The seventh month slipped by quickly, and just like that, it was August. Lin He had been busy for days; the pastry shop’s gift boxes from last year had been so popular that reservations had started pouring in much earlier this year.

Lin He felt she had to introduce some new varieties alongside last year's staples—you couldn't sell the exact same things every year, after all. So, she spent her days researching new pastries, while occasionally needing to oversee the ointment-making workshop. These recent days had been a whirlwind of non-stop activity.

Early one morning, Lin He was roused by Ziyu, who informed her that the Second Young Master had been waiting outside since dawn. Only then did Lin He remember: she had arranged with Wen Ningxuan yesterday to come and sketch the designs for the pastry shop’s gift box covers, and she had almost forgotten! Lin He struggled out of bed, told Ziyu not to bother helping her dress, and sent her ahead to the workshop first. After washing up, by the time she reached the door, Wen Ningxuan’s carriage was already waiting outside.

Wen Ningxuan helped Lin He into the carriage. As soon as she sat down, she let out several consecutive yawns. Wen Ningxuan held her close, looking at her with concern. “Why don't you sleep a bit longer in the carriage? I can have Shunzhu drive us around a few extra loops before we reach the shop?”

Lin He managed a smile and whispered, “What nonsense are you talking of? It’s such a short distance, why loop around? I’m fine, just a few more busy days, and it’ll be over.”

“Mm, take care of yourself. Are you celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in town or heading back home? I have some things I need to deliver to your family.” Wen Ningxuan nodded as he spoke.

“We should probably go back. Uncle Wen sends so many things every year; it’s too much formality.”

“Those aren't from my father; they’re gifts I bought for my in-laws,” Wen Ningxuan chuckled, a hint of mischief in his tone.

“You bought them? What did you get?” Lin He deliberately ignored his shameless comment. Having spent so much time with this man, his audacity was growing. In the past, he at least referred to them as future in-laws; now, without anyone's approval, he automatically claimed them as his own. Lin He decided not to argue and simply asked, “What did you buy?”

“Just some traditional holiday items. Since you’ll be going back for the New Year, I’ll bring them over to your place tomorrow.”

Lin He nodded. In less than the time it takes to steep a cup of tea, the carriage arrived at the pastry shop. They entered the shop, which had just opened early that morning, and the assistants were busy sweeping and cleaning. Lin He and Wen Ningxuan walked toward the back courtyard. Dabao had already set up everything in the yard—brushes, inkstones, paper, and ink were all prepared. By the look of it, Wen Ningxuan wouldn't be leaving until the sketches were finished today.

Lin He felt she shouldn't waste any more time and urged Wen Ningxuan to start drawing. Some of last year's designs could still be reused, but Lin He had a general idea for the new styles. After briefly explaining them to Wen Ningxuan, she left him in the courtyard to draw and headed to the kitchen. She had already researched several new varieties, and now it was mainly about supervising the girls. In the kitchen, Zining was already leading the maids in bustling activity, having been at it for quite some time.

There were now eight maids in the kitchen, including Zining, and the pastry shop’s business was booming—people were traveling from distant places just to buy their goods. A few days ago, Dabao had even suggested opening a branch store elsewhere.

Lin He had pondered this idea too. With business this good, opening a branch was certainly a viable plan, but the biggest hurdles right now were management and sufficient kitchen staff. With only these few maids, setting aside any other issues, bringing in new apprentices would be difficult; mastering these specialized skills would take a long time. Furthermore, they needed to find suitable locations and trustworthy managers, which required slow, careful arrangement.

As Lin He considered this, she watched the maids working on pastries. If they opened a branch, they would definitely need to transfer some of the kitchen girls over. These girls had been here for several years; their skills were excellent, and they were honest workers, especially the eldest, Zining.

Lin He watched Zining kneading dough while simultaneously instructing the other maids. She possessed a certain air of command, much like Ziqing. Over the past few years, while Dabao managed the storefront, Zining had overseen most of the kitchen affairs, managing everything flawlessly. Zining wasn't as decisively swift as Ziqing, but she was extremely meticulous and responsible, coupled with a genuine interest in pastry making. It could be said that if Lin He were absent from the pastry shop now, Zining would be indispensable.

