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Fifth Sister Bai prepared tea for the two guests, opting for the finest Longjing tea from West Lake. Although Liuzi had only prepared ordinary tea leaves, Lin Yuan decisively chose Longjing.

Although her Rice Flower Fragrance did not pursue a high-end path, she still wanted to provide the best service to customers.

Especially after the guests had sampled products in the store, they would certainly feel some discomfort in their mouths, and at that moment, drinking some Longjing would be more than ideal.

And as it turned out, Lin Yuan’s decision was correct.

Ma Junying was clearly a smart man and highly approved of the choice of tea leaves Lin Yuan had made.

He had simply been unable to resist his younger sister’s playful cajoling and had indulged in a few pastries, leaving a sweetness lingering in his mouth, which made the fragrant Longjing tea the perfect palate cleanser.

Lin Yuan noticed that he drank tea differently from others. Although Xia Zheng also drank his tea elegantly, there was a boldness to his elegance, a natural dominance inherent to those in high positions.

But Ma Junying was different, he emanated a gentle and noble quality, like that of a refined gentleman from deep within. It was hard to imagine that such a man came from the Ma family Manor.

"Is the gentleman also from Ma family Manor?" It was no wonder Lin Yuan was incredulous, she truly found it difficult to imagine that such an outstanding man could come from a rural place like the Ma family Manor.

Before Ma Junying could speak, Ma Xiaonan, who had been chatting non-stop with Meng Liangdong, squinted her eyes and preemptively asked, "Boss Lin also thinks my brother doesn’t seem like someone from Ma family Manor, doesn’t she?

You have no idea, everyone who meets my brother thinks he’s the son of some wealthy family from the town!

It’s not surprising, though, since he’s always been like this ever since he was young. "

Ma Junying gently placed his cup on the table, trying to interrupt his little sister, but Ma Xiaonan pressed his hand down onto the table.

Ma Junying helplessly glanced at Lin Yuan and gave a wry smile, having no choice but to let his sister continue.

"My brother, well, he’s always loved reading books.

My father wanted him to learn accounting so he could take over the family business in the future, but my brother had no interest in business at all, preferring to pursue scholarly studies.

He even said he wants to pass the imperial examination to become a high-ranking official," Ma Xiaonan said with a pout, seemingly disapproving of her brother seeking officialdom.

"My father doesn’t agree with my brother becoming an official, and neither do I.

My father says not many officials genuinely work for the people.

My brother, being the way he is, might end up being exploited by others without even knowing.

However, although he prefers scholarly studies, when it comes to business, he is quite adept.

Hey, Boss Lin, do you know about the new red bricks recently developed in Ma family Manor?

My brother came up with that idea. They are much sturdier than the old mud bricks and green bricks. Isn’t my brother amazing?"

Lin Yuan was certainly aware of the red brick innovation but had not anticipated that it was devised by the genteel man before her, making it hard to picture how this neatly dressed man, not a crease on his clothes, could be involved in the messy process of brick-making.

And Ma Xiaonan, it seemed, was exceedingly proud of her brother. No wonder their sibling relationship was so strong.

After confirming the amount and timing of the wedding pastries needed, Lin Yuan issued a receipt for Ma Xiaonan, proving that Rice Flower Fragrance had received her deposit. Once the pastries were delivered, only the remaining Silver Tael would need to be paid.

As they were about to leave, Ma Xiaonan, who was reluctant to part with the Rice Flower Fragrance pastries, had Liuzi pack up several special pastries she hadn’t tried that morning. Ma Junying simply stood by, smiling gently, without any hurry.

After sending the two off, Lin Yuan’s gaze lingered for a long time.

She remembered that Ma Xiaonan had mentioned that morning her father was worried about her being out and possibly encountering bad people.

It seems that was indeed the case, as her brother had come to check on her after only half a day.

Having a brother must be nice.

Lin Yi, with his arms crossed, leaned against the frame of the small door leading from the front hall to the back, staring intently at Lin Yuan’s back.

The visitors had long gone, yet she still looked fondly after them.

Lin Yi moved his eyelids subtly, turned, and walked towards the back courtyard, having witnessed the entire scene with his own eyes.

If he told the second young master about it, the latter would surely hasten his return.

Once the second young master was back, his mission would be complete, and he could return to serve alongside the Great Commander in the army.

Yet, as Lin Yi was about to release the bird, his hand paused momentarily. He really wanted to return to the military camp, so why the reluctance now?

Furrowing his brow and pondering for a long while, he eventually removed the previously written note from the bird’s leg, crushed it, and wrote a new one: "All is well, do not worry about us."