Aunt Lin came home early from work today and had naturally already heard about Xiuzhu’s close call with danger.  

She had a good relationship with her sister-in-law and adored their only child even more.  

Besides, little Xiuzhu was delicate, pretty, and knew how to act sweet—it was hard for any elder not to dote on her.  

Seeing Xiuzhu sitting obediently on the sofa, Aunt Lin comforted her gently, “Xiuzhu, don’t be afraid. It’s all over now. Auntie will make you some sweet soup tonight.”  

“Thank you, Auntie. I’m not scared. Oh, by the way, how long until Grandpa comes home?” Perhaps because of the fright earlier, Xiuzhu found herself missing her grandfather.  

“Oh dear, look at my memory! Your grandfather is already on the train and will be home in a few days.”

Aunt Lin had been so focused on comforting Xiuzhu that she’d forgotten about the telegram she received that afternoon.  

Then, with a playful smile, she added, “But guess who’s coming home tonight?”

Lin Xiuzhu caught on immediately and shouted excitedly, “Is Big Brother coming back?!”  

“Hehe, you guessed right. Your brother just happens to be bringing a comrade-in-arms to stay with us for a few days.”

“Now, behave yourself when they arrive—don’t embarrass me.” Aunt Lin eyed her younger son with some concern.  

Yaowen, already high-fiving Xiuzhu in excitement, replied dismissively, “Got it, Mom. Do I really seem like someone with no sense of restraint?”  

“Ow! Why’d you hit so hard?” Xiuzhu glared at Yaowen and complained.  

Aunt Lin frowned when she saw her son’s roughhousing had left Xiuzhu’s hand red. “Xiuzhu is a delicate girl. Don’t treat her the same way you do those rowdy boys from the compound.” 

“Got it, Mom. Sorry, my dear sister Xiuzhu.” He raised an eyebrow and shot her a teasing look.  

The living room erupted in laughter.  

…

The evening breeze brushed past, bringing a touch of coolness and ease. The trees along the roadside swayed gently in the wind.  

Two tall, handsome figures walked along the nighttime path.  

Lin Yaoyu took a deep breath of the fresh air—coming home always put him in an especially good mood.  

“Luochuan, don’t be too formal when we get there. Just relax at my place these next few days.”  

“Oh yeah, Mom said my little cousin is visiting too. We’ll take her and Yaowen fishing in the countryside.” 

Eager to get home, Yaoyu chatted nonstop.  

Unlike his cheerful companion, Ling Luochuan was in low spirits, weighed down by his own family troubles.  

Staying at his comrade’s place was an escape—his family had been pushing him into an arranged marriage. The Ling family’s influence surpassed even the Lins’, with his grandfather still a high-ranking official.  

His family wanted him to marry into the Chu family, but he couldn’t stand the young lady from that household—in fact, he downright disliked her.  

“Whatever you arrange is fine,” came his deep, cool reply.  

Used to his comrade’s reticence, Yaoyu didn’t mind.  

“Mom, I’m home! Xiuzhu, Xiuli, did you miss your big brother?”  

His voice rang out before he even stepped inside.  

Mrs. Lin, downstairs, was the first to react. Overjoyed, she hurried to greet her son, whom she hadn’t seen in half a year. *”Welcome back! You two must be tired—come sit and have some tea.”*  

Yaoyu introduced, “This is my comrade-in-arms. He’ll be staying with us for a few days.”  

Ling Luochuan gave a polite nod. “Auntie, thank you for having me. This small gift is just a token of my appreciation.”  

“Oh, you silly boy, no need for such formalities! Make yourself at home.” Bai Huifang accepted the gift somewhat bashfully.  

“Where are Xiuzhu and the others?” Yaoyu glanced around.  

Yaowen spotted his brother first and yelled excitedly, “Brother! You’re back!” 

Bai Huifang chuckled, “Speak of the devil—here they come.”  

