The matters concerning the He family had passed not long ago, and soon it was December, and the weather was growing cold. Fortunately, it hadn't started snowing yet. In Qinghe County, the temperature was steadily dropping for Lin He and the others as well.

Wen Ningxuan's injuries were slowly mending, but given the cold weather and the fact that the previous incident hadn't been fully resolved, Lin He and the others were still forbidden from going out casually. If they absolutely needed to leave, someone had to accompany them.

Lin He felt like she was molding away inside the house, truly desperate to find something to occupy herself with. She’d even welcome an argument right now; at least it wouldn't be as stiflingly dull as this.

One day, Lin He sat by the table in the room, clutching a homemade hot water bottle, watching the maids embroidering nearby with an overwhelming sense of boredom. Her eyes blinked, and blinked again, constantly hoping to find some activity to engage in. Suddenly, noticing the charcoal brazier beneath her feet used for heating, Lin He was reminded of the barbecues from her previous life—meals she often enjoyed. Yet, having been here for so many years, she had been so busy with one thing after another that she had forgotten many of those simple pastimes.

The thought of barbecue made Lin He’s mouth water. She spoke up, “Ziyu, let’s have a barbecue in the courtyard tonight. Do you want some?”

“Barbecue? What kind of meat, and how do we grill it?” Ziyu asked, confused.

“Any meat will do, as long as it’s edible. The weather is perfect for grilling; I guarantee you’ll love it. Go to the next courtyard and casually call someone over for me. I’ll have them buy some supplies, and we’ll decide on barbecue tonight,” Lin He said with high spirits.

Although Ziyu didn’t know what these things were, as long as her mistress was happy, that was enough. Following Lin He’s instructions, Ziyu went over to Wen Ningxuan’s courtyard. After a short wait, Ziyu returned, saying the person had been called. Lin He was already leaning over the table, scribbling down a list of necessary materials for the barbecue. Thinking Ziyu had brought Ling Xiao, she didn’t even look up, muttering to herself, “There’s too much to list, and this paper is too small. How many sheets will this take? Ling Xiao, can you use a brush pen to write?” Lin He then glanced down at the brush pen in her hand with some frustration.

“What needs writing? Tell me, and I’ll do it.” Lin He looked up and saw Wen Ningxuan standing before her, chuckling softly, his expression laced with teasing amusement.

Lin He was slightly surprised to see Wen Ningxuan; she hadn't expected him to show up. But seeing the smile on his face—no, to be precise, the naked mockery—Lin He instantly wanted to bite him. So what if he could write a few characters with a brush? What a smug look.

Wen Ningxuan watched Lin He staring at him, knowing the girl was unconvinced. He let out a soft laugh, sat down, and took the brush from Lin He’s hand. “Didn’t you say you needed someone to go out and buy things? Tell me what to write, and I’ll manage it on this paper.”

Lin He cast a sideways glance at Wen Ningxuan, too lazy to argue with him over something so trivial, especially when someone capable was available. She handed the paper and brush over, listing the utensils, ingredients, and seasonings needed for the barbecue. After Wen Ningxuan finished writing, he handed the list back to Lin He. Despite his earlier teasing, his rendition of yingtou xiaokai (tiny script) was remarkably neat and convincing—a skill she doubted she could master even with a lifetime of practice.

Lin He reviewed the list, satisfied that nothing was missed, and told Ziyu to take it to Ling Xiao, who was waiting outside. After a moment’s thought, she called out again, “Wait, Ziyu, you should go with Ling Xiao after all. He might not fully understand what some of these items are. If he buys the wrong things back, it will be useless. You’ll have a better grasp of the details, so go with him.”

Hearing Lin He’s words, Ziyu pursed her lips and walked out very reluctantly, thinking to herself that if she couldn't carry all those things alone, she’d rather go by herself than accompany this Ling something. She hadn't forgotten the previous incident.

After Ziyu left, the two maids, Yuezhi and Yuegui, seeing Wen Ningxuan present, also rose and moved to stand near the doorway. Lin He watched Ziyu and the others depart, then slumped back into her listless posture at the table. Wen Ningxuan noticed her demeanor and chuckled softly, “Bored?”

“Not bored, just incredibly idle,” Lin He replied with a sidelong glance at Wen Ningxuan.

Wen Ningxuan knew the girl was still vexed that he had laughed at her calligraphy. In truth, Wen Ningxuan was slightly puzzled. He Er was incredibly intelligent; she understood many things, knew how to read ledgers, and even possessed knowledge they were unfamiliar with. Logically, she must have read extensively, so why was her handwriting worse than that of a three-year-old? He had asked her several times, and she merely claimed she disliked using the brush pen. But Wen Ningxuan was puzzled; besides the brush, what other writing instruments were there? Of course, there was the charcoal stick that Lin He had invented herself, but surely she couldn't rely on that pen for all her writing?

Looking at Lin He, Wen Ningxuan smiled with eyes full of indulgence. “Don’t worry, you won’t be bored in a few days.”

“A few days until we can go home? Is that factory finished?” Lin He asked eagerly upon hearing Wen Ningxuan’s words.

Wen Ningxuan didn't answer her question directly, merely stating, “Mmm, that place is almost done too.”

Seeing Wen Ningxuan’s expression, Lin He assumed he was merely soothing and comforting her, so she didn’t press further. She murmured to herself, “It’s already December; I wonder how things are back home.” She then rested her head on her hand, looking drowsy.

Wen Ningxuan glanced at Lin He, smiled faintly, and said nothing more.

A long while later, near the middle of the afternoon, Ziyu and Ling Xiao finally returned from outside. Lin He knew they were back and instantly jumped up, heading toward the courtyard. Her speed was nothing like the sluggishness she displayed moments ago while dozing by the table. Wen Ningxuan shook his head with a smile and followed her out into the courtyard.

Upon entering the courtyard, Lin He noticed Ziyu pouting. She laughed and said, “Who angered my Ziyu girl this time? If you’ve made my Ziyu upset, I won’t let them off lightly, you know.”

Ziyu pouted and shot a glare at Ling Xiao standing beside her, but she didn't speak, only glaring fiercely a couple of times. Ling Xiao, however, acted as if Ziyu’s glares weren't directed at him, remaining perfectly still with a blank expression.

Lin He watched the pair, smiled, and decided she wouldn't pry into whatever feud existed between them. She instructed Ling Xiao to sharpen some bamboo skewers. The maids began their tasks: washing and slicing the ingredients, and marinating whatever needed it. Lin He then took Ziyu to the kitchen to mix the dipping sauces. Meanwhile, she directed Ling Xiao to finish sharpening the skewers and then use some stones to fashion a makeshift stove pit. Once the charcoal was added, they could begin cooking.

Watching Lin He direct everyone’s activities, Wen Ningxuan had no idea what she was planning. However, he knew that He'er was always meticulous about food, and the ideas that sprang from her clever mind were always eccentric, resulting in delicious outcomes. Besides, she had truly been stifled these past few days, so he let her fuss about. Wen Ningxuan simply stood aside, watching them work, knowing full well that no one would dare give him orders.