Upon hearing this, Ziyu said nothing, for how could she not know how well the Young Master treated the Young Madam? However, in front of Lingxiao, Ziyu would never admit it, though she suddenly thought of another issue and immediately countered, "Were you just eavesdropping on my conversation with Big Sister?"

Though surprised by the girl's sudden, irrelevant question, Lingxiao had to admit her reaction was quick. Lingxiao scoffed, "Heh, eavesdropping? Your voice is so loud, a single shout could probably make this entire building tremble."

Ziyu didn't retort this time, merely fixing Lingxiao with a sharp glare. Then, she suddenly lifted her face and gave Lingxiao a sweet smile before walking straight past him. However, as she passed, she "accidentally" stepped on Lingxiao's feet a couple of times before striding toward the kitchen with an air of superiority.

Lingxiao knew that smile was up to no good. Watching Ziyu's retreating back, he smiled helplessly, gently wiggling his foot. The girl was truly ruthless, aiming exactly where it hurt.

But recalling what Ziyu and Ziqing had said earlier, Lingxiao thought that perhaps the Young Master had misunderstood the Young Madam this time. Should he go and clarify things with the Young Master?

Although the Young Master had been furious during this latest quarrel with the Young Madam, Lingxiao was secretly pleased to see this side of him compared to before. This version of the Young Master felt more like an ordinary person, one who expressed his joys and sorrows promptly, unlike the past when he seemed utterly detached from everything, making it nearly impossible to incite his anger.

However, for the Young Master and Young Madam to continue this cold war wasn't ideal. The Young Madam seemed capable of eating and sleeping normally, but the Young Master hadn't slept a wink last night; the dark circles under his eyes this morning proved it. While enduring one or two nights was fine, prolonged tension was bad for his health. Moreover, these past two days, the Young Master had become difficult to deal with again, just like before. Ah, perhaps he should go inform the Young Master.

With that thought, Lingxiao walked toward the main house. When he knocked and entered, he saw many account books laid out. The Young Master was examining them. Lingxiao knew these were the books the Young Madam had brought back, so he deliberately remarked, "Young Master, so the Young Madam wasn't out on the street this morning; she was collecting these account books. No wonder she returned so late."

In truth, Wen Ningxuan had already understood the situation upon returning to the main house after eating. He knew he had misunderstood that little woman. But he recalled how, during the meal, he had deliberately had those maids serve him, hoping to provoke the little woman's anger. Yet, she hadn't even spared him a glance, going straight upstairs and refusing to come down since. When he sent Qingzhu to check, Qingzhu reported that the Young Madam was sleeping, and Elder Sister Ziyu insisted no one disturb her.

Wen Ningxuan felt intensely uncomfortable. Since the argument last night, he had been obsessing over these matters, constantly thinking of her. Even while working at the shop today, she occupied his mind every moment. But this little woman could eat and sleep soundly, completely unbothered by his absence—first claiming to go out, then fetching account books, acting as if his presence was irrelevant.

It was the same after their previous quarrel before the marriage. He had worried himself sick thinking of her every day, yet she could remain completely composed, attending to her own affairs. How could this little woman be like this?

Thinking this, Wen Ningxuan felt deeply unbalanced. He was a stubborn man in his own right, and this time, he absolutely refused to appease the little woman. He wanted to see just how much she valued him, just how long she could hold out.

Lingxiao, standing nearby, had intended to relay what Ziyu had just said to the Young Master. But from the Young Master's tone, he gathered the master already knew. Yet, the Young Master still refused to go to the Young Madam’s quarters. Lingxiao couldn't quite grasp why the Young Master was intentionally punishing himself.

Clearly, the Young Master was the one who lost out in the quarrel with the Young Madam. Now that he knew it was a misunderstanding, why wouldn't the Young Master go and appease her? Why must he remain so rigid? Did the Young Master intend to stay up all night again?

Sighing, why were these two so difficult? Couldn't they just say what they meant? It was like him and that girl Ziyu; even though she never gave him a good look, one could easily tell what was on her mind. Wouldn't that be simpler? Of course, that girl was a bit too fierce; she still needed some proper discipline. Thinking of this, Lingxiao involuntarily shifted his weight.

Meanwhile, back in the upper floor, Lin He had fallen asleep on the sofa. Initially, she had been so angry she couldn't sleep, but eventually, lying there, she drifted off, largely because she hadn't slept well the previous night. After the nap, she felt much better, her headache gone, and she found herself feeling rather hungry.

Lin He rose, washed up, and as she came out, she saw Ziyu arriving with food, standing respectfully beside her with an expression of apprehension. Lin He couldn't help but smile, realizing she had unjustly vented her temper on Ziyu at noon. She walked over, playfully pinched Ziyu's cheek with feigned ease, and smiled, "Ziyu, my girl, you become more endearing every day. I was just feeling hungry, and here you bring the meal. You shall be handsomely rewarded later."

When Ziyu first entered, she was afraid Lin He was still angry and dared not speak much. Seeing Lin He now jesting with her, she quickly became lively, laughing, "Then what reward does the Young Madam plan to give Ziyu?"

"Whatever you wish for, I shall reward you with," Lin He replied with a smile as she sat down at the table to eat.

"I haven't decided yet, Young Madam, you must remember this. Once I figure it out, you can give it to me then," Ziyu said, smiling.

Lin He lifted her bowl, her eyes twinkling, and suddenly said, "Hmm, you don't need to think anymore. I know exactly what to reward you with—something you’ve always wanted."

"Something I've always wanted? Young Madam, what is it?" Ziyu asked, curiosity piqued.

"I'll tell you, you guess. It's a man, he also lives in our courtyard, a man who often accompanies the Second Young Master in and out of the shops. Guess who?" Lin He asked, smiling mischievously at Ziyu.

Almost instantly, Ziyu replied quickly, "Young Madam, isn't the person you're talking about obvious? Do I need to guess? Isn't it that blockhead, Lingxiao?"

"Heh heh, I knew it. Ziyu has always wanted Lingxiao. Young Madam grants it! Don't rush; in a couple of days, I will formally bestow Lingxiao upon you." Lin He laughed.

Only then did Ziyu realize the Young Madam had been teasing her. But this time, Ziyu wasn't shy; she played along with Lin He's words, smiling, "Young Madam, bestowing Lingxiao upon me is acceptable. It would be nice to have an extra person to help me with chores anyway. However, Lingxiao is the Young Master's man. The Young Madam might need to discuss this with the Young Master. Or, should I call the Young Master over right now so you can have a good talk with him?" Saying this, Ziyu made a move as if to walk out.

Almost instinctively, Lin He blurted out, "Is the Young Master still at home now? Has he not left for the shops yet?"