Traveling through the second dimension, the joy system encourages me to laugh heartily!

Han's mother used all her skills, and the table was filled with her signature dishes such as sweet and sour pork, stir-fried potatoes, green peppers, and eggplant, stewed chicken with mushrooms, and stewed pork with vermicelli. The aroma was irresistible, and she warmly invited Chen Ming to eat more.

The atmosphere at the table was originally harmonious and pleasant. In order to let her mother better understand her current life, Han Xueyi also picked out some interesting stories from Ling'an City to tell.

However, somehow the conversation gradually turned to childhood friends, and Han Xueyi casually mentioned that she had just run into Luo Li.

Unexpectedly, these words affected Han's mother's mood. Her brows furrowed involuntarily, and she couldn't help but put down her chopsticks, complaining with a hint of resentment and helplessness:

"Sigh, don't even mention that Luo family girl! She's really done a lot of harm... It's one thing for her to mess around with raising pigs, cattle, and deer, but she also goes door-to-door encouraging everyone in the village to expand their pig farming with her, saying she'll lead everyone to make big money! She made it sound so good, telling everyone to sell their pigs to her company as an 'investment' instead of selling them retail themselves."

"She was in charge of building a small processing plant to turn the pork into canned meat, cured meat, sausages, and the like, and then sell it to big cities. She even planned to export it! She said that once it was sold and a profit was made, everyone would get a share of the profits based on the value of the pigs they had 'invested' in..."

"Everyone thought that she was, after all, a top student from Northeast Agricultural University, and that's exactly what she studied. She must know more than us. Moreover, after graduation, she gave up job opportunities in the city and was willing to return to our small village, thinking about leading the villagers to prosperity. That in itself was a great thing! In addition, many people in the village had watched her grow up and thought that she was honest and not the kind of person who would lie. So, quite a few people responded at the time!"

"Those with money contributed some to invest, while those without cash donated their pigs, which they had painstakingly raised for half a year, directly to her company as an 'investment,' which was also a strong show of support for her!"

But what was the result?

Mrs. Han raised her voice slightly, "She's made a lot of canned goods, piled up like a small mountain in the rented warehouse! But sales are still terrible! I heard she only went to the city for a trade fair once, but didn't sell much. Those big supermarkets and out-of-town merchants don't want to buy from us because our place is too remote, transportation costs are too high, and the brand isn't well-known. Now look what's happened, the canned meat isn't selling, the cash flow is stuck, and the promised dividends haven't materialized at all. You tell me, this is a mess... sigh!"

Han Xueyi listened quietly to her mother's complaints, a hint of helplessness on her face.

She understood her mother's temperament very well.

If the mother hadn't participated in the investment and had merely been an observer, she would likely have spoken of this with a hint of schadenfreude, rather than with genuine dissatisfaction, as she does now.

So she asked softly:

"Mom, judging from your tone... it seems you also invested quite a bit back then, just like the other villagers, didn't you?"

"Uh……"

When her daughter saw through her words, Han's mother's expression flashed with embarrassment. She glared at Han Xueyi, as if scolding her for being talkative, but she couldn't show it in front of Chen Ming, so she could only explain:

"Oh dear, given the situation at the time... all the neighbors, Aunt Zhang, Uncle Li, everyone helped out, so I certainly couldn't not lend a hand! It would seem like I was being a loner."

She paused, then lowered her voice: "Besides, I watched that girl grow up, and she's always been your closest friend, right? Out of that trust, I... I also invested a little."

As for the exact amount of this "little bit," she was vague and didn't say it explicitly, but judging from her expression, it was probably not a small amount, at least not for her.

Upon hearing this, Han Xueyi did not intend to blame her mother for the investment failure. Instead, she comforted her:

“Mom, since you chose to trust Luo Li from the beginning, then stop complaining. I know her; her initial intention was definitely good—she genuinely wants to lead everyone to a better life. And as far as I know, the prices of fresh pork and beef in our Far North Province are far lower than in those big cities in the south. If Luo Li can really open up channels to process the pigs we raise into canned goods that are easy to transport and store, and successfully sell them in the south, it can indeed help everyone earn more money than if they sold them locally…”

Chen Ming, who was sitting to the side, had been quietly listening to the family's mundane troubles, but when he heard Han Xueyi's clear and insightful analysis, he couldn't help but look at her with some surprise.

This seemingly naive and innocent maid, who only focuses on pleasing him, is not entirely without business acumen!

Han Xueyi caught the look of surprise and admiration in her husband's eyes.

A surge of joy welled up inside her, and she immediately flashed Chen Ming a charming smile tinged with a hint of smugness. Her large, expressive eyes blinked, and she asked in a coquettish tone:

"Master, do you think Xueyi's point of view is correct?"

Chen Ming was slightly taken aback by the question. To be honest, he wasn't a business tycoon, so what could he possibly say?

After awakening the system, he devoted all his energy to improving his strength and winning over beautiful girls, and had no time to study business knowledge at all...