Zining was one Lin He had taken in from the streets a few years ago. In the blink of an eye, the young girl had grown up. Even her younger brother, Qing’er, was older now, usually trailing after Xiaobao, effectively serving as Xiaobao’s personal attendant. Although the siblings had been rescued by Lin He, they were profoundly grateful and diligent in their work, treating the household as their own home with unwavering loyalty.

While Lin He was thinking in the kitchen, she heard loud voices outside. She listened carefully and realized it sounded like Yunqiniang’s voice. Could Yunqiniang have come? Lin He instructed Zining to watch the kitchen and find her in the courtyard if needed, then went out. Sure enough, as soon as she stepped into the yard, she saw Yunqiniang standing there, mumbling indistinctly about something.

Lin He walked into the courtyard, a smile blooming on her face, and called out, “Auntie, what brings you to town today?”

Yunqiniang had been mid-sentence when she heard Lin He’s voice; she paused briefly, then also smiled and replied, “Yes, the Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching, and we need to prepare some gifts. I haven't seen Yunqi in a while, so I thought I'd take a walk around town. He, you’re here today too.”

“Yes, I’m here every day. It’s almost festival time, and the shop is quite busy; Big Brother can’t manage it all alone, so I come to lend a hand when I’m free. You came to see Sister-in-law, right? Our residence isn’t far from this shop; I can walk back with you?” As Lin He spoke, she started moving toward the exit.

Lin He actually felt that it was best not to casually bring outsiders into the pastry shop’s back courtyard. Since her family’s pastry business relied on specialized skills, it wasn’t entirely convenient for just anyone to wander in, especially someone with a notoriously loose tongue like Yunqiniang.

“Oh, He, no need. Why don’t you send someone to fetch Yunqi over? The pastry shop is so swamped; how can she, as a young mistress, not come to help, making you, her sister-in-law, come to the rescue? That really doesn't look right,” Yunqiniang said loudly, remaining rooted in place.

Hearing Yunqiniang’s words, Lin He inwardly sneered. Yunqi had barely settled into their home a few days ago, and Yunqiniang was already trying to push her into managing all the household affairs? Moreover, deliberately emphasizing that Lin He was the sister-in-law revealed that Yunqiniang’s intentions were far more calculating than Yunqi’s.

Lin He maintained her smile and replied, “Auntie, what are you saying? Sister-in-law married my Big Brother; he treasures her too much to let her work. She spends her days at home doing embroidery; she doesn't enjoy doing other things. Besides, this pastry shop is a bit small; it’s inconvenient when too many people come in. Auntie, why don't you come with me to the main house?”

Upon hearing Lin He’s words, Yunqiniang grew visibly displeased. She felt that Da Bao’s sister implied she wasn't welcome here. A shop run by her son-in-law’s family—was she not even allowed to visit? It made sense for He to manage things before Da Bao married, but was He still supposed to be in charge even after he had a wife?

With this thought, Yunqiniang refused to leave. She found a stool and sat down, addressing Da Bao, “Dabao, go fetch Yunqi over. I’ll wait for her right here. I think this courtyard is quite spacious and comfortable to sit in.”

“Mother-in-law, if you want to see Yunqi, please go to the main house with He. This is a business premises; outsiders aren’t usually allowed in the back courtyard. It truly isn't convenient for you here. Furthermore, with the festival coming up, there are many people coming and going at the shop; you really shouldn't linger here,” Da Bao said, maintaining a pleasant smile.

Da Bao’s words were even more direct than Lin He’s. Although his tone was gentle, a careful listener would realize Da Bao was essentially escorting her out. Yunqiniang had intended to say a few more things, but recalling the primary reason for her visit, she held her tongue. Nevertheless, she was deeply uncomfortable. She merely glanced at Da Bao before following Lin He toward the exit.

On the way, Yunqi and Lin He walked side by side in silence. When they reached the entrance of the residence, Lin He called a maid to escort Yunqiniang inside, then returned to the pastry shop.