According to the Matchmaker [Republic Era]

Xiao Anlan, the eldest son of the wealthy Xiao family in Liucheng, returns from studying in Britain with modern views on free love and arranged marriage. His grandfather had long ago promised him in marriage to Yu Wanru, the daughter of his family's business partners, to seal an alliance against the predatory Sun family. When the Yu family renews the engagement, Xiao Anlan is displeased and visits them with the intention of persuading Wanru to break it off together. He finds her shy, gentle, and delicate, but his blunt approach causes her to cry, leading her to agree to the breakup. However, the Yu family, desperate to avoid a marriage to the notorious Sun Er, refuses to cancel the engagement and instead proposes swapping the groom to Xiao Anlan's younger half-brother, Xiao Anze.

Xiao Anlan initially accepts this arrangement, believing it frees him from the obligation. Yet, upon returning home, he feels an inexplicable unease and regret. He learns that the Yu family's situation is dire due to harassment by Sun Er, who forcibly took a concubine and ruined the Yu family's businesses. Realizing that breaking the engagement would leave Wanru vulnerable to the Sun family, and feeling a growing attachment to her, Xiao Anlan changes his mind. He decides to pursue Wanru himself, starting with a sincere apology and thoughtful gifts, including books and Western pastries, which she accepts with polite reserve.

As Xiao Anlan courts Wanru, he seeks advice from his friend Zhou Sheng and plans dates, such as a trip to a horse ranch. During these interactions, Wanru remains proper and reserved, often accompanied by her mother or aunt, but gradually warms to his kindness and sincerity. Xiao Anlan becomes increasingly smitten, noting her gentle demeanor and shared interests. Meanwhile, Madam Yu and Madam Xiao negotiate the terms, with the Xiao family officially proposing again. Wanru, aware of the political necessity of the alliance and touched by Xiao Anlan's efforts, agrees to the marriage, though she remains shy and uncertain about her feelings.

The story follows Xiao Anlan's transition from a reluctant participant in an arranged marriage to an active suitor determined to win Wanru's heart. He navigates family dynamics, including his close relationship with his younger sisters and the complex hierarchy of his father's household. Wanru, in turn, balances her filial duties with her growing comfort around Xiao Anlan. Their courtship is marked by small gestures, such as shared meals, storytelling sessions, and a horseback riding outing where Xiao Anlan helps Wanru mount her horse, symbolizing his protective and attentive nature. The narrative sets the stage for their deepening relationship against the backdrop of societal expectations and external threats from the Sun family.

Xiao Anlan's efforts to integrate into Wanru's traditional world, such as reading classic Chinese literature to find common ground, highlight his dedication. Wanru's family, particularly her mother, observes his genuine interest and approves of him as a suitable husband. The engagement is formally re-established, and preparations for the wedding begin. The story captures the evolving dynamic between the modern-minded Xiao Anlan and the traditional Yu Wanru, as they navigate the transition from strangers to engaged partners. Their interactions reveal mutual respect and growing affection, contrasting with the initial reluctance and social pressures that defined their early encounters. The narrative concludes with the couple moving closer to marriage, supported by their families and friends, while the threat of the Sun family looms in the background.