Lin Xiaoxiao stared at Dai Xueming in surprise. Since the beginning of the semester, the two had never even exchanged greetings when they bumped into each other. So why was he stopping her now?

Dai Xueming adjusted his glasses. “Xiaoxiao, I know what happened in Longbei. I’ve never said a word to anyone about it. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t spread rumors either.”

She frowned. “Rumors? What are you talking about?”

He paused. “Wasn’t it you who told everyone about my family background? Yeah, I’m from the countryside. My family’s not well off. But just because you married into a Beijing family doesn’t give you the right to look down on me and gossip behind my back.”

She rolled her eyes. “Are you out of your mind? Do you really think you’re that important? That people have nothing better to do than talk about you? Get out of my way.”

Seeing her anger, Dai Xueming hesitated. Lately, everyone had been whispering about him—how he was a toad lusting after a swan, how his family was poor, how he was just looking for a city girl to climb the social ladder. The rumors were humiliating. And since Lin Xiaoxiao was the only one at school who knew about his past, he was convinced she was the one spreading them.

Lin Xiaoxiao glared at him. “What you do is your business. But you know what they say—if you don’t want people to know, don’t do it. Don’t go blaming me for your mistakes. If I really wanted to make trouble for you, trust me, it would be a lot worse than some silly rumors.”

Just then, Zhang Wanqing came rushing over, a teacup in her hand, water sloshing onto the floor. She saw the two standing tense outside the locker room and didn’t hesitate to intervene. “What’s going on? What did he want?”

Dai Xueming glanced at Zhang Wanqing—another city girl—and quickly muttered, “It’s nothing,” before turning and hurrying away.

Zhang Wanqing watched him leave, then turned back to Lin Xiaoxiao. “What was that about?”

Lin Xiaoxiao sighed. “He’s heard some talk and thinks it must’ve come from me.”

Zhang Wanqing flared up. “You should’ve slapped him! How dare he come at you like that?”

Lin Xiaoxiao had to admit she’d mellowed lately—maybe it was having a child that made her less quick to anger. “He’s not worth it. But if he bothers me again, I won’t let it slide.”

Zhang Wanqing puffed out her cheeks. “If anyone dared talk to me like that, I’d have clobbered them with a hammer already. No time for nonsense.”

Lin Xiaoxiao laughed and linked arms with her. “Alright, next time I’ll do that. But, Wanqing, you have to remember—sometimes you need to hold back. If you go too far and seriously hurt someone, you could ruin your own life. It’s not worth it.”

Zhang Wanqing fell silent for a moment, then broke into a smile. “No one’s ever said anything like that to me before. Okay, I’ll remember.”

Lin Xiaoxiao felt a pang of sadness. This girl was starved for love and care, hiding it all behind a tough act.

After the cultural performance, Lin Xiaoxiao decided to make use of their half-day off and invited Zhang Wanqing over for dinner.

Zhang Wanqing agreed happily. “Perfect! I carved a few bracelets for your mom and the others. I can give them to her.” She grinned. “I’m working on one for you too, but it won’t be done till New Year.”

“I’ll look forward to it,” Lin Xiaoxiao said. “What would you like? I’ll get you something too.”

“I’m not giving gifts to get something in return,” Zhang Wanqing replied cheerfully. “Besides, I’ve got plenty of red sandalwood. It’d just sit around otherwise.”

Lin Xiaoxiao smiled. “Silly, red sandalwood is valuable. Are you sure it’s stored safely?” Since Zhang Wanqing lived at school, she worried her treasures might not be secure.

“Don’t worry,” Zhang Wanqing said confidently. “It’s somewhere even a thief couldn’t find.”

Looking at her clever, bright eyes, Lin Xiaoxiao thought she must be right. A girl who could support herself and stay well-fed surely knew how to protect what was hers.

Due to the National Day holiday, Zhou Xiaocheng also had a rare half-day off. At noon, he left work planning to have lunch at home—it had been a while since he’d eaten with his family.

Just outside the gate, he spotted Luo Anran standing across the street beside her bicycle, looking uneasy.

After a moment’s thought, he walked over and gave a slight nod. “Did you need something?”

She smiled weakly. “I just wanted to see you. I wasn’t sure if I should come… but I couldn’t help it. Lately, I’ve been dreaming about the old days.” Her voice softened. “I know there’s no future for us, but… can we still be friends?”

Zhou Xiaocheng studied her. For a split second, she seemed almost unfamiliar. Her eyes, once clear and bright, were now cautious and calculating.

He understood why she was here. After her divorce, life hadn’t been easy—the gossip at work, her parents’ disapproval, the friction with her in-laws, the judgmental stares from neighbors. She was desperate to change her situation, to find a way out.

After a pause, he nodded. “If you need help, you can come to me.”

Tears glistened in her eyes. “I know you see right through me. My situation… it’s forcing me to do things I hate. Every night, I close my eyes and see people mocking me. I’ve never regretted anything more—why didn’t I resist? Why did I marry Geng Aiguo? None of this would’ve happened.” Her voice broke. “But… I’ve never forgotten you. Not even for a day.”

She wiped her tears quickly before they could fall.

Zhou Xiaocheng stood with his hands behind his back, rotating one wrist calmly. He waited until she finished, then spoke evenly, “Your life is your own. If you care too much about what others think, you’re just giving them more to talk about.” His tone was cool but not unkind. “You’ve always been smart. You should understand that.”

Luo Anran dried her eyes forcefully. “I understand, Xiaocheng. But… can we still be together?”

His expression remained placid. “No.”