By mid-afternoon, Wen Ningmo arrived at the shop. He said his father mentioned He'er was coming, and knowing she’d be here meant good food, so he tagged along. This time, Wen Ningxuan had reverted to his former self, as if oblivious to worldly affairs; he was unusually talkative and visibly cheerful. Lin He felt that this version of Wen Ningmo was far less worrying.

However, Lin He had a nagging feeling that something was amiss between the brothers, Wen Ningmo and Wen Ningxuan. In the past, whenever anyone mentioned his second brother, Wen Ningmo would immediately extol his virtues and praise him endlessly. But today, Wen Ningmo said little about it. Though he still addressed him as "Second Brother," Lin He couldn't shake the feeling that things were subtly different. Lin He asked Ziyu, who claimed not to have noticed anything, suggesting He’er was overthinking it. Lin He considered this and conceded that perhaps she was indeed imagining things.

The group enjoyed themselves for a while longer, and by evening, the two brothers departed. Under the lamplight, Da Bao and Lin He reviewed the pastry shop’s ledgers. Da Bao remarked, "He'er, you're accompanying the Second Young Master again. It will be a long absence this time. You must be careful in your conduct; after all, you are a young woman. Furthermore, use this time to truly assess the Second Young Master. If you find him satisfactory, we'll finalize the marriage upon your return. Otherwise, your mother will truly become frantic."

Lin He nodded, realizing Da Bao was right. Sometimes, Lin He reflected, it wasn't just her testing Wen Ningxuan; it was also giving him time to understand her. This process was necessary before they could even consider betrothal discussions.

Lin He looked at Da Bao, hesitating about whether to bring up his own affairs, but eventually couldn't hold back. "Brother, what are your plans? The New Year is not many months away, and Father’s deadline for you is fast approaching."

Da Bao paused, then offered a wry smile. "My plans? That's all in the past now. I plan to tell Father and Mother during the next visit to let them arrange things. I have no objections—whether it's Taohua or Chun'er."

Lin He looked at Da Bao, her heart aching. His words clearly conveyed a sense of resignation, the feeling of a heart utterly broken by love. Lin He tried to console him. "Brother, you can't think like that. This is about your entire life. If it isn't someone you genuinely care for, you must not simply follow your parents' wishes, or you will regret it later. If you don't find the right person, it's fine even if it passes the New Year. The most important thing is that you don't lose hope. Take your time."

Da Bao nodded. Lin He knew her few words wouldn't help much; this was something he needed to resolve internally. Fortunately, there were still several months until the New Year. Perhaps by then, Brother could think things through. Moreover, Lin He felt that a man should experience everything in life. If he allowed a setback in love to trap him in perpetual deadlock, how would he ever manage the rest of his life?

The next day, Lin He and Ziyu set off for home by carriage. To her surprise, her father was home in the middle of the day. Lin He took advantage of everyone being present to discuss her upcoming extended absence. Er Niu said nothing, but Huang Shi showed some reservations, though her reaction was mild. Lin He had initially expected Huang Shi to vehemently object, so this mere disagreement felt like a small victory.

Lin He explained the details of the trip to Huang Shi and Er Niu, clarifying that Uncle Wen's side had made these arrangements, and if someone else went, these matters wouldn't be clear—she absolutely had to go. This time, Lin He was transparent with her parents, stating she was going to Qinghe County, mentioning that Uncle Wen might visit but wouldn't be there often; the Second Young Master would be the primary person in charge.

What Lin He hadn't anticipated was that upon hearing the Second Young Master would be there, Huang Shi hesitated for a moment before finally agreeing. She said, "If the Second Young Master is there, then I won't worry. As long as someone is looking after you, that’s what matters. Besides, I trust the Second Young Master's character, and I trust our He'er's character even more. As parents, we cannot stop you from attending to your business. You must write home often."

Lin He let out a soft laugh. "It will be at most two or three months. What's there to write about every day? Should I write telling you what I ate? Moreover, if anything urgent happens, the Caidie Xuan shop will still be collecting goods during these months. I can just ask someone to pass a message back. You don't need to worry."

Huang Shi was quite insistent on this point. "No matter what you write, you must write. Once every half a month will suffice, two letters a month. Just find anyone to bring them back. If you don't write, your father and I will come there to see you."

Lin He smiled and agreed. She felt that securing her mother's consent was a huge relief; otherwise, she might not have been allowed to go at all.

Because Lin He was leaving rather suddenly for a long period, Huang Shi became busy again. She fussed about the weather growing colder, insisting that all the necessary clothing and Lin He's usual necessities be packed. The amount of clothing alone was substantial. Lin He didn't stop her, understanding that her mother’s actions were a way of expressing her anxiety. If Lin He forbade it, her mother would worry even more. Since she was indeed going away for a considerable time, it was best to pack what they could.

As Lin He prepared to depart, Chen'er was the most distressed. She stood in Lin He's room, eyes red, pleading, "Big Sister, take me with you. You'll need someone to help you there, and I can do chores. I won't be a burden if I go. Besides, you once promised that once we had a carriage, you would take us out. Please take me this time."

Lin He stroked Chen'er's head. "Big Sister has important business to attend to, and it will be very busy. If you came, there would be no one to look after you, and Big Sister would worry. Also, this time is too long. Once things are settled next year, I will take you and Xiao Bao to visit Qinghe County."

"That's right, Chen'er, don't make trouble. You aren't little anymore. Your Big Sister is going on important business; what would you go for? I fear there won't be enough time even to look after you. Be good," Huang Shi said while tidying things up.

Chen'er fell silent, pouting, eyes glistening with unshed tears, sitting to the side. Lin He softened. "Alright, how about this? Big Sister will go first. Closer to the New Year, when Xiao Bao has his break, ask Brother to bring you over for a few days. We can all return together then, alright?"

Only then did Chen'er nod her assent. Lin He laughed and said, "While Big Sister is gone these few months, you must diligently help Mother manage the household affairs, and don't neglect your embroidery. Otherwise, you won't be allowed to come visit before the New Year."

Chen'er replied, "I understand, Big Sister. I will focus. You can rest assured."