At that moment, Zhou Yunliang straightened his back again.
His entire presence returned to that calm, unfathomable state—cold, noble, untouchable, like something beyond reach.
Lin Zhixia hadn’t expected Zhou Yunliang and her father to return at this exact moment.
It really was… a rather coincidental timing.
But she didn’t feel the slightest bit guilty.
After all, this man didn’t like the original owner anyway.
They were never meant to be together in the first place.
Once the Zhou family was rehabilitated, she would just gracefully exit.
The original plot had already been completely derailed. She no longer worried about being pulled back into it.
At the very least, she had successfully secured this man—and the Zhou family as her backing.
Feeling rather pleased with herself, Lin Zhixia’s mood was unexpectedly good.
With her current level of awareness, she had clearly drawn a line between herself and him.
He should… be happy about that, right?
Zhou Yunliang glanced at her quietly.
His eyes were deep and unreadable, with a faint trace of helpless indulgence hidden within.
Mother Lin felt a little embarrassed that her son-in-law had overheard such a conversation.
She cleared her throat softly to break the awkwardness.
Father Lin also kept glancing at Zhou Yunliang, relieved that he didn’t seem displeased.
The atmosphere turned subtly strange.
Mother Lin broke the silence again.
“You should pack up. We’ll take you to the station later.”
Only then did Lin Zhixia remember—they were leaving soon.
Before departing, she and Zhou Yunliang went to the brigade leader’s home, bringing some candy and a couple pieces of meat.
The brigade leader naturally understood their intention.
“We’ll be leaving with my parents soon,” Lin Zhixia said with a polite smile. “My grandfather and Uncle Zhou will stay here a bit longer. Please take care of them. We will remember this favor.”
She tugged lightly at the man beside her, who had been silent and imposing since entering.
Zhou Yunliang finally spoke.
“Thank you for your trouble.”
Brigade Leader Xu Anshan understood immediately.
The Zhou family would not stay here long either. His job now was simply to take care of the elders.
The brigade leader’s wife was slightly surprised at the gifts but quickly accepted after thinking about the car picking them up later.
The couple repeatedly promised to take good care of Old Master Zhou and Commander Zhou.
Old Master Zhou was quite pleased with the arrangement.
His only regret was that he wouldn’t be able to eat Lin Zhixia’s cooking for a while.
He glanced at his son—who didn’t look very reliable—and sighed inwardly.
At this point, he could only rely on him.
Lin Zhixia sat in the car with her few belongings, feeling a bit dazed.
Was she really going to follow him to the military now?
She glanced sideways at the man beside her.
Cold, handsome, and distant—exactly the type that matched her aesthetic.
But there was always something in his dark eyes she couldn’t quite understand.
Still, this man probably had only “country” in his heart, not “home.”
Not suitable… not suitable…
Zhou Yunliang had no idea that in just a moment, her thoughts had already wandered far away.
The car moved quickly.
By the time they reached the county, arrangements had already been made and tickets were handed over by Lin’s father.
It was clear everything had been prepared in advance.
Mother Lin personally saw them onto the train, tearfully saying goodbye.
Father Lin gently hugged her, silently comforting her grief.
The train was slow in those days. By the time they reached Haicheng Station, it was already early morning on the third day.
Both of them stood out—he was strikingly handsome, she was breathtakingly beautiful.
As soon as they appeared, they drew attention.
Zhou Yunliang went to buy breakfast, telling her to rest on a bench nearby.
Lin Zhixia leaned back slightly, dozing off.
Suddenly, someone bumped into her, waking her instantly.
Her temper flared immediately, eyes slightly red at the corners.
She noticed a sneaky figure ahead—then slowly regained clarity.
Her gaze sharpened.
Interesting… the person who lost something should be chasing the thief.
Yet someone was observing her instead.
That woman was also looking at her.
Even though it was subtle, she caught the scrutiny in her eyes.
Before she could think further, she moved.
Like a gust of wind, she appeared in front of the fleeing man.
A heavy punch struck his back.
The man staggered violently, shock filling his eyes.
Lin Zhixia calmly snatched the wallet from his hand and followed with a high kick.
The man barely dodged, reacting with astonishing speed, but still felt the force graze his ear.
The pain made his expression change.
The girl who had chased after him also arrived—but hesitated when she saw Lin Zhixia’s ruthless movements.
The man exchanged a look with her, signaling her to stop.
Then he faced Lin Zhixia head-on.
Their fists collided.
Her small, pale hand met his calloused palm—soft-looking, yet shockingly powerful.
The force pushed him back several steps.
Lin Zhixia remained as calm as ever, lightly rubbing her hand.
She smiled faintly.
“Sorry, I have a bad temper when I wake up.”
“If you’re going to test me, pick a better time.”
The man and woman exchanged shocked looks.
Now they fully believed what Song Zhihua had said.
A girl like her—appearing lazy and harmless—was actually unfathomably strong.
Capturing enemy agents? That was probably within her abilities too.
The man suddenly laughed.
“Not bad, Miss Lin. I, Shen Hao, didn’t expect to lose to a girl.”
“But I accept it.”
“I almost envy Zhou Yunliang…”
Before he could finish, Zhou Yunliang’s cold voice rang out.
“Shen Hao, you really are persistent.”