Zhou Huai'an ended up saying nothing and finished his meal in silence. Perhaps it was because Lin Xiaoxiao seemed different today.

After dinner, he mentioned to her, "There's a large market in the neighboring town tomorrow. A bus will leave the residential compound at 10 a.m. to take everyone there."

As he spoke, he remembered Lin Xiaoxiao disliked small towns for being dirty and chaotic. Would she even be interested in such a place? Without waiting for her response, he quietly cleared the dishes and began washing them.

Lin Xiaoxiao sat by the fireplace, feeling restless. Outside, the sky had darkened completely, and the sound of neighbors scolding their children echoed clearly from next door.

It was cold and bleak outside, so everyone stayed indoors. But apart from a dim lightbulb, there was no television, no tape recorder, not even a radio. How was she supposed to pass the time on such a long night?

She watched Zhou Huai'an bent over the sink, washing dishes. The room was warm from the fire, so he wore only a white shirt tied at the waist, his broad shoulders and narrow waist clearly outlined.

As he leaned forward, the shift in posture accentuated the muscles around his waist. It was certainly something to look at.

Bored, Lin Xiaoxiao felt her thoughts drifting into dangerous territory. She quickly tapped her forehead. She couldn't even secure a roof over her head yet—what was she daydreaming for?

Footsteps sounded outside, followed by a man's voice: "Is the Captain home?"

Zhou Huai'an shook the water from his hands and went to open the door. Curious, Lin Xiaoxiao stood up as well. Who could it be?

It was Zhang Yimei's husband, Wang Wengang, along with his wife and child, followed by Dr. Xiao Yan.

Wang Wengang stepped inside, effusive with gratitude: "Captain, we owe you everything for saving Shanzi! I truly don't know how to thank you."

Zhang Yimei chimed in: "Thank you, Captain."

Zhou Huai'an frowned slightly, uncomfortable. After all, it was Lin Xiaoxiao who had saved Shanzi. Regardless of her usual behavior, today she was the one who had rescued the child. She deserved the thanks.

Before he could speak, Xiao Yan cut in: "Absolutely! It was so dangerous earlier. Thankfully, Brother Zhou was home, so Shanzi is safe now." She smiled at Zhang Yimei and added, "In my opinion, Brother Zhou is Shanzi's savior. The boy ought to recognize him as his godfather."

Lin Xiaoxiao stood to the side, observing the group enter as if she weren't there—especially Xiao Yan. Despite the midday chill, the doctor had worn a white shirt for fashion's sake; now she wore a peach-colored sweater, her braid loose over one shoulder, projecting a gentle and serene image.

Zhou Huai'an's frown deepened. He stepped back and turned toward Lin Xiaoxiao. "Xiaoxiao saved the child at noon," he stated firmly. "If you want to thank someone, thank her."

Wang Wengang clearly hadn't known the truth. He looked startled. How could Lin Xiaoxiao—known for her difficult personality—possibly save anyone? Everyone had heard the daily arguments between her and the Captain.

Still, since Zhou Huai'an said so, Wang Wengang quickly forced a smile. "Thank you so much, Sister-in-law! I was terrified when I heard what happened."

Lin Xiaoxiao glanced coolly at Zhang Yimei and Xiao Yan. "No need for thanks," she said. "But your wife is rather careless. A child that young can easily choke—yet she gave him a whole dried date to eat."

Zhang Yimei's expression darkened. Even Wang Wengang looked acutely awkward. He had come with sincere gratitude, only for Lin Xiaoxiao to speak so bluntly. What could he do? He couldn't very well scold his wife on the spot.

Xiao Yan shot a look at Zhou Huai'an and frowned. "Sister-in-law," she said pointedly to Lin Xiaoxiao, "you can't say things like that. You've never had children, so you wouldn't understand—accidents happen."

Lin Xiaoxiao smiled faintly. "Has Dr. Xiao had children?"

Xiao Yan's face flushed crimson. "What nonsense are you talking about!" In this day and age, such a remark to an unmarried woman was entirely inappropriate.

Zhou Huai'an fixed Lin Xiaoxiao with an intense stare. Earlier that day, he'd been convinced she had changed—now that illusion shattered.

The old Lin Xiaoxiao had been stubborn and unreasonable; this version stood relentless when convinced she was right. Yet the strangest part was... he couldn't fault her actions this time.

He turned to Wang Wengang, his brow furrowed. "The child's safety is what matters. It's late—you should head back now."

Zhang Yimei, who had been silent behind her husband, hurriedly placed a cloth bag of walnuts and dried red dates on a bench.

Xiao Yan extended her lunchbox toward Zhou Huai'an. "Brother Zhou, I made dumplings tonight—brought you some straight from the pot."

So that's how it is, Lin Xiaoxiao thought. Dr. Xiao Yan's intentions were painfully obvious. She'd sensed a failing marriage and moved in for the kill.

Weren't women of this era supposed to be modest? Xiao Yan seemed to have missed that memo entirely.

Lin Xiaoxiao's gaze lingered on the lunchbox for three long seconds before lifting to Zhou Huai'an. Her eyes held a razor-sharp warning. A cold laugh escaped her as she spun toward the bedroom and slammed the door shut.

Under that searing look, Zhou Huai'an stiffened. "We've already eaten," he stated, his voice cutting. "Take your food and go."

Color flooded Xiao Yan's cheeks. Even her boldness couldn't withstand that dismissal. She fled behind the Wang family without another word.

When the front door closed, Zhou Huai'an massaged his temples, his eyes drifting to the defiantly shut bedroom door. The dishes still waited in the sink, the cold water a relief against his skin.

Lin Xiaoxiao wasn't angry. Annoying Xiao Yan had been pure satisfaction.

Soon enough, she would divorce Zhou Huai'an—if the doctor wanted him, she was welcome to him.But that simpering act? Unbearable.

The sound of voices in the courtyard woke Lin Xiaoxiao the next morning. She blinked crusted eyes toward Zhou Huai'an's empty cot—the blankets folded with military precision.

Firelight flickered behind the stove grate. A kettle whispered steam under its lid, and on top sat a lunchbox radiating warmth.

Lin Xiaoxiao watched the vapor curl like ghostly fingers before filling her washbasin. After scrubbing the sleep from her face, she carried the warm container to the table.

Inside: one plump steamed bun, a boiled egg still moist and gleaming, and a small portion of pickled vegetables.

Her inventory the day before had confirmed the truth—there were no eggs, no fresh buns. Zhou Huai'an must have brought this from his unit. He'd stoked the stove against the morning chill because she couldn't, and left the bun here to keep warm.

Sentimentality wasn't in her nature. Yet something tightened in her chest—an unfamiliar ache.In this unfamiliar world, small kindnesses carried unexpected weight.She peeled the egg slowly. After breakfast, she would visit that market Zhou Huai'an had mentioned. It was time to carve out her place in this new reality.