Old Shang was average in height and he seemed to be a reckless lad in his youth.

In his ninety-something years of living, instead of wisdom, his eyes sparkled with the dull mischief from the past.

Especially now that he was spiraling down the feebleness of being senile.

"Let's see... this servant came here to do something. Ah?" The elderly looked surprised at the piece of paper in his hand.

"What's this?" He scratched his head in confusion.

Hong Chun's eyes were attracted to the familiar penmanship.

"Could it be a letter from Father?" She gave hints even though she knew.

"Oh, yes! Yes, this humble servant told Fong-shi I will give this to our dearest miss."

She didn't understand Old Shang's blind devotion but she'd gotten used to it from childhood. By now, she was numb to all sorts of fancy honorifics.

"I'll read this, then. You can go rest for the day."

It wasn't visible that his health was deteriorating by the day. He could still function as he did before but slower in his motions.

He would probably do some basic chores if Hong Chun permitted it. But she knew it wasn't good to push. She was sure there would be multiple diagnoses if he was checked up in a normal hospital.

Even so, she couldn't dwell on it.

For what could she do? She wasn't someone who could cover the sky with her bare hands just to show favor to those who were considered her people.

Hong Shu Cao sent a doctor to him on a regular basis. But Old Shang would refuse to be checked even if his life depended on it.

In the end, they could only give him general medications to aid his joint pains. With a bit of a heavy heart, she settled in her quarters and read the letter.

The scent of the fiber wafted to her nose. It was something she was very fond of. Paper in the modern world didn't have this distinct smell.

The series of characters greeted her eyes in a refreshing way.

It was obvious that a couple took turns in writing. The character strokes of the first section were straightforward while the latter part had mellow curves to them.

In general, it was an update on the Hong husband and wife. The temple construction would be over in no more than two weeks and the rites would soon take place.

Less than three weeks from now, they would probably be home.

Hong Shu Cao described in detail the processes of how the opening rite would be as he knew Hong Chun and Xiao Ting would be interested. Hong Ting was especially enamored with architecture so Father Hong also had someone draw the temple.

Hong Chun could imagine that brother of hers tracing every line of the sketch and reproducing it on his own.

On the other hand, Yi Bing went on about the things she bought for her children and how she met her relatives in Mei Le. She was also quite sad that the two couldn't come with them. They also visited Father Hong's family there. Mother Hong promised them that next time, they would bring A'Chun and Xiao Ting.

After reading, she scrolled the papers again and saved them for when Hong Ting would be home. Hong Chun's hand paused as she noticed what she was doing.

If it weren't for living in this world, she wouldn't learn basic considerations for others like these things. With an unreadable expression, she mumbled. "Small progress, I guess."

She looked out the window. The moon was high up in the sea of indigo.

The Hong couple would be home soon. There was no doubt that the wedding date would be announced soon after.

She felt strong thumps in her chest as she put her hand over it. Was this what they called anxiety?

Right, it was hard being a vulnerable human.

Thinking back, there was even a high possibility that this husband-to-be was a second male lead.

"Tsk."

The world didn't look at her in favor and the future was slowly turning on a negative scale.

Yes, she could try holding Mao Zhu's heart like what they did in novels. But she wasn't confident.

A human's heart was tricky. In order to demand full devotion, one must give the same. It was not something that she could do even if she knew she needed to.

Acting was one thing but how could one fake full adoration? It was bound to be seen through in the little things she'd do or not do sooner or later.

That lieutenant colonel might put her above anyone else now because she could be considered his puppy love. But if he felt that she didn't feel the same, that fervor shouldn't be expected to stay forever.

She could always go for the first-born son ticket. But that road would be filled with cons because it would be another choice that needed affection. And she was totally averse to having a child.

Hong Chun sighed. "Let's just cross the bridge when we get there."

She was too lazy to overthink. This attitude, she'd really regret later on.

---

Mornings at the Mao villa seemed to be filled with the spirit of spring even if the hot summer days have passed into autumn.

It was all because of the honor their San shaoye brought home to their family. This Third Young Master proved to be capable both as a soldier and a businessman.

As dawn broke, he would be by his father's side with a small abacus in hand. He'd be accounting and managing trades until noon. After this, he'd report to the barracks and stay there until evening to train with the soldiers.

Today, however, it was a little different. His little sister was going home.

"Gege!"

Mao Zhen's high-pitched voice reached his ears. He faced her direction and opened his arms.

Without care, the lady jumped at him. "You... Didn't tell me you're going home!"

There was blame in her words and Mao Zhu felt delicate fists hitting his chest. It didn't do much since the force behind wasn't that big.

He still comforted her. "I thought of surprising everyone but it turns out you're not here."

The person in his arms started to hiccup. "You shoul-d have t-told me!"

He patted her head as he understood. Five years were too long for his sister.

Out of the blue, a figure came to his mind. He thought about what it'd be like if her reaction was also like this.

He smiled. That was wishful thinking.

"Chun mei was here." He was telling her about the day he went home.

Mao Zhen had calmed down. She humphed, "You must have been very happy huh?"

The older brother couldn't hide his smile.

"Tch, you! As long as A'Chun is here, you won't care about me. What a poor sister I am!" She mock-cried.

The servants watching from the sides once again witnessed how spoiled this miss was. Aside from that, they weren't surprised how nonchalant Mao Zhen was in expressing how her brother was head over heels to the Hong miss.

From childhood, their miss was consistent with teasing her brother to her bosom friend. To which their third young master never denied and even tacitly agreed over the years.

Mao Zhen straightened her back and narrowed her eyes at her brother all of a sudden. A sign that she was itching for gossip.

"So how's it going? When's the wedding?"

"Hey, young lady! You're being quite nosy on things you shouldn't know ah. That's the only thing you learned while I wasn't here?" Mao Zhu faked to nag but a shadow of a smile was visible.

It was impossible to see him angry when Hong Chun was involved.

Unknown to miss Hong, there were countless times when Mao Zhen used her name to escape the elder brother's wrath.

The younger sister pouted. "I just want to know. What's wrong with that?"

Mao Zhu shot her a look before uttering, "We still have to wait for Uncle and Aunt."

He was referring to Hong Shu Cao and Yi Bing. His sister nodded.

"Ah, that's right." Mao Zhen beamed at him. "Don't worry gege! This cute little sister sounded out Aunt before."

"W-what in the world are you saying?"

The young lady waved her hand in front of her brother's face. With a mysterious smile, she said, "Hehehe, gege~"

Mao Zhu was indignant. He was stuck between wanting to ask her what Aunt Bing said and wanting to refrain from gossiping.

His little sister could see right through him so her bell-like laughter echoed around the whole hall.

Mao Zhu looked like he was about to explode. It was silly watching a big man like him being curious but couldn't afford to ask.

The sister stood up and flashed him one final smile before dashing off.

"He-hey!!! You blasted girl! Get back here!" No matter how Mao Zhu shouted, Mao Zhen only left light laughter in her wake.

Her brother was helpless when it came to A'Chun.

Mao Zhu pinched the bridge of his nose. "Heavens forbid cursing my sister ah!"