Wen Ningxuan and Lin He moved at a leisurely pace, stopping frequently along the way. When he noticed Lin He looked fatigued, Wen would quietly find an inn nearby without asking questions first. Sometimes they'd spend entire afternoons resting or exploring scenic spots by carriage. What should have taken four to five days stretched into eight as they finally reached Qinghe County on the morning of the eighth day.

The county was bustling at midday when they arrived. Lin He, captivated by the vibrant atmosphere, insisted on stepping out of the carriage despite Wen Ningxuan's objections. While instructing their driver to park near the entrance until an inn could be secured, Wen Ningxuan observed his surroundings. The main street branched into multiple wide avenues teeming with shops, vastly different from the single-lane marketplaces in Tianxin Town. Street vendors sold wares of finer quality than what was commonly seen elsewhere - a testament to Qinghe County's prosperity that made perfect sense why Wen had chosen this location for his shop.

As Lin He and Zi Yu strolled ahead while Wen Ningxuan walked with their servant behind, she noticed the curious glances from passing pedestrians. Soon realizing most of these gazes came from young women, Lin silently concluded her companion possessed an almost unsettling charisma that drew attention effortlessly wherever they went. When Wen caught her turning to look at him and asked what was wrong, he merely smiled knowingly before continuing his pace with characteristic composure.

Lin He initially felt self-conscious but quickly grew absorbed in the novelty of the market goods unavailable in their hometown. As she purchased everything from delicate trinkets to practical items for family members, Zi Yu struggled to keep up with payments while Wen's servant carried growing piles of packages. Though Wen occasionally offered insightful purchasing advice - his refined tastes surprising Lin who had previously assumed such detachment implied dullness - he mostly observed quietly.

"Miss," Zi Yu finally whispered as their haul became unmanageable, "perhaps we should return tomorrow? Your hands are full enough without making Second Young Master carry these."

Lin responded with a mischievous smile, "Why not? Encouraging gentlemen to assist ladies is good etiquette. Would you prefer me and Miss Zi Yu to struggle carrying everything alone?"

Wen overheard their hushed conversation but merely smiled before continuing on his way.

When Zi Yu later protested about the weight of packages, Lin decided it was time to retire for the night. Wen led them to a familiar inn where they settled into rooms as their servant delivered purchases. Opening one to their shared quarters, Lin asked about inspecting potential shop locations tomorrow.

"Qinghe County," Wen replied with an amused smile at her using his given name for the first time, "has already been scouted by my contacts. We'll visit tomorrow after you've rested properly."

Later in their room, surrounded by more purchases than anticipated, Lin handed Zi Yu a gift box - a jade hairpin she'd selected specifically for Wen. As Zi Yu delivered it to his door, she noted this gesture hinted at a shift in her master's relationship with Second Young Master.

Wen accepted the package with quiet gratitude, recognizing its contents instantly. He had watched Lin carefully choose each item, often glancing back at him before settling on the hairpin. Previously assuming it was for herself, he now realized it was meant for him - a small but meaningful gesture that warmed his heart as he turned in the box between his fingers.