In July, the days grew increasingly hot, making it unbearable during daylight. Even ice-cream vendors stopped coming out.

For several days, thunderstorms brought cooling rain in the afternoons, prompting many to go outside with fans afterward for fresh air.

The wedding dates for the Xiao and Yu families drew closer.

While girls didn’t need to embroider their dowries like in the old days, learning to handle family matters and social etiquette still required hands-on guidance from mothers.

With the heat, Xiao Anlan visited Yu Wanru less often, and they resorted to exchanging letters. Yu Wanru spent her days with her mother, learning to manage household affairs.

Though she was still young—and it would be a while before she’d need to manage the Xiao household, this was one of her last chances to learn from her mother before moving in with her in-laws. 

One afternoon, after a rain shower, Yu Wanru and her maid, Han Qing, stood under the veranda, admiring a rainbow in the sky.

A servant arrived from the front yard, announcing that Young Master Xiao had come.

Yu Wanru felt a surge of excitement at the news.

She took a few steps forward, then hesitated, hurrying back to her room to check her reflection and fix her bangs before heading out again.

Han Qing chuckled, covering her mouth.

Embarrassed, Yu Wanru felt her actions exposed but simply lowered her head, quickening her pace toward the front yard.

Though she hadn’t missed him much over the recent days, just hearing of his arrival filled her with anticipation.

Xiao Anlan had come to invite her out to eat.

Previously, they’d always been accompanied by Auntie An, Su Xiaoman, or at least her younger brother, Yu Qing.

This time, Madam Yu allowed them to go alone.

Xiao Anlan couldn’t contain his delight, his smile broadening as he drove.

He suddenly chuckled to himself.

Yu Wanru glanced over, puzzled.

Xiao Anlan turned and reached over to touch her chin, “Finally, no one is in our way.”

Yu Wanru swatted his hand, her cheeks flushed. “Don’t do that. Just drive.”

Xiao Anlan nodded and hummed a tune.

Embarrassed, Yu Wanru sat quietly, unsure what made him so cheerful. Did the lack of company really excite him that much? There was nothing to hide, so why avoid others?

Driving through bustling streets lined with shops and people, Xiao Anlan glanced out the window and said, “Let’s have Western food. Wanchang Hotel recently hired a French chef to introduce French dishes. Let’s go check it out—it’s practically your hotel now too.”

Yu Wanru gently nodded, too shy to speak.

In her mind, it felt premature to refer to the Xiao businesses as her own.

However, after thinking for a moment, she asked, “In a Western restaurant, do we have to speak a foreign language?”

Xiao Anlan laughed and replied, “No need. If you spoke in a foreign language, the waiters might not even understand. But Western dining etiquette is different from ours. I’ll explain it to you later.”

“Okay.” Yu Wanru nodded again.

When they arrived at Wanchang Hotel, an attendant came over to help them out of the car and guided them in.

The last time Yu Wanru came here with Auntie An, Xiao Anlan had been busy with a contract discussion, so they hurried through the meal and didn’t have time to look around. But today, with more time, Xiao Anlan showed her around before they entered the restaurant area.

The restaurant’s decor was fully European. The male guests wore suits, and the women wore elegant dresses and heels, or at least modern cheongsams. Seeing someone dressed in a mamian skirt, like Yu Wanru, was unusual here.

But unlike other places, no one here whispered or pointed at someone who looked or dressed a little differently.

Everyone focused on their elegant meals, occasionally speaking softly with their companions.

In the middle of the restaurant was a small stage where someone was playing a low, gentle tune, completely absorbed.

This was a distinctly foreign ambiance, different from anywhere else. Yu Wanru felt as though she’d entered a brand-new world, something she had never seen before.

Everything felt novel, yet she was a bit nervous because she felt somewhat out of place.

The waiter led them to a seat by the window.

This spot had exquisite decorations around it, creating a small, comfortable space that felt both open and private, enhancing the enjoyment and relaxation of the meal.

Xiao Anlan opened the menu and handed it to Yu Wanru. “See if there’s anything you like.”

Glancing at the menu, she saw a string of foreign words followed by Chinese dish names.

She saw items like snails, caviar, escargot, foie gras, and couldn’t help but wonder if these things were really edible and how one would even eat them.

