Seeing this, Lin He felt deeply gratified; it seemed her elder brother hadn't wasted all those years learning the ways of business; his methods were improving day by day. Moreover, if her brother's actions regarding Yun Qi and Chen'er’s words were the motivation behind all this, then Lin He was truly at ease concerning the shop's affairs. It appeared matters at home were more troublesome.

Her brother seemed to have poured all his focus onto the shop; the household tasks were too trivial, and for someone as naturally careless as her brother, pondering each small detail individually was impossible. It seemed a person like him truly needed a virtuous wife to manage the inside and outside of the home properly. Lin He moved around the kitchen for a bit, then went with Da Bao to the accountant's office.

Da Bao smiled and asked, "He'er, do you think my arrangement for the shop is acceptable?" Lin He smiled and replied, "It’s excellent. I’m married now and don't have much time to come here anymore. From now on, the pastry shop will rely entirely on you, Big Brother.

As long as you think it benefits the shop, just go ahead and do it; you don't need to ask my opinion anymore." Da Bao looked at Lin He and nodded, "Yes, I will look after the pastry shop diligently. If anything major happens, I will send someone to notify you." Lin He nodded, remaining silent for a moment before speaking, "Big Brother, have you and Sister-in-law cleared things up between you? And what are your intentions regarding Mother’s suggestion of taking a concubine?" When Lin He brought up this issue, Da Bao looked quite troubled.

After a pause, he spoke, "I've spoken with Yun Qi, and she agreed to the concubine matter. She didn't object much, but I feel somewhat guilty about it, so I’ve been stalling Mother, hoping to wait a little longer before deciding." Lin He nodded and offered a casual reminder, "Mm, Big Brother, it’s good that you have your own thoughts. However, you must handle these matters carefully.

Although she would just be a secondary wife, our family situation is different from the grand households. Once taken in, she will naturally be a part of the family and your wife. I hope this time you can see clearly, choose the right person, and not act rashly again for one reason or another, nor let external factors influence your choice." "I believe for our family when choosing a wife, nothing else matters as much as good character and adherence to propriety.

Big Brother, I hope you won't be misled by superficial things. If you find a suitable person, don't rush to finalize things; wait until you know her thoroughly." Hearing this, Da Bao seemed to grasp Lin He’s meaning and replied, "He'er, rest assured. I am the eldest son of this house; whatever I do, I will put this family first.

I will not allow anyone, no matter who, to play games in my home. I will carefully weigh my options regarding this concubine and won't be as hasty as last time." Since Da Bao had spoken so plainly, Lin He felt he understood her concerns. She said no more, just smiling, "It’s good that Big Brother knows best.

It’s getting late; I’ll take Chen’er and the others back now. Please come home early tonight." After saying goodbye to Da Bao, Lin He took Zi Yu and Chen’er back home. When they arrived, Da Xiong and Xiao Xiong had also returned.

Upon first seeing their Eldest Sister gone, they thought she had left again and were causing a fuss with Huang Shi. Now seeing her back, they immediately ran over and clung to Lin He’s legs. Xiao Xiong looked up at Lin He and asked excitedly, "Eldest Sister, you said this morning you were taking Second Brother and Second Sister to your place to play—are you taking us too?" Lin He led the two younger ones to sit in the courtyard and asked with a smile, "So, do you two want to go play at Eldest Sister's house?" "Yes, I really want to go, but Mother won't allow it," Xiao Xiong pouted.

Huang Shi, sitting nearby, overheard and smiled, "He’er, don't take these two little rascals. They are too mischievous; you won't be able to manage them alone. Besides, if they both go to your place, I’ll be too lonely here.

Just take Xiao Bao and Chen’er; letting Xiao Bao go there will allow him to focus on his studies properly, as these two cause too much trouble at home." "It’s fine, Mother. I have maids in my courtyard; I can manage them. If Xiao Bao goes, I’ll give him a room to himself so Ning Xuan can look over his lessons when he has time, and he won't bother him," Lin He replied smoothly.

"Forget it, don't take them this time. You can take them another time. Just let Xiao Bao and Chen’er stay with you for a while this time," Huang Shi insisted.

Lin He smiled, looking at the two little ones, and asked, "Mother won't allow it, so what should we do?" Xiao Xiong sulked to the side with a look of clear unwillingness, but the older boy, Da Xiong, spoke sensibly, "Eldest Sister, let’s not go this time. We’ll stay home and keep Mother company, and go next time." Lin He stroked Da Xiong’s head, "Our Da Xiong is so sensible, knowing filial piety toward Mother even at such a young age. Alright, you two stay home with Mother this time.

When Second Brother finishes his examinations, Eldest Sister will come to pick you up to stay together then, okay?" After speaking, Lin He patted Xiao Xiong’s head. "Really? Eldest Sister isn't tricking us?" Xiao Xiong asked, his eyes wide.

"Of course not. Think about it, when has Eldest Sister ever lied to you?" Lin He asked, mimicking his wide-eyed expression. The two little ones tilted their heads, thought for a moment, and realized that Eldest Sister hadn't actually deceived them before, so they cheerfully agreed to visit Eldest Sister's place next time.

Seeing the two youngsters stop fussing, Huang Shi began to drone on, "He’er, if you go back to the ancestral home tomorrow, remember to bring your father over too. Tell him there’s a lot of work here and he’s needed. Also, when you go back this time, remember to buy some things to take home.

You are married now, and returning to the old home isn't easy; you are considered a guest. According to custom, you must prepare gifts for your paternal grandparents, your Eldest Uncle, and your Eldest Aunt’s family. Don't make the gifts too extravagant; it’s just a gesture." "Also, if you have time, stop by Aunt Xu’s house for a greeting.

Tell them I will certainly return for Li Zheng's engagement ceremony." After saying this, she glanced at Chen’er sitting beside her and muttered almost to herself, "Ah, he was supposed to be our family's son-in-law; now he's benefited someone else." Seeing that Chen’er remained unmoved, she continued her pointed remarks, "Forget it, let's not talk about that; it gives me a headache. Chen’er is not young anymore. She used to have Li Zheng around; now I don't know where to find a suitable person.

I’m worried sick!" Listening to Huang Shi’s string of barbed words, Lin He offered a helpless smile, thinking that after not seeing her for so many days, Mother’s conversational skills had certainly improved—flipping and turning the same words without repetition. Seeing Chen’er starting to look impatient, Lin He smiled and said, "Mother, why do you always have so many things to worry about? I think you have endless concerns.

It’s getting late; you had better hurry up and make dinner, or I won’t have time to get back tonight."