Chapter 16

Xiao Zhou looked around but only saw his biological parents in the distance among the crowd. Holding Xiao Yueyue, he strode over to ask:

“Mom, Dad, have you seen Jiaojiao?”

“No, has she gotten lost?” Father Xiao’s eyes were full of worry. “Let’s split up and look for her. Jiaojiao is usually smart. She told me things haven’t been safe lately and to keep an eye on your mother. She’d definitely take care of herself too. Don’t worry too much.”

Xiao Zhou’s voice was calm, without a hint of panic, but his eyes were disturbingly deep: “I know. I’ll go find her. You two wait here.”

He handed Xiao Yueyue to his father and disappeared into the crowd.

Father Xiao looked anxious. He knew his son well — Xiao Zhou had always been good at hiding his emotions. He was definitely worried sick inside.

In the crowd, Xiao Zhou kept scanning left and right, eyes constantly searching for that familiar figure while trying to analyze things rationally. It was unlikely she had been abducted — more likely she’d tried to run away.

But why?

Was it because of his recent behavior?

Had she finally had enough of him?

Just the thought made his heart ache. He must’ve forced her like this before, which led them down the path to divorce.

Damn it. He could’ve held back — why did he keep scaring her off?

Suddenly, something was shoved into his hand. He blinked in surprise, only to see that beautiful figure suddenly appear in front of him, waving her hand.

“What are you spacing out for?”

Xiao Zhou lifted his arms and hugged her tightly.

People nearby all turned to look, pausing in their tracks, shocked by such shamelessness in public.

Bai Jiaojiao hadn’t thought much of it at first, but the stares were too much. She hurriedly pushed him away.

“Let go. Aren’t you embarrassed?”

Only then did Xiao Zhou come to his senses. His ears flushed red as he released her, but his eyes never left her face. She pulled him aside.

“Where’s my sister?” Bai Jiaojiao asked.

“She’s with my parents,” he replied in a low voice. “Where did you just go, Jiaojiao?”

“Don’t call me Jiaojiao.”

Xiao Zhou looked unhappy but swallowed his protest when he met her threatening gaze.

He often used threats against her, but when she was truly mad, he’d back down every time.

“Okay.”

He could still call her that secretly.

Bai Jiaojiao took a sticky rice cake out of the bag she’d just handed him, took a bite, and said, “I was lining up to buy this. Just made, so fresh and good.”

Xiao Zhou finally noticed the small stall nearby with a long queue. The crowd had been so dense he hadn’t seen it.

“It smells amazing.”

In the modern world, Bai Jiaojiao had always loved snacks and street food. Now that she’d traveled back to the 1970s, there was no way she’d miss the chance to indulge. Without modern tech, everything was made with real ingredients. Every bite was full of old-timey flavor you couldn’t get in modern times — irresistible to a foodie.

To prove how good it was, she even offered a piece to Xiao Zhou, holding it up to his mouth.

“Try it if you don’t believe me. Isn’t it delicious?”

He opened his mouth slightly and took a big bite. “Delicious.”

“Right? I told you it was.” Bai Jiaojiao smiled sweetly, eyes curving like crescent moons, with a playful, flattering tone.

If she gave him tasty food, maybe once he regained his memory, he wouldn’t come after her for revenge…

Xiao Zhou couldn’t take his eyes off her — she was so beautiful, so perfect.

He even had the urge to kiss her again. How could his wife be this amazing?

But he held back. He was afraid she might really run away from him.

Though she hadn’t actually left this time, the idea of her walking out of his life was unbearable. If she ever truly left, he’d go mad trying to find her, lock her up, and never let her go again.

But until that day came, he still hoped she’d stay willingly.

“I’ll line up next time,” Xiao Zhou said. That line was too long; she might get jostled.

“We’ll see,” Bai Jiaojiao quickly changed the subject. “Let’s go find your parents — they should try it too. It won’t taste as good once it’s cold.”

“Mm.” Xiao Zhou masked the darkness in his eyes with a calm smile, just like always.

At some point, snow began falling from the sky, and they had to head home early.

The snow continued for three days straight. Every morning, the first thing Xiao Zhou did was shovel the snow. Everything was covered in white, like vanilla ice cream.

Bai Jiaojiao ate pastries while looking out at the snow, a little dazed.

The Xiao family’s fatal accident had occurred during a heavy rain — it should be within the next few days.

But with this much snow, how could it become rain? Could her arrival have altered the story?

Instead of feeling relieved, her expression grew more serious.

The worst-case scenario was that the cause of their deaths had changed to something else entirely.

Suddenly, a delicious smell tickled her nose. Instinctively, she opened her mouth — a fried meatball landed inside. Her eyes widened slightly, and Xiao Zhou’s low voice sounded beside her.

“Is it good?”

“Mmhmm!” Bai Jiaojiao’s eyes lit up. “What’s for dinner?”

“Fried chicken drumsticks, crispy pork, and ribs.”

“So many goodies!” Bai Jiaojiao couldn’t help but get up and head toward the kitchen, but stopped mid-step and looked at Xiao Zhou pleadingly. “Um, can you bring me some more and say it’s for you?”

She didn’t want Father Xiao to think she had such a big appetite. After all, in the ‘70s, food wasn’t exactly abundant.

“Trade.” He stared at her lips, his meaning obvious.

Bai Jiaojiao: “…”

Between hunger and pride, hunger won.

He’s already kissed me so many times anyway… One more shouldn’t matter…

“Fine. But you can’t move.”

Xiao Zhou swallowed hard and nodded, every muscle in his body tense.

This time was different — she was kissing him willingly!

Her soft little hand covered his eyes. Xiao Zhou wanted to grab it, but didn’t dare move, afraid it might all be a dream.

Then something warm and gentle brushed his cheek — lighter than cotton candy, gone in a second.

He felt both elated and a little disappointed.

“Just the cheek?”

Bai Jiaojiao pulled back and glared. “Don’t push your luck!”

“No problem, no problem. The cheek is fine.”

There’s always a next time. He was starting to figure out how to win his wife over.

Xiao Zhou returned from the kitchen with a pile of fried treats. Bai Jiaojiao’s eyes sparkled. She didn’t forget to ask, “What did you tell your dad?”

“I said I was hungry.”

Bai Jiaojiao beamed. If Xiao Zhou hadn’t been beside her, she might’ve kissed him again out of joy.

Xiao Zhou watched her nibble on the snacks like a little hamster, not sparing him a single glance. He had hoped for another reward…

His eyes dimmed with disappointment.

“Don’t eat too much. Dinner’s soon.”

“Okay.” She said it, but still polished off the whole plate. Nothing beats freshly fried food.

At dinner, Father Xiao couldn’t help but scold Xiao Zhou.

“You’ve grown up and act like a kid now. Couldn’t even wait till dinner to eat all the fried stuff.”

Bai Jiaojiao felt a bit guilty and quickly defended him. “Dad, Xiao Zhou was just a little hungry. He’s got such a big build, it’s okay if he eats more.”

Father Xiao shot his son a glare. “Take better care of your wife. Look how good she is to you, even covering for you.”

“I will,” Xiao Zhou replied calmly.

Bai Jiaojiao felt even more guilty.

Outside, the snow was falling harder. Even with an extra blanket on top of the quilt, Bai Jiaojiao still felt cold at night. Her gaze drifted to the blanket placed between them.

But layering two quilts was just too heavy.

Xiao Zhou came back from his shower, seemingly obsessed with cleanliness lately. He wore little, but radiated warmth like a human furnace.