Lin He merely hoped in her heart that Da Bao's intended match would be someone capable of managing their household as the mistress; otherwise, weighing the pros and cons, she feared the choice would ultimately have to prioritize the family's needs.

As Lin He and Da Bao were chatting, a shout came from outside: "Da Bao, Da Bao."

Hearing the voice, Lin He rolled her eyes. She knew that nuisance Wen Ning Mo had arrived again. Sure enough, as the voice faded, Wen Ning Mo walked right in. Wen Ning Mo had grown considerably taller over the past two years. Although he was about the same age as Lin He, he towered over her now, and as he aged, his features had matured, rendering him quite handsome.

Every time Lin He looked at him, the term "sunshine boy" sprang to mind, though that was only on the surface. The moment Wen Ning Mo opened his mouth, Lin He felt an urge to bang her head against a wall. This boy's mouth never stopped moving; simply put, he was a chatterbox. Lin He couldn't fathom where he found so much to say; any trivial matter, once it passed through his lips, sounded like the most fascinating event imaginable.

As it was, the moment Wen Ning Mo entered and saw Lin He, he called out, "He'er, you're here! What delicious thing have you cooked up this time? Are you alone? Where are Xiao Bao and Chen'er? Why didn't they come with you? Honestly, you should bring them into town to play for a few days when you have time; I haven't seen them in ages."

Before Lin He could respond, Wen Ning Mo fired off a string of questions. Lin He glanced at him and replied simply, "Young Master, with so many questions, which one should I answer first?"

"Oh, I meant Xiao Bao and Chen'er, why didn't you let them come into town to play?" Wen Ning Mo didn't sense any dismissal in Lin He's tone and seriously asked the question.

"Do you think everyone is like you, Young Master, with nothing to do all day but loaf around while a vast family fortune awaits your squandering? Xiao Bao has studies, and Chen'er needs to learn embroidery at home. We aren't as idle as you are," Lin He said, giving Wen Ning Mo a disdainful look.

Wen Ning Mo paid no mind to the tone in which Lin He spoke and continued, "That's not true! I have plenty of things to do every day too. He'er, the way you talk makes it sound like I’m some good-for-nothing dandy. If my father heard you, he’d start scolding me again!"

Lin He smiled and didn't take the bait. Over the years, this young master of the Wen family had become quite familiar with Lin He's family. He visited their home several times a year. Initially, Er Niu and Huang Shi would fuss over him every time he arrived, but after numerous visits, they relaxed their vigilance. This, in turn, made the young master much more comfortable, and he even claimed that was why he liked visiting Lin He's home—as if he were one of their own family members, always leaving happy after every visit.

"Xiao Mo, what brings you here at this hour? Aren't you usually at home practicing martial arts with your master around this time? Why did Uncle Wen let you out today? You didn't sneak out on your own, did you?" Da Bao asked.

"No, my second brother returned from the capital. Grandmother was overjoyed and said I could have a few days off too. I don't have to study or practice martial arts these days, so I figured I'd come here to keep you company since I had nothing better to do," Wen Ning Mo explained.

When Lin He heard Wen Ning Mo mention his second brother, an image surfaced in her mind. The second brother he spoke of must be Wen Ning Xuan. Although Lin He’s family had opened a shop in town in recent years, increasing her trips into the city, she had never once seen Wen Ning Xuan. Wen Ning Mo had apparently said his second brother went to study in the capital and hadn't returned until now. Though Lin He had only met him a few times, she remembered Wen Ning Xuan's appearance vividly, and sometimes seeing Wen Ning Mo would remind her of him, of that face that seemed sculpted by an artist's hand.

"Your second brother is back? I’ve met him a few times too. Why haven't I seen him this time?" Da Bao inquired.

"How could you see him? He’s only been back a few days, and I haven't seen him much myself. The moment he returned, Grandmother and the others summoned him away. They said he’s getting on in years and it’s time to introduce him to potential wives. We have matchmakers visiting the house daily; it’s so annoying," Wen Ning Mo complained to Da Bao.

Marriage? Right, Wen Ning Xuan should be seventeen this year; it was indeed time for matchmaking discussions. But for someone as ethereal as him, what sort of person could possibly be worthy? Lin He still recalled how captivated she was by that face the very first time she saw Wen Ning Xuan.

"Oh, and Da Bao, pack a few catties of every kind of pastry from your shop for me. I'll have someone deliver them to my house later; my mother asked me to bring some of your shop's cakes back," Wen Ning Xuan added.

Da Bao nodded and left. Seeing Lin He sitting to the side, lost in thought, Wen Ning Mo said, "What are you thinking about all alone? Tell me."

Lin He shook her head and didn't speak.

"Are you bored staying here? Why don't you come over to my place to hang out?" Wen Ning Mo prompted again.

"I'm not going. I need to watch things here. I’m heading back early tomorrow morning; Mother said I need to return promptly, as there are still things to do at home," Lin He refused.

"It's always like this whenever I ask you to my house. It’s like there’s something at my place you despise, you never want to come," Wen Ning Mo muttered.

"No, I really have things to do back home," Lin He said, looking at Wen Ning Mo.

In truth, Lin He was reluctant to visit Wen Ning Mo’s home. Occasionally over the years, she had heard him mention things about his family. Wen Ning Mo came from a prominent, powerful family, and their domestic affairs were far more complex than Lin He imagined. Although Uncle Wen had invited her several times, Lin He always declined. She held a certain apprehension toward these affluent, influential families; she felt she would be constrained and uncomfortable. Since she disliked the idea in her heart, why should she go and suffer that feeling?

Wen Ning Mo didn't press further and switched the topic to amusing stories he knew, talking about his family members. Wen Ning Mo was a man of genuine character—sincere, kind-hearted, and always outspoken about what he intended to do. He wasn't calculating. Lin He felt that having such a friend, even if his incessant rambling sometimes grated on her nerves, made him very easy to get along with. Lin He sometimes wondered why the same family could raise two sons with such diametrically opposed personalities. Thinking of this, Lin He became somewhat curious about Wen Ning Mo's household.

Lin He remained immersed in her thoughts while Wen Ning Mo continued his non-stop prattling. Da Bao lifted the curtain at the door and entered, saying, "Xiao Mo, the pastries are all wrapped. Shall I send them over now, or will you take them back yourself?"

"Forget it, have one of your men take them back with me. If I’m late getting back, my mother will start lecturing me again. He'er, I’m sorry, I can’t keep you company today. Please tell Xiao Bao and Chen'er for me that I’ll come see them next time," Wen Ning Mo announced.

Lin He nodded, watching Wen Ning Mo walk toward the door, then stood up herself and headed toward the kitchen to check on how the pastry making was progressing with the young maids.