Wen Ningxuan nodded, and seeing that the meal was nearly finished, he and Lin He went out. After eating, Lin He took Ziyu for a stroll in the town. Once Wen Ningxuan confirmed Lin He didn't require his company, he returned to his own room. This town wasn't large; it was smaller than Tianxin Town, and the goods available were only commonplace items, lacking any distinct style. Lin He and Ziyu merely glanced around, sauntering through the streets for a while as if it were just an after-dinner walk, before returning to the inn.

Back at the inn, Lin He and Ziyu retired to bed. Lin He’s room was spacious, featuring two beds—a clear arrangement Wen Ningxuan had made so Ziyu could stay close to attend to Lin He. Indeed, the long journey by carriage had been exhausting. As soon as she lay down, Lin He felt a wave of relief wash over her, and she soon drifted off to sleep. When Lin He awoke, it was already dark. She couldn't tell the time, only noticing that the oil lamps had been lit in the room. Lin He stared blankly for a moment before Ziyu entered from outside, carrying a basin of water. Seeing Lin He sitting up, Ziyu said, "Miss, you're awake. I thought you’d be waking soon, so I fetched water for you. Would you like to bathe first? After sitting in the carriage all day, washing up will feel much better. The water is ready for you."

Lin He acknowledged her and moved behind the screen to bathe. After washing and changing, Lin He sighed, feeling much more comfortable: "Ziyu, what time is it?"

"Just past suppertime. Second Young Master has already ordered food to be prepared. We’ll have someone bring it up for you shortly," Ziyu replied.

Lin He nodded. Once Lin He had finished all her freshening up, the meal arrived. It was modest for the evening—Wen Ningxuan had only sent up three dishes and one soup. The dishes were all of Lin He’s favorites. Looking at them, Lin He smiled; it seemed Wen Ningxuan had observed carefully during their lunch. These dishes were slightly different from the midday meal but were all home-style favorites she usually enjoyed.

Lin He asked Ziyu to eat with her. After they finished, it was quite late. Normally, Lin He would be preparing for bed around this hour, but having slept so long in the afternoon, she naturally found herself wide awake. Lin He sat beneath the oil lamp, gazing steadily at the flame, her mind occupied with matters back home.

Ziyu observed her state and asked, "Miss, you don't wish to rest yet? Are you thinking about home matters?"

"Mm, I heard from Ningxuan that Big Brother seems to have someone he favors. I wonder who it could be. Ziyu, can you imagine? Big Brother hasn't been out much these past few years, and aside from a few maids, there haven't been any other young ladies around," Lin He chatted idly with Ziyu.

"The Eldest Young Master has a sweetheart? Where did Second Young Master see this or hear about it? Didn't the family matriarch already arrange someone suitable for him?" Ziyu asked with a hint of surprise.

"Exactly, that’s the issue. Ningxuan said he saw Big Brother out with a young lady on the street last time, and I even tested him a bit. I fear Ningxuan is right. However, Big Brother hasn't mentioned anything. I suspect my mother is quite fond of that Miss Taohua for him. If Mother favors Taohua, and Big Brother already has someone in his heart, it might become complicated. Besides, I don't think Miss Taohua is a good choice for a wife," Lin He expressed some concern.

"Miss, please don't fret over every little thing. The Eldest Young Master is quite grown now; he surely has a handle on these matters. Worrying won't help. Once we return, you can find a moment to ask him about it. Furthermore, regarding that Miss Taohua, if the Eldest Young Master hasn't agreed, the family elders won't force anything," Ziyu advised gently.

"Yes, I must have a serious talk with Big Brother when we get back. He is indeed getting on in years; many men his age already have children. If Big Brother continues to be so unconcerned, I worry Mother will resort to forcing the issue, which would be even more trouble," Lin He frowned slightly.

"Miss, the Eldest Young Master is only sixteen this year. By rights, that’s not too old. Aren't there plenty older than him who remain unmarried? Look at the example right before our eyes—and it seems he won't be marrying for the next few years either. Why are you getting so anxious on his behalf?" Ziyu's voice held a teasing note.

"I'm not anxious for myself, I’m anxious for Mother... You naughty girl, what nonsense are you spouting? Your boldness has grown! To dare tease me so indirectly," Lin He, initially preoccupied, snapped to attention after hearing Ziyu’s words, realizing from the smirk on Ziyu’s face that the maid was making fun of her.

"Miss, look at you, I didn't say anything! How could I be teasing you?" Ziyu burst into louder laughter.

Seeing Ziyu laugh, Lin He joined in, and the two shared a moment of shared mirth. Afterward, Ziyu said, "Miss, you should rest now. We have more traveling to do tomorrow. At home, you would be asleep by now. If you oversleep tomorrow morning, Second Young Master won't wake you, and we don't know when this journey will end."

Lin He cast a smiling glance at Ziyu before moving toward the bed. Lying down, Lin He still couldn't sleep easily. Ziyu had a point. Her elder brother was only sixteen, yet Mother was already very worried about his marriage prospects. Wen Ningxuan was even a year older than Da Bao—seventeen this year. Logically, the family should be even more eager to press him into marriage. She had indeed heard from Xiao Mo that their grandmother was already anxiously arranging matches for Wen Ningxuan.

Truthfully, Lin He never quite understood why Wen Ningxuan would favor her. She felt that apart from having somewhat progressive ideas, she possessed no other real merits—and even that progressive thinking was thanks to her transmigration. Strictly speaking, Lin He felt she lacked any tangible strengths. She had pondered this question more than once but never arrived at an answer.

Lin He was unaware that everyone in love grapples with this very question, yet it usually remains unanswered. Even the individuals involved often cannot articulate the precise reason. Once feelings take hold, love simply arises; there is no 'why,' nor is the person scrutinized for their specific attractive qualities. When emotion arrives, it simply arrives.

Lin He tossed and turned, unable to sleep, her mind churning with various anxieties. Finally, she closed her eyes and began counting sheep. Only after counting an indeterminate number of woolly creatures did she drift into a hazy slumber.