Zhou Wan felt as if all the blood in her body was flowing backward. The autumn wind wasn't bone-chilling, but it blew straight through her clothes.

She quickly turned her head, not wanting Guo Xiangling to see her.

But in a situation like this, it was ultimately futile.

How could Guo Xiangling possibly not see her.

A flash of shock and surprise crossed her face as well, but she didn't let it show. Her acting skills were better than Zhou Wan's, and she still maintained an ingratiating smile.

After a pause, she continued, "Ah Xiao, it's the weekend tomorrow. Come home and stay with me."

Seeing that he remained silent, Guo Xiangling said again, "Although your father doesn't say it, you're his son, so he definitely misses you. Come home for the weekend, Ah Xiao."

Truly the image of a virtuous and considerate stepmother.

Lu Xixiao stopped walking, lowered his head, lightly stomped his foot on the spot, and suddenly let out a laugh.

Sarcastic and mocking.

"Do you really think of yourself as my mom?"

He looked at Guo Xiangling, his gaze devoid of warmth. "If you have this much energy, you might as well go figure out a way to give Lu Zhongyue another son."

His words were harsh, and Guo Xiangling's expression changed slightly.

Although the words were unpleasant, it was a solid plan.

How could Guo Xiangling not have thought of it? Although she was nominally Lu Zhongyue's other half, Lu Zhongyue wasn't an idiot and had no intention of officially marrying her, always finding some excuse.

Guo Xiangling had thought about having another child. Even though her current age was no longer ideal for childbirth, a child could guarantee her a life of wealth and stability.

She would have truly made it then.

But Lu Zhongyue wouldn't let her get her way.

After Lu Xixiao finished speaking, he turned and walked away.

Zhou Wan didn't follow, remaining frozen on the spot.

He looked back and said faintly, "Zhou Wan."

"Ah." She responded unconsciously, dazed.

Lu Xixiao watched her for a moment, and noticing the discomfort in her expression, he cut the nonsense, took a step forward, and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her to his side.

He was wearing a large, open jacket, and with this action, it was as if Zhou Wan was being embraced by him, appearing exceptionally intimate.

Guo Xiangling opened her mouth, but looking at their retreating backs, her brow suddenly twitched, and she couldn't say a word.

Zhou Wan was led along by Lu Xixiao for quite a distance before she remembered to glance back.

The black sedan remained in place for a moment before turning around and driving away.

"Not going to ask who that person is?" Lu Xixiao's voice suddenly came from above.

"What?"

He didn't repeat himself.

Zhou Wan suppressed her racing heartbeat and said slowly, "Your stepmother?"

Lu Xixiao scoffed. "Stepmother? As if she's worthy of the title."

...

Lu Xixiao tapped her on the head and said nonchalantly, "Anyone else who said that would get a beating."

Zhou Wan glanced at him. "Do you hate her that much?"

"She's annoying."

"Then does your father like her a lot?" Zhou Wan asked.

Lu Xixiao smiled. "He just needs a pretty, obedient, and easily controlled woman."

Zhou Wan was stunned.

She had heard similar things in the neighbors' gossip, but she found it hard to understand. If it wasn't out of love, why do it? Guo Xiangling needed this, but Lu Zhongyue didn't.

The tip of her shoe kicked a small pebble, which rolled aside and fell into a gap in a manhole cover.

"Then what if—" Zhou Wan paused. "What if she does something your father doesn't like?"

"Then he'll just dump her," Lu Xixiao said indifferently.

When they reached the entrance of her residential complex, Zhou Wan said goodbye to him, reminding him again to take his medicine when he got back.

She had thought Lu Xixiao would be impatient with such a reminder, but he just tugged at the corner of his mouth. "It's too bitter."

Zhou Wan said patiently, "Good medicine is bitter, but it helps cure the illness."

He chuckled, leaned in slightly, and said playfully, "If I drink it, is there a reward?"

Zhou Wan froze, not understanding. "What kind of reward do you want?"

He smiled, lifted his chin, and opened his arms.

Lu Xixiao certainly had what it took to attract girls.

Even with his terrible reputation and the scandalous rumors that flew about, countless girls still fell for him.

It wasn't just his looks, but more so the charisma and tension in his every gesture.

Just like now.

He stood, tall and nonchalant, under the dim yellow streetlight. His shoulders were broad and straight, and the wind seemed to cinch his waist, creating a sharp line. With his eyes lowered and a lazy smile playing on his lips, he exuded an untamed and indulgent charm.

Zhou Wan stood in place and watched him for a while before stepping forward, slowly approaching him.

She didn't raise her arms to hug him, and neither did Lu Xixiao.

The gesture was rather awkward. After two seconds, Zhou Wan raised her hands and lightly hugged his waist.

Lu Xixiao let out a soft laugh.

Zhou Wan immediately dropped her hands and took a step back. "I'm going back now."

"Oh."

The house was very quiet. As Zhou Wan was changing her shoes in the entryway, Grandma pushed open her door. "Wanwan is back."

"Grandma, why aren't you asleep yet?"

"I napped for too long this afternoon, so now I can't sleep."

Zhou Wan changed her shoes, entered the house, and put her schoolbag on a chair. "We need to go to the hospital tomorrow."

"Why are we going to the hospital again?"

"No reason, just for a physical check-up. I already spoke to Doctor Chen a few days ago."

"Didn't we just have a check-up last month?" Grandma said. "Wanwan, Grandma is really fine. Don't waste money on me."

Zhou Wan smiled. "This check-up is different. There won't be any others after this."

Of course this check-up was different.

It was a check-up for the kidney transplant surgery.

Back in her bedroom, only a single desk lamp was on.

Zhou Wan lay down on her bed, her gaze suddenly falling on the Kobito on her desk, its face a picture of awkwardness.

The one Lu Xixiao had won for her.

Zhou Wan watched it for a while, then the corners of her lips curled into a soft laugh.

Guo Xiangling's call came at that moment.

Zhou Wan looked at the caller ID, knowing a storm was about to break.

She got up, locked the door, hesitated for half a minute, and then answered.

"Hello."

She had just spoken when Guo Xiangling's voice drowned her out. "Zhou Wan! What on earth are you trying to do!"

Finally, it was no longer the insincere "Wanwan."

Zhou Wan pressed her lips together.