Sun Miao'er originally wanted to explore Yunmiao Manor a bit more, but faced with Madam Zhang's sudden and warm invitation, she was at a loss for what to do.

But then I thought, Madam Zhang is the wife of the county magistrate, and many wealthy wives in Pingnan City are eager to curry favor with her. If I could befriend Madam Zhang, she would give me face in the future, which would surely bring me a lot of business.

"There's nothing much going on, Xue Ru, how about we go to Madam Zhang's residence for a while?" Seeing Madam Zhang's happy expression, Sun Miao'er felt reassured. This wasn't the first time Sun Miao'er had been to the backyard of the county government office; the magistrate's residence was separated from the wing room she had visited earlier by a wall.

The magistrate's private residence was relatively more secluded. The constables and police officers could freely enter and exit the side rooms, but not the private residence itself.

Sun Miao'er had heard about Zhang Shengmin from Shan Qiu. He had been demoted from the capital due to the machinations of a villain, and was probably feeling frustrated.

The furnishings in the private residence were very simple and unpretentious, without any extravagance.

“Miss Sun, to be honest,” Madam Zhang led them to the small kitchen, “I only invited you here today because my master is not home.”

"His birthday is coming soon, and I don't have much to prepare for him. If I could cook a meal of Lubei cuisine myself, I'm sure he would be the happiest."

When Mrs. Zhang spoke of Zhang Shengmin, her expression became even gentler. Although they were an old married couple, a blush still appeared on her face.

The small kitchen was neatly organized at a glance. Though small, it had everything she needed.

He then wrote down the meat and vegetables to be prepared and sent the servants to prepare them.

Taking advantage of a moment of leisure, Madam Zhang ordered tea to be served to Sun Miao'er.

“A few days ago, I was in the master’s study, adding ink for him, when I saw him dealing with the case of Pingting Cloth Shop. I think I saw Miss Sun’s name. Is there some difficulty the young lady is facing?”

When Madam Zhang saw that Sun Miao'er readily agreed to her request, she felt a bit biased towards her.

Sun Miao'er was surprised that Madam Zhang was so thoughtful, and replied, "It's not a difficult problem, it's just that the previous manager of Pingting Cloth Shop did some bad things. The shop has now been transferred to me."

She observed Madam Zhang's expression. Madam Zhang was a smart woman and should be able to understand the meaning behind her words.

As expected, Madam Zhang was initially surprised, but then nodded and said, "I knew Miss Sun was different from ordinary girls. At such a young age, she has already taken on the responsibility of running a shop. It is indeed not something that ordinary women can have."

Everyone knows that a woman who goes out to do business faces far more scorn and ridicule than a man.

Some women, even if they are cunning and resourceful, cannot bring themselves to do business.

“Madam Wang, you flatter me. But I think those shops run by male shopkeepers are nothing special,” Sun Miao’er said.

Madam Zhang looked eager to hear more and said, "Oh? How so?"

“I visited a few shops, all of which were run by men. The goods were good, but I felt they didn’t suit our tastes as women.” Sun Miao’er took a sip of tea, a light white chrysanthemum, which was perfect for the dry autumn season.

Madam Zhang sighed softly and said, "There's a saying, 'Women dress up for those who appreciate them.' Whatever men like, we women should dress up in that way."

“Madam, I don’t think so.” Sun Miao’er shook her head. “It’s not that women dress up for men who want to please them. I think it should be that women dress up for themselves.”

"A woman's attire should be based on her own preferences. For example, if a woman likes yellow but her husband likes blue, should she wear blue or yellow?"

Wang Xueru replied, "Then I'll definitely wear yellow." After thinking for a moment, she smiled brightly, "But if it's him, then I might be able to make do with blue."

Sun Miao'er naturally knew who Wang Xueru was referring to, and smiled at her before turning to Madam Zhang and asking, "What does Madam Zhang think?"

Madam Zhang was taken aback, not expecting Sun Miao'er to ask such a question, and really didn't know how to answer. "Then let's put my husband's preferences first."

"Wearing things you don't like will inevitably make you feel uneasy. Over time, how can you feel the joy of living?"

Sun Miao'er saw the tragedy of women living for men in Madam Wang and Sun Caiping. They both gradually lost their original selves in order to please men.

“Pingting Fabric Shop is now in my hands.” Sun Miao’er nodded. “If there is an opportunity in the future, I hope to choose a dress that Madam likes.”

Madam Zhang didn't disagree with what Sun Miao'er said; it's just that everyone has a different way of living. At her age, she was destined not to live as freely and unrestrainedly as Sun Miao'er. "Don't worry, I'll remember Miss Sun's favor."

Madam Zhang studied diligently and picked it up quickly. Sun Miao'er taught her several ways to cook seafood, and she even took notes with paper and pen.

When it wasn't too late, a maid suddenly came in and said, "Madam, Master has returned."

Madam Zhang anxiously peeked out, "Why is Master back so soon? I haven't finished getting ready yet. If he finds out, there won't be any surprises."

When Sun Miao'er saw Madam Zhang's panicked appearance, she realized it was no different from that of a teenage girl just beginning to experience love.

Before she could finish tidying up the small kitchen, a deep male voice came from outside, "Let me see what delicious food Madam has prepared today!"

As soon as Zhang Shengmin entered, he saw Sun Miao'er and pretended to cough twice. "There are outsiders here. Why didn't anyone tell me?"

He suddenly became serious and looked around. "What is Madam doing?"

Mrs. Zhang stammered, her face flushed, and she turned her head away, "It's nothing, just making some food..."

When Zhang Shengmin saw the two large yellow croakers on the stove, his eyes lit up. "Madam, where did you get these yellow croakers!"

"Husband, no, that's not done yet!" Madam Zhang whispered.

Seeing that she was really being coy, Sun Miao'er wondered why the old married couple was still acting like this, so she said, "It was specially prepared by Madam Zhang for you, sir. Madam is not good at Lubei cuisine, so she asked me to teach her."

"It's all your fault! Why did you come back so early!" Madam Zhang glared at Zhang Shengmin and scolded him.

Zhang Shengmin instead stepped forward and took out a pair of pearl pendants from his pocket. "The place we went to today produces pearls. I specially picked out a pair for you, Madam. Would you like to try them on?"

Madam Zhang's face was still flushed, but the joy in her eyes was almost bursting out. "My husband is so thoughtful, but we are not like we used to be. We have to be careful when buying pearl pendants."

"Oh, Madam, what makes you say that!" Zhang Shengmin winked. "Miss Sun is still here!"

Watching the couple's harmonious performance, Sun Miao'er realized that love is never about one person giving or pleasing the other; it's about both people caring for each other. That's what love is all about.