Zhang Wanqing was no stranger to all-nighters, so even after being up the entire night, she was still full of energy—not even a trace of redness in her eyes. She followed Zhou Xiaocheng to a breakfast stall and sat down, curiosity getting the better of her. “What were you doing at the night market? Is it related to Ma San’s case?”

It didn’t surprise Zhou Xiaocheng that she knew; she had her ways and knew plenty of people there. He nodded. “Yes.”

“Who did it? Have you found the killer yet?” she pressed.

“Not yet,” he shook his head. “But we have some leads. Now eat.” He nudged a bowl of tofu pudding toward her.

After just a couple bites, she spoke again. “What about Zhang Baojiang’s case? Is it closed?”

Zhou Xiaocheng paused. “Not closed. There hasn’t been any progress.” He studied her. “How much do you know about what happened back then?”

He had never wanted to push her—the past was painful. But he was beginning to see she wasn’t as fragile as he’d been led to believe. Old Mu had described his granddaughter as a delicate, timid girl who cried easily and barely spoke. The person in front of him was nothing like that. For a while, he’d wondered if he had the wrong person.

Zhang Wanqing took a bite of a soup dumpling. Whether it was from the heat or his question, she gasped slightly, struggling until she finally swallowed. “I was only six. What could I possibly know? And my father would never have told me anything.” She quickly looked down, picking up another dumpling, but her unease was obvious.

Zhou Xiaocheng knew she was lying but didn’t press further. He smiled slightly. “Where did the mutton-fat jade you sold today come from?”

This time, she was truly startled. She nearly choked on her food, patting her chest to catch her breath. “How did you know?” Realizing he must have seen everything, she pouted. “What if I don’t want to say?”

Amused by her childish defiance, he replied gently, “That’s fine. But be careful. Stay away from the night market for a while. Some people will do anything for money. A young woman like you could easily get hurt.”

Whether it was the heat from the food or the kindness in his voice, Zhang Wanqing felt her cheeks grow warm. She mumbled an “okay” and quickly lowered her head over her tofu pudding.

After breakfast, Zhou Xiaocheng offered to walk her back to campus, but she refused. “There’s no need. I’m going to your place to see Lin Xiaoxiao and Duoduo. It’s not far, and it’s broad daylight—what could happen?”

He checked his watch. “Alright. Be careful. And remember—no more night runs.”

She nodded. “Got it. I’m off then.” As she turned away, she couldn’t suppress a smile. She pressed a hand to her chest, feeling her heart beat faster. She needed to ask Lin Xiaoxiao what this feeling meant.

When she arrived at the Zhou house, the family was just sitting down for breakfast. All four children were already awake, crawling around and waiting for milk or steamed egg.

Lin Xiaoxiao was surprised to see her. “You’re up early! Have you eaten?”

“Yes,” Zhang Wanqing said. “I stopped by Yongji Road and picked up some baked cakes with beef and some sweet pastries.” She handed Lin Xiaoxiao a greased-paper bundle.

Then her eyes fell on Duoduo, who was crawling on the floor. His hair was a bit longer than Xuanxuan’s or Qianqian’s, but he had the same big eyes and chubby cheeks. “How did you just happen to find such a beautiful child?” she marveled.

She crouched down and held out her arms to Duoduo. He sat still, studying her for a moment, then giggled and crawled toward Lin Xiaoxiao.

Zhang Wanqing was surprised. “He won’t let me hold him! But look—Xuanxuan will.” She clapped her hands at Xuanxuan, who immediately crawled over happily and reached up to be held.

“See? Xuanxuan likes me,” she said, lifting him.

Lin Xiaoxiao smiled, putting down the pastries and picking up Duoduo. “This little one might still be afraid of being taken by strangers again.”

After helping with the children and eating, Zhang Wanqing followed Lin Xiaoxiao upstairs with An’an and Duoduo while Li Yunlan and Zhou Liyun took the boys out for a walk.

Noticing Zhang Wanqing’s hesitant expression, Lin Xiaoxiao closed the bedroom door and sat on the bed where the two children were playing. “What’s on your mind? Something wrong? Do you need help?”

Zhang Wanqing fidgeted. “I’m not sure how to say it… I think I might like someone.”

Not long ago, she’d firmly told Lin Xiaoxiao she would never fall in love or get married. Now here she was, confused by her own feelings.

Seeing her torn expression, Lin Xiaoxiao smiled. “Liking someone is a good thing. Who is it?”

Zhang Wanqing scratched her head. “But I don’t even know if it’s really liking him. He’s helped me a lot and seems to genuinely care. It’s just… well, not many people have been kind to me in my life. And when men are nice, they usually want something. But he doesn’t seem that way. He’s just… good to me.”

Thinking about Zhang Wanqing’s limited social circle, Lin Xiaoxiao guessed, “Zhou Xiaocheng?”

Zhang Wanqing’s eyes widened in shock. “Is it that obvious?”

Lin Xiaoxiao laughed. “Who else do you know? He’s been helping you lately. But it’s normal to like someone like him. I imagine many girls do.”

Zhang Wanqing sighed. “So you think this is what liking someone feels like?”

“Yes.”

“But it doesn’t feel right,” Zhang Wanqing fretted. “After everything he’s done for me, wouldn’t it be like repaying his kindness with… this?”

Lin Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but laugh. “What kind of logic is that? How is liking someone ‘repaying kindness with betrayal’? You’re a wonderful person.”

“No, no, it’s not the same,” Zhang Wanqing insisted.

Lin Xiaoxiao had thought there might not be a spark between them, but it seemed Zhang Wanqing had developed feelings first. It made sense—Zhang Wanqing had grown up starved for affection and was emotionally inexperienced. A simple, genuine gesture could easily touch her heart.

“Xiaocheng is single. If you like him, why not see where it goes?”

Zhang Wanqing shook her head, flopping backward onto the bed with a sigh. “That wouldn’t be proper.”

Lin Xiaoxiao continued gently, “I’ve always thought of you as someone brave and honest with your feelings. If you like him, wouldn’t you regret not saying anything?”

Zhang Wanqing sat up abruptly, her eyes bright. “So… you think I should?”