Before awakening the system, he was just a lowly security guard struggling to survive at the bottom of society, working hard every day to make a living. The highest level of "business activity" he had ever come into contact with was probably figuring out how to spend his salary this month to make it to the end of the month. He had never been involved in starting a company before and was a complete novice.

However, he naturally couldn't show any fear in the face of Han Xueyi's expectant gaze.

So he smiled and nodded, agreeing:

"That's good, but more importantly, once this company is truly operational and forms a stable industry, it won't just be about selling pork for money. It will also provide many stable jobs for villagers who have nothing to do during the off-season. For example, working in the processing plant, participating in packaging, transportation, and even later promotion and sales, etc... This will give villagers an extra source of continuous wage income, fundamentally improving the economic situation of many families. It is truly a great thing that benefits the village..."

His remarks took a higher level, moving beyond simple economic considerations to encompass social benefits and rural revitalization, instantly making his statement seem less empty and more insightful.

Hearing this from the side, Han's mother was still worried about the sales of the canned goods, but she couldn't help but think that her "prospective son-in-law" had a long-term perspective, and her opinion of him improved even more.

Han Xueyi's eyes lit up as she listened, feeling that even a few casual words from her master were so eloquent.

"Master is truly amazing!"

She showered him with adoring glances and sweet praise, her voice so soft it could melt your heart, "You really do see things more comprehensively and with a longer-term perspective than Xueyi!"

The young woman skillfully provided Chen Ming with a great deal of emotional value while habitually fulfilling her duties as his personal maid.

With graceful movements, she picked up a piece of stewed sweet and sour pork that was tender and flavorful, gently placed it on the plate in front of Chen Ming, and said softly, "Sir, please try my mother's best sweet and sour pork and see if it suits your taste?"

Then, she carefully ladled out a bowl of steaming chicken and mushroom soup for him, blew on it before handing it to him, saying, "This soup is very delicious, sir, please have some more."

Han Xueyi's service was meticulous, yet it appeared so natural and fluid, as if it had long been integrated into her instincts.

At the same time, she didn't neglect her two sisters at the table. Turning her head, she said to Hua Qianhui and Xie Wanqing with a sincere and friendly smile, "My two sisters, please don't be shy. Make yourselves at home. Help yourselves to whatever you like. My mom is a great cook. Try this 'Three Treasures of the Earth,' a local specialty."

Han's mother silently watched the warm and harmonious scene before her—her daughter was very considerate to Chen Ming, and Chen Ming was enjoying the care with a calm expression, while the other two beautiful girls were eating their meals quietly, without any jealousy on their faces, and would even respond with sweet smiles when Han Xueyi greeted them.

A relieved and satisfied smile appeared on her face, and the last trace of worry in her heart completely disappeared.

Chapter 300: Rekindling Old Dreams

It seems that what her daughter told her on the phone before, about the harmonious relationship between Chen Ming and his harem, was not a lie she made up to reassure her.

The real scene before our eyes is far more convincing than any words.

There was no jealousy or backstabbing as one might expect; instead, there was a strange harmony and tranquility centered around Chen Ming.

Seeing that her daughter had found her place in such a complicated relationship and seemed to be living happily, she, as a mother, could finally rest easy.

Admittedly, she felt somewhat awkward that Chen Ming had brought two other lovers with him this time.

But when she thought that her daughter couldn't marry Chen Ming anyway, and neither could her other lovers, she felt relieved—none of them were the official wives, so what was there to fight over?

"Children and grandchildren have their own blessings to enjoy!"

She silently recited this old saying in her heart, her eyes revealing a sense of worldly wisdom and understanding.

At her age, she has come to terms with many things. As long as her daughter is happy and at peace, that is more important than any worldly title or status.

At least, her daughter won't repeat her old path—after wandering around for half her life, experiencing the bitterness of love and the hardships of life, she ultimately returned alone to this remote rural village, living a poor and lonely life as a left-behind child, raising her daughter alone.

She had enough of that kind of suffering to endure alone.

My daughter has now grown up and found her own place in the world.

And what about herself?

The burning desire I had in my youth to leave the countryside and settle down in a big city has long since cooled with the passage of time.

Perhaps I've passed that age of youthful energy and dreams.

For her now, nothing in the world could make her happier than watching her only daughter live a refined and dignified life, as comfortable and leisurely as a wealthy socialite.

This became her greatest source of spiritual sustenance and sense of accomplishment in the latter half of her life.

She is a woman who came from the countryside. She has taken too many detours, hit too many walls, and suffered countless harsh blows from reality.

It was these painful lessons that made her deeply aware of the reality and cruelty of this world.

That's why she consciously started instilling seemingly utilitarian but incredibly practical ideas in Han Xueyi when she was still young.

Her initial intention was simple: to protect her daughter and transform the lessons she learned through blood and tears into experience in protecting her daughter, so that she would not be as foolish as she was when she was young and take those thorny "detours".

Now, seeing her daughter living in a luxurious lakeside villa in Ling'an City, traveling in luxury cars, wearing expensive designer clothes, and receiving millions of yuan in pocket money from Chen Ming every year, living like a princess of a wealthy family... she felt extremely gratified.

