Zhao Xiangwan smiled faintly but said nothing.  

For her, college meant freedom from her adoptive parents. Since leaving for Xing City, she’d only written to Fan Qiuhan—no one else in Zhaojiagou had heard from her. Of course Zhao Bowen wouldn’t know she was coming back.  

Unaware of her thoughts, Zhao Bowen beamed. He wanted to ruffle her hair but stopped himself—she’d never liked that. Instead, he thrust the candy into her hands.  

“It’s good you’re back. The hospital won’t close till New Year’s Eve. I’ll take you home, okay? Even if things with Mom and Dad are… complicated, it’s still home.”  

[Third Sister couldn’t hate them so much she’d skip New Year’s, right? She grew up in Zhaojiagou. Even at college, she’s still one of us. How can she just cut ties? Mom… why’s she so hard on Third Sister but not me or Chen Yang? Now she won’t even come home for the reunion. It’s just… ah.]  

_

The sweet, creamy scent of the White Rabbit candies whisked Zhao Xiangwan back to childhood—her eldest brother sneaking a candy into her mouth after school. That sweetness had stayed with her for years.  

She remembered every kindness.  

Ignoring his question, she opened the door. “Brother, I brought you something.”  

Zhao Bowen’s face lit up as she pulled out a light gray wool scarf. “Third Sister, you do care! This is the trendy style in Xing City, right? So soft! I love it.”  

Zhao Bowen unfolded the scarf and wrapped it around his neck. The softness, warmth, and comfort brought a wide smile to his face. His sister’s life in college wasn’t easy, and he hadn’t been able to help much. Yet, she still remembered to bring him a gift when she returned for the New Year. It touched him deeply.  

Zhao Xiangwan knew her eldest brother was kind-hearted and honest, but also simple-minded. At home, he silently worked the fields, obediently following their parents’ orders while the family’s attention centered on her second brother, Zhao Zhongwu.  

Zhao Zhongwu was cunning and sly. He had no interest in studying and always pushed chores onto his elder brother. By junior high, he’d picked up gambling, stealing money from the family countless times. If not for Zhao Xiangwan’s mind-reading ability keeping him in check, he’d have turned into a full-time gambler and troublemaker.  

Thinking of this, Zhao Xiangwan asked, “Brother, how is Second Brother now?”  

Zhao Bowen frowned and shook his head. “Ah, he went to Yangcheng to learn cooking at a big hotel, but before finishing his apprenticeship, he started gambling again. His master kicked him out. He came home a few days ago, telling Mom and Dad he’s ‘skilled enough’ and wants to open a restaurant in Luo County.”  

Zhao Xiangwan sighed. As the saying goes, a child’s nature is set by age three, their habits by age seven. Her second brother’s gambling addiction still hadn’t changed.  

Zhao Bowen adjusted the scarf, his heart full of joy. But when he looked at his sister’s small, round face, a mix of happiness and sadness welled up in him. He brought up the topic again.  

“Third Sister, won’t you come home for New Year’s Eve? Don’t worry—I’m working now, earning 62 yuan a month. I’m not afraid of Mom and Dad anymore. If they get angry, I’ll protect you.”  

Money brought confidence.  

Born in 1968, Zhao Bowen had dropped out after one year of high school to farm at home. Back then, with no income, he relied on their mother, Qian Shufen, for every penny. When Chen Yang (their adopted sister) was still home, he’d watch as Third Sister worked while Fourth Sister lazed around. After Chen Yang left, Third Sister went to boarding school for junior and senior high. Yet, every time their mother mentioned her, it was with scolding—and every school term began with beatings when she asked for money. Zhao Bowen, too timid to stand up to their parents, could only sneak her snacks and small change.  

Now, with a stable job, he finally felt bold enough to speak up. Seeing the scarf from Zhao Xiangwan made him reflect—he hadn’t done enough for her before, and shame filled him.  

Zhao Xiangwan shook her head. “Brother, I don’t want to go back.”  

Even if Zhao Bowen wanted to defy their parents, she knew his gentle nature meant he lacked the strength for a prolonged fight. And she herself hadn’t figured out how to face them.  

Had they raised her? Yes. At least they hadn’t let her starve or fall sick—unlike Zhao Qingyun and Wei Meihua, who’d abandoned her at one month old. But that gratitude vanished the moment they suppressed her growth after swapping her with Zhao Chenyang.  

Zhao Bowen sighed, defeated. “Ah, Third Sister, I know Mom and Dad haven’t treated you well, but the whole village is talking. Won’t you even come back for New Year’s? Remember how Uncle Hai (village committee director) and Aunt Gui (Women’s Federation director) stepped in to convince them to let you attend junior high? Later, they even gave you money secretly for high school.”  

Zhao Xiangwan stayed silent.  

Fan Qiuhan pushed the door open, scowling. “Cousin, if you want to be filial, go ahead—but don’t drag Xiangwan into it. What’s she supposed to do? Listen to her aunt call her ‘heartless’ and her uncle scold her as ‘ungrateful’? Let them take her ID card or burn her clothes to stop her from studying?”  

Zhao Bowen paled, especially at the mention of ID confiscation and burned clothes—things he’d never heard before. He weakly defended, “Well… Mom and Dad didn’t want her studying since she’s a girl, but it wasn’t… that bad, right?”  

Fan Qiuhan huffed. “Worse! Know why Xiangwan applied to the Public Security University? Because it’s tuition-free, admits students early, and her aunt didn’t dare tear up the admission letter! After failing to stop her from taking the college entrance exam, her aunt swore she’d rip up any acceptance letter to keep her from studying further.”  

Zhao Bowen trembled, muttering, “I… didn’t know.”  

Fan Qiuhan crossed her arms. “You’re the eldest son—of course they treat you well. You’ve had it easy. How could you understand what Xiangwan went through?”  

Sweat beaded on Zhao Bowen’s forehead.  

“Cousin, wasn’t it Xiangwan who reminded you to take the adult college entrance exam^[1]refers to an exam for working adults to enter higher education.. in 1986? Didn’t she help you find study materials? Without her, you’d still be farming, not working a decent job! Have some conscience—don’t force your ideas on her.”  

Once Fan Qiuhan started, her words came rapid-fire. Zhao Bowen’s head spun as he nodded frantically. “Right, right, I was wrong. I won’t force Third Sister.”  

“And Uncle Hai and Aunt Gui? We’ll buy New Year gifts later—you can deliver them for her. Why must she go back? If she does everything, what’s the point of having you as her brother?”  

Zhao Bowen kept nodding. “Yes, yes, okay.”  

The sound of cart wheels rolling over concrete came from outside. Zhao Xiangwan jumped up. “Aunt’s back!” The three hurried out to help Zhao Dacui, who’d returned after her breakfast stall’s morning rush.  

Zhao Bowen quickly unloaded the coal stove, iron buckets, bottles, bowls, and chopsticks from the cart. Zhao Xiangwan and Fan Qiuhan washed the dishes. Half an hour later, everything was cleaned and stored away.  

Zhao Dacui dragged out a chair, groaning as she sat. After a long pause, she exhaled heavily. “Ah… so tired.” In her youth, she could bend over harvesting rice all day without complaint. Now, just running a rice noodle stall left her back aching.  

Seeing this, Fan Qiuhan’s eyes reddened with worry. She crouched beside her mother and began massaging her back, scolding gently, “Mom, I told you not to run the stall anymore, but you wouldn’t listen! Pushing the cart, hauling buckets, standing for hours—it’s ruining your back. You’re fifty now, with severe lumbar strain, yet you still won’t rest. Do you want to end up bedridden?”  

Zhao Dacui didn’t protest this time. She patted her daughter’s head, sighing, “My Qiuqiu cares for her mom. I know.”  

The night before, Zhao Xiangwan had urged Fan Qiuhan to persuade her aunt. Now, seeing the exhaustion on Zhao Dacui’s face, she suggested, “Aunt, you’re not young anymore. Running a stall alone is too hard. Why not take an apprentice and open a proper rice noodle shop?”  

Zhao Dacui smiled. “Xiangwan has an apprentice in mind? Who?”  

Zhao Xiangwan replied, “Zhao Zhongwu.”  

Meanwhile, in the old Zhao family home in Zhaojiagou, Zhao Zhongwu—huddled by the fireplace, scheming how to extract money from his mother for a shop—suddenly shuddered.  

He glanced around, uneasy. The third sister must be on winter break. Will she come home? Her piercing gaze seemed to see through every lie, and her mind-reading ability terrified him. Yet, despite his fear, he missed her a little. If she helped me gamble, I’d win big.  

Just the thought made his fingers twitch with anticipation.  

A commotion erupted at the door, punctuated by Qian Shufen’s shrill cry: “Fourth Sister! You’re back!”  

Zhao Erfu’s voice boomed with excitement, “Quick, quick, come inside!”  

“Zhongwu! Get out here! Your fourth sister’s back—Chenyang’s home!”  

Zhao Zhongwu froze. Zhao Chenyang? That lazy brat? After vanishing for years, she dares show up now? He stretched lazily, ambled out of the west wing, and entered the main hall.  

The old house had a central hall flanked by east and west wings, with a kitchen on one end and a pigpen on the other. Now, the hall was packed, everyone crowding around a man and a woman.  

The girl was a grown-up Zhao Chenyang, dressed in a yellow cashmere sweater, dark chestnut wool coat, fitted black pants, and brown boots—utterly fashionable among the village girls. Her short curls framed an oval face with large, pretty eyes.  

Zhao Zhongwu whistled, smirking. “Well, well. Look who’s here. The runt Zhao Chenyang, all grown up. Eight years without a word, and now she swans back in glory?”  

Zhao Chenyang turned, glaring at his taunt. “Er Gouzi (Second Dog), still as annoying as ever!”  

Unfazed, Zhao Zhongwu grinned. “Better than being heartless. You lazed around Zhaojiagou for ten years, then ghosted us after moving to the city. No conscience at all.”  

Qian Shufen smacked his head. “Shut your mouth if you can’t speak nicely!”  

The tall, authoritative man beside Zhao Chenyang smiled politely. “You must be Zhao Xiangwan’s second brother? Hello.”  

His refined demeanor intimidated Zhao Zhongwu, who hastily shook his hand. “Hello! I’m Zhao Zhongwu. And you are…?”  

“Zhao Qingyun.” After a brief handshake, Zhao Qingyun scanned the room. “Is Zhao Xiangwan here?”  

A chill crept down Zhao Zhongwu’s spine. He exhaled sharply. “Third Sister hasn’t returned.”  

Zhao Qingyun frowned at Qian Shufen. “I heard she was on the train yesterday.”  

Qian Shufen flushed, embarrassed. “She—she must’ve gone to her aunt’s in the county first. You’ve traveled far; rest and have some tea.”  

Tears welled in Qian Shufen’s eyes as she stared at Zhao Chenyang—her flesh and blood, unseen for eight years. Overcome, she pulled her into a hug. “Fourth Sister, you heartless girl! I raised you ten years, and you come back so late…”  

Zhao Erfu beamed, marveling at his daughter’s polished appearance. Smart girl. The city life suits her!  

Zhao Chenyang stiffened at the embrace, recoiling from the wood-smoke scent. She smoothed her hair, forcing a smile. “So… when is Zhao Xiangwan coming back?”  

Qian Shufen faltered. She’d assumed Zhao Qingyun’s visit—with lavish gifts and a car—was to thank her for raising Zhao Chenyang. Yet both guests seemed fixated on Zhao Xiangwan.  

That ungrateful girl, Qian Shufen seethed. Not a single call or letter since university. Even now, she avoids us.  

Zhao Erfu chuckled nervously. “Xiangwan’s close to her aunt. She’ll visit soon. Zhongwu can fetch her later. Please, sit!”  

Zhao Qingyun remained standing, his voice calm but firm, audible to the gathered villagers:  

“Zhao Chenyang is your daughter. I’ve returned her. Zhao Xiangwan is my biological child. I’m here to take her home.”  

The room erupted in gasps.  

What? Zhao Chenyang, the one who was taken to the city to live a comfortable life, is actually the biological child of Zhao Erfu and Qian Shufen? And Zhao Xiangwan, who suffered beatings and scoldings, is the real rich city girl?  

A buzz of whispers erupted. This revelation was a shocking secret to the villagers of Zhaojiagou—too unbelievable to process.  

“No wonder Zhao Xiangwan’s grades were so good, but Erfu and his wife refused to let her study. Turns out she wasn’t their real daughter!”  

“Look closely—that city official actually resembles Zhao Xiangwan!”  

“Aunt Qian did this on purpose, didn’t she? As the mother, she must’ve known which child was hers. This… this is just cruel!”  

Amid the murmurs, Zhao Zhongwu’s eyes widened. Oh no… this is huge!