Xiao Anlan, sitting in the car, first made a stop at Wanchang Hotel, picking up a newly launched rose breakfast bun from the Western restaurant. Then he crossed half of Liucheng to reach the Yu residence.

Yu Wanru, dressed in newly tailored clothes—a pale pink embroidered short jacket paired with a matching mamian skirt—looked as delicate as a rose with morning dew.

Though her attire was more modern than traditional women’s clothing, it still appeared conservative compared to the sleek cheongsams or Western dresses of modern women.

But to Xiao Anlan, she looked beautiful no matter what she wore.

He presented the rose-scented breakfast bun to her.

Though she had already eaten breakfast, the exquisite appearance of the bun made her pick it up for a closer look.

Xiao Anlan explained, “This bun is not only shaped like a rose but also filled with Damascus rose jam imported from France. In the West, roses symbolize love, and men give roses to express their affection when pursuing women.”

Hearing the unfamiliar foreign terms, Yu Wanru marveled at his worldly knowledge, realizing once again how different they were.

Seeing her interest, Xiao Anlan shared his early experiences studying abroad.

He had spent years overseas, not only for education but also traveling across Europe, gaining extensive knowledge and insights.

For example, the design of the Wanchang Hotel was inspired by the best features of various grand hotels he had seen abroad.

They lost track of time, talking until Aunt An softly reminded them it was time to pick up Yu Qing.

Since Xiao Anlan didn’t know Yu Qing by sight, Master Yu arranged for Aunt An and another servant to accompany him to Liucheng Middle School.

After they left, Yu Wanru remained at the table, her mind filled with Xiao Anlan’s stories about the outside world.

Though she had read many books and travelogues, she realized that firsthand experiences were vastly different from what one could learn from books.

Xiao Anlan had mentioned having many translated foreign books, offering to lend them to her.

For the first time, she eagerly anticipated his next visit.

Madam Yu inspected the kitchen and had the dining room table cleaned again. Returning to the front hall, she saw Yu Wanru lost in thought.

“Wanru, what are you thinking about?” she asked.

Yu Wanru shook her head lightly, coming back to reality.

Noticing the rose bun on the table, Madam Yu commented, “Is this from Anlan again?”

“Yes, it’s a new creation from the Young master Xiao family’s Western restaurant,” Yu Wanru replied. “Mother, this rose bun is filled with Damascus rose jam from France.”

Madam Yu chuckled, “You always call him ‘Young Master Xiao.’ Maybe it’s time to change that. Though traditionally, men and women were to keep their distance before marriage, nowadays people talk about breaking old customs. On the streets, young men and women hold hands openly. I even saw a couple this morning.”

“While we may not be as open as them, since you and Anlan are already engaged, calling him by his name wouldn’t be inappropriate.”

Yu Wanru shyly twirled her handkerchief. “Mother, I’m not used to it.”

Madam Yu laughed, “Silly girl, I’m not asking you to force it. Just see when the time feels right and naturally call him by his name.”

With some hesitation, Yu Wanru nodded, “I’ll try.”

Madam Yu smiled approvingly, taking a bite of the rose bun. “The flavor is fragrant, but it’s a bit much for me.”

Yu Wanru also took a small bite. “I think it tastes good.”

Madam Yu remarked, “You’re young and adapt to new things faster than us. I bet if I gave one to your father, he’d find it even stranger.”

“You and Father aren’t old at all,” Yu Wanru reassured her.

Madam Yu sighed, “You’re getting married soon, which makes us feel old.”

As they spoke, Master Yu emerged from the study. Madam Yu, smiling, offered him a rose bun. 

“Try this new treat Anlan brought.”

Reluctantly, Master Yu took a bite, his face reflecting his struggle with the unfamiliar taste. After swallowing, he quickly excused himself to the kitchen to find something more to his liking.

By noon, Xiao Anlan and Yu Qing returned.

In their short journey, they seemed to have bonded well. Xiao Anlan had his arm around Yu Qing’s shoulder, looking like close brothers.

Yu Qing, a fourteen-year-old with long limbs, was clad in a student uniform. His features were handsome, reminiscent of Master Yu.

Overjoyed to see his family, Yu Qing ran up and greeted, “Father, Mother, Jie, I’m home!”

Master Yu nodded, asking, “Have you behaved at school?”

Madam Yu interrupted, “He just got back, and you’re already questioning him? Can’t you ask if he had a tough time first?”

Master Yu, feeling outmaneuvered, stepped aside.

Yu Qing reassured, “Father, Mother, everything is fine at school. The teachers and classmates are all kind to me.”

Observing closely, Yu Wanru asked, “Have you been out in the sun a lot? You look darker.”

Scratching his head, Yu Qing admitted, “I joined the school’s soccer team, and the training has been intense.”

Xiao Anlan entered, hearing this, and commented, “It’s good to participate in sports. Keeps you fit and strong. Didn’t the newspaper recently report the great news that the Chinese soccer team won the championship at the second Far East Games?”

Yu Qing’s eyes lit up, and he quickly asked, “Brother-in-law, you know about this too?”

Yu Wanru had been watching the two, and as soon as she heard her brother’s address, her face turned bright red. She wanted to remind him not to call him that, but with so many people around, she felt too embarrassed to say anything and anxiously twisted her handkerchief.

Xiao Anlan glanced at Yu Wanru, a smile playing on his lips, and said, “The newspapers were filled with it recently; I heard a bit about it.”

