Lin He sighed. Just when she thought the girl was starting to mature a bit, her words sounded like a child's again. Well, let her be. She has to grow up someday, and she’ll naturally become sensible then. Trying to discuss this matter with her now, when her mind hasn't quite opened, would likely be fruitless.

Moreover, Lin He knew that people were different. Some girls matured early, others late; Chen'er belonged to the latter group. That was fine, really. Once one understood these things, the worries increased. It was rare enough that she could maintain a period of innocence.

Chen'er heard her elder sister sigh and quickly said, "Big Sister, don't be upset. I was just saying. We can discuss these things later. When the time comes, I'll listen to you. Whoever Big Sister says is good, I'll marry."

Lin He smiled and patted Chen'er's head. If only such matters could be decided by someone else for her. When she finally understood, she would naturally know then.

In the following days, the household became busy. Lin He's matters were pressing, but Da Bao's situation was even more urgent. Huang Shi and Second Daughter had already gone to Yun Qi's family to propose, and the wedding date was set for the twenty-sixth of the twelfth month. The fact that they fixed this date so quickly suggested both families were eager.

Er Niu led the family to town every day to purchase supplies. With a wedding and a banquet to prepare, the household naturally had much to arrange, and the timeline was tight, meaning quite a few items needed acquiring. Lin He and Chen'er were sent to mind the pastry shop, releasing Da Bao. Er Niu said that since Da Bao was getting married, he needed to manage some things himself; he couldn't just show up on the wedding day.

At the pastry shop in town, Lin He was not idle. With the New Year approaching, the shop was extremely busy. Pastries were essential gifts for holiday visits, but fortunately, the shop had many staff, and the maids were capable. Lin He spent her time reviewing account books and such.

One day, as Lin He was looking over the ledgers in the accounting room, Zi Yu walked in and said, "Miss, the Third Young Master is here. He asked to see you."

Hearing this, Lin He quickly stood up, a smile spreading across her face. She realized she hadn't seen Xiao Mo in months. Since her return, she had gone straight home and hadn't managed to see him. Hearing that Xiao Mo had arrived, Lin He was genuinely delighted and hurried out.

Lin He left the accounting room and indeed saw Xiao Mo standing in the courtyard. After several months, Xiao Mo seemed to have grown a bit taller, and from a distance, he looked changed from before—no longer flighty like a child, but more like a composed youth.

"Xiao Mo, you're here?" Lin He walked over and called out.

Hearing Lin He's voice, Xiao Mo turned around, offering a faint smile. "Yes, He'er. It's been a long time. How have you been recently?"

Lin He paused, surprised. When had Xiao Mo's tone of speech changed? It was somewhat similar to Wen Ningxuan's used to be. What was going on? Still, she smiled and replied, "I'm quite well. How have you been, Xiao Mo?"

Xiao Mo nodded, then stared at Lin He for a moment before suddenly asking, "He'er, you're marrying my Second Brother?"

If anyone else had asked, Lin He probably wouldn't have answered directly, as it wasn't proper conduct, and things weren't officially settled yet. A woman answering so directly might seem unrestrained. However, since it was Xiao Mo, Lin He hesitated for a moment before nodding, thereby answering the question.

"He'er, why Second Brother?" After a pause, Xiao Mo posed another question.

"Ah?" Lin He was stunned, unsure what Xiao Mo meant by this.

"I want to know why it's Second Brother? You've known Second Brother for less than a year. Even if you met before, you probably didn't really know each other. There are many people you could choose; why choose him?" Xiao Mo asked, sounding slightly urgent.

"Why can't it be your Second Brother? Your Second Brother is very good to me. Is there anything wrong with that?" Lin He found Xiao Mo's question rather strange.

"Am I not good to you? Why can't it be me?" Xiao Mo immediately pressed with another question.

Lin He froze momentarily. She wasn't foolish; if Xiao Mo had put it so plainly, and she still didn't grasp his meaning, she would truly be worse than a fool. To be honest, in her heart, she had always treated Xiao Mo like a younger brother, much like Xiao Bao and the others, perhaps even closer than a brother because of their friendship. In front of Xiao Bao and the others, she had to maintain the demeanor of an elder sister, but with Xiao Mo, she didn't have to be so guarded.

In her past life, Lin He hadn't had any close friends, so meeting Xiao Mo in this life made her cherish this friendship deeply. She had never considered that Xiao Mo might harbor other feelings for her. Moreover, Xiao Mo had always acted like a child; she had never once suspected he might have designs on her.

Lin He looked at Xiao Mo. He pursed his lips slightly, his expression very earnest, as if waiting for her answer. Lin He's mind raced for a long time before she spoke softly, "Xiao Mo, you are very good, and I really enjoy spending time with you. But I never imagined you would feel... anything toward me..."

"Then if you were to think about it now, would you change your current decision?" Xiao Mo's eyes remained fixed on Lin He.

Lin He looked into his eyes, filled with an expression of hurt. She felt reluctant to say anything that might crush Xiao Mo, but she knew she shouldn't give him any false hope at this moment. Just as she was about to speak, a voice came from the courtyard entrance: "He'er."

Lin He turned to see Wen Ningxuan entering. Wen Ningxuan walked over with a faint smile. Seeing Xiao Mo, he said, "Xiao Mo is here too?" As Wen Ningxuan spoke, he gently pulled Lin He to sit beside a table.

Xiao Mo merely nodded at Wen Ningxuan, stared at Lin He for a moment longer, then said, "It's fine, I should go now." Without looking at anyone else, he walked toward the courtyard exit.

Lin He watched the direction Xiao Mo left, feeling a pang of sadness. She worried that they might not even remain friends afterward. Xiao Mo was the first and only friend she had made since arriving here. Over the years, having this friend had brought much joy to her life, and Xiao Mo had always been such a cheerful person. Lin He did not want him to be saddened by these matters.

Wen Ningxuan sat beside her, his bright eyes gazing at Lin He with a depth like a still, dark pool. Lin He remained lost in thought for quite a while before remembering Wen Ningxuan beside her and asking, "How did you know I was here?"

Wen Ningxuan withdrew his gaze and replied with a faint smile, "If I wish to know something, I will know it. Da Bao hasn't been at the shop these past few days; you must be very busy alone. How are the preparations coming along for Da Bao's wedding?"

"It's almost done. Although there's much to do, we have plenty of helpers, so there’s no need to worry too much," Lin He replied.

Wen Ningxuan stopped speaking and just nodded.