“Why can’t they accept us? My brother and I won’t eat much food, and we’ll work hard.”

“Why won’t they agree, and why did they arrest Father?”

“Yes, he often drinks and hits people, but he’s still our father… Without him, my brother and I will become orphans.”

Xiao Yan Tian ran home carrying pig feed, with a string of questions that her Second Aunt couldn’t answer.

Heavens above! Second Sister-in-law Tian no longer dared to think about taking revenge, as Fen Liu had married a high-ranking official. Second Sister-in-law Tian was terrified. Although Third Brother Tian was arrested, she feared the Liu family was still not satisfied and would seek revenge against the entire Tian family!

Her family had no means to relocate – their household registration was in Qijing Village. Where could they go?

They didn’t dare move to the city. The villagers who went south for work only dared to go because they followed Yong Liu.

The Tian family had severely offended Yong Liu – how could he possibly help them earn money now?

Second Sister-in-law Tian no longer dared harbor thoughts of revenge. Even though Xiaolan Xia’s courtyard remained locked year-round with no occupants, she wouldn’t even dare pass by its entrance. Yet this foolish girl was so bold – what if the neighbors heard such talk?

“What nonsense are you spouting? Shut your mouth! Your father was like a toad trying to eat swan meat… Oh heavens, what do I owe you that I’m even discussing this with you, you silly girl? The township government wanted you to attend school, but you refused yourself.”

Second Sister-in-law Tian grabbed Xiao Yan’s basket:

“Are you stupid? You won’t even take advantage when the government offers benefits!”

Wangda Chen had even come to warn them not to call Xiao Yan home to do farm work – school should be the priority.

It was Xiao Yan who wanted to work… Of course, Second Sister-in-law Tian wouldn’t admit that she also wanted to be lazy.

“Second Aunt, you’re afraid of them too.”

Xiao Yan looked up, her gaze making Second Sister-in-law Tian uneasy.

Feeling embarrassed, Second Sister-in-law Tian pushed Xiao Yan:

“If you’re not afraid, then go take revenge!”

It was just a verbal spat, and Second Sister-in-law Tian didn’t think much of it. Since Third Brother Tian’s arrest, Xiao Yan had been acting strange and sullen, refusing free education – simply foolish.

At lunch, Xiao Yan seemed normal, even volunteering to do the family’s laundry.

“The dirty clothes are in the room, get them yourself. Not going to school but loving to work – something’s wrong with you.”

Second Sister-in-law Tian muttered, not paying much attention.

Xiao Yan washed everyone’s dirty clothes clean, then disappeared. The Tian family didn’t worry at first – this silly girl was odd, probably just wandering somewhere.

When Xiao Yan didn’t return by evening, the Tian family began to panic.

Where could she go in the dead of winter?

How would they explain this to Wangda Chen, who had warned them to watch her carefully?

The Tian family searched everywhere but couldn’t find her. Second Sister-in-law Tian discovered that over one hundred yuan she had kept in her box was missing!

“This wretched girl, just like her father, now stealing money too! When we catch her, I’ll beat her to death!”

But catch her where?

They couldn’t find her anywhere.

Xiao Yan had simply vanished.

Wangda Chen felt heavy-hearted too. Despite his disdain, she was still just a young girl, only 13 years old. If something happened to her outside, it would be a life lost.

Wangda Chen dragged the Tian family to file a report at the township police station.

“Officer, please find her. It’s the dead of winter – this girl barely knows how to write her name. How will she survive out there?”

Even with the stolen 100-plus yuan, she couldn’t manage – the money would eventually run out, then what?

When the police questioned the Second Sister-in-law Tian, she kept her head down, claiming ignorance.

She didn’t dare speak!

Remembering Xiao Yan’s questions and how she had impatiently told the girl to seek revenge herself… Heavens, could the silly girl have taken it seriously? Second Sister-in-law Tian clenched her teeth. She couldn’t say anything – she knew nothing. Whatever trouble Xiao Yan stirred up had nothing to do with her, and she couldn’t implicate the Tian family – they’d suffered enough!

As for Xiao Yan taking revenge, Second Sister-in-law Tian thought the chances were slim. A country girl who had never traveled far, had no introduction letter, barely knew any characters, and couldn’t tell directions – what kind of revenge could she take?

Xiaolan Xia knew nothing of this.

Deliberately dwelling on unpleasant matters would only make her uncomfortable.

Once the car drove out of Qijing Village, Xiaolan Xia put Xiao Yan out of her mind.

Li Yu did have some capability, at least knowing how to utilize resources. When Xiaolan Xia asked her to change the flight time, she didn’t know anyone in Shangdu, so she asked for help from the driver sent by Zhongyi Xu.

The process wasn’t important – what mattered was successfully getting the ticket, allowing Xiaolan Xia to board the “Shangdu-Capital” flight that afternoon.

Li Yu was on the same flight.

“After we land, go handle your own business first, then wait for me at my home. You don’t need to follow me these two days, I have my plans.”

Miss Xia needed time for romance, and bringing a secretary to Zhou Cheng’s workplace… After learning from past lessons, Xiaolan Xia had grown wiser and wouldn’t make the mistake of being too high-profile.

Regardless of her status outside the workplace.

Whether she was a top scorer in the college entrance exam or a company boss, at the workplace she was Zhou Cheng’s partner, a future family member!

Being wealthy wasn’t wrong, but modest dedication was the correct label for a family member. Xiaolan Xia might not care how others viewed her, but she had to consider how her behavior affected Zhou Cheng.

It wasn’t like she had to stay at the workplace all day – just being more reserved when visiting wasn’t too difficult for Xiaolan Xia.

Xiaolan Xia missed Zhou Cheng. When busy, she could suppress these feelings, but once the thought emerged, she had to see Zhou Cheng as soon as possible.

She didn’t even go home first – after landing, she took a taxi directly to Zhou Cheng’s workplace.

Winter nights came early – it was already dark just after 6 PM.

Xiaolan Xia paid the taxi driver and stamped her feet as she walked forward.

“Comrade, this is… Oh, Sister-in-law, it’s you!”

She was lucky – the sentry recognized her.

“Hello, I’m here to see Zhou Cheng.”

Xiaolan Xia registered at the entrance according to the procedure, and someone immediately went to notify Zhou Cheng.

Zhou Cheng was eating when he heard his wife had arrived – it felt like a dream.

How could it be?

He knew Xiaolan had returned to the country.

But after a year abroad, Xiaolan had so many things to handle. She had said she wouldn’t return to the capital for a few days, yet suddenly appeared at his workplace entrance.

“Squad Leader Zhou, Squad Leader Zhou, it is Sister-in-law!”

“Sister-in-law is here?”

Squad Leader Zhou was already foolishly happy.

But Squad Leader Zhou couldn’t let others see it, pretending to be calm as he stood up, “Save some food for your Sister-in-law, she probably hasn’t eaten yet at this hour.”

Squad Leader Zhou only looked composed – if he wasn’t in a hurry, why did he abandon his bowl and run?

Thankfully his long legs gave him an advantage – his quick strides were practically running.

In such cold weather, his wife had arrived without warning. Zhou Cheng was both delighted and worried that she might have encountered some urgent matter!