She herself also benefited greatly from her daughter's good fortune—her daughter was filial and had secretly transferred her a considerable amount of money, enough for her to live a very comfortable and affluent life in this small village. If she wanted, her quality of life could immediately transcend social class, and she would never have to worry about basic necessities again.

She was satisfied with this, and even somewhat proud, thinking that her decision to educate her daughter in that slightly "realistic" way was incredibly wise!

Otherwise, following the normal trajectory of development, her beautiful daughter would most likely be like Luo Li now, spending all her time in that uncertain livestock company, struggling to sell the mountains of canned goods, running around frantically, and enduring the doubts, blame, and complaints from the fellow villagers who invested...

Although such a life sounds "inspiring" and "noble," in the eyes of her mother, who had experienced the hardships of life, it was simply too difficult and too insecure.

Where can compare to this state of leisure, abundance, and pampering?

Thinking of this, her smile became even more genuine, and her gaze towards Chen Ming became even more kind. She kept urging him to eat, "Little Chen, eat more. Make yourself at home and don't be shy!"

After the meal, Han Xueyi habitually stood up and, as she always did when she came home, began to clear the dishes and chopsticks, preparing to take them to the kitchen to wash.

However, she had just picked up her chopsticks when Han's mother stopped her.

"Xueyi, put it there! Mom can do these chores herself!"

As she spoke, she walked over quickly and almost snatched the bowls and plates from her daughter's hands.

Mother Han knew perfectly well that Chen Ming was now the "core figure" in the family who needed to be taken care of the most.

If the daughter leaves Chen Ming aside and comes to the kitchen to wash the dishes with her, wouldn't that be neglecting a distinguished guest? If Chen Ming feels slighted, that would be a case of losing more than you gain.

So she immediately assigned her daughter an even more important task: "You, don't worry about these things. Take Xiao Chen and the others out for a walk, to digest their food and get some fresh air. Our village may be old and run-down in many places, not as bustling and convenient as the city, but the natural scenery and fresh air are quite nice. The little river behind the village and the grove of trees next to it are very pleasant to look at."

Han Xueyi was taken aback at first, but then she saw the subtle look her mother gave her and immediately understood her mother's good intentions.

So she gladly accepted the arrangement.

Indeed, staying with the old man is her top priority right now.

Han Xueyi nodded obediently to her mother and said softly, "Okay, Mom, thank you for your trouble. Let's go for a walk."

After saying that, she very naturally reached out and took Chen Ming's arm, her voice soft and sweet: "Master, shall we go for a walk? I'll show you the place where I played when I was a child."

Chen Ming readily agreed, smiling and nodding.

Xie Wanqing and Hua Qianhui, who were standing to the side, had already put down their chopsticks. Seeing this, they gracefully stood up and naturally accompanied Chen Ming as they walked out of the Han family's courtyard.

Led by Han Xueyi, the "local tour guide," the four of them strolled leisurely along the crisscrossing cement paths of the village.

The occasional barking of dogs from afar adds to the rustic charm.

Their group attracted considerable attention—Han Xueyi was already a well-known beauty in the village, and now, returning home in glory, her demeanor was even more extraordinary; Chen Ming possessed a composed air, and although his clothing was understated, it couldn't conceal his noble bearing; the other two young women were also youthful and beautiful, with outstanding looks. Wherever they went, they inevitably attracted the villagers' open and subtle curiosity and scrutiny.

Some villagers who were familiar with the Han family or had watched Han Xueyi grow up would greet her with a smile.

"Snowy's back? Having fun with friends?"

"Hey, Xueyi, who are these people...?"

"This young man looks really energetic. Xueyi, is that your girlfriend?"

Although the small talk was simple, the core of the conversation almost always revolved around Chen Ming, this unfamiliar young man.

Han Xueyi responded politely to each question, always with a proper smile on her face, neither going into too much detail nor appearing impolite.

As they strolled along, passing a courtyard surrounded by a low earthen wall, a not particularly heated but clearly agitated and dissatisfied argument broke the surrounding tranquility.

The four of them instinctively stopped and looked curiously into the courtyard.

There were seven or eight villagers standing in the courtyard, men and women, most of them older, with worried and anxious expressions on their faces.

Surrounded by them, who kept trying to explain and comfort her, was the beautiful figure with mixed-race features that they had seen not long ago—Luo Li.

Upon seeing this scene, Han Xueyi's delicate brows immediately furrowed, and a hint of understanding and worry flashed in her eyes.

Seeing this, and combining it with Han's mother's complaints at the dinner table earlier, Chen Ming guessed about 70-80% of the situation—most of these villagers had come for the dividends.

His gaze swept across the crowd, landing on the rather simple-looking bungalow behind Luo Li. A white sign with black lettering hung beside the door, clearly stating:

Luo Li Co., Ltd.

Chen Ming couldn't help but feel a little surprised.

Their casual stroll led them unknowingly to the location of Luo Li's company.

What he didn't expect was that this young woman would actually register her company in such a remote rural courtyard.

Chen Ming had no knowledge of this matter and did not know whether this operation was legal, but one thing he was sