Lin He passed her time in a rather pleasant manner. When she had spare hours during the day, she'd sketch out simple blueprints for the new factory. At night, when discussing with Wen Ningxuan, he would redraw them himself. With little else to do besides this, she occasionally visited Cai Die Xuan where Wen Ningxuan was sometimes present, bringing along Zi Yu and the maidservants for walks around town. On truly idle days, she'd work alongside Zi Yu on embroidery projects, stitching winter garments.

The idyll didn't last long before Wen Ningxuan informed her about the factory's imminent construction. He wanted Lin He to accompany Zi Yu and Ling Xiang to select laborers from human traders, insisting they purchase reliable workers through financial investment rather than relying on local connections. Though initially hesitant, Lin He eventually agreed after calculating their financial arrangement - future profits would be split equally between them, as would the expenses.

Wen Ningxuan had no intention of truly participating in this venture. He believed family wealth should remain fluid, and considered these funds as naturally belonging to him since he'd be supplying materials for his own Cai Die Xuan. His plan was that after construction, all profits would belong solely to Lin He as personal assets rather than shared family property.

Lin He disagreed with this arrangement, so she insisted Wen Ningxuan disclose his independent funds separate from family wealth. Estimating the sum wasn't excessive but still requiring operational capital, they compromised on an equal financial contribution to establish independent ownership outside Wen household claims.

As someone from affluent origins who'd never managed finances before, Wen Ningxuan had no concrete concept of budgeting. He cared more about supporting Lin He's interests than calculating costs. Though he initially hesitated at her insistence for clear boundaries, he eventually acquiesced, letting her manage all funds while retaining the right to request financial support when needed.

Lin He felt awkward about establishing such strict financial boundaries and worried Wen Ningxuan might perceive this as treating him like an outsider. When he offered up his personal funds without hesitation, she accepted his gesture in kind, carefully distributing resources for construction, labor, and materials after meticulous accounting.

Accompanied by Zi Yu and Ling Xiang, Lin He visited human traders at their workplace. As the shop's manager, Ling Xiang was well-known to these intermediaries who immediately became overly solicitous. Lin He selected over twenty laborers - a mix of older-looking girls aged twelve to thirteen with honest appearances, plus several experienced workers in their twenties and thirties.

The delighted human traders bowed repeatedly for good measure as Lin He instructed them to hold the younger recruits temporarily while sending the more mature workers immediately. She also gave generous tips, ensuring they understood these laborers would be transported later when construction intensified.

Ling Xiang observed this selection process with some surprise. Having previously met Lin He at Cai Die Xuan's upper floor where she appeared merely as a country girl in her teens - seemingly naive and unskilled beyond basic appearance - he'd secretly doubted such an unsophisticated girl could suit his refined young master.

Yet today's selections revealed unexpected discernment. Rather than choosing pretty or plucky younger girls, Lin He preferred strong-featured, tall servants with capable hands - even selecting several mature workers. This uncommon judgment impressed Ling Xiang profoundly. While any noble lady might appreciate competent staff, this country girl's practical approach and meticulous planning far exceeded her youthful appearance.

As a seasoned businessman, Ling Xiang recognized these selections were ideally suited for heavy labor tasks. Though he remained silent throughout the process, observing quietly from the sidelines, he now understood his young master possessed unique selection criteria indeed.

Once finalizing the purchases, Lin He assigned Ling Xiang to escort the selected workers while she personally inspected construction progress. The older women would immediately begin preparing meals at the site since all factory workers required proper feeding during initial operations.

At the construction site, masons had already begun work under Ling Xiao's supervision. Wen Ningxuan stood nearby watching silently - his posture betraying complete unfamiliarity with such manual labor projects. When Lin He's carriage arrived, he hurriedly assisted her descent while she briefly delegated tasks to Zi Yu and the maids.

After final arrangements were made, they returned together in the carriage where Lin He teased, "Second Master, isn't this construction work rather exhausting?"

Smiling knowingly at her jest, Wen Ningxuan simply said, "I've entrusted Ling Xiao with overseeing operations. I'll manage Cai Die Xuan for now - you can find me there if needed."

Lin He nodded silently as they passed through the streets before parting ways. Wen Ningxuan returned to his establishment while Lin He headed home with Zi Yu beside her.