The two walked around the perimeter of the paddock. Once Yu Wanru seemed comfortable, Xiao Anlan handed her the reins. “Hold these lightly, don’t tug on them.”

Yu Wanru cautiously took the reins.

Xiao Anlan stayed close initially, but after seeing she was fine, he brought his big black horse over and mounted it. They rode side by side.

The two horses seemed to get along well. As they walked, the black horse nuzzled Little White Cloud, bringing the riders closer together.

Yu Wanru wanted to steer away, but shifting her weight upset her balance. She quickly stopped, staying close to Xiao Anlan.

Feeling smug, Xiao Anlan asked, “Are you okay?”

With their proximity, his face was less than an arm’s length away.

Yu Wanru subtly leaned back. “I’m fine.”

Just as Xiao Anlan leaned in closer, a galloping sound from behind interrupted them. They turned to see Yang Shidong riding up with Xiao Anqi on his horse. She cheered loudly, her hair flying in the wind.

Yang Shidong shouted, “Anlan, what are you dawdling for? Let’s race!”

Xiao Anlan shot an irritated look at the duo.

Yang Shidong, oblivious, galloped to them, reining in sharply. His horse reared up on its hind legs.

Yu Wanru gasped, while Xiao Anqi laughed joyfully.

Yang Shidong dismounted with Xiao Anqi in tow.

Xiao Anlan followed suit, helping Yu Wanru down as well.

Yang Shidong set Xiao Anqi beside Yu Wanru. “Miss, please watch the little one. I’ll race with Anlan and be right back.”

Yu Wanru nodded and held Xiao Anqi’s hand.

Xiao Anlan glanced at them with concern and said, “Wanru, how about I escort you both to the wooden pavilion first?”

Yu Wanru replied, “No need. Anqi and I will take our time walking.”

Xiao Anlan was about to insist when Yang Shidong impatiently said, “Stop dawdling. Do you think your fiancée could get lost in my ranch? Or are you just making excuses because you’re scared of losing?”

Xiao Anlan, stirred by his provocation, tossed aside his hat, suit jacket, and tie, rolled up his sleeves, and mounted his horse with agility. He nodded at Yang Shidong, “Let’s go.”

The two galloped off together.

Xiao Anqi cupped her hands around her mouth and cheered, “Gege, go! Yang ge, go!”

Yu Wanru hesitated for a moment before picking up Xiao Anlan’s discarded clothes, brushing off the dust, and draping them over the saddle of Little White Cloud. Holding the reins in one hand and Xiao Anqi’s hand in the other, she strolled slowly back.

Looking at Xiao Anqi, she asked, “Didn’t Young Master Yang say he was going to find you a little pony? What happened?”

Xiao Anqi shook her head and said, “The little ponies were too small. I was afraid they’d get tired, so I’ll wait until they grow up a bit.”

Yu Wanru patted her head, smiling, “Anqi, you’re such a kind-hearted girl.”

Xiao Anqi beamed with delight.

They reached the wooden pavilion near the ranch. A stable worker approached to take the reins from Yu Wanru and politely said, “Miss Yu, our young master has prepared some tea inside for you to rest.”

“Thank you,” Yu Wanru replied.

Holding Xiao Anqi’s hand, she walked inside. Aunt An was already seated there and called to them warmly, “Miss, you’ve learned to ride a horse now. If the master and madam knew, they’d be thrilled. And if young master finds out, he’d surely pester you to teach him too.”

Yu Wanru blushed and smiled, “I wouldn’t say I’ve learned. I just sat on the horse and walked a bit. I’m still far from actually knowing how to ride properly.”

The living room of the wooden pavilion seemed to have been specially cleaned. The wooden furniture exuded a rustic charm, and the table was laid with an assortment of pastries. Xiao Anqi rushed over excitedly, exclaiming, “It’s mare’s milk cake! I haven’t had this in ages!”

She grabbed one and stuffed it into her mouth, then took two more, offering one to Yu Wanru and the other to Auntie An, “Jie and grandma, you must try this. It’s delicious!”

Auntie An chuckled warmly, “Thank you, Miss Xiao.”

Yu Wanru advised Xiao Anqi, “Eat slowly, no one’s going to snatch it from you.”

She took a piece of the mare’s milk cake and bit into it gently. It was sweet, slightly chewy, and carried a faint milky aroma—delightful, especially for children.

The three sat, enjoying the snacks and chatting, until footsteps echoed from outside. Soon, Xiao Anlan and Yang Shidong entered, both drenched in sweat. Their short hair was slicked back, faces dusty, and sweat streamed down, leaving streaks on their faces.

As soon as Yang Shidong entered, he was about to take off his vest when Xiao Anlan kicked him from behind. Realizing the room was full of women, Yang Shidong awkwardly scratched his head and laughed, “I forgot for a moment.”

Xiao Anlan shoved him towards the back of the house and said to Yu Wanru and the others, “We’ll be back shortly.”

Soon, the sound of water splashing echoed from the back, suggesting the two were washing up.

Guessing they were bathing outdoors, Yu Wanru felt a little uneasy. Auntie An, also thinking it improper for the men to be bathing in broad daylight with her young mistress present, suggested, “Miss, Young Miss Xiao, why don’t we go for another walk?”

Yu Wanru quickly nodded.

Xiao Anqi stuffed more snacks into her pockets and agreed, following them out.

Hearing the movement, Yang Shidong peeked his head in and, seeing them leave, sighed in relief, “Anlan, doesn’t your fiancée being so refined make you feel, uh, self-conscious?”

Xiao Anlan retorted, “Why would I? She’s refined, but I’m not lacking either.”

Yang Shidong tutted, shaking his head, “I’ve realized you bookish types wear your learning on your faces. The more you read, the thicker your skin. They say I’m thick-skinned, but compared to you, I’m far behind.”

Xiao Anlan just smiled.

Leaning closer, Yang Shidong whispered, “Seriously, does your fiancée have any close friends she could introduce to me?”

Xiao Anlan replied, “Funny you should mention that. My mother was just saying we should consider matches for Anhui and Anya. She suggested your family since we’re well-acquainted. Should I sound you out?”

Yang Shidong quickly waved his hands, “I’ve always treated Anhui and Anya like little sisters. I couldn’t see them any other way.”

Xiao Anlan smiled, “I figured as much. Otherwise, you’d have said something long ago.”

Grinning, Yang Shidong flashed his white teeth, “Then have a word with your fiancée, see if she can keep an eye out for me. I’m not picky—someone as gentle and graceful as her would be perfect.”

Xiao Anlan cast him a sideways glance, “You think someone like my fiancée is easy to find? Let me tell you, there’s only one like her in the whole of Liucheng, and she’s mine now. You can keep dreaming.”

Yang Shidong punched his shoulder in mock anger, “Look at you, all smug.”

Having washed up and changed into clean clothes, Xiao Anlan went to find Yu Wanru and his sister.

By then, the sun was setting behind the hills, and the evening breeze was cool and refreshing compared to the stifling afternoon heat.

Xiao Anqi, like a plump little bunny, was running all over the ranch.

She found a dandelion somewhere and brought it to Yu Wanru, “Sister-in- law, let’s blow this little puffball together!”

Yu Wanru crouched down to her level and smiled, “This isn’t called a puffball. It’s a dandelion.”

“Dandelion,” Xiao Anqi repeated, nodding. “Jie, let’s blow the dandelion together!”

In the sunset, the two of them held a dandelion each, gently puckering their lips. The fiery red sun cast a rosy glow over them.

The scene was peaceful and beautiful.

Xiao Anlan stepped forward, took a deep breath, and suddenly blew hard.

Before Yu Wanru and Xiao Anqi could react, the dandelions in their hands were stripped bare.

The seeds, like tiny parachutes, floated away in the evening breeze.

Xiao Anqi blinked and then burst into tears, “Gege you’re mean! You ruined my dandelion! Give it back! Waaaah!”

“Uh…” Xiao Anlan had only meant to tease them but realized he’d gone too far.

Yu Wanru gently comforted Xiao Anqi, but the little girl kept demanding her dandelion back from her big brother.

Left with no choice, Yu Wanru turned to Xiao Anlan, “Please, Young Master Xiao, find another dandelion for her.”

Seeing the faint reproach in her eyes, Xiao Anlan scratched his nose and resignedly went off to search.