Lin He looked at the towering stack of thick account books beside Wen Ningxuan's desk, realizing she wouldn't finish reading them even if she spent the whole day on it. She gave up on arguing with him, instead taking a seat opposite him. Sipping her tea slowly, she pondered how best to craft the sandalwood ointment box.

Lost in thought, Lin He's gaze naturally drifted towards the man across from her. He sat with his head slightly bowed, deeply engrossed in the ledgers. A few strands of hair had fallen across his strikingly handsome face, which was currently illuminated by the subtle sheen in his deep, dark eyes. His high nose seemed sculpted by a master artist, and his perfectly chiseled lips were the shade of bright vermilion. Even sitting on the wooden chair, his tall, straight posture was evident—truly, he was a captivating sight from every angle.

Perhaps he encountered something unsatisfactory in the accounts; his thick eyebrows would furrow slightly, then smooth out again. Yet, in every expression, watching him felt like a visual indulgence.

As she watched, Lin He felt a pang of jealousy. How could anyone be so close to perfect? His features, whether combined or viewed in isolation, were flawless. Even his skin was so delicate that it evoked envy in her, a woman. Heaven truly seemed unfair sometimes.

But then she remembered this man was her husband, and countless tiny bubbles of happiness began to rise in Lin He's heart. Lost in this reverie, a teasing voice suddenly cut through the silence: "Wife, staring at me so intently—are you trying to seduce your husband? It’s the middle of the day, you know."

Lin He was startled by his sudden address and, unfortunately, choked on her tea. She coughed uncontrollably until her face and neck were flushed scarlet, and it took a while to subside. Wen Ningxuan quickly set down his ledger, crossed over, and drew her onto his lap. With one hand gently stroking her chest, he said with a hint of exasperation, "What's wrong? I only made a little joke, why such a dramatic reaction?"

It’s all your fault, she thought, but Lin He was too breathless from coughing to speak, merely glaring at Wen Ningxuan with an aggrieved look. Seeing that she hadn't stopped, Wen Ningxuan dropped the teasing and focused on easing her distress, patting her back gently with one hand while lightly sweeping the other across her chest.

After a good while, Lin He stopped coughing and was about to announce she was fine when she noticed the hand that had been stroking her chest now seemed intent on slipping beneath her clothing, occasionally pinching the fullness there. Lin He quickly covered the hand, her face flushing slightly as she whispered, "It’s broad daylight. Ziyu and the others are still in the courtyard. What are you planning?"

As soon as Lin He finished speaking, Wen Ningxuan let out a low chuckle and extended his other hand, smiling, "Oh? Does my wife mean that daytime is off-limits, but nighttime is acceptable? Very well, your husband will wait for nightfall."

Seeing his hand cease its wandering, Lin He quickly slipped off his lap, casting him a flushed, chiding glance. "You stay here and manage your ledgers properly. I'll go to the upper building where Ziqing and Ziyu are. I can manage the wooden box design myself." With that, Lin He hurried out.

Wen Ningxuan watched Lin He's hasty retreat and burst into hearty laughter, a sound so clear that Ling Xiao and the others standing guard outside the courtyard heard it distinctly.

Hearing his young master's joyous peals, a softness bloomed in Ling Xiao’s heart. Since the young master brought the young mistress home, the master had truly changed—his temperament and daily habits were subtly shifting day by day.

Before, the young master spent most of his day at the shops, rarely returning home until very late at night, usually just to sleep. He seldom returned for any of the three daily meals; this courtyard felt no different to him than a common inn.

But since the young mistress arrived, the young master seemed reluctant to leave the courtyard at all. Not only did he return punctually for every meal, but he also spent most evenings at home, often bringing his ledgers along. Watching him, it seemed that if the demands of the shops didn't require his presence, he would gladly stay by the young mistress's side every single day.

Before the young mistress arrived, the master habitually slept very late, sometimes because of business keeping him out, or even when he returned early, he would read until the dead of night. But since the young mistress came, because she prefers sleeping early, the master now retires with her at an early hour and rises with her in the morning. Lately, the dark circles under the master’s eyes had visibly disappeared.

Most importantly, the master’s disposition had brightened considerably during this time; smiles now appeared on his face frequently, unlike his previous cold demeanor.

Ling Xiao knew all this was due to the young mistress’s influence. Now, it was clear the master had chosen the right person. Though the young mistress wasn't from a prominent lineage, nor was her family immensely wealthy, she possessed the ability to thaw the ice that had encased the master's heart for so many years. For the master, this was more than enough. If the master could remain this happy, Ling Xiao and the others felt deeply reassured.

Ling Xiao mused that the master had finally found a good harbor, and perhaps soon there would be a little young master. Then, the master would surely be even happier than he was now. Thinking of a little young master reminded Ling Xiao of a jest the young mistress and Ziqing had shared when they returned that day.

The young mistress had mentioned Ziqing becoming a 'big aunt' and that Ziyu would be marrying, and Ling Xiao vaguely heard his own name mentioned. Could it be that the young mistress intended for this maid, Ziyu, to marry him? If so, that wouldn't be bad at all. Though the girl could be a bit willful and sharp-tongued, she was certainly spirited. Life with her wouldn't be dull, and if they had children someday, having one with a disposition like hers—a delicate body paired with an outspoken nature—would be quite pleasant.

As Ling Xiao pondered this, he unconsciously lifted his gaze toward Ziyu across the way, the usual coldness in his eyes replaced by a rare softness. Unfortunately, Ziyu didn't appreciate the attention. Seeing him watch her, she sniffed, glared, and muttered something under her breath. Though she didn't speak aloud, Ling Xiao knew she was saying, "What are you looking at? Stare any longer and I’ll pluck your eyeballs out."

Ling Xiao’s mouth twitched slightly. He didn't mind what she was silently saying, but looking at her mouth moving as she spoke those soundless words, he suddenly thought her lips looked quite tempting. Hmm, he should find an opportunity to 'test' that theory later.

While Ling Xiao was still lost in thought, he saw Lin He approach Ziyu, fixing her with a half-smile. "Ziyu, what are you doing exchanging glances with someone? Come with me to the upper building; I have tasks for you." Lin He then walked ahead.

Both of them blushed deeply from Lin He's teasing remark. Ziyu stamped her foot in annoyance, shot Ling Xiao a fierce glare, and followed Lin He toward the main building.

Once Ziyu was gone, Ling Xiao looked up at her retreating figure in the distance, a smile of helpless amusement on his face, yet his eyes were overflowing with a tenderness he hadn't even recognized in himself.