Meng Suihuan decided to visit the town for some observations. However, she faced a challenge before even starting. The Lu Family Village was situated halfway up a mountain with rugged terrain. The only path leading out of the village was a winding mountain trail, full of twists and turns. At every short interval, there were forks in the road, making it easy for someone like her, with a slightly poor sense of direction, to get lost. It seemed she would need a guide.

Meng Suihuan considered the people she could rely on. Her own family—parents and younger brother—were hopeless. They were always dreaming of easy gains or trying to take advantage of their married daughter. As for other relatives, she hadn’t interacted with them and didn’t know their personalities. Naturally, they were out of the question.

Ultimately, the people she was most familiar with were the Lu family members. Over the past few days, she’d figured out that they were all kind-hearted folks, even if they had a tough exterior. While she was contemplating this, the sound of joyous footsteps rang out from outside, like a wild animal breaking free from its constraints. The voice accompanying the steps was brimming with excitement.

“I’m back!” The tone carried a desire to announce her return to the whole world.

Meng Suihuan raised an eyebrow, her sharp eyes trained on the doorway like a hunter eyeing its prey. When the young girl walked in, carrying her schoolbag, Meng Suihuan immediately greeted her with a bright smile and a soft, sweet voice.

“Miaomiao, you must be exhausted after a full day at school.”

Lu Miaomiao was so startled by this sudden display of concern that she took several steps back and adopted a defensive posture.

“What scheme are you plotting this time?” she asked suspiciously. After all, her sister-in-law had never shown her such concern before. There had to be a catch.

Meng Suihuan was surprised by the strong reaction. Weren’t people generally more receptive to kindness? Why was this little girl treating her like a monster? This didn’t add up.

Realizing that the soft approach wasn’t working, Meng Suihuan decided to switch tactics. She placed her hand on her forehead and adopted a weak demeanor.

“My head suddenly feels like it’s going to explode. It’s throbbing so badly.”

“I’m planning to go to town to see a doctor and buy some medicine to ease the pain,” she added, observing the girl’s expression carefully.

Lu Miaomiao was unconvinced and retorted with reason.

“You were fine just a moment ago. How come it hurts all of a sudden? You’re obviously faking it. I don’t believe a word you say!”

Meng Suihuan raised her eyebrows slightly, unfazed. Though she was indeed pretending, she wouldn’t admit it. Without hesitation, she turned around and said, “Forget it, I’ll just go back to my parents’ place and find someone else to accompany me.”

She deliberately walked slowly, silently counting in her head. By the time she reached five, the young girl rushed up and blocked her path.

“There’s no need to trouble others! I’ll go with you!” she said through gritted teeth.

Meng Suihuan smiled brightly and dropped her act.

“Great.”

Lu Miaomiao: “…You tricked me! I’m not going anymore!”

But before she could leave, she saw her new sister-in-law clutching her head again, looking like she was about to collapse.

“It’s hurting again,” Meng Suihuan said weakly.

Lu Miaomiao: “…Your illness understands human language now?”

Meng Suihuan chuckled lightly.

“Not quite, but it understands my mood. When I’m happy, it doesn’t hurt. When I’m upset, it does.”

Lu Miaomiao: “…”

What to do? She was beginning to dislike her new sister-in-law even more!

—

After the weekend arrived and the young girl had her day off, the two prepared to head to town. Initially, Meng Suihuan was fussy about transportation. Given her stylish appearance, riding an ox cart felt beneath her. But to her dismay, even ox carts were a luxury in the village. They had no choice but to rely on their legs.

Meng Suihuan: Could she refuse?

But one look at the disdainful expression on the young girl’s face, coupled with her own unfulfilled ambitions, and she tossed her hair defiantly. Walk it is! She refused to believe she could conquer a man but not a few mountain trails.

After only a short distance, however, she was so exhausted that she couldn’t straighten her back. Panting, she asked, “How much farther?”

“At my pace, about half an hour. At your snail’s pace? Maybe two hours,” Lu Miaomiao quipped.

Meng Suihuan: “…”

This girl sure held grudges, taking every chance to mock her. But was she so easy to ridicule?

“You’re right. In that case, why don’t you carry me? That way, we’ll get there faster,” she teased.

Lu Miaomiao rolled her eyes.

“Daytime is perfect for dreaming.”

Although they bickered, Meng Suihuan kept moving. After another short stretch, she was too tired to continue.

“Let’s rest a bit,” she panted.

Lu Miaomiao sighed, clearly frustrated. If she wasn’t mistaken, they had already rested four or five times, and they were only halfway there! At this rate, they’d arrive in town by nightfall.

Resigned, she said, “Let’s wait here and see if anyone heading to town can give us a ride.”

Meng Suihuan was touched. This little girl was truly an angel. She resolved to treat her better in the future.

Their luck wasn’t bad; they soon flagged down an old, slightly run-down truck. Meng Suihuan didn’t care about appearances anymore. As long as she didn’t have to walk, any ride was a blessing.

The driver turned out to be Meng Changsheng, her uncle. He invited them aboard and even handed them each two oranges.

“Xiao Huan, how’s your head? Your dad said you’ve lost your memory.”

Meng Suihuan fell silent. She had only disclosed her memory loss to the Lu family. As for her own family, she had kept it a secret, considering them more of a burden than a help.

“Still planning to get it checked out in town,” she replied vaguely.

“Good idea. If I’m free, I’ll take you to the city,” her uncle offered warmly.

Meng Suihuan didn’t take the offer seriously, chalking it up to politeness.

The ride saved them a lot of time, and in about fifteen minutes, they reached their destination. Before they parted, Meng Changsheng reminded them to wait for him if they were still around after he finished his delivery. Meng Suihuan eagerly agreed.

—

The small town of Pingyang wasn’t very big but was much more developed than the village. It had trendy shops, modern attire, and various establishments like restaurants, schools, and hospitals lining its streets.

Meng Suihuan wandered around with Lu Miaomiao in tow. The latter, confused and increasingly impatient, asked, “Are we just going to walk around aimlessly all day?”

“Follow me,” was all Meng Suihuan said.

Eventually, they stopped in front of a small restaurant.

“Seriously? After all this, you were just looking for a place to eat?” Lu Miaomiao asked in disbelief.

Meng Suihuan smiled mysteriously.

“No. I’m treasure hunting.”

—