Zhou Wenlan’s eyes widened in shock. “Did I hear that correctly? The date set is Xiao Man? That’s late April—that leaves barely a month at most. That’s far too rushed.”

Shen’s mother, Song Xunchun, smiled gently. “It is indeed the day of Xiao Man. We consulted several masters who calculated auspicious dates, and all agreed this day is most favorable for the children’s marriage—a rare and perfect day. Dear in-laws, please don’t worry. We’ve prepared everything necessary. The children will want for nothing.”

Zhou Wenlan inwardly grumbled: This family must all be impatient. They rushed through the matchmaking, rushed the betrothal gifts, and now they’re rushing the wedding date. Yet despite all this haste, they haven’t dropped the ball—nothing Yue-ger needs has been overlooked.

Thinking this, Zhou Wenlan decided the date was actually quite good. There was no need to haggle with the Shen family over it. It would be nice for the young couple to marry and start their life together sooner rather than later.

Zhou Wenlan made up her mind internally, yet her expression remained unreadable. “Is this the only date you’ve considered? If there are other suitable options, we can discuss them further. We truly can’t bear to part with Yue-ger.”

Song Xunchun’s smile remained unchanged. “Besides April, there’s another date: the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month next year. That one is also quite suitable, though not as good as April. There’s also the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, the year after next. The date itself is auspicious, but we thought delaying it too long wouldn’t be good, so we only suggested April.”

Zhou Wenlan couldn’t shake the feeling that her earnest expression seemed odd. Was it really so difficult to choose a date this year? Yet her words made sense—it was only right to select the best possible dates for both children.

“We’ll need more time to consider this. Please sit down and have some tea. My husband and Yue-ger will discuss it and give you our answer later.”

“Not at all, not at all. We’ll stay a little longer. Take your time considering. If any questions arise, we can discuss them further—it’s all for the children’s sake.”

Zhou Wenlan nodded with a smile, then rose and went to the kitchen with Lin Yuan.

As soon as they entered the kitchen, Zhou Wenlan called out, “Lin Yang, grab the kettle and refill the guests’ water. Stay with them for a bit, but don’t say anything out of place.”

After Lin Yang left, Zhou Wenlan finally broached the subject of setting the wedding date with Lin Yue. She concluded, “The date two years from now is indeed rather late. Both April and next year’s twelfth month have their pros and cons. Your father and I are still undecided. We’d like to hear your thoughts.”

Lin Yue had no strong feelings about the wedding date and couldn’t decide immediately. He said, “Mother, I’ll leave this matter to your judgment.”

“Very well. Your father and I will discuss it further.”

Zhou Wenlan wasn’t one to procrastinate. Within the time it took to drink a cup of tea, they reached a decision. Since April offered a more auspicious date, they settled on that month. In rural families, it was common for engagements to be arranged months before the wedding, so their choice wasn’t unusual.

In the main hall, the Shen couple were conversing with Lin Yang. Seeing Zhou Wenlan and her husband enter, they rose to greet them. Zhou Wenlan didn’t beat around the bush, stating their decision directly.

Song Xunchun and Shen Zhengchu exchanged glances, their eyes sparkling with uncontrollable amusement. They then assured Zhou Wenlan and her husband repeatedly that Lin Yue would never suffer any hardship after marrying into their family, and that they wouldn’t interfere in the young couple’s affairs.

Finally, Song Xunchun spoke with a touch of embarrassment, “Sister-in-law, my son came with us today. Would it be possible for the two children to meet and talk? It would help them get acquainted.”

Zhou Wenlan blurted out instinctively, “Didn’t they just see each other a few days ago?”

Song Xunchun: …

She realized it was a bit forward, but since her child had asked, she had to swallow her pride and inquire if they were willing.

Zhou Wenlan finally caught herself being too direct and cleared her throat uncomfortably. “Then let them meet. It’s crowded and full of prying eyes outside. How about in the courtyard?”

Song Xunchun beamed with delight, replying eagerly, “Yes, yes, the courtyard is perfect!” As she spoke, she nudged Shen Zhengchu. “Hurry and fetch Huaizhi. Don’t waste any time.”

After that, she added with lingering concern, “Just don’t say anything wrong, and don’t tell him to do anything. He’ll understand perfectly.”

“I know, don’t worry.” Shen Zhengchu responded before striding out.

Seeing this, Zhou Wenlan grew even more uneasy. She rose to find Lin Yue herself. That boy was careless with his words—if he said something he shouldn’t, it would be trouble. She needed to give him extra instructions.

By the time Zhou Wenlan finished her instructions and led Lin Yue out, Shen Zhengchu had already brought Shen Huizhi into the courtyard. They collided unexpectedly.

Zhou Wenlan studied Shen Huizhi for a moment before speaking. “You two talk. We’ll head back inside first.”

After that, she whispered to Lin Yue, ” Don’t talk too long, and don’t get too close. Got it?”

Lin Yue had just been bombarded with a barrage of instructions from his mother. By now, he felt almost numb. When she first started speaking, he’d still felt a flicker of nervousness about meeting his fiancé, but that had completely vanished. He simply nodded at everything she said, hoping she’d finish quickly and let him be.

Only when Zhou Wenlan and Shen’s father entered the main hall and quietly closed the door behind them did Lin Yue breathe a sigh of relief. As for the figure by the window, he chose to ignore it entirely.

Shen Huizhi watched Lin Yue’s shifting expressions and couldn’t help but chuckle. He only stopped when Lin Yue turned to look at him.

Standing mere steps apart, Shen Huizhi could see Lin Yue’s hairline with just a slight tilt of his head. Unconsciously clenching his fist, Shen Huizhi took a step back before speaking. “My name is Shen Huizhi. I am three years your senior. Thank you for agreeing to this match.”

His tone was gentle, yet a faint tremor colored his voice. Unfortunately, Lin Yue missed it entirely, merely noting that the man had a rather pleasant voice.

He offered a smile. “I’m Lin Yue. Thank you for coming to propose.”

Shen Huizhi felt that as the elder, he should take better care of Lin Yue. Besides, they’d finally met—he couldn’t just say one sentence and leave. Yet, staring at Lin Yue’s forehead, his mind went completely blank.

Lin Yue had been looking down, but after a long moment of no response, he lifted his head, and his eyes widened. Was this guy holding his breath? His complexion was flushed—would he start smoking any second?

Lin Yue’s voice faltered. “What is this…”

Shen Huizhi unconsciously swallowed, his movements flustered. After fumbling several times, he pulled something from his chest, presenting it with both hands before Lin Yue. “This is a gift for you. I hope you’ll accept it.”

Lin Yue froze, unsure whether to accept it. He silently cursed his mother inwardly—she’d rattled off that long speech earlier, but hadn’t covered everything.

Glancing sideways at the parlor window and seeing no movement, Lin Yue reached out to take it. Upon closer inspection, he found it was a box of face cream. He was somewhat surprised—who knew this guy had such a knack for gift-giving?

“Thank you for the gift. I appreciate it. It’s just that today was rather sudden, and I didn’t prepare anything in return. My apologies.”

Shen Huizhi was still basking in the joy of Lin Yue accepting his gift, his head shaking in a slightly dazed manner. “It’s no trouble at all. I’m satisfied just that you accepted it.”

He was about to say something else when a sound came from the window.