Lin He watched this and laughed, calling out, “Ziyu, take Yue Gui and Yue Zhi to put those things away.” Lin He knew what the girl was thinking; she actually had similar doubts herself. However, others didn’t know. For a young woman to stare at a grown man like that, who knew what others might think. Lin He glanced at Ling Xiao, who stood nearby, his expression as unreadable as ever.

Wen Ning Xuan, standing aside, also noticed Ziyu and Lin He’s exchange, then looked over at Ling Xiao. A faint smile touched his lips, though he remained silent, watching Ziyu and the others move the items from the table. He asked, “Buying so much cloth and cotton so early in the morning—are you making winter clothes?”

“Yes. Look how thinly dressed the girls are; the weather will turn cold soon. Since there isn’t much else to do right now, I’ll have Ziyu start on them and get prepared. Is everything sorted at the shop? We still had some ledgers left over from last night; do you need to review them today?”

Wen Ning Xuan nodded. “I finished them. Ling Tian came to tell me today that he spotted a piece of land not far from here, in the outer suburbs. Shall we go take a look together tomorrow? We originally planned to buy an existing building, but since we need it for the factory, we worried it wouldn't suit our purposes later. It’s better to buy the land and build fresh. It’s a bit more troublesome, but it will be more suitable.”

Lin He nodded; buying land was definitely the right call. An existing house would require modifications, which might prove even more troublesome if the changes were extensive.

“I have some things to take care of tonight, so I won’t be eating here. Finish your dinner and rest early. I’ll come to pick you up tomorrow morning to see the land,” Wen Ning Xuan said.

“Mm,” Lin He replied softly.

Not long after Wen Ning Xuan and Ling Xiao departed, Ziyu poked her head out from the house. “Miss, that man under the Second Young Master… he’s a bit strange, isn’t he? Does he have some kind of issue?” Ziyu asked, gesturing to her own face.

Lin He laughed, pointing at Ziyu’s head. “You silly girl, talking nonsense here! Be careful that Ling Xiao doesn't overhear you and teach you a lesson. That man knows martial arts.”

Ziyu stuck out her tongue and said no more.

The next morning, Wen Ning Xuan arrived early. Lin He brought Ziyu along again. This time, they didn't take the carriage. Two horses were waiting in the back courtyard—four people in total. Wen Ning Xuan and Ling Xiao could both ride, so naturally, Wen Ning Xuan was going to take Lin He. Wen Ning Xuan first helped Lin He mount her horse. Once mounted, he flicked the reins, and the horse moved forward. Ziyu, left behind, looked over at Ling Xiao and looked distinctly unhappy, remaining rooted to the spot. Ling Xiao waited a moment, seeing Ziyu still standing there stunned, and simply scooped her up from the ground and placed her onto his own horse.

Ziyu was startled. Only after the horse had traveled quite a distance did she regain her senses, wishing she could slap the man behind her into oblivion. But she was pinned firmly to the horse's back, unable to move. Even if she could, she knew she wasn't a match for him; she was simply resigned to being overpowered.

Up front, Lin He sat on Wen Ning Xuan’s horse. This was, in the truest sense, her first time riding. Though being led, the sensation was thrilling; she truly felt the rush of galloping. More importantly, having someone behind her provided a profound sense of security. Lin He felt no fear, only excitement. Wen Ning Xuan, watching her obvious delight, leaned close to her ear and asked, “Do you like riding?”

Lin He nodded, her face flushing slightly because Wen Ning Xuan was so close. Wen Ning Xuan chuckled softly. “If you like it, I’ll bring you out often.” Saying this, he deliberately slowed the pace, and the two leisurely admired the scenery along the road from horseback.

Lin He leaned slightly into Wen Ning Xuan’s embrace, savoring the comfortable feeling. The scenery outside the city was beautiful, different from the area near her old home. Her home offered a rustic, pastoral sense, whereas here the road was wide, and the surrounding views were lush and picturesque, creating a feeling of exhilaration and peace.

Because they meandered slowly on horseback, the journey took longer—nearly half an hour to reach the spot Wen Ning Xuan had mentioned. Just as Wen Ning Xuan helped Lin He dismount, Ling Xiao and Ziyu arrived. Ziyu certainly did not receive the same gentle treatment as Lin He. Ling Xiao, showing no inclination for chivalry, dropped Ziyu unceremoniously onto the ground and strode ahead.

Ziyu shot a look at Ling Xiao, muttering a few words under her breath, then walked over to Lin He, looking at her pitifully. Lin He smiled at Ziyu and then walked forward as well.

The plot of land Wen Ning Xuan indicated was indeed vast. There were some houses relatively far off, likely inhabited by villagers. The location was excellent—not densely populated and spacious enough for a factory. Lin He surveyed the area and shared her thoughts with Wen Ning Xuan. Wen Ning Xuan responded, “Well, since He’er also approves, we’ll secure this place. Ling Xiao, you take Ziyu and handle the arrangements here. We're leaving now. Once you’re done, escort Ziyu back.” Wen Ning Xuan instructed from the side.

Ling Xiao acknowledged Wen Ning Xuan and waited, his gaze sweeping over Ziyu. Upon hearing Wen Ning Xuan’s order, Ziyu looked pleadingly at Lin He, clearly indicating she would rather walk back alone than spend time with this man.

Before Lin He could speak, Ling Xiao, already impatient, strode over, grabbed Ziyu’s arm, and started walking forward. Ziyu was pitifully pulled away.

After Ziyu left, Lin He looked reproachfully at Wen Ning Xuan. “Why did you make Ziyu go with Ling Xiao? Didn't you see how much she dislikes him?”

“What’s improper about it? Isn't Ziyu quite capable with words? Having her assist Ling Xiao with some tasks might be necessary. Besides, didn’t you say you enjoyed riding? How would you manage taking Ziyu along?” Wen Ning Xuan asked, smiling at Lin He.

Saying that, he helped Lin He mount the horse, and they rode on. After covering some distance, the area opened up considerably, giving the feeling of a broad grassland under a clear blue sky—a truly liberating sensation. Lin He turned her face slightly back toward him and said, “Ning Xuan, I want to ride by myself.”

“You want to ride alone?” Wen Ning Xuan questioned.

Lin He nodded. A captivating smile suddenly appeared on Wen Ning Xuan’s face. He lowered his head, whispered something in Lin He’s ear, then looked at her with a light smile. Lin He gave him a playful, chiding look, and a blush instantly flared across her cheeks several times.

Wen Ning Xuan laughed, then dismounted, explaining a few important points about riding to Lin He and holding the horse steady for her as she started off slowly. Lin He was immensely happy; she could finally ride atop the horse on her own. In her previous life, Lin He had always longed to experience horseback riding, but circumstances had been too limited. Now, finally having the chance, Lin He felt the sensation of being on the horse was simply wonderful, almost indescribable.