When the treats arrived at the Yu residence, Yu Wanru was reviewing the accounts with Madam Yu.

Their family shop had been running at a loss recently, and Madam Yu had been too stressed to look at the accounts for a couple of months. Now that her mood was a bit better, she decided to go over them carefully. She asked Yu Wanru to join her, both to distract her and to teach her some household management skills. If Wanru married into the Xiao family without any abilities, she’d surely be looked down upon.

Aunt An entered, holding a paper bag, and said with surprise, “Madam, the young master from the Xiao family sent something over.”

Madam Yu glanced at Wanru and asked, “The eldest young master?”

Aunt An nodded, “Yes, the same driver as before brought it. He said it was dessert from the Western restaurant, still warm, and that Young Master Xiao wanted it delivered to our young lady quickly.”

Madam Yu raised an eyebrow, pondering Xiao Anlan’s intentions. “Let me see. I’ve never tried Western pastries before; they’re said to be quite different from ours.”

Aunt An agreed, “Yes, I’ve heard people mention it on the streets. Western pastries use eggs, milk, and are baked in an oven, unlike our methods.”

She placed the paper bag on the table.

Madam Yu took it and examined it. The bag was plain, with only a few small characters written in the lower corner. She looked closely and saw it said “Wanchang Hotel,” followed by a few lines in foreign script that she couldn’t understand.

The pastry felt warm to the touch, and even before opening it, she could smell its rich, sweet aroma. Inside were golden butterfly-shaped treats, each no bigger than half a palm.

Madam Yu didn’t take one out but instead looked toward Aunt An. “Has the driver left? Did Young Master Xiao have any other messages?”

Aunt An replied, “He’s already gone. He just handed me the bag, said Young Master Xiao wanted it delivered while it was still warm, and left before I could even ask him to come inside.”

Madam Yu said nothing more. She took the pastries out and placed them in front of Wanru. “Wanru, let’s try these Western pastries and see how they taste.”

Wanru put down the account book and frowned slightly, saying, “Mother, why is Young Master Xiao sending gifts again…”

Madam Yu replied, “No matter his reason, since he sent it over, let’s try it—it’s a sign of his goodwill.”

While Wanru might not understand Xiao Anlan’s intentions, Madam Yu, having been through life, had her suspicions. Seeing Xiao Anlan repeatedly send gifts to their home, she wondered if he might have had a change of heart.

But since she wasn’t certain, she thought of inviting Madam Xiao out for tea to gauge the Xiao family’s stance.

She kept her thoughts hidden and took a bite of the butterfly pastry, nodding in approval. “It’s quite delicious. No wonder the young generation loves to visit Western restaurants—it’s a unique flavor. Wanru, give it a try. Aunt An, come and join us.”

Wanru took a bite, tasting a rich milky flavor quite different from traditional pastries. She thought, Young Master Xiao is being overly generous. Since he already came to apologize, why send more treats?

Meanwhile, Xiao Anlan returned home, and his mother, seeing him, asked in surprise, “Back so soon today?”

Xiao Anlan tossed aside his coat and lounged on the sofa, “I went to the Yu residence today to apologize to Miss Yu.”

Madam Xiao replied, “Well, it’s about time. If you hadn’t done such a foolish thing in the first place, you wouldn’t need to make amends now.”

Xiao Anlan sighed, “Mother, I regret it already. Can’t you cut me some slack?”

Madam Xiao laughed, “Regret it or not, I’ve seen through you completely.”

But she let the matter drop and asked, “So tell me, how did the apology go? Did you meet Miss Yu?”

Xiao Anlan said, “Mother, didn’t you say she got tangled up with Sun Er because she went to buy books? So I bought a box of books and sent it to her.”

Madam Xiao nodded, “Not bad, you’re learning. Knowing what she likes is a good start.”

Seeing her praise him like that, Xiao Anlan could only smile helplessly.

Madam Xiao asked, “And what did Miss Yu say?”

Xiao Anlan replied, “She said yesterday’s incident wasn’t my fault, and she understood why I did what I did.”

Madam Xiao nodded quietly. It seemed Miss Yu was as gentle and forgiving as people said.

“And after that? Did you tell her you’d reconsidered about the engagement?”

Xiao Anlan scratched his face, “Not yet, taking it slow. I thought I’d invite her out first, so we can get to know each other.”

Madam Xiao smiled knowingly, “Slow, you say? More like you didn’t have the courage to say it.”

Xiao Anlan laughed, “Mother knows me best.”

Madam Xiao rolled her eyes, “You scoundrel! In the end, I’ll have to step in myself. Just wait.”

Seeing she planned to visit the Yu family on his behalf, Xiao Anlan quickly said, “Mother, I’m counting on you—my future happiness is in your hands.”

