Ling Xiao and the others had grown up with the Young Master, practicing martial arts together since childhood. He knew the Young Master’s disposition better than anyone: taciturn since he was small, with a smile being an even rarer sight. Moreover, having lost his mother early, his life at home was seldom as smooth as outsiders perceived. Over the years, apart from the four of them and the two personal attendants by his side, he rarely warmed up to anyone; even with his own family, conversations were minimal.

However, recently, they had often seen smiles on the Young Master's face. Sometimes, when he was alone, a slight upward curve would grace his lips, lending him a gentler aura. Ling Xiao and the others remained puzzled, yet none dared to inquire.

A while ago, when the Cai Die Xuan was being renovated, the Young Master specifically set aside a small courtyard, claiming it was for someone to reside in. The furnishings and decoration of this courtyard were personally overseen by the Young Master, and he was so intensely anxious about the execution that he would spend time supervising daily, fearing any mistake. They were utterly taken aback then, wondering who this individual could possibly be to cause the usually composed Young Master such visible tension.

Later, when they traveled from Tianxin Town to Qinghe County, they saw this young girl at the pastry shop and finally understood that everything the Young Master had been occupied with was for this seemingly unremarkable young woman. Watching the Young Master’s behavior towards her, the group found it almost unbelievable. She looked rather ordinary, yet every small act the Young Master performed for her along the way made them realize he was truly not the Young Master they once knew. How to put it? At least in front of that girl, the Young Master’s cool demeanor had vanished; he even seemed to humble himself, indulging her whims. Conversely, the girl’s attitude toward the Young Master was neither warm nor cold, as if she didn't hold him in high regard, which genuinely made them feel that the Young Master was being slighted. Who was their Young Master? If he sought companionship, countless young women would likely throw themselves at him.

Just now, the young girl merely sent a piece of clothing over via an attendant, and the Young Master sat there grinning as if he had never seen clothing before—truly astonishing. Still, Ling Xiao, always a man of few words, merely twitched the corner of his mouth watching Wen Ning Xuan’s reaction.

Wen Ning Xuan gazed at the clothes Lin He had made for him, realizing that in all his years, no one had ever put such earnest effort into creating something for him. His heart softened completely. He carefully put the garment away, strode out of the room, and instructed Ling Xiao not to follow.

Leaving the room, Wen Ning Xuan proceeded to Lin He’s courtyard. Upon arrival, Lin He and several maids were busy with embroidery, chatting softly and laughing. Wen Ning Xuan stood at the doorway, watching Lin He, his lips curling upwards, his eyes shining brighter than the stars. Lin He sensed she was being watched and looked up, meeting Wen Ning Xuan’s obsidian eyes fixed intently upon her. Lin He smiled at him and asked, “Why have you come over now?”

Zi Yu saw Wen Ning Xuan arrive, bowed with the two maids, and then stood respectfully to the side to serve. Wen Ning Xuan walked over and said, “You are not feeling well, so you should rest now. The weather isn't cold yet, and these clothes aren't needed immediately; they can wait a few more days.” As he spoke, he gently took Lin He's hand and led her toward the inner room.

Lin He cast him a slightly flushed glance. This man, really, must he say such things? Where was she unwell? She was perfectly fine. Feeling a little awkward, Lin He murmured quietly, “It was nothing to do anyway, I’ll just work on them and set them aside. The weather will turn cold soon. Oh, right, did the clothes Zi Yu delivered fit you?”

Wen Ning Xuan offered no immediate reply, merely gazing at Lin He with gentle intensity for a long moment. He then drew her closer, gently enveloping her in his arms, and whispered tenderly, “How could the clothes made by He’er not fit? No garment has ever fit so perfectly. From now on, all my clothes shall be made by He’er.”

Lin He was momentarily stunned by the sudden embrace, but then she let out a soft laugh. She thought that while he appeared aloof, deep down he was profoundly tender. Merely for her sewing him an outfit, he was moved to this degree. Yet, Lin He also understood that Wen Ning Xuan had grown up without a mother; simple gestures that others took for granted, he had never experienced, not even a piece of clothing made with care by another. Thinking of this, Lin He felt a pang of sympathy, returned his embrace, and softly agreed, “Okay.”

Wen Ning Xuan rested his head against her neck, inhaling the faint, ethereal fragrance emanating from her—warm and sweet. He savored this moment of tranquility and beauty. After holding her for a while, he released Lin He and drew her to sit beside him at the table, saying, “Then don’t work on these for the next few days. Just make one occasionally when you feel like it.”

Lin He inwardly rolled her eyes—that same request again. She thought about how her private time had passed, and having stayed confined to the courtyard for several days without stepping out, she felt she might turn moldy. She said in a small voice, “I’m fine now. I want to go out for a walk. I haven't been out in days.”

Seeing Lin He’s expression, Wen Ning Xuan arched an eyebrow, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “He’er is so unwilling to stay at home? What will you do when you marry? You’ll have to stay home every day attending to your husband and teaching your children.”

Lin He knew Wen Ning Xuan was teasing her and replied carelessly, “We’ll talk about the future when it comes. I’m not married yet, am I? I just want to stroll down the street.”

“Then I’ll go with you later; we can just walk around the streets. Ling Xiao and the others are watching the factory site; you don’t need to worry about that for now,” Wen Ning Xuan stated.

Lin He nodded eagerly, indicating her strong willingness. Never mind strolling the streets—even just standing outside the courtyard would be a joy. She had been utterly suffocated these past few days; Zi Yu restricted her from doing this and that. It was truly stifling.

Wen Ning Xuan watched her nod with such urgency and chuckled softly. “I’ll wait for you in the courtyard. Go put on more clothes and take Zi Yu with you.” With that, he walked toward the courtyard.

Zi Yu followed closely into the room, helped Lin He change her attire, and accompanied her out towards the street. Lin He had never realized that being able to go to the market could be such a source of delight. She was in high spirits, buying heaps of trinkets with Zi Yu. Wen Ning Xuan watched the pile of items Zi Yu held—which even included clay figurines and painted masks—and smiled indulgently as he continued walking ahead.

Lin He had been so cooped up these past few days that she hadn't paid attention to whether the things she bought were practical; she simply bought anything that looked unique or pretty. Just as Lin He and Zi Yu were deeply engrossed in selecting items at a small stall in an alley, Lin He was suddenly held tightly, and she heard Wen Ning Xuan’s voice say, “Careful.”