Lin Wenbin had never planned to stay long-term with the Zhou family. After all, he was only known as Lin Xiaoxiao’s cousin. His original idea was to rent a place elsewhere, take half a year off, and head south after the New Year. So it came as a surprise when Zhou Xiaocheng also announced he was moving out.

Li Yunlan had been happy that her son was unusually home in time for dinner that evening, but her mood soured as soon as she heard his plans. “Why move out when everything’s fine here?”

Xiaocheng smiled lightly. “Work’s been busy lately. It’d be more convenient to live closer to the unit.”

He’d been staying in a dorm, but with several junior colleagues also working late regularly, space was tight. Renting a simple room nearby seemed practical—somewhere to rest after overtime investigations.

But Yunlan saw it differently. She suspected it had to do with Luo Anran living in the same compound—maybe he felt uncomfortable running into her.

She sighed. “It’s getting cold. At least we have central heating here. Most places near your unit are single-story homes; you’d have to light a stove in winter. Imagine coming back after a long day to a freezing room.”

“It’s alright, Mom,” Xiaocheng reassured her. “If it gets too cold, I can always come home.”

There wasn’t much more Yunlan could say. She quietly resolved to prepare thick quilts for him—maybe even two woolen mattresses for extra warmth.

Wenbin, who’d been planning to hunt for a rental himself, perked up at the news. “Perfect timing—I’m also looking. Why don’t we share a place?”

Xiaocheng was about to decline, but Wenbin cut in, “Don’t worry, I won’t disturb you. Plus, with me around, you’ll always come back to a warm house.”

Yunlan thought it was a fine idea and nodded in agreement. “Yes, you two living together sounds good. But Wenbin, you’ve been comfortable here—why move out?”

Wenbin grinned. “I’m thinking of starting a small business. Commuting back every day isn’t convenient. It’s better if I move out.”

Yunlan didn’t press further, though she felt a pang of pity for him—a brilliant neurosurgeon, now an amnesiac just scraping by with odd jobs. Still, at least he had drive; he was a good young man after all.

In the end, Xiaocheng didn’t refuse. A rental was just a place to sleep, and having Wenbin around wouldn’t hurt. He also figured that Wenbin, having been out of work for so long, probably couldn’t afford much. Sharing the rent would help him save.

Xiaoxiao, who’d been listening quietly, studied the two men with growing curiosity. When they were finally alone, she whispered to her brother, “You’re not… interested in Zhou Xiaocheng, are you? Let me tell you, male-male relationships aren’t exactly trendy right now.”

Wenbin nearly choked on his water, coughing violently. “What kind of nonsense are you spouting? My preferences are perfectly normal! I just think it’d be safer rooming with him.”

Xiaoxiao tilted her head. “Where’d you hide all that money of yours, anyway?”

Wenbin smiled mysteriously. “No need for you to worry about that. Let’s just say it’s safely stored.”

The next day, Xiaocheng found a room near his workplace. Although rentals were scarce, being a public security officer made it easy to secure a place in a siheyuan courtyard house.

Wenbin happily moved in with his luggage.

Xiaoxiao helped carry his things to the gate, where they unexpectedly ran into Lin Hongyan, whom they hadn’t seen in a while. The weather had turned cold, but Hongyan still wore a fitted red coat that accentuated a slight bulge in her abdomen.

She looked about four months pregnant, yet she exaggerated her posture—hand on her lower back, belly pushed forward—as if she were seven or eight months along.

Life seemed to have treated her well; she’d gained weight, and with her broad frame, she now looked rather stout.

Geng Aiguo walked beside her, dressed in a dull gray Zhongshan suit, his hair unkempt, dark circles under his eyes. He looked drained, devoid of energy.

One glance told Xiaoxiao that Geng Aiguo was unwell. Once a decent-looking man, he now appeared much older, missing front teeth not helping. He could easily pass for forty.

When Hongyan noticed Xiaoxiao and Wenbin, she thrust her belly out even more, as if afraid people might miss her condition. A smug look spread across her face.

Xiaoxiao pretended not to see her, hung a washbasin on her bicycle handlebars, and urged Wenbin to hurry up.

But Wenbin stood still, suddenly chuckling. “You can stick feathers on a pheasant, but it still won’t pass for a peacock.”

Hongyan, walking slowly, heard every word. Knowing he was mocking her, she glared. “What did you say?”

Wenbin smiled innocently. “I was talking about a pheasant. What’s it got to do with you?”

Furious but unable to prove he was targeting her, Hongyan turned to Geng Aiguo. “Are you just going to let him talk like that?”

Aiguo replied impatiently, “Enough. He wasn’t referring to you. Let’s go home.”

He hadn’t wanted to marry Hongyan, but her pregnancy left him no choice—otherwise, Li Jing would have taken her to the Women’s Federation. He still longed for Luo Anran and resented the divorce. This marriage felt like a trap, though he never admitted his own mistakes.

He’d planned to ignore Hongyan after the wedding, but she wasn’t intimidated. Pregnant and emboldened, she bossed him around, demanding whatever she craved. If he refused, she’d throw tantrums, making him the laughingstock of his unit.

Humiliated once again in front of the Zhous, Aiguo quickened his pace, ignoring Hongyan, who trailed behind in a huff.

Xiaoxiao watched them leave and laughed softly. “Why bother with her? She’s pregnant—what if she tries to blame you for something? Not worth the trouble.”

Wenbin smirked. “You think I’m afraid of that? If she loses the baby, I’ll give her one myself—dare she take it?” His tone then softened protectively. “Besides, only I get to tease my sister. Nobody else lays a finger on you, understood? If anyone gives you trouble, you come to me.”

Xiaoxiao nodded repeatedly. “Don’t worry, if anyone bullies me, I’ll definitely find you. Who else is my big brother for?”

Deep down, she felt a surge of warmth. Her brother might have a sharp tongue, but he was truly the best in the world.