Madam Xiao shook her head, “You’re all a handful. Every single one of you keeps me on my toes.”

Knowing his family situation was unique, Xiao Anlan cautiously asked, “Is there something going with the family?”

Madam Xiao replied, “No, just making an offhand comment.”

Xiao Anlan sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her. “Mother, you don’t have to shoulder everything alone. Let the other wives help out, and we’re all grown now. Take some time for yourself.”

Madam Xiao smiled warmly at him. “Well, well! You’re starting to care about me; you really must be thinking about marriage. Don’t worry about me. I’m quite content with my life; I’d never trouble myself unnecessarily.”

Xiao Anlan nodded, feeling reassured.

Meanwhile, true to her word, Madam Yu didn’t wait for Madam Xiao to make the first move. She sent an invitation for an afternoon tea at Yunhai Tower that very day.

Madam Xiao was just planning to meet her, so she naturally agreed.

The afternoon tea stretched nearly to dinner time. At the Yu residence, Master Yu and Yu Wanru were waiting at the dinner table for Madam Yu. When she finally returned, her expression was complex—neither fully happy nor upset.

Yu Wanru softly asked, “Mother, what happened?”

She had no idea her mother had met Madam Xiao that afternoon; otherwise, her anxiety would have been even greater.

Madam Yu simply shook her head. “It’s nothing. Let’s eat. I brought back some milk and red bean buns from Yunhai Restaurant for you. Eat them if you get hungry at night.”

Later in the evening, when only she and Master Yu were present, she recounted her conversation with Madam Xiao.

“Master, it turns out that after returning yesterday, Young Master Xiao regretted his decision. Now Madam Xiao suggests that the engagement between our families should remain with Wanru and their eldest son. What do you think?”

Master Yu asked in return, “What do you think?”

Madam Yu replied, “I still favor the eldest son.”

She did have her preferences. Most formal wives, like her, often looked down on concubines and their children, considering them less reputable. Despite all the praise Master Yu had for the Xiao family’s second son, his background was not ideal in Madam Yu’s eyes.

From her recent interactions with Young Master Xiao, she found herself quite satisfied with him.

Master Yu nodded, “Both are good children. It’s now up to Wanru to decide.”

Madam Yu agreed, “Tomorrow, I’ll talk to Wanru about it.”

Master Yu reminded her, “No matter whom Wanru prefers, we should respect her wishes.”

Madam Yu, feeling slightly offended, retorted, “Do you think I would pressure my own child? Is that how you see me?”

Realizing her frustration, Master Yu quickly smiled and apologized.

….

The next morning, after breakfast, Master Yu left to check on the shops, while Madam Yu stayed back with Wanru.

“Wanru, I actually met Madam Xiao yesterday afternoon,” she began.

Wanru was not particularly surprised. “Was it about breaking off the engagement?”

Madam Yu corrected her, “It was about the engagement, but not about breaking it off. Instead, they want to proceed with it.”

Wanru was taken aback. “But didn’t Young Master Xiao…?”

Madam Yu explained everything—their initial plan to switch to the second son, Xiao Anlan’s regret, and the Xiao family’s current stance—before asking Wanru, “Which of the two brothers do you prefer? Either way, the marriage between our families is settled.”

Wanru blinked in surprise, her mouth slightly open. If it were anyone else, they might be upset about their parents arranging such matters behind their back. However, she knew her parents’ intentions were for her well-being. Her heart filled with gratitude for their concern.

Yet, recalling her mother’s words, she felt puzzled. Xiao Anlan had initially refused but then changed his mind. Could it be that he felt sympathy for her after learning about the Sun family’s actions?

As for the second son of the Xiao family, she had never met him. Would he even be willing to marry her under such circumstances?

Madam Yu, seeing her daughter deep in thought, asked, “What’s on your mind? Any concerns?”

Wanru shared her thoughts.

Madam Yu patted her hand, sighing, “I know you’re kind-hearted and considerate of others. But sometimes, it’s okay to think about yourself. Think about your father and me. If you were to marry into the Sun family, we’d cry ourselves blind. Now that the Xiao family has reconsidered, please say yes, for our sake. Will you?”

Wanru quickly reassured her, “Mother, please don’t say that. I agree.”

Madam Yu wiped her eyes lightly, “Don’t blame me for pressuring you. I had no choice.”

Wanru knelt beside her mother, looking up at her lovingly. “I understand, Mother. You and Father only want what’s best for me. I’ll follow your decision regarding the Xiao family.”

Madam Yu, relieved, said, “Good. We’ll proceed as originally planned with the Xiao family.”

Wanru nodded gently.

That afternoon, while reading by the window, Wanru found herself distracted by the morning’s conversation. She was lost in thought when Han Qing rushed in, exclaiming, “Miss, Young Master Xiao is here again!”