After dinner, Lin He had Yu Zi see Chen Er and Xiao Bao to bed early, while she and Da Bao stayed up discussing the recent happenings at home in their absence. Naturally, Lin He's primary focus was on Da Bao's impending marriage. After a while, Lin He finally broached the subject, saying, "Big Brother, how do you feel about this match? Do you agree to that girl?"

Da Bao paused, thinking. He’d intended to tell his sister so much, but now that the moment arrived, he found the words elusive. Hearing Lin He’s direct question, he replied, "Father and Mother are very pleased, and Grandmother adores the girl too. She seems fine enough."

Lin He looked at Da Bao, a touch of exasperation coloring her tone. "Big Brother, I wasn't asking about Father, Mother, or Grandmother. I'm asking how you feel about this marriage."

"I suppose I'm content. If the family is happy, that’s what matters. I won’t dwell on it too much."

Lin He stared at him for a moment, truly helpless. After a long silence, she spoke again. "Big Brother, this is your wedding. The most important thing is that you are satisfied. Everyone else’s opinion should follow yours. If you aren't ready for this marriage, why did you agree? Are you just unable to withstand the pressure from Father and Mother? You cannot treat your own marriage so lightly."

Da Bao looked up at Lin He, momentarily confused. "Isn't marriage always based on the parents' decree? If Father and Mother approve, that’s sufficient. Isn't that how everyone else gets married?"

"But everyone else getting married seems happy about it. Why do you show no joy at all? Everyone else marries according to their parents' wishes the moment they turn fifteen. Why did you wait this long? You clearly don't want the same life as everyone else, yet you won't state your own position. I need to know exactly what you want." Lin He felt a genuine flicker of anger watching Da Bao’s demeanor.

Lin He rarely spoke to Da Bao with such intensity, which left him momentarily stunned. However, once Da Bao truly grasped the meaning of her words, a wave of discouragement washed over him. The truth was, he didn't know what he wanted. He had agreed to his parents’ wishes because he felt heartbroken and disillusioned after losing his previous affection, and he simply didn't want to agonize over the matter any further. He figured it was best to let his parents handle it. But now that the arrangement was finalized, Da Bao felt a distinct sense of reluctance.

Seeing his expression, Lin He softened, feeling reluctant to scold him further. Yet, his attitude was undeniably frustrating. Lin He felt certain that Da Bao needed to clarify his true feelings. She gazed at him intently. Neither spoke for a considerable time until Da Bao finally said, "So, what can be done now? The engagement is set. If we back out, never mind the family—even I couldn't bring myself to say it, especially since the girl hasn't done anything wrong."

"I’m not suggesting you break the engagement. I want you to understand your own heart right now. If you are marrying this girl simply to soothe the pain in your heart, I think you shouldn't finalize the marriage so quickly. We can postpone the wedding, perhaps use the time to get to know her better. If you find that you genuinely like her and can accept this match with happiness, then there's no issue."

Lin He looked at him and continued, "Besides, we aren't talking about something as serious as calling off the engagement yet. Let's see the girl first. As of now, what is your assessment of her?"

"The girl is alright; she doesn't talk much. I’ve only met her twice. It’s her family that’s somewhat irritating. Didn’t Chen Er ever mention it to you?"

"Chen Er mentioned a little, but it sounded like childish talk. Big Brother, I do understand your feelings to some extent. I know you haven't truly let go of what’s weighing on you. If that’s the case, why didn't you follow your heart in the first place? You wanted to be a filial son, but in doing so, you wronged yourself. When the decisive moment arrived, you felt the injustice and started wavering. If you cannot handle this issue now, how will you handle major matters in the future? I haven't met her myself yet, so I can't offer advice. Think it over carefully. We'll talk again tomorrow when we go back." After saying all this, Lin He returned to her own room.

Lin He sat in her room for a long time, thinking back over the years; there had been many family matters arise. But she felt she was young, and while she understood many things internally, it wasn't her place to intervene. She had always watched silently, choosing not to speak unless absolutely necessary, sometimes yielding to her parents’ wishes to maintain harmony.

But Da Bao’s situation had worried her for a long time—in fact, ever since Da Bao was approaching the marriageable age, Lin He had been considering this. She always hoped Da Bao would find a good wife who could look after their parents and watch over their younger siblings. The fact that Da Bao himself couldn't sort out his own state of mind truly made Lin He angry. Lin He knew that for Da Bao’s sake, and for the smoother running of their family in the future, she couldn't stand aside this time. It was time to steel her resolve and help manage some family affairs at the appropriate moment.

The moment Yu Zi entered Lin He’s room, she found her mistress resting her head on the table, sighing softly. Yu Zi set down the basin she was holding and said, "Miss, I’ve brought the water. You should wash up first. Don't try to figure everything out alone tonight; we can discuss it when we return tomorrow."

Lin He nodded. Yu Zi was right; this wasn't something she could solve by brooding alone. They would see when they got back. Having been away for so long, Lin He truly missed home.

The next morning, Lin He and Da Bao took their younger siblings and returned home. Upon arrival, Er Niu and Huang Shi were delighted. "He’er, I thought you wouldn't be back for a few more days! You've returned so quickly! Wonderful. We are actually quite overwhelmed here."

Lin He smiled. "Yes, with the New Year approaching, things over there are mostly settled, so I brought Chen Er and the others back early. This way, I can help you out."

Huang Shi nodded with a smile. "Good, our He’er is so thoughtful. You all arrived so early; you must be hungry. I’ll ask Cai Qing to prepare something for you."

Lin He agreed. Huang Shi called for Cai Qing and left. Er Niu remained, and after a brief inquiry about whether the construction of the factory building had gone smoothly and when it would be finished, Lin He answered everything. Er Niu didn't press further, but seeing Da Bao had returned, he expressed some dissatisfaction. "Da Bao, what’s going on with you? You’re getting married, yet you haven’t come home these past few days. Why are you so unconcerned with this matter?"

Da Bao managed a smile. "My shop has been busy, and wasn't it the same with you all here anyway?"