Seeing Lin He deep in thought, Da Bao chose not to disturb her and went into the shop. Lin He mulled over these matters for the entire morning until everything finally settled clearly in her mind. With the staffing arranged, Lin He’s remaining concern was being away from home for such an extended period; she felt uneasy about the household affairs. Building a factory would likely take until close to the New Year, and if things didn't go smoothly, she might not even finish before the year's end.

Zi Yu, having been with Lin He for a long time, sensed some of her mistress’s underlying thoughts. Noticing a flicker of worry on Lin He’s face, she inquired, "Miss, are you concerned about things at home since you’ll be gone for so long?"

Lin He looked at Zi Yu and nodded; she truly was worried. Her parents preferred a simple life and tended to ignore most household matters. Furthermore, Chen’er and Xiao Bao were still young and clueless. If anything happened, with Da Bao and herself absent, there would be no one there to offer advice—a truly troublesome prospect.

Zi Yu looked at Lin He and offered reassurance, "Miss, why don't you stop worrying so much? You can’t manage everything for them your entire life. Eventually, they must learn to handle things themselves. Consider this a necessary period for them to adapt. As for the ointment workshop, just leave it to my sister and me; I promise not to let it bother you."

Lin He smiled, pointing at Zi Yu, and said, "You speak sweetly, girl. Regarding the ointment workshop, you aren't as capable as your sister, Zi Qing. I truly wouldn't feel secure leaving it entirely to you. Your temperament is too restless; you can’t keep people in check. If you were tasked with the work itself, you’d do well, but managing people is beyond you. Don't you know that management is the most crucial aspect of running anything?"

Zi Yu nodded, replying, "Miss is right. I don't have my sister's resolve, nor can I control myself as well as she can. However, you can rest assured—if I cannot manage, my sister can, can’t she? We will watch over things together, so please don’t worry. But, Miss, if I stay here too, who will accompany you? No one understands you as well as I do," Zi Yu added with a chuckle.

Lin He glanced at Zi Yu with a smile, tapping her head lightly. "I understand you, you little schemer. You’ve said so much just to get your way to come along, using retreat as a tactic to advance. When did you become so cunning?"

Zi Yu laughed, stuck out her tongue at Lin He, and added flatteringly, "Our Miss understands me the best."

Lin He laughed at Zi Yu’s playful demeanor and said, "I am taking you along this time. I’ll be gone for several months, and besides your sister, I trust no one else to look after things here. However, once the factory over there is built, I intend to leave your sister there for an extended period. By then, you will have to stay home and bear the main responsibility; the two of you will be separated then."

Zi Yu responded, "That’s not an issue, Miss. If you need us, we are bound to be there. Wherever you need us to go, we will go. Your important matters come first; don't dwell on anything else. Besides, this only shows that we can truly be of service to you."

"Yes, knowing you both think that way puts my mind at ease. Also, I might need to pull some people from your ointment workshop. Think about who would be most useful. A few days from now, when we return, we can go to the matchmakers and buy a few new hands for the workshop. That way, when I draw staff, things won't become chaotic." Lin He asked Zi Yu.

Zi Yu considered for a moment and said, "For the ointment workshop staff here, you can take Cai Yun with you. Cai Yun came with Cai Qing and Cai Lu; they are all senior maids from home. You can trust them entirely. However, Cai Qing and Cai Lu usually help with childcare and housework at home, while Cai Yun works in the ointment workshop. It will be fine to take a few younger maids along too; they are sensible, not lazy, and diligent workers."

Lin He nodded. "Then we will do as you suggest. When we return, tell Zi Qing that I will be taking these people, and let Zi Qing train them herself. As for the maids who will replace them here, I'll take you to buy a few new ones in a few days."

Zi Yu nodded and then asked, "So, Miss, you have decided to build the factory in Qinghe County? When will you discuss this with Second Young Master? Didn't you say you wanted to do it sooner rather than later?"

Lin He thought of Wen Ningxuan, gave a soft chuckle, and remained silent, assuming he would arrive that afternoon and wouldn't need to be summoned.

Shortly after lunch that afternoon, Wen Ningxuan indeed arrived. He entered without any discernible expression, but upon seeing Lin He in the courtyard, a faint smile touched his lips. Lately, Lin He often felt that Wen Ningxuan was naturally a sunny sort of person; his face, when smiling, was far more pleasant than when set in a stern line. Precisely, this version of Wen Ningxuan possessed better approachability, feeling more relatable and grounded in everyday life.

Seeing Wen Ningxuan arrive, Lin He smiled, "You've come. Have you eaten?"

Wen Ningxuan nodded, sat beside Lin He, and watched her with a gentle smile. Lin He smiled back, sat on a stool nearby, and began discussing the factory construction plans with him. Wen Ningxuan listened to Lin He’s arrangements and replied, "Just see to these arrangements. As for the rest of the staff, you can handle them slowly once you arrive there. However, if you go with them, you will likely be busy for quite some time."

"It’s nothing; I’m always like this; it won't exhaust me. When do you plan to depart? I still need to inform my parents." Lin He asked Wen Ningxuan.

"How long will it take you to arrange things back home? Once you are settled, I can leave anytime," Wen Ningxuan said.

"How about this: I will return home tomorrow. It will take a few days to organize everything there. Three days from now, I'll come to the pastry shop first, and then we can decide on the departure date," Lin He proposed.

Wen Ningxuan nodded; he was quite flexible and could leave whenever. After concluding their essential business, they sat in the courtyard chatting about mundane things. Zi Yu attended to them from the side, occasionally interjecting a remark or two. Although Wen Ningxuan spoke little and listened more, he was quite content. He particularly enjoyed listening to Lin He speak; she occasionally uttered a word or phrase he hadn't known before, and upon her explanation, he found it novel and amusing. This made Wen Ningxuan feel very relaxed, as if he had returned to childhood, free from worries and burdens.