Yu Qing, finding someone with a shared interest, was eager to chat extensively with Xiao Anlan.

Madam Yu stopped him, “It’s fine if you’re not tired, but Anlan came all the way to pick you up; let him rest a bit. Dinner is about to be served, so save the conversation for later. Go wash up first; you’re covered in dust, like you just rolled out of the dirt.”

Reluctantly, Yu Qing went to freshen up.

Madam Yu sent someone to check if the food was ready in the kitchen and had the table set for dinner. She then invited Xiao Anlan to sit down and said, “You’ve sent us so many things before, it’s time for you to try our chef’s cooking. If you like it, you should visit often.”

Xiao Anlan was more than happy to stay for the meal and didn’t bother with formalities, saying, “I won’t be polite then, Auntie.”

Madam Yu smiled warmly, “No need for formality. We’ll be family soon enough.”

Yu Wanru stayed silent, her ears turning red.

By the time Yu Qing returned after washing up, lunch was already on the table.

Master Yu sat at the head of the table, with Xiao Anlan and Yu Qing on one side, and Madam Yu and Yu Wanru on the other.

Master Yu brought out his treasured wine and shared a few glasses with Xiao Anlan, while Madam Yu and the others drank sour plum juice.

Xiao Anlan praised Master Yu’s wine and the chef’s cooking, making Madam Yu beam with joy, and Master Yu smile warmly. The atmosphere was cheerful and lively.

After lunch, they moved to the flower hall for tea. Xiao Anlan said, “A friend gave me some movie tickets. Uncle, Auntie, may I invite you to a movie?”

Madam Yu, understanding his real intentions, smiled and said, “Your uncle and I are too old for movies. Since you’re so thoughtful, let Wanru and Ah Qing go with you.”

Before Yu Wanru could respond, Yu Qing eagerly asked, “Brother-in-law, what movie is it?”

Xiao Anlan took the tickets from his pocket and said, “It’s called Modern Metropolis. I haven’t seen it before, so I’m not sure how good it is.”

Yu Qing quickly replied, “I’ve heard of it. A classmate of mine saw it. It’s about life in Shanghai’s bustling districts and is quite meaningful for its time. Jie, let’s go watch it.”

Curious about the movie’s title and with her parents’ approval, Yu Wanru nodded after a bit of persuasion.

They then took a car to Defeng Cinema.

Xiao Anlan’s friend had given him VIP tickets for a private booth, separated from the main hall, providing privacy and avoiding disturbances.

It was Yu Wanru’s first time at a cinema, and everything fascinated her.

The movie hadn’t started yet, and the big screen was showing cigarette and perfume ads. She stared intently at the screen, fully absorbed.

Xiao Anlan quietly observed her.

He admired how focused she was on everything she did. Even during casual outings like listening to storytellers at a teahouse, she paid close attention, her big round eyes making her look especially adorable.

After several rounds of ads, Yu Qing grew restless and started looking around, while Yu Wanru remained engrossed, impressing Xiao Anlan.

He called a waiter to bring some drinks and asked Yu Wanru and Yu Qing, “Wanru, Ah Qing, would you like anything to eat?”

Yu Wanru quickly shook her head, “No, thank you.”

Yu Qing, distracted by a painting on the wall, said, “I’ll eat anything, Brother-in-law, you decide.”

Xiao Anlan, pleased with the title, ordered some snacks suitable for young people.

Hearing her brother’s address, Yu Wanru felt embarrassed again.

Xiao Anlan, smiling, teased her, “Are the ads that interesting? You’re not even blinking.”

Yu Wanru, flustered, whispered, “I’m just curious about how those images are made.”

Explaining that would be complicated, so Xiao Anlan offered, “I have some books about it. I’ll lend them to you.”

Yu Wanru nodded quickly, “Thank you.”

Xiao Anlan glanced at Yu Qing, who wasn’t paying attention, and swiftly held Yu Wanru’s hand, whispering, “No need to thank me.”

Yu Wanru’s face turned crimson, and though she tried to pull her hand away, she couldn’t. Afraid her brother would notice, she looked at Xiao Anlan with pleading eyes.

Feeling a tickle in his heart, Xiao Anlan wished he could hug her right there but knew she’d be resistant and avoid him forever if he did. So, he let go after a gentle squeeze.

Yu Wanru quickly withdrew her hand, avoiding the screen and staring at her skirt pattern, her ears burning.

Yu Qing, after looking around enough, returned to his seat and noticed his sister’s red face. “Jie, what’s wrong? Why is your face so red?”

Flustered, Yu Wanru stammered, “I, I feel a bit stuffy.”

“But it’s quite cool in here.”

“I, I…” Embarrassed beyond words, she wished she could disappear.

Xiao Anlan came to her rescue, “It does feel a bit stuffy. I’m feeling warm too.”

Yu Qing doubted himself, “Really? Maybe I just don’t feel the heat.”

Xiao Anlan smiled without a word.

The waiter brought in a tray of food.

Yu Qing, distracted by the snacks, dropped the topic.

Relieved, Yu Wanru still felt the heat in her hand where Xiao Anlan had held it. She subtly twisted her wrist, stole a glance at him while sipping her drink, and blushed deeply when she met his amused gaze.

Xiao Anlan casually sipped his coffee, his eyes lingering on Wanru, savoring every detail, making his heart race. He downed his coffee and ordered another.