything clicked into place.

She thought about the soup dumplings Zhang Wanqing had treated them to before, and the same ones her second brother had brought home—they must have known each other for a while.

Then there was the case they'd discussed that morning. Zhang Wanqing was the right age to be that little girl. And hadn't she once mentioned she had no family?

The more she pieced it together, the more her heart ached. Noticing that Lin Xiaoxiao didn't seem surprised at all, she guessed her sister-in-law had already figured it out. She schooled her expression into something neutral, but her movements became extra warm and enthusiastic.

"Xiao Wan," she chimed in, "have you eaten yet? You should stay for lunch! Last time you treated us to soup dumplings—I've been wanting to return the favor. Our housekeeper used to work in a cafeteria—she's a fantastic cook!"

Before Zhang Wanqing could respond, Li Yunlan jumped in, "Yes, yes, you must stay! We'll ask her to buy some meat and make dumplings for lunch."

Even Zhou Liyun, now convinced that any girl brought home by Xiaocheng must be his girlfriend, was especially warm. "And you and Xiaoxiao are classmates, right? Since it's summer break and you're free, you really should stay."

Zhang Wanqing had been about to make an excuse, but Zhou Liyun gently cut her off. She nodded, a little stiffly. "Then... thank you. I'd be happy to."

Lin Xiaoxiao's heart went out to her. This was a girl who clearly wasn't used to social situations.

She could be fierce and bold when she needed—a armor she'd built to survive—but genuine warmth and family interaction left her uneasy. Her guardedness and awkward smiles spoke of years without care or guidance.

Softly, Lin Xiaoxiao said, "It's alright. Everyone here is easygoing and kind. Here—why don't you hold one of the babies? They love being held. Go on, try."

Hesitantly, Zhang Wanqing reached out. The three little ones paused, looked at her, then suddenly scrambled toward her with happy gurgles.

Xuan Xuan, ever the mischief-maker, blocked his brother halfway and reached her first. He plopped down, lifted his arms, and waited expectantly.

Zhang Wanqing froze for a second, then carefully picked him up. He was soft and warm in her arms, looking up at her with a gummy smile that showed two tiny teeth.

Her heart melted almost instantly.

She couldn't help but smile back, lifting Xuan Xuan up with one hand supporting his back—a natural already.

Lin Xiaoxiao grinned. "They love when you walk around with them. They get to see the world from up high. This one is Xuan Xuan—the cheekiest of the three, and always smiling."

Zhang Wanqing's smile widened, genuine and bright. The tension and caution from earlier slowly faded away.

When Zhou Xiaocheng returned carrying two large watermelons, he saw Zhang Wanqing walking around the room holding Xuan Xuan, her face relaxed and almost childlike in her joy.

It was a world away from the defensive, prickly young woman he usually saw. Bringing her home had been the right choice.

Zhou Xiaoling cheerfully called everyone over for watermelon, gently taking Xuan Xuan from

Zhang Wanqing and handing her the biggest slice. "My brother's usually pretty stingy, you know—this is the first time he's ever brought watermelons home! We'd better enjoy it."

Xiaocheng just shook his head at his sister's antics. He asked Lin Xiaoxiao to go enjoy some watermelon while he kept an eye on the babies.

The little ones, as if smelling the sweet fruit, began earnestly crawling toward the dining area. Xiaocheng gently caught one after another, while Zhou Xiaoling laughed from the doorway.

As she ate her watermelon, Zhang Wanqing watched the warm, lively scene unfold. It had been years since she'd felt this kind of simple, happy warmth.

And Lin Xiaoxiao's mother-in-law was so kind. No one had asked her how many were in her family, or what they did—questions she always dreaded. She avoided people mostly because she couldn't stand their pitying looks once they learned about her past.

After finishing the watermelon, Zhang Wanqing began clearing the table and gathering the rinds without being asked. Li Yunlan moved to stop her, but Lin Xiaoxiao subtly held her back.

"The rag is by the kitchen sink," Lin Xiaoxiao said lightly. "The one with the green thread is for wiping tables. You can toss the rinds into the slop bucket—someone will collect them this afternoon to feed the pigs."

Lunch was dumplings, and the meal was filled with laughter.

Throughout, Li Yunlan never once asked about Zhang Wanqing's family. She kept the conversation light and casual. Zhou Liyun, curious though she was, followed her lead and didn't pry either.

After lunch, Xiaocheng offered to walk Zhang Wanqing home.

Once they were gone, Li Yunlan finally turned to Lin Xiaoxiao and Zhou Xiaoling. "So you both know her? How did you meet? Is she dating Xiaocheng?"

Zhou Xiaoling burst out laughing. "Mom, what are you thinking? Zhang Wanqing and Second Brother? They didn't even speak to each other! Does that look like dating to you?"

Li Yunlan frowned. "That's what I wondered. If they were together, why wouldn't they talk? But why else would he bring her home? Still... there's something guarded about that girl. Did something happen when she was young? She watches people like she's always on her guard."

Zhou Xiaoling gasped. "Mom, how could you tell? You're amazing!"

Lin Xiaoxiao wasn't surprised. Zhang Wanqing's defensive air around strangers was a habit born from a difficult childhood—it showed in every look.

"Oh?" Li Yunlan said. "So it's true? You girls know something?"

Zhou Xiaoling hesitated, not sure how much she could share. "We know a little... but you should really ask Second Brother. We're not sure if we can talk about it."

Li Yunlan sighed. "So mysterious. I'll ask Xiaocheng later."

Xiaocheng walked Zhang Wanqing out, pushing his bicycle beside him. They passed several neighbors on their way out, all of whom glanced curiously at the young woman beside him, wondering if she was his girlfriend.

But since Xiaocheng didn't introduce her, no one asked outright—though that didn't stop the whispers.

It wasn't until they reached Jixiang Alley that Zhang Wanqing finally spoke to him. "Thank you for today. But you don't need to worry about my parents' case. I can take revenge myself."