Xiao Anlan had come well-prepared this time. Early in the morning, he had picked up Zhou Sheng’s report from Wanchang Restaurant. After flipping through several pages, he set aside suggestions like horseback riding and singing, opting for a more straightforward date idea.

He planned to invite Wanru for a stroll, have steak, drink coffee, and perhaps watch a movie together.

Wanru hadn’t expected him to return so soon. Feeling flustered, she wasn’t sure how to face him.

The first time she met him, she was anxious but hopeful, as he was her fiancé. By the second visit, when he came to apologize, her feelings were neutral. Now, although their engagement was back on, her emotions were a tangled mix—different from before, even resistant.

Nevertheless, her nature prevailed, and she composed herself, taking Hanqing along to the front yard.

Xiao Anlan was seated calmly. Madam Yu was conversing with him like a typical mother-in-law. When they heard footsteps, both turned towards the entrance.

Wanru hesitated upon seeing them.

Dressed in a water-red jacket that complemented her fair skin, she appeared even more delicate and graceful.

Xiao Anlan stood up, greeting her, “Wanru.”

He was already addressing her with familiarity.

Hearing her name from a man outside her family for the first time, Wanru felt uneasy but managed a slight nod, greeting, “Mother, Young Master Xiao.”

Madam Yu urged her to join them, saying, “Wanru, come over. Anlan brought gifts again. This child is too polite.”

Wanru approached and sat down beside her mother.

A small, exquisite box sat on the table, exuding a sweet aroma.

Madam Yu explained, “Anlan brought us a new dessert from the restaurant’s western chef. It hasn’t been released yet, and he wanted us to have a taste.”

Xiao Anlan added, “If you and Auntie like it, I can have it delivered daily.”

He knew how to seize an opportunity.

Madam Yu, eager to support their match, played along, and their conversation flowed like they were already family.

“Then we won’t be shy about it,” Madam Yu replied.

Xiao Anlan opened the box, revealing delicate white flower-like pastries.

He explained, “These are cream cakes, made from dairy cream. Westerners love them but worry about gaining weight, so the ladies have a love-hate relationship with them.”

The cream cake was delicate to handle, so the box thoughtfully came with small forks and plates.

Xiao Anlan served one to Madam Yu first, then another to Yu Wanru.

“Thank you,” Wanru said softly.

Using the small fork, she carefully cut a piece of the cake and placed it in her mouth. The cream, soft and sweet, melted instantly, filling every corner of her mouth with a rich, delightful flavor.

Madam Yu praised, “It’s truly excellent.”

Wanru nodded slightly in agreement.

Xiao Anlan felt relieved and smiled, “As long as you and Auntie like it, I’ll bring more tomorrow.”

Madam Yu, thinking he was joking earlier, now hurriedly said, “We’re just tasting; don’t trouble yourself daily. It’s too hot, and I’d worry if you got heatstroke from running back and forth.”

Xiao Anlan chuckled, “Auntie might not know, but back when I studied abroad, we had to carry logs and run around even in the scorching summer. I didn’t get heatstroke then, and I actually enjoy being outdoors; staying idle feels uncomfortable.”

His humor made Madam Yu laugh.

While chatting, Xiao Anlan couldn’t help but sneak glances at Wanru, who quietly nibbled on the cake, listening but not joining the conversation.

Noticing her cake was nearly finished, he quickly offered another piece. Wanru gently shook her head, “I’ll do it myself.”

Madam Yu, observing their interaction, pondered before saying, “Wanru, I have some things to handle. You stay and keep Anlan company for a bit.”

Yu Wanru was about to ask her to stay, but Madam Yu had already excused herself, leaving the two facing each other awkwardly.

Feeling flustered, Wanru looked down, while Xiao Anlan, now slightly self-conscious, scratched his face. When Madam Yu was present, he felt at ease calling her “Auntie” and “Wanru.” Now, alone with Wanru, he felt a bit embarrassed.

An awkward silence fell over them—one poked at their cake, the other pretended to study the teacup’s design.

Finally, Xiao Anlan cleared his throat and said, “Wanru, I actually came today to ask if you’d like to go out for a stroll. Do you have time?”

Wanru looked at him in surprise.

Having never gone out alone with a man before, she instinctively wanted to refuse. But considering their current relationship and his modern, Westernized ways, she hesitated. Direct refusal might seem rude. Unsure, she replied, “I need to ask my mother.”

Xiao Anlan quickly nodded, “Yes, of course, Auntie’s permission is necessary.”

Wanru excused herself to consult Madam Yu, who was reviewing account books.

“Anlan has left already?” Madam Yu asked, surprised by her quick return.

“No, mother. He… he wants to take me out for a walk. What do you think?”

Madam Yu was initially taken aback. In their traditional customs, it was bold for an engaged couple to go out together before marriage. However, considering the Xiao family’s modern ways, she felt it wouldn’t be right to impose their traditions on them. So she agreed, “Since he’s come to invite you, it wouldn’t be polite to refuse. But you shouldn’t go alone with him. Han Qing is too young to be much help. I’ll have Auntie An accompany you.”

Relieved by the chaperone, Yu Wanru felt reassured.

Madam Yu added, “Go tidy up. I’ll instruct Auntie An and speak to Anlan.”

Wanru nodded and went to prepare herself.

Soon, she and Auntie An were ready to leave. Xiao Anlan was waiting by the car outside, personally opening the door for them.

The three of them sat inside, Wanru and Auntie An in the back, with Xiao Anlan in the front passenger seat, directing the driver to the shopping district.

It was Wanru’s first time in a car, and she found it fascinating. Though she tried to appear composed, her eyes betrayed her curiosity.

Xiao Anlan noticed and eagerly started talking about cars, engaging her attention with his knowledge.

Lost in conversation, they didn’t realize they’d arrived on Heping Road until the driver informed them.

Stepping out, they strolled along the street, Auntie An walking protectively between them, while the driver followed behind slowly with the car.

The car attracted much attention, with onlookers curiously guessing the identities of the handsome man and the graceful woman.

As they passed various shops, Xiao Anlan noted that Wanru showed little interest in jewelry or cosmetics. However, her pace slowed slightly near bookstores or storytellers.

Seizing the opportunity, he suggested a rest at a teahouse, where a storyteller was narrating The Three Kingdoms.

Xiao Anlan had the waiter lead them to a private booth on the second floor, where he ordered a pot of good tea and a few plates of buns and snacks.

As soon as Yu Wanru sat down, she perked up her ears and focused intently on the storyteller’s voice coming from downstairs.

Xiao Anlan wasn’t particularly interested in this; usually, he would rather go to a cinema or dance hall than sit here like an old person drinking tea and listening to stories.

Fortunately, he knew this wasn’t the right time to take his future wife to a dance hall, or it would surely scare her.

Since he wasn’t listening to the story, he used the pretext of drinking tea to steal glances at Yu Wanru across from him. Before he knew it, he had drunk two or three cups of tea, almost treating her delicate, rosy face as a delightful treat to accompany his tea. The thought made his tea taste even better.