At the mention of it, Wen Ningxuan's face darkened with anger. This girl was still so furious. What nonsense about not interfering in his affairs? What possible matters could he have that required delay when her needs weren't always ranked first in his mind? Such a thoughtless creature! He'd sacrificed everything for her yet she offered no gratitude whatsoever.

The fury made him restless, and he immediately ordered Shun Zhu to prepare the carriage for Miss He's factory. A wry smile tugged at Shun Zhu's lips - finally this would end. The master's icy demeanor had nearly frozen him solid over these past few days.

When Shun Zhu arrived with the carriage, Lin He was just leaving the factory with Zi Yu. Recognizing the coachman, she asked curiously, "What is it now, Shun Zhu? More business?"

Before the servant could answer, the curtain flew open to reveal Wen Ningxuan's strikingly handsome face peering out, his voice sharp as he ordered, "Get in."

The audacity! What right did this man have speaking to her like that? Was she not free from being his property now? Lin He arched a brow at him and declared, "Second Master, state your business quickly. If there's nothing else, I must return for dinner."

Wen Ningxuan clenched his jaw. How could she remain so stubborn about trivial matters when her meal was all that mattered? A single word from him would have delayed this indefinitely! With a muttered curse, he strode to the carriage and yanked Lin He inside, barking at Shun Zhu as they drove off.

Zi Yu stood bewildered in the courtyard - how had Miss been lured into the carriage by Second Master's obvious rage? But recalling his usual kindness toward her, she eventually returned home alone.

Inside the moving carriage, Wen Ningxuan didn't release Lin He until he'd pulled her onto his lap. The sudden movement left her breathless for a long moment before she finally glared at him, "Second Master, state your business!"

Her flushed cheeks and simmering anger made it impossible to look away from her rosy lips - those very same lips that now parted in surprise, offering an invitation even as the carriage swayed. Wen Ningxuan's frustration dissolved instantly.

He claimed her mouth with practiced ease this time, coaxing open her teeth where they gaped slightly. His tongue traced hers with maddening slowness until Lin He responded dazedly through ragged breaths and fluttering eyelids. Only when he felt his own lungs burning did he finally pull away.

Cradling her close to his chest, he whispered into her ear, "He... don't be angry anymore. I promise such things will never happen again."

Lin He studied him a moment before sighing in resignation. His contrition was oddly sincere today. The guilt had long since faded from her own heart - she'd simply wanted this stubborn man to acknowledge his faults. Still, for all his silence about the incident, these words were generous coming from such a proud master.

Nodding slightly as she leaned into him, "Then take me home before dinner is ruined."

"Shall I accompany you? Your mother hasn't visited my shop yet," Wen Ningxuan offered.

As they arrived at her residence moments later, Lin He noticed Zi Yu returning. The maid's relieved expression said everything - these past days had been stressful for them all with Miss' foul moods looming over the household like a storm cloud.

Madam Huang's face lit up at Wen Ningxuan's presence before turning into scolding about insufficient food preparations. Lin He chuckled, "Mother, what could you possibly prepare? He won't eat much of this humble fare."

"Indeed," Wen Ningxuan smiled smoothly, "I'll be visiting frequently in the future."

The remark earned him a withering glance from Lin He while Madam Huang beamed her approval.

After dinner, Zi Yu remained at the workshop while Wen Ningxuan returned to his silver shop alone. Lin He joined Chen Er and Yun Qi in their embroidery lessons - the girl had grown quite skilled since moving to town despite lacking formal training.

Meanwhile Madam Huang found life in town far less dull than expected. With both sons attending school until midday, she spent mornings with Chen Er practicing needlework or tending the courtyard garden.

Now entering her second month here, she'd begun packing for the upcoming Ghost Festival return home - this time vowing not to return before Mid-Autumn.

As she sorted through items, Madam Huang suddenly fixed Lin He with a knowing look. "My dear, your eldest brother and Yun Qi have been married over seven months now. Has there been... no sign of children? Is something wrong?"

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