Lin He looked at Huang Shi's distressed expression and interjected gently, "Mother, I understand. You're doing all this for the sake of my eldest brother. Don't worry anymore—let's have breakfast first. Afterward, I'll go with Da Bao to town today. We'll finish up his shop matters quickly then return home together. This way you won't have any more worries."

"You still want to go? If Da Bao goes, you needn't accompany him!"

"It's fine. I've been staying indoors for quite some time now. Let me take Zi Yu with me for a walk. Strolling through the streets shouldn't count as showing off, right?" Lin He smiled softly.

"Hmm... then go ahead. After settling everything in town, return home with Da Bao together. If there's any spare time, speak to my eldest son about Yunqi—he's grown up attached to you. Whatever you say will surely reach his ears," Huang Shi rose to her feet.

Lin He nodded and stepped outside with Huang Shi into the courtyard where Er Niu was still trying to pacify Da Bao. The older brother must have felt ashamed of his earlier outburst, because he stood up from his chair as they emerged, saying, "Mother, let's eat first. I promise you—I'll wait until after this month before settling this matter at home."

Seeing Da Bao come to apologize, Huang Shi's lingering irritation melted away. "Yes, let's have breakfast first," she said, her voice gentler now. "Lin He and I had already discussed it—after the meal, she will accompany you to town to handle your shop affairs before returning home. I was just a bit too hasty earlier."

Hearing his mother say this, Da Bao glanced at Lin He in disbelief. She smiled reassuringly and nodded, "It's fine now. A little family argument isn't anything big—let's eat first."

After all, they were still one family. No great calamity could come from a few words exchanged between siblings. In no time, Da Bao and Huang Shi were chatting cheerfully again as the whole family enjoyed their meal together. While everyone was eating, Lin He discreetly observed Yunqi.

The young woman seemed completely unaware of what had just transpired, maintaining her usual quiet demeanor. She ate in silence but occasionally contributed a few words here or there with no trace of resentment on her face. Lin He found herself increasingly perplexed by Yunqi's behavior—how could she remain utterly indifferent despite Da Bao's obvious mistreatment? While this was somewhat understandable given the circumstances, how could she still act as if nothing had happened during such an open family dispute? Was it truly her nature to be so unemotional, or did she simply possess remarkable restraint? Even the latter explanation felt unsatisfying—wasn't there a line between composure and coldness?

Still, Lin He decided first things must come first. The current situation clearly pointed toward Da Bao's failure as a husband. If he had fulfilled his duties properly in all aspects of life, then Yunqi's indifferent attitude would be something worth questioning. But given the circumstances...

After breakfast, Lin He took Zi Yu with her and joined Da Bao for their trip to town. Xiao Jun and Uncle Changge waited outside at the carriage while Lin He remained indecisive inside about whether to bring up this matter with her brother. Where should she begin? In the end she didn't say anything—the presence of Zi Yu in the carriage made it inappropriate to discuss such personal matters openly, even though Zi Yu understood these things well enough.

The carriage moved swiftly through the roads and soon arrived at Da Bao's shop. The apprentices and maids had gathered early in the back courtyard, clearly anticipating his arrival to assign tasks. As they stepped out, Da Bao immediately began issuing orders—clear directives about who should do what and when. Lin He simply observed from behind.

Since it was the first day after Lantern Festival, there weren't many customers buying pastries today. The shop remained quiet throughout most of the morning. After lunch, Lin He sat in the courtyard planning to take Zi Yu out for a walk later when Zi Yu suddenly approached her with twinkling eyes and whispered, "Miss Lin, you should go see this—there's a young lady at the shop."

Lin He rolled her eyes dismissively. "What's special about a woman? Hundreds of ladies come in every day. Speak plainly—who is this woman?"

"I noticed how Lord Da Bao looked at her—it resembles the way he used to gaze at his former beloved," Zi Yu whispered into Lin He's ear.

The moment these words reached her ears, Lin He immediately stood up from her seat—she'd been longing to meet this mysterious figure in Da Bao's past for a long time. Following Zi Yu's direction, she hurried toward the shop.

Sure enough, there at the front of the store was Da Bao engaged in conversation with a girl around fifteen or sixteen years old wearing a deep blue embroidered qipao gown with white plum blossom patterns along the hem. A matching white waistband accentuated her figure while her jet-black hair was elegantly pinned into ajade hairpin. Though simple, this arrangement gave off an air of refined elegance—the kind that could easily captivate someone's heart. And indeed, she appeared to be married now as evidenced by her jewelry and hairstyle.

Lin He lingered in the shadows watching from afar. This girl's presence seemed to stir something complex within Da Bao—his usual composed demeanor bore traces of melancholy mixed with excitement while the young woman maintained a calm detachment toward him. After only brief exchanges, she left with her maid. When Da Bao finally turned around, he stood gazing at her retreating figure for quite some time before returning to his senses.

Noticing Lin He's presence in the shop, Da Bao offered her an awkward smile and said, "Sis, I just made tea—let's go inside and rest a while." After dismissing Zi Yu from tending the store temporarily, they walked into the back courtyard where Lin He asked curiously, "Brother, who was that girl you were speaking with? You seem to know her quite well."

"An old friend passing through town. Just had some small talk," Da Bao replied vaguely.

"Wasn't she your former beloved—the one you've been thinking about lately?" Lin He pressed further.

Da Bao glanced at Lin He and gave a silent nod before sighing heavily.

"You're right—she's already married, aren't you? Her family seems quite well-off judging by her attire," Lin He remarked casually as she lifted the teacup in hand.

"Yes. She comes from an educated household and her husband is a scholar currently teaching at a wealthy family's private school."

"You knew she was already taken? I thought you didn't realize this yet—that's why you've been so preoccupied," Lin He said, feigning casual curiosity as she sipped the tea.