As Lin He listened to the two maids converse in the carriage, she was suddenly reminded of the two young maids back at the courtyard in Qinghe County. They used to follow her around when she was there, and now that she had returned, they must be terribly bored just staying in the small yard alone.

Thinking this, Lin He instructed Ziqing, "Ziqing, there are two young maids at the small courtyard in Caidie Xuan in Qinghe County. Neither of them is very old; the Second Young Master bought them both for work. Go over there and see if there's anything you need them to do. Make sure their monthly wages continue, and if you can, look after them a bit more."

"Yes, Sister, those two maids are very capable too. Miss actually intended to bring them along, but considering how far their homes are from here, it would be rare for them to go back if they came. Their families are all near that area, so Miss left them behind to look after the courtyard. This time when you go, have them assist you with tasks. Both girls are honest and serve Miss very attentively. Go tell that Ling—what’s-his-name—he'll know what to do." Ziyu chattered on for a long time.

Ziqing knew a bit about the situation over there and immediately agreed, saying, "Alright, Miss. I'll go check on those two maids. If they are willing, I'll let them work in the factory area, and I’ll keep an eye on them." Then she turned to Ziyu and asked, "Who exactly is this Ling—what’s-his-name—that you just mentioned?"

"A detestable man! When I was with Miss over there, he was always bullying me. Sister, when you go, you must help me get revenge. Just make him do all the rough and tedious work," Ziyu said indignantly.

Ziqing looked at Ziyu, so worked up over nothing, and gave Lin He a puzzled look. Lin He observed Ziyu’s reaction. Although this girl was impulsive, she wasn't one to hold grudges. Ling Xiao had merely tugged at her a few times, yet she was still angry now. Could there be something more between these two?

Lin He smiled deliberately and said, "Ziyu, didn't you always claim you had a bad memory, forgetting people and things unrelated to you quickly? Yet you still remember this Ling—what’s-his-name. Have you perhaps taken a liking to him?"

Upon hearing this, Ziyu instantly jumped up, her face flushed crimson, and stammered, "Miss, what are you saying? Me liking that block of ice? What a joke! I, Ziyu, am certainly not bad, how could I possibly like him? Don't talk about this life, I wouldn't like him in my next life or the one after that either!"

Ziyu's reaction startled Ziqing standing nearby, while Lin He burst into loud laughter. Ziqing pulled Ziyu down to sit while admonishing her, "What are you doing? I just told you to behave yourself, and you’re acting up again immediately. Speak properly, why are you hopping around like that?"

"Sister, you don't understand! What Miss just said stifled me so much, I feel utterly wronged! I’m telling you, I would rather like Chang Qiao back home than that ice-faced blockhead! You don't know, over in Qinghe County, that man almost twisted my arm off. I hate him to death," Ziyu said, still huffing as she sat down.

"They say there's hate only where there is love," Lin He tossed out lightly again.

Ziyu nearly sprang up again, but Ziqing managed to hold her down. Ziyu cried out, "Miss, I beg you, stop talking! If you say one more word, I will..."

"You'll do what? Are you trying to threaten Miss now? You told me to relax, but I see you are getting more presumptuous. You’re such a grown girl, shouldn't you know what words are appropriate and which aren't? And you claim to like Chang Qiao! Good thing only Miss and I heard you, or you’d be the laughingstock of everyone. I think you need someone to keep you in line," Ziqing scolded, tapping Ziyu's head.

Seeing that she had teased Ziyu enough, Lin He laughed and said, "Alright, alright, I won't say any more."

"Miss, who exactly is he?" Ziqing continued to inquire.

"He's one of the Second Young Master's subordinates, named Ling Xiao. When Ziyu was over there, she often went out on errands with Ling Xiao. I thought Ling Xiao was quite decent and capable, but Ziyu says he bullied her. I’m honestly unaware of anyone who dares to bully her?" Lin He murmured softly to Ziqing.

"Oh, he's one of the Second Young Master's men? What does he do over there? Is he at the factory too? How old is he? Is he married?" Ziqing pressed further.

"Sister, why are you asking so much? What does it matter to you if he’s married or not? Though, I doubt any sensible woman would marry someone like him," Ziyu interrupted spitefully.

Ziqing glanced at Ziyu, then turned back to Lin He, who laughed and said, "He’s about twenty this year, unmarried. He is quite a good person, just not very talkative. Why are you asking so many questions? Are you hoping to arrange a match with him?"

"No, I just asked casually. If he's one of the Second Young Master's people, that's quite good," Ziqing mumbled to herself.

Seeing that she had been thoroughly ignored, Ziyu stopped talking, sitting sullenly in the carriage, lips pursed. Lin He watched Ziyu and smiled, actually thinking that perhaps Ziyu and Ling Xiao might spark some real chemistry.

Ziyu was bright and lively; Ling Xiao was too cold, even colder than the former Wen Ningxuan. Their personalities were completely complementary and could blend. Perhaps they were truly suited for a life together, though the age gap was a bit large—but that wasn't a real problem. However, at this stage, the girl probably felt nothing but dislike for Ling Xiao. There would be time enough in the future.

By the time they reached the town, it was already afternoon. Lin He told Ziqing to take the maids out to look around the street, to purchase anything they needed, and told Ziyu to go with them as well, since the two sisters would be separated for a while, giving them time to connect.

Lin He stayed in the room, organizing her things. She had brought items yesterday only to have to pack things to return today. With Ziqing gone, she certainly couldn't stay here long-term; she was genuinely uneasy about the ointment workshop back home.

Chen'er watched her elder sister pack and said, "Elder Sister, we’re going back tomorrow, can’t we stay a few more days?"

"If you want to stay here, you can enjoy a few days. Besides, Eldest Sister-in-law is here. I have matters to attend to back home," Lin He said with a smile.

Chen'er thought for a moment and replied, "I think I’ll go back with Elder Sister. It won't be fun for me to stay here alone if you leave. I’ll go pack my things now."

Lin He found Chen'er's behavior amusing, pulling her close and asking, "What's gotten into you, girl? Didn't you always nag to come to town to play when we were at home? Why do you suddenly not want to stay here? Moreover, with Mother and I gone, no one will be supervising you—you'd have so much freedom! Why do you insist on returning with me?"