Mu Xiaoqi approached, carefully observing Zhao Baixue’s slightly reddened eyes.

“Don’t cry, I’ll give you candy.” Mu Xiaoqi took a piece of Da Bai Tu milk candy from her pocket and placed it in Zhao Baixue’s hand.

In her past life, she hadn’t willingly married Zhao Xuli, and she had been indifferent to this younger sister. Seeing this familiar little face again, Mu Xiaoqi recalled Zhao Baixue’s meticulous care for her before her death.

Since she had a second chance at life, she would definitely protect her.

Shifting her gaze to Zhao Baixue’s side, Mu Xiaoqi slightly raised her chin, glancing at the middle-aged women watching the scene.

“Don’t be sad. Those who look down on you now will one day find you beyond their reach!”

If someone else had said this, it might not have had such a strong deterrent effect.

Mu Xiaoqi, dressed in city attire, possessed a confidence and pride that the villagers lacked. Standing beside Zhao Baixue, even without saying anything, she exuded an aura that intimidated the villagers.

Zhao Baixue, in a daze, took Mu Xiaoqi home. She was truly grateful to this beautiful woman.

“How did you end up in our village?” Zhao Baixue poured Mu Xiaoqi a cup of herbal tea. It was specially prepared by her brother, who said it was good for girls’ health.

Mu Xiaoqi smiled gently, “If I’m not mistaken, you’re Zhao Xuli’s sister, Zhao Baixue, right? Nice to meet you, Xiaoxue. I’m your brother’s friend, Mu Xiaoqi.”

Luckily, Zhao Baixue had already handed the teacup to Mu Xiaoqi, otherwise, she would have surely dropped it.

After a long while, Zhao Baixue finally came to her senses. Nervously adjusting the loose strands of hair by her ear, she looked at Mu Xiaoqi with clear apprehension.

“Sister Xiaoqi, I… I am Zhao Xuli’s sister. You’re so beautiful!”

Fourteen-year-old Zhao Baixue was thin and frail.  Because she was premature, her physique was weaker than that of her peers.  The blue homespun clothes hung loosely on her, making her look like she was only twelve years old to strangers.

In her past life, Mu Xiaoqi had never looked at Zhao Baixue properly.

But now, in Mu Xiaoqi’s eyes, this kind and shy girl was truly captivating.

“My brother is in town, he’ll probably be back in the evening. Sister Xiaoqi, did you need to see him urgently?” Zhao Baixue was completely surprised by Mu Xiaoqi’s arrival. She must have had a hard time finding the place.

Zhao Baixue had heard from her brother about the important person who visited their home yesterday – Sister Xiaoqi’s uncle.  Their uncle, who usually looked down on them, had even come to visit after the important person left.  She didn’t know what her brother had said to him, but he left in a huff.

She only partially understood the conversation between her brother and the important person, but her sensitive nature had already sensed the chasm between her brother and Sister Xiaoqi.

Could it be that the important person had told his family something, causing Sister Xiaoqi to come to the village in a fit of pique?  Thinking this, Zhao Baixue became even more nervous, her fingers clutching her clothes tightly.

Mu Xiaoqi was unaware of Zhao Baixue’s worries and hadn’t expected to miss Zhao Xuli.  Separated by over seventy kilometers, it was indeed inconvenient to contact each other.

“I don’t have anything urgent, Xiaoxue, don’t worry.” Taking a movie ticket from her bag, Mu Xiaoqi smiled and handed it to Zhao Baixue. “I came to deliver the movie tickets to him. I don’t know if he has time to watch a movie with me.”

Then, Mu Xiaoqi added, “It’s okay if he doesn’t have time. I also wanted to see you today.”

After hearing Mu Xiaoqi’s words, Zhao Baixue’s heart finally settled.  This was the first time she had ever seen a movie ticket.  Taking the ticket with both hands, she readily agreed on her brother’s behalf.

“He will definitely go if he has time.”

Mu Xiaoqi had lunch at Zhao’s house. She had to rush back to the county and couldn’t wait for Zhao Xuli to return. She had been out all day, and if she didn’t go back before dark, her grandmother and uncles would surely worry.

Learning that Zhao Baixue had passed the entrance exam for Ping Le County No. 1 Middle School at only fourteen, Mu Xiaoqi was very happy for her.

In her past life, because of her, Zhao Baixue hadn’t been able to go to university. Even though she later achieved remarkable success in the translation field, Mu Xiaoqi still felt apologetic.

In this life, she would definitely protect Zhao Baixue, giving her a warm home and a sister who would always be her strong support.

The two talked a lot that day. Zhao Baixue reluctantly saw Mu Xiaoqi off at the village entrance.

“Sister Xiaoqi, be careful on the road.”

“Go back. I’ll come again when I have time.”

Only after Mu Xiaoqi’s figure disappeared did Zhao Baixue turn back home.

The sun set, and the earth, baked all day, was still like a steamer. A nimble figure darted through the mountains and fields. Zhao Xuli had left before dawn and finally finished his business before nightfall.

At the Zhao family home, Zhao Baixue had been waiting at the door for her brother to return. What a pity! Sister Xiaoqi had come all the way to see her brother, but they missed each other.

“Brother, brother, you’re finally back!” Zhao Baixue rushed towards a familiar figure.

Zhao Xuli was a little surprised. His sister hadn’t acted like this before. Today, she seemed particularly concerned about his return.

“Sister Xiaoqi came today!”

“What did you say?” Zhao Xuli subconsciously looked behind his sister.

“Brother, don’t look. Sister Xiaoqi left already.”

Hearing his sister’s words, Zhao Xuli’s shoulders slumped involuntarily. If he had known she was coming today, he definitely wouldn’t have gone out.

However, hindsight is 20/20.

Zhao Baixue had never seen her brother like this before.  She carefully took the movie ticket from her pocket and handed it to her brother.

“Sister Xiaoqi came to the house today to give you the movie tickets. Brother, I can tell Sister Xiaoqi is a very good person. You must cherish her.”