That night, Zhou Sheng had someone send the books over, then he left for the provincial city overnight.

Since he was away, Xiao Anlan had to stay at Wanchang Hotel.

The next day, Madam Xiao asked Madam Zhang to send a gift list to the Yu family.

Seeing the generous list, Madam Yu was both happy and worried.

She was happy that the Xiao family’s lavish engagement gifts showed how much they valued her daughter. However, this regard also worried her, as she wondered if her daughter’s dowry would match the Xiao family’s standards.

Master Yu reassured her, saying, “There’s no need to worry, dear. The Xiao family treats us with generosity, so we should reciprocate. To you and me, Wanru and Ah Qing are our precious children. The family assets will eventually be theirs. When the time comes, we’ll let Wanru take the entire dowry, give her a portion of land and two shops, and leave the rest for Ah Qing. This may mean some sacrifices on your part, as we’ll need to stay here in this old house.”

Madam Yu smiled and replied, “Why say such things, dear? We don’t need to touch the family assets; I’ll give Wanyu the estate under my name.”

Master Yu shook his head, saying, “Your personal property should stay with you. We should distribute family assets; otherwise, people might gossip after Wanyu marries, saying she isn’t valued by her family and that we saved everything for her brother. That child is so understanding; even if she feels wronged, she won’t complain. The Xiao family is different from ours; they have many people and complex relationships. Wanyu is young and doesn’t understand these things, so we should think about her future.”

Madam Yu considered his words and nodded. “You’re right.”

Master Yu continued, “Let’s not mention this to the kids yet; Wanyu will surely disagree if she finds out.”

“Alright, I understand.”

That day, Xiao Anlan didn’t visit the Yu family. Since he didn’t come daily, Yu Wanyu thought little of it. But, remembering his promise to lend her books, she found herself waiting. Though she sat by the window as usual, she occasionally glanced outside, hoping someone would tell her that the young master of the Xiao family had arrived.

After noticing her look out a few times, Han Qing teasingly asked, “Miss, who are you waiting for?”

Wanyu quickly looked back at her book and muttered, “I’m not waiting for anyone; just taking a break from reading.”

Han Qing sighed, feigning sorrow, “You’re not waiting, but I am. Why hasn’t the young master of the Xiao family come yet? If he doesn’t come soon, someone’s neck will be stretched from waiting.” She covered her mouth, laughing.

Wanyu knew Han Qing was teasing her and glared, saying, “You mischievous girl, always making fun of me.”

Han Qing chuckled, “I wouldn’t dare make fun of you, miss. I’m just curious why the young master hasn’t come today.”

Wanyu replied, “He has important matters to attend to; he can’t come every day. Besides, I’m not really waiting for him. He mentioned yesterday he’d bring me some books today. Maybe he got busy and forgot.”

Han Qing sighed, “I’ve never seen anyone who loves reading as much as you, miss. You seem destined to keep books as your company.”

Wanyu didn’t respond. Growing up, she hadn’t traveled much and, as a woman, couldn’t explore the outside world freely. But books became her legs and eyes, allowing her to travel to famous mountains and rivers and meet remarkable people.

Books provided her with knowledge, a broad perspective, and a generous heart—things she couldn’t get anywhere else while confined indoors.

She truly enjoyed being in the company of books.

….

The next morning, Xiao Anlan brought a bag of books to the Yu family.

Coincidentally, Master Yu had taken Yu Qing to school, and Madam Yu had gone to the market, leaving Wanyu alone at home.

Seeing him bring the books, Wanyu was overjoyed.

After waiting all day yesterday, she thought he’d forgotten, and she was too shy to remind him, feeling a bit disappointed. Yet here he was, early in the morning, personally delivering them.

Seeing her happiness, Xiao Anlan smiled.

Although Wanyu wanted to take the books and immediately start reading, she couldn’t leave him alone as the family’s guest, so she stayed.

Xiao Anlan said, “The other day, my mother mentioned that since I’ve eaten at your house, it’s only fitting for you to come over to meet my family and have a meal together.”

Wanyu was surprised and softly asked, “Your mother wants me to come to your house for a meal?”

Xiao Anlan nodded, “My mother wants to meet you. Wanyu, would you be willing to come with me?”

Wanyu nervously twisted her handkerchief. She knew she couldn’t decline such an invitation, but she felt shy about visiting his family, especially since they would be her future in-laws.

Seeing her hesitation, Xiao Anlan asked, “Is it inconvenient? I can explain to my mother if it’s difficult.”

Wanyu quickly shook her head, “No, it’s not inconvenient. I just need to let my parents know. When would be a good time?”

Xiao Anlan, pleased, said, “Anytime you’re free.”

“Then… When my parents return, I’ll ask and let you know. Is that alright?”

Xiao Anlan eagerly nodded and added, “I’ll be at Wanchang Hotel these days, originally managed by my senior. He had to go to the provincial city, so I’m in charge. You can send a message through the staff at the hotel’s reception.”

Wanyu nodded lightly, “Alright.”

Xiao Anlan wanted to stay longer but needed to return as Wanchang Hotel was negotiating contracts with several suppliers. He reluctantly said goodbye, and before leaving, he turned and asked, “Wanyu, would you like to come with me to the hotel for a while?”