So, she shook her head and handed the menu back to Xiao Anlan, saying, “You choose.”

As he looked through the menu, Xiao Anlan explained, “French cuisine is served in four courses: appetizer, second course, main course, and dessert. The appetizer is usually soup or salad. How about some oxtail broth for you?”

Yu Wanru nodded. “Sure.”

Xiao Anlan ordered French onion soup for himself, foie gras for Yu Wanru as the second course, grilled salmon with white wine as the main course, and a Saint-Honoré pastry for dessert.

His own main course was beef with red wine.

The waiter took the order to the kitchen.

During the wait, Xiao Anlan explained more about French dining etiquette to Yu Wanru, such as the order of courses and the use of cutlery.

Yu Wanru watched him intently, absorbed in every word.

While Xiao Anlan appeared composed and knowledgeable, he was secretly thrilled to have her undivided attention.

He thought he should bring her to try Western experiences more often so he could have more chances to impress her and enjoy her admiring gaze.

Soon, the dishes arrived, and Yu Wanru found that although the names of the dishes sounded strange, they looked delicate and tasted exquisite, with rich sauces and refined textures.

Halfway through the meal, Xiao Anlan suddenly snapped his fingers to call over a waiter and whispered a few words.

Then, to Yu Wanru’s surprise, the foreign musician from the stage came over and began playing beside their table.

She looked at Xiao Anlan, unsure of what was happening.

Xiao Anlan smiled and explained, “This instrument is called the saxophone, named after its inventor. Its sound is deep and calm, soft and melancholy. People abroad call it the ‘unparalleled seductive instrument.’ Western restaurants often have musicians like this, and for a small tip, they’ll perform at your table, like the singers or storytellers in our traditional teahouses.”

Yu Wanru nodded in understanding.

After the meal, Xiao Anlan took Yu Wanru to his suite on the top floor.

Earlier, despite dining alone, knowing others were nearby had made the setting feel more comfortable.

Now, alone together in the room, Yu Wanru felt nervous for no apparent reason. When she saw Xiao Anlan about to close the door, she quickly said, “Don’t close it.”

Xiao Anlan turned back. “What’s wrong?”

Too shy to explain her real reason—she feared he might do something inappropriate—she stammered, “Leave it open…for air.”

Xiao Anlan raised an eyebrow, amused, thinking that if he really intended to do something, a door wouldn’t stop him. But for now, he’d let it be, so she wouldn’t be frightened.

He put on a record and asked her, “Remember the slow three-step dance I taught you? Let’s practice together with the music today.”

Feeling a little guilty, Yu Wanru thought, He’s teaching me sincerely, and here I am doubting his intentions.

She nodded slightly, stood up, and said, “I remember. I practiced at home.”

Xiao Anlan approached her, left hand behind his back, extended his right hand, and bowed, saying, “May I have this dance?”

Yu Wanru looked surprised, then smiled and placed her hand in his.

Her words about practicing weren’t just for show. As they danced, Xiao Anlan noticed that although her movements were a bit stiff and restrained, she was quite adept for a beginner.

They danced with increasing focus and immersion, and before they knew it, they were fully engrossed. When the record finished, they stopped, both reluctant to end.

Yu Wanru’s face was flushed with excitement, and Xiao Anlan was also slightly out of breath.

He leaned his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling, without saying a word.

Xiao Anlan drew closer, and Yu Wanru shyly lowered her gaze.

“Anlan, you—” Zhou Sheng suddenly appeared in the doorway.

Yu Wanru quickly pushed Xiao Anlan away and turned around, her face bright red.

Xiao Anlan glared at the door, irritated.

Zhou Sheng felt somewhat innocent; the door was open, so how was he supposed to know Xiao Anlan would be up to something improper in broad daylight?

Raising his hands in surrender, he said, “You two continue,” and closed the door considerately.

Though Xiao Anlan wanted to continue, Yu Wanru felt too embarrassed after being caught in such a compromising situation. She was blushing so hard she felt like she could burst into flames and couldn’t bear to stay there another second.

With her face flushed, she said, “I’d like to go home now.”

Xiao Anlan turned her to face him, looking into her eyes, though she avoided his gaze.

