Lin He watched Wen Ningxuan's gaze settle on her, a faint unease curling in her stomach. She had no way of knowing whether Wen Ningxuan overheard Xiao Mo's earlier words - or how much he caught. Should she confess? If she remained silent when he knew the truth, what would he think? But if he hadn't heard anything at all, revealing it felt unnecessary. As indecision twisted her in her seat like a cat on hot bricks, Lin He finally decided to let the matter rest - after all, Wen Ningxuan said nothing.

With sudden resolve, she offered Wen Ningxuan a small smile. "It's nearly New Year," she said carefully, "I've asked Zi Yu to prepare some pastries for your family. You can take them home and give them to Uncle Wen."

Wen Ningxuan studied her briefly before responding with his usual composed smile. "My father has been craving your pastries for weeks now."

He spent the entire afternoon there, their conversation circling around mundane household affairs. He never mentioned Xiao Mo's visit, nor did Lin He bring it up again. When dusk fell and Wen Ningxuan prepared to leave, he simply said his father would formally propose soon, then added with casual certainty that he'd return tomorrow.

Lin He watched him vanish beyond the courtyard gate before retreating to her quarters with Zi Yu. The maid recognized the troubled slump in Lin He's shoulders as she sat motionless at the table, fingers pressed against her temples. Normally when distressed, the lady would pore over account books or stitch embroidery while murmuring instructions to young Cheng'er - but tonight, frustration had rooted her to the spot.

After a long silence, Lin He finally spoke, "Zi Yu, should I tell Xiao Mo the truth?" The maid had been present in the courtyard during his earlier outburst, so Lin He made no effort at discretion.

Zi Yu considered this before replying, "My lady... if Second Master learns of it, he might be hurt. But if Xiao Mo doesn't bring it up again, perhaps we should just let sleeping dogs lie."

Did Wen Ningxuan know? Of course he did. Lin He had known since that visit to her home when Xiao Mo first confronted Wen Ningxuan - the truth had been written all over his face then. Yet he chose silence, because the boy was precious to him and he couldn't bear to see him suffer.

Wen Ningxuan's heart ached with unspoken fears. After all, Xiao Mo and Lin He had known each other since childhood. Their history held secrets Wen Ningxuan never shared, moments of understanding that would forever be beyond his grasp. And without his interference, those two might have been destined together. Not out of distrust - but because it was a very real possibility.

To create new memories between himself and Lin He, Wen Ningxuan had schemed to establish the factory in Qinghe County, using the excuse about supplying Cai Die Xiang. Through these shared responsibilities, he believed their bond had strengthened considerably. The worry about Xiao Mo no longer gnawed at him - until today.

When Xiao Mo's outburst reached his ears, Wen Ningxuan let it play out. He knew one confrontation wouldn't be the last. But now that Lin He's affection for him was undeniable, he entered only to prevent her from being forced into an awkward declaration of feelings. And indeed, when she chose not to speak - as he had expected - there wasn't even a flicker of disappointment in his chest. She was protecting Xiao Mo, and that selfless consideration made it impossible to resent her.

Zi Yu's suggestion was far from perfect, but what else could they do? Confronting Xiao Mo directly with "I've always chosen your brother" would have been just as cruel as a rejection. The boy was too young for such declarations anyway - perhaps in time, this ache would fade naturally.

In the weeks that followed, Lin He remained busy at the shop while Xiao Mo vanished from sight entirely. Wen Ningxuan visited regularly to review accounts and chat, their friendship growing more comfortable with each passing day. Uncle Wen returned with his wife to finalize the wedding arrangements - announcing they'd wait until Lin He reached marriageable age before setting a date.

The extravagant dowry caused quite the stir in the village. Twenty carts filled with goods alone was unheard of for such small settlements. But Uncle Wen made it clear these weren't just showy displays of wealth, "We want everyone to know how much we cherish Lin He," he declared during the formal proposal ceremony held at her family home.

The Lin household beamed with pride, though they had no illusions about keeping any dowry items long-term. What truly mattered was knowing their daughter would never lack for anything in her new life - especially since Lady Wen seemed genuinely warm this time, conversing briefly with Aunt Huang as if she were an old friend rather than a rival.

Old Second Cow's status rose even higher among villagers who gossiped about his impossible luck. How did such good fortune always find their family? The same people who struggled to make ends meet now envied them bitterly - proving once again that fate treated equals very differently indeed.

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