Lin He's eyes lit up with pleasant surprise. It seemed her younger sister was truly clever. If Da Bao had a sister as smart as Chen'er, perhaps they could open a shop once she saved enough money. Smiling, she told Chen'er, "Only your older sister knows this method; no one else can make it. Don't worry," before affectionately patting Lin Chen's head.

Chen'er nodded and went out.

Lin He moved a bluestone slab under her bed. Beneath one such slab in her sleeping area, she had carved out a smaller, removable stone piece fitted with an iron latch. When not in use, the larger bluestone slab covered it perfectly, secured by the latch. To an unsuspecting eye, the slab appeared entirely immovable.

Lin He placed her money jar underneath, secured the latch, and intended to nap for a while longer. These recent days had been taxing, and her child's body couldn't quite keep up. Suddenly, she heard Xiao Bao's joyful shout from outside: "Big Brother is back."

Lin He remembered it was the end of the month; Da Bao's academy should be on holiday. Da Bao returned home for two days every month, staying three nights, much like when he worked at the blacksmith’s shop. He always came back with treats or small toys for his younger siblings. Just a few days ago, Xiao Bao had complained to Xiao Jun about why Big Brother hadn't returned yet.

Lin He had only gone to town in the mornings for the past two months, returning by noon when Da Bao was still at his studies. She hadn't gone to see him then, nor did she wish to visit him too often, lest he become overly dependent.

Lin He walked into the courtyard and indeed saw Da Bao surrounded by Xiao Bao, Lin Chen, Xiao Jun, and Da Yuan, all eagerly soliciting gifts. Da Yuan and Xiao Fang spent their days at Lin He's house, playing alongside Chen'er and Xiao Bao. A deep friendship had blossomed among these children.

Seeing this brought Lin He great happiness; she felt her own childhood was being mended through them. Having friends to accompany one’s growth during childhood was a wonderful thing. Friends made while growing up were different from those encountered later in life; these friends treated you like family and offered a safe space to share secrets one couldn't tell their own kin. They were truly precious.

In her previous life at the orphanage, Lin He never had such friends. She was naturally quiet and somewhat withdrawn, so when other children played, she usually kept to herself. Furthermore, children from orphanages, perhaps lacking parental presence from an early age, often struggled with a sense of security, subconsciously distrusting others. Even growing up together, contact dwindled significantly after they left.

Lin He smiled watching them demand presents. These little rascals always claimed they missed their older brother, but it seemed what they truly anticipated was the merchandise he brought back. She said, "Big Brother is home, and the first thing you do is ask for gifts? Let him rest a bit first."

The children immediately dispersed. They listened to Lin He implicitly. When she was in the mood, she often cooked delicious meals and prepared tasty snacks for them. If they displeased her, the good food stopped. These little ones had developed discerning palates under her care; even Da Yuan and Xiao Fang claimed their own mother’s cooking wasn't as good as Sister He’s.

Lin He had Da Bao sit in the courtyard and asked, "Big Brother, have you been used to being alone in town these past two months? How are you getting along with the people at the shop? Is studying at the academy difficult?"

Da Bao smiled and replied, "I’m used to it. I was alone at the blacksmith’s shop before; it’s much better here. After all, it’s our family's shop. Everyone at the store is very kind to me, and we all get along well. You might think the manager seems strict, but he’s a good man and has taught me a lot."

"There are many students at the academy, but it’s fine; they are quite easy to get along with," Da Bao said, glossing over the academy with a brief mention, clearly reluctant to elaborate.

Lin He knew Da Bao’s praise for the shop staff was sincere. Uncle Wen had chosen them, so they couldn't be that bad. Besides, as long as Da Bao didn’t act superior, the staff certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to provoke him.

The academy was different. Uncle Wen had helped find it; it was the best academy in town. The tuition alone was exorbitant—nearly two taels of silver per month, not including the cost of paper, brushes, ink, and inkstone. The annual tuition would run into tens of taels; ordinary farming families couldn't afford to send their children there.

Moreover, the teacher there was rumored to have previously taught children from prominent families. If it weren't for Uncle Wen's influence, Da Bao might not have even been admitted. Those who could afford to study there were certainly children from well-off backgrounds.

Although their family had earned some money, Da Bao was still the child of ordinary farmers. Studying alongside those children, he was bound to feel somewhat out of place. However, Lin He felt these were challenges Da Bao would eventually face and needed to handle himself. He was old enough now; she couldn't intervene in every matter. Some difficulties he needed to overcome on his own.

Lin He didn't press the issue further, saying, "Mm, it’s good that you get along well. When you are out on your own, there will surely be difficulties. You must overcome them yourself; no one can help you."

Da Bao nodded. He then told Lin He about the business of the 'He Cai Dolls' and handed her the account books he brought back, suggesting she look them over. Lin He declined, telling Da Bao to review them himself first, using the arithmetic she taught him. Once finished, he should just tell her a single resulting figure, and she could check if it was correct to gauge if his math skills had slipped.

As they were talking, Mother Huang and Er Niu entered. They were overjoyed to see Da Bao return. Mother Huang said with concern, "Da Bao, you’ve lost weight. Are your accommodations and food not suitable? Why do you look thinner every time you come back?"

Lin He chuckled inwardly; mothers were always like this, naturally worrying when their children were away. However, Da Bao did look noticeably thinner than when he was home. Boys often lost weight while going through growth spurts.

Mother Huang also asked what Da Bao liked to eat, telling Er Niu to take the ox cart to Huayu Town to buy delicacies to replenish his strength. Huayu Town wasn't too far; the ox cart ride was quite fast. Lin He also suggested Er Niu buy some pork ribs to boil into soup. They had corn at home, and pork ribs were hardly bought by anyone at this time; most people preferred fatty meat to render lard, which lasted a long time, and the cracklings could be used in cooking. Ribs and bones were generally overlooked. But after Lin He had boiled pork rib soup for them a few times, they no longer objected to buying ribs.