“Come on, everyone, greet your brother’s comrade,” Aunt Lin called out to the group on the stairs before turning back to the kitchen.  

Xiuzhu was thrilled to see her eldest brother. Lin Yaoyu had spent several years of his childhood in Yucheng and had even taken care of her. In her heart, he was no different from a blood-related older brother.  

A petite figure in light green swiftly threw herself into Yaoyu’s arms—  

—and into Ling Luochuan’s cool, observant gaze.  

The way she moved was light and graceful, like a butterfly flitting through flowers, brimming with vitality.  

“Big Brother, I missed you so much! It’s been forever since I last saw you,” her sweet, melodious voice cooed at Yaoyu.  

Yaoyu was equally delighted to see Xiuzhu. Her unchanged habit of acting spoiled since childhood warmed his heart, flooding him with nostalgic memories of their carefree days.  

He affectionately patted her round little head. “Of course I missed you. Our Xiuzhu has grown into such a beautiful young lady.”  

Ling Luochuan stood quietly to the side, thinking to himself: *Yaoyu wasn’t exaggerating—she really is exceptionally lovely.*  

“Alright, let me introduce everyone. This is my comrade-in-arms, Ling Luochuan. He’s the same age as me—24 this year. You can call him Brother Luochuan. He’ll be staying with us for a few days,” Yaoyu announced.  

“Hello, Brother Luochuan!”  

The group greeted him in unison, finally taking a proper look at the strikingly handsome man.  

Standing around 185 cm tall, his demeanor was as cool and refined as snow-capped mountains—aloof yet noble. Years of training as a pilot had given him a lean, strong build, far from frail. His deep, penetrating eyes seemed capable of seeing straight through a person.  

Luochuan politely returned the greetings one by one. When it was Xiuzhu’s turn, his tone shifted almost imperceptibly. His dark eyes fixed on her as he said, “Hello, little sister Xiuzhu.”  

Xiuzhu blinked in surprise. He just called Sister Xiuli ‘Miss Lin,’ so why the sudden familiarity with me?

Maybe because Cousin Xiuli is about to get married, so he can’t act too close with her, whereas it’s fine since I’m younger?

I didn’t expect him to be so mindful of boundaries.

Her clear, bright eyes met his as she replied politely, “Hello, Brother Luochuan.” 

Nearby, Yaoyu and Yaowen chatted boisterously.  

The more observant Xiuli sensed something off about Luochuan’s sudden change in addressing Xiuzhu but quickly dismissed it. He couldn’t very well call both of them ‘Miss Lin,’ could he?

Xiuzhu is undeniably stunning, but she’s still young—six years his junior. I must be overthinking it.  

“Kids, come eat!” Aunt Lin called as she brought the dishes to the table.  

Luochuan lingered a step behind, then—whether intentionally or not—chose the seat next to Xiuzhu.  

The aroma of various dishes filled the air. Xiuli walked in carrying a freshly cooked plate of braised pork, its glossy, crimson chunks still steaming.  

Aunt Lin smiled fondly at the children gathered around the table.  

“Wow, that smells amazing!” Yaoyu couldn’t resist reaching for the meat.  

“Luochuan, try some of Auntie’s cooking,” Aunt Lin said cheerfully, using serving chopsticks to place a piece in his bowl.  

Luochuan half-rose, politely accepting it with both hands. After taking a deliberate, well-mannered bite, he said, “Auntie, your skills are exceptional. Yaoyu often raves about your braised pork in the barracks—it truly lives up to its reputation.” 

“Hahaha, such a sweet talker!” Aunt Lin beamed at the praise.  

Everyone began digging into the feast.  

The braised pork melted in the mouth, the steamed fish was tender and flavorful, and the stir-fried greens were refreshingly crisp. The Lin siblings couldn’t help but devour the dishes one bite after another.  

Their household had no rule about “no talking during meals.”  

Laughter and conversation intertwined, filling the room with warmth.