Of course, there was also a regular customer.
Lin Yuan spotted Ma Xiaonan hopping off the carriage from a distance and felt relieved. Fortunately, after lunch, she had managed to persuade Mo Sanniang to return to her fabric store, citing a slow day at her own shop. Otherwise, if Mo Sanniang caught sight of Ma Xiaonan and heard all the minutiae about Xie Zhiyuan getting married, she was afraid Mo Sanniang wouldn’t be able to handle it.
As soon as Ma Xiaonan alighted from the carriage, she saw Lin Yuan standing at the doorway with a smile on her face, looking at her. Ma Xiaonan waved excitedly, her small face beaming so brightly it almost outshone the newly bloomed roses in her store.
Lin Yuan was touched by her smile and couldn’t help but let her lips briefly curve into a smile. Yet, it was this fleeting smile that made a deep impression on someone.
Ma Junying’s hand, which was lifting the curtain, paused midair as he stared blankly at the woman standing not far away.
The afternoon autumn sun shone on her charming face, seemingly reluctant to leave, lingering on her fair and delicate skin. Her slender neck was elegant like a white swan’s and, even without any adornment, it could not hide her composed beauty. This woman seemed to be especially suited to wearing bright red clothes, as the red dress did not appear abrupt on her. On the contrary, it complemented her and made her fair skin stand out even more.
What captivated Ma Junying the most was the smile at the corner of her lips, a smile that was almost there but not quite. Her face, which was graceful with a hint of stubbornness, softened because of that light smile.
Ma Xiaonan had waited for a while, but seeing that her brother hadn’t come down from the carriage, she couldn’t help tugging at his sleeve.
It was only then that Ma Junying’s gaze shifted away from Lin Yuan. He gave his little sister a warm smile, lifted his robe, and hopped off the carriage before nodding apologetically toward Lin Yuan.
Actually, Lin Yuan had noticed this man as soon as Ma Xiaonan got off the carriage, but he seemed to be in a daze, just staring at her, which initially annoyed her. However, she couldn’t detect any ill will in his eyes; his gaze was filled solely with admiration, completely devoid of any other thoughts.
For this reason, Lin Yuan accepted his apology quite readily.
"Boss Lin, this is my big brother, Ma Junying," Ma Xiaonan said, acting familiar as if this were already their second meeting; she took Lin Yuan’s hand warmly and began to introduce her brother, "My brother is amazing. He ranked first in the academy exams this time, and even the dean personally commended him."
Ma Xiaonan rattled on ceaselessly, while Ma Junying simply flicked her forehead affectionately and said, "Just now you were saying you wanted to have a good talk with Boss Lin about our cousin getting married. How come you’ve forgotten as soon as you arrived?"
At her brother’s words, the pout that Ma Xiaonan had just formed instantly turned into a wide smile, and she pulled Lin Yuan along without even bothering to rub her forehead, eager to start telling her story.
Lin Yuan laughed and quickly stopped her, "Miss Ma, there’s no rush. Once inside the shop, I’ll have the gentleman take down the details for you, is that alright?"
As soon as she heard they were going into the shop, Ma Xiaonan’s eyes sparkled even brighter, almost salivating, "Yes, yes, brother, let’s go inside. The pastries here are really delicious; come and try them!"
With that, she didn’t bother waiting for Lin Yuan or even calling for Ma Junying any longer; she just lifted her skirt and ran ahead into the shop.
Ma Junying shook his head with amusement, his face unable to hide his smile.
Lin Yuan happened to catch a glance at him and was deeply moved by the affection in his eyes for his sister. No wonder Ma Xiaonan’s personality was so innocent and lovable—it was because she had a brother who doted on her so tenderly. Surely, her parents must be the same, she thought.