This matter, after all, was something that would eventually need to be revealed to her parents. Initially, she hadn't planned on saying anything because she felt uncertain about her own resolve, but this trip with Wen Ningxuan, and everything he had done for her along the way, had undeniably advanced her feelings for him. She decided she would return home first and mention Wen Ningxuan to her parents, waiting for the right moment to broach the larger subject.

Wen Ningxuan was an exceedingly thoughtful person. While shopping with Lin He, he had considered virtually every member of her household, ensuring everything he bought was practical. By the time they returned that evening, Lin He’s house was piled high with boxes of all sizes; at this point, even a cart wouldn't suffice for transport.

After staying in Qinghe County for about ten days, Wen Ningxuan and Lin He headed back together. The journey back was relatively swift, taking approximately five days to reach Tianxin Town. Wen Ningxuan escorted Lin He to the back entrance of the pastry shop, exchanged a few words with her, gave her a lingering look, and then departed. Lin He knew that his excuse about having matters to attend to back home was simply a pretext; he had likely come all this way just to see her safely returned, perhaps planning to ride through the night to get back.

Inside the pastry shop, Da Bao and the few maids were overjoyed to see Lin He return. Da Bao seemed slightly puzzled to see Wen Ningxuan delivering her, but with the maids present, he didn't press the matter, simply telling Lin He to rest and offering to take her home later that afternoon, mentioning that their parents were deeply worried—she had planned to be away for half a month, yet it had stretched to over twenty days, and inquiries had been sent several times.

Lin He asked Zi Yu to supervise the maids in unpacking the purchases, but first, she separated the gifts she and Wen Ningxuan had bought for Da Bao and took them over to him. Da Bao was in his room and, upon hearing that an item was a gift from Wen Ningxuan, he inquired, "Weren't you traveling with Uncle Wen? Why did Second Young Master bring you back?"

Lin He confided her situation with Wen Ningxuan to Da Bao. Upon hearing it, Da Bao appeared genuinely pleased, stating, "Sister, Second Young Master is a fine man. I truly thought you and Xiao Mo might end up together, but I never expected it would be Second Young Master. He is mature and steady, and handsome too—even better than Xiao Mo. That’s wonderful. However, next time, don't go out alone with Second Young Master again. You are still young, and for an unrelated man and woman to travel alone like that sounds improper. When you get home, don't mention it to Mother and Father, or they will surely scold you."

Lin He understood the impropriety of it all. If her parents didn't inquire too closely upon her return, she certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to tell the full story; she would claim many people were present, but she dared not admit it was just her and Second Young Master. At this time, such an arrangement was considered against propriety, and though she herself felt unconcerned, in the eyes of others, it was a major issue.

Lin He then shifted her thoughts to Da Bao’s situation, asking, "Has Mother found a suitable girl for you? A distant relative of Grandmother’s who has been staying at our home for a while—do you know about her?"

Da Bao nodded. "Yes, Father visited a few days ago and mentioned it, saying I should try to go back and see her when I have time. But the shop has been so busy, I haven't been able to squeeze in a trip yet."

"Brother, tell me honestly, do you already have someone you favor? If so, don't worry too much about Mother’s arrangements. Nothing is finalized yet, and I can speak to Mother when I return," Lin He pressed.

Da Bao looked at Lin He, seemingly wanting to say something, but ultimately held it back, replying only, "There's no rush for that matter right now. Since the two girls from home are considered relatives, and Mother likes them, letting them stay a while is fine. I know what I'm doing regarding my own affairs."

Although Da Bao was not naturally verbose, he and Lin He had always been very close over the years; if he didn't tell their parents something, he would usually tell Lin He. This time, Da Bao was completely silent about any potential sweetheart, which made Lin He even more worried that he might be facing some difficulty in this area. Yet, her brother was an adult now, and if he wasn't willing to speak about it, she shouldn't pry too deeply.

After a moment of thought, Lin He finally suggested, "Brother, Mother and Father asked you to come back. Why don't you return with me this afternoon? I can speak with Mother first. You really should make an appearance."

Da Bao agreed it was best. Their parents had sent messengers several times; he definitely needed to go back. Returning with his sister meant she, having been away for so long, could perhaps divert their mother's attention, making her less focused on his own situation.

That afternoon, Da Bao and Lin He traveled back in the pastry shop’s carriage, loading the gifts until the carriage was nearly overflowing. Fortunately, the distance wasn't too far, and they soon arrived home. The family was ecstatic to see Lin He and Da Bao return together, especially Madam Huang, who was overjoyed to see Lin He. She exclaimed that Lin He had promised to be gone only half a month, and if she hadn't returned soon, they were going to send for Uncle Wen. Lin He felt a surge of relief that she had returned when she did; otherwise, the situation might have escalated dramatically.

Indeed, Da Bao’s earlier assumption proved correct. Upon their arrival, Madam Huang focused all her attention on Lin He, constantly remarking on how much weight she had lost, certain that she hadn't been well-fed or well-cared for while away. She then relentlessly instructed the maids to prepare tonics for Lin He’s recovery. On top of that, Lin He had brought back so many gifts, claiming they were from Second Young Master, which earned her another scolding from Madam Huang: "You silly girl, you aren't even close to Second Young Master, yet you dare accept so many gifts from him, and they are all so expensive! You truly have no sense of propriety."

Da Bao chimed in from the side to defend her, "Who says we aren't close to Second Young Master? Years ago, when He’er got into trouble, wasn't it Second Young Master who saved her? It’s just that he’s been away studying these past few years, so he hasn't visited often. In the future, Second Young Master will visit us frequently, just like Xiao Mo."

Lin He shot Da Bao an exasperated glance, but inwardly, she felt his few words had been perfectly executed. This brought Wen Ningxuan to her parents’ minds and smoothed the relationship between Wen Ningxuan and her family, paving the way for the future. When her parents eventually learned the truth, they likely wouldn't be so shocked. If she and Xiao Mo were together, her mother would have been thrilled, as Madam Huang had repeatedly praised Xiao Mo in front of Lin He, even hinting that it would be wonderful if Xiao Mo could become her son-in-law—though never stated outright, this was clearly her intent. Now, the situation was much better aligned.

Sure enough, after hearing Da Bao’s explanation, Madam Huang stopped scolding Lin He and said, "Well, now that Second Young Master is back, when he has time, tell him to visit along with Xiao Mo."

Lin He nodded. Having settled Madam Huang’s concerns, Lin He noticed the younger children were nowhere in sight and was about to ask when Chun'er walked in, leading the children. Upon seeing Lin He, Chun'er came over to greet her. The younger ones, seeing Lin He return, swarmed her, especially Chen’er, who, with teary eyes, complained, "Sister, you didn't come back sooner! I was so bored staying here alone. Luckily, Chun'er kept me company."