He gently touched her cheek. “It’s alright, Zhou isn’t an outsider, and besides, we weren’t doing anything. If you like, I can go find him later to give him a piece of my mind, okay?”

Yu Wanru quickly shook her head, “No, don’t start a fight.”

Xiao Anlan nodded. “Alright, as you wish.”

In a small voice, Yu Wanru murmured, “It’s getting late…”

Smiling, Xiao Anlan leaned in and gently kissed her forehead. “Let’s get you home.”

The comforting kiss somehow calmed her, and the extreme blush slowly faded from her face.

Xiao Anlan drove her home. On the way, he remembered something. “By the way, Yang Shidong asked me to help set him up with Miss Su. Why don’t you ask Miss Su about her thoughts on it?”

Yu Wanru looked at him in surprise. “Mr. Yang likes Xiaoman?”

Xiao Anlan nodded and added, “Don’t be fooled by Yang’s rough exterior; he’s actually very responsible. He started working with his father as a young teenager, and by seventeen or eighteen, he was already leading people across borders by himself.”

“He may seem rough, but he’s always liked gentle and refined girls who are well-read. However, none of those girls have ever taken a liking to him. He’s stubborn, though; he insists on marrying a gentle wife, which is why he’s still single despite his family background.

“When he saw Miss Su for the first time the other day, he brought up the topic with me. I told him about Miss Su’s situation and advised him to think carefully. A few days ago, he came back to me, saying he didn’t mind and asked me to put in a good word for him in front of Miss Su.”

Yu Wanru was genuinely surprised, but after a while, she nodded and said, “Okay, I’ll let Xiaoman know.”

Xiao Anlan continued to tell her more about Yang’s family, hoping it would help Yang Shidong gain favor in Su Xiaoman’s heart.

As the car passed by a shop, Yu Wanru suddenly leaned out the window to look outside.

Xiao Anlan slowed down and asked, “Do you want to buy something?”

Yu Wanru shook her head, looked at him, and hesitantly said, “I saw… the second young master of the Sun family with a girl. I wonder if she’s there against her will.”

Mentioning the Sun family reminded Yu Wanru of how Xiao Anlan initially didn’t agree to their arranged marriage but had a change of heart after one night. She wondered if he knew about the Sun family’s coercion and sympathized with her, which might explain his decision.

She had wanted to ask him about it but eventually gave up the idea over time. While she wasn’t experienced in relationships, she could still differentiate between sympathy and genuine affection.

Xiao Anlan glanced in the rearview mirror and saw Second Young Master Sun walking out of the shop with a flashy girl in his arms.

He shook his head and said, “It looks like that girl is willingly with him; you don’t need to worry about her.”

Yu Wanru nodded, then fell silent, remembering the oppressive days she had endured at the hands of the Sun family.

Xiao Anlan took one hand off the steering wheel and gently held her hands resting on her lap. “I promise, I’ll avenge what the Sun family did to you.”

Yu Wanru quickly turned to him, worried. “What are you planning to do?”

Xiao Anlan squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry.”

Yu Wanru wanted to tell him to let it go but was also concerned that other girls might end up in Second Young Master Sun’s hands. However, she was truly afraid that Xiao Anlan might get hurt, leaving her feeling conflicted.

“Maybe… We should forget about it…”

Seeing her troubled expression, Xiao Anlan laughed and said, “Don’t overthink it. I’m not just avenging you but also dealing with the Sun family’s misdeeds in Liucheng. They’ve been doing wrong for too long, thinking no one can stop them. I’m not a hero, but I can’t stand to see such people act unchecked.”

Yu Wanru nodded earnestly and said, “You are a hero—a good man.”

Xiao Anlan’s expression changed slightly, a mischievous smile forming on his lips. “Call me a good man one more time.”

Yu Wanru looked at him, confused, then obediently said, “Good man.”

“Now say my name, followed by ‘good man.’”

Sensing something was off, Yu Wanru hesitated, then shyly said, “… Anlan, good man.”

Xiao Anlan felt his throat tighten and his body heat up, silently cursing himself for setting himself up like this.

He had meant to tease his fiancée, but he nearly set himself on fire.