Wanyu initially wanted to decline, but having just received the books, she felt awkward saying no, so she mumbled, “My parents aren’t back yet…”

Hearing her reluctance without a direct refusal, Xiao Anlan’s eyes lit up, and he continued, “I know you don’t want to worry them. How about this: Auntie An can accompany you, and we’ll leave a message for your parents. I promise to bring you back before lunch. Is that alright?”

Xiao Anlan’s voice was soft and gentle, like a wolf coaxing a lamb, hiding his dark claws and sharp fangs, showing only his gentle fur to trick an innocent lamb.

“It’s just a visit. If you want to return, I’ll immediately have the driver bring you back, and Auntie An will be with you. Please, come with me.”

Wanyu, shy and thin-skinned, softened under his gentle persuasion and agreed.

Xiao Anlan, delighted, took her and Auntie An to Wanchang Hotel.

As soon as they entered the lobby, a waiter greeted them, saying that the manager from Qi’an Canning Factory was already waiting in the office.

Hearing this, Wanyu quickly said, “Young Master Xiao, please go ahead; don’t worry about us.”

“It’s alright.” Xiao Anlan first took Wanyu and Auntie An to his suite upstairs, set up a record, and ordered refreshments. Only after making sure everything was prepared did he go for his business meeting.

Sitting on the soft sofa, Wanyu’s round eyes curiously took in the European-style furniture.

Since the host wasn’t there, she sat quietly, refraining from wandering around.

The phonograph next to the sofa emitted beautiful, melodious singing.

Aunt An got up, circled around the phonograph, and marveled, “Miss, if I didn’t know better, I’d think there was someone hidden inside singing!”

Yu Wanru laughed, “I’ll take you to see a movie someday, Auntie. You’ll be even more amazed then.”

“Really?” Aunt An sighed. “A few decades ago, when we were young, there were no phonographs, movie projectors, or cameras! People these days are getting smarter and smarter. Just like that big box we came up in—what was that called?”

Yu Wanru answered, “That’s called an elevator.”

“Right, the elevator! The name’s so fitting—tell it to go up, and it goes up; tell it to go down, and it goes down. No need to use our legs to walk. It’s remarkable!”

Yu Wanru found it fascinating too. Though she had read about such things, she’d never seen them firsthand, and today she was seeing them all thanks to Xiao Anlan.

That morning, Aunt An had eaten some congee and radish pickles, which had left her stomach a bit uncomfortable.

With a red face, she asked awkwardly, “Miss, did you see where the restroom was when we came in?”

Yu Wanru shook her head. “There should be a bathroom in this room. Nowadays, these Western-style houses don’t have outhouses but use flush toilets, which are different from our home. Let me look for it.”

Aunt An quickly stopped her. “In such a grand house, how can I use the restroom inside? I’ll go outside and ask someone. Miss, you wait here; I’ll be right back.”

With that, she awkwardly clutched her stomach and hurried out.

Not long after Aunt An left, there was a click at the door, and someone else came in.

Thinking it was Aunt An returning, Yu Wanru turned her head, but it was Xiao Anlan. She stood up and asked, “Are you done with your work?”

Xiao Anlan nodded. “Nothing too urgent.”

He looked around and asked, “Where’s Aunt An?”

Yu Wanru replied, “She stepped out and will be back soon.”

Xiao Anlan didn’t ask further. He held up two cans and walked over. “These are samples from the owner of Qi’an Canning. They’re a new product from their company. Let’s try them and see if they’re good. If they are, we can work with them long-term.”

He placed the cans on the coffee table and took a can opener and two spoons from a drawer.

Yu Wanru curiously asked, “What kind of canned fruit is it?”

“Litchi,” Xiao Anlan replied. “Nowadays, there’s more and more canned fruit on the market, but most are still oranges, pears, and apples. Litchi is rare, which is why I’m considering working with this company.”

Since lychees didn’t grow locally in Liucheng, and transporting it from other areas often meant it rotted en route, it was a rare treat.

Having only tasted it once or twice before, Yu Wanru was intrigued.

Xiao Anlan opened the can, revealing a cluster of whole, pitted lychees. The pale, juicy flesh looked incredibly tempting.

He passed the can and a spoon to Yu Wanru.

Yu Wanru softly thanked him, scooped up a lychee, and brought it to her lips. But she hesitated.

Since the lychee was whole, it wasn’t easy to eat with a spoon. If she bit into it, it might roll off, but putting the whole thing in her mouth seemed a bit impolite.

After some hesitation, she glanced at Xiao Anlan. Seeing that he was busy opening the other can and not watching, she quickly slipped the whole fruit into her mouth.

Just then, Xiao Anlan looked up and saw her cheeks puffed out like a little squirrel. Her pink lips were slightly parted, with a hint of syrup glistening on them.

He suddenly felt a bit thirsty.

He had invited her out with mischievous intentions, hoping to find a moment to hold her hand or maybe even steal a kiss.

Now, alone together in the room with Aunt An absent, his fiancée looked irresistibly charming.

He thought, maybe just one kiss wouldn’t hurt.

^[1]T/N:

Litchi are lychees