When Lin Xiaoxiao caught sight of Zhou Xiaocheng approaching, she couldn’t help but turn to Zhang Wanqing with a mischievous wink and a grin.

A blush spread across Zhang Wanqing’s cheeks. She gave Lin Xiaoxiao a light shove and tried to compose herself into a more serious expression.

Zhou Xiaocheng walked over to them. He greeted Lin Xiaoxiao first, then turned to Zhang Wanqing. “I came today to thank you. Thanks to your tip, we were able to close the case much sooner than expected.”

Zhang Wanqing looked surprised. “It’s already solved? So it really was a crime of passion?”

Zhou Xiaocheng nodded. “You pointed us in the right direction.” He then added with a warm tone, “How about joining me for lunch? It’s the least I can do to show my appreciation.”

He usually avoided having meals alone with Zhang Wanqing—he didn’t want any gossip circulating about her.

Lin Xiaoxiao didn’t object either. With so many people around on campus, rumors spread easily.

Zhou Xiaocheng had driven over in his unit’s car and took them to Liuquanju, a time-honored restaurant not far from the campus. The place had a history stretching back centuries, though it had later been renamed “Pingan Canteen” when it became a state-owned establishment. It had only recently reclaimed its original name and returned to serving Shandong cuisine.

The last time Zhang Wanqing had been here, it was still called Pingan Canteen. She looked up at the new sign in surprise. “They changed the name already? The food used to be so bland—just standard canteen fare. I wonder if the menu changed too.”

Zhou Xiaocheng smiled. “Let’s go in and find out. I heard they brought back classic Shandong dishes.”

Zhang Wanqing’s eyes lit up. “Let’s see if they have marinated sliced fish, double-crispy sauté, braised pork meatballs, and braised intestines…” Her voice trailed off dreamily at the thought of the dishes.

Zhou Xiaocheng’s smile deepened as he escorted them inside.

Lin Xiaoxiao had never been a huge fan of Shandong cuisine—she usually found it too heavy and rich, preferring the lighter touch of local Shanghainese dishes. But since coming into this world, where even basic food was sometimes hard to come by, she’d learned to eat anything without complaint.

Once they were seated, Zhou Xiaocheng ordered the four dishes Zhang Wanqing had mentioned, plus two house specialties.

Lin Xiaoxiao knew Shandong portions were generous and worried it might be too much, but since Zhou Xiaocheng was treating, she kept her thoughts to herself.

When the six dishes arrived, just as she expected, each plate was ample and straightforward—no fancy presentations.

Zhou Xiaocheng encouraged them to eat while briefly sharing how the case was solved. It turned out the mistress involved was seeing not only Ma San but also another man. When that man found out about Ma San, he grew jealous and staged the robbery-turned-murder.

Zhang Wanqing listened between bites, frequently complimenting the food. “This place is really good! The intestines are amazing, and the meatballs are delicious.”

Watching her enjoy the meal, Zhou Xiaocheng found himself eating more than usual. Since returning from the battlefield, he’d struggled with his appetite—nothing tasted quite right, and eating often felt like a chore. But there was something about Zhang Wanqing’s enthusiasm that made the food seem more flavorful. Without even realizing it, he’d finished two bowls of rice.

Lin Xiaoxiao had always known that Zhang Wanqing’s enjoyment was contagious, but she was still surprised to see all six dishes completely empty. She’d often seen how little Zhou Xiaocheng ate at home—how her mother-in-law would constantly urge him to eat more. Seeing him now, smiling warmly as Zhang Wanqing ate so openly, it struck her how well they suited each other.

After lunch, Zhou Xiaocheng drove them back to campus before returning to work.

Zhang Wanqing, completely forgetting her earlier nervousness around him, chattered excitedly to Lin Xiaoxiao. “I can’t believe how good that was! We should go back sometime. That marinated fish—I’ve had it before, but never that delicious.”

Lin Xiaoxiao held up a finger playfully. “Just one more time. If Zhou Xiaocheng asks you out one more time, you have to make a move.”

Zhang Wanqing paused, then shook her head. “He won’t. He only came to thank me. Why would he ask me out again?” But then she added more boldly, “But if he does, I’ll go for it. Don’t you think there’s something really gentle about him?”

Lin Xiaoxiao nodded. “My mother-in-law and Xiaoling say they’ve never seen him lose his temper. It’s like he’s never angry.”

“Really?” Zhang Wanqing said, amazed. “He’s like… a serene Buddha.”

Lin Xiaoxiao had been searching for the right words to describe Zhou Xiaocheng, and that felt perfect. “Yes! He has this pure, almost enlightened presence. Just being near him makes you feel calm.”

Zhang Wanqing laughed. “You think he might become a monk?”

Lin Xiaoxiao grinned. “Let’s not jump to conclusions. It’s just his nature. You should definitely try your luck with him.”

Zhang Wanqing smiled to herself. She’d made up her mind—if she liked him, she should at least try. Even if nothing came of it, she wouldn’t have regrets.

When classes ended that afternoon, Lin Xiaoxiao hurriedly packed her bag, told Zhang Wanqing she was heading home to see her child, and rushed out.

Just outside the school gate, she spotted Lin Wenbin standing across the street. He wore a pilot’s jacket, hands tucked casually in his pockets, looking relaxed and a little roguish.

Her heart leaped. She almost let go of her bicycle in her excitement, pushing it quickly toward him. “Brother! When did you get back?”

He grinned. “Just arrived. Came to see you first. Happy?”

She swatted his arm, her voice catching. “Where have you been? You were gone so long without a word! I thought something happened to you!”

Her eyes stung. She hit him again, harder. “How could you do that? Don’t you know people worry?”

Lin Wenbin laughed softly. “Hey, take it easy—everyone’s watching. I’m back safe and sound. Aren’t you a little old to be crying now?”

She glared. “I was worried!”

He ruffled her hair. “It’s alright. I was out making money—for you and my niece and nephew.”

She sniffed, then mumbled under her breath, “There might be more than that. You might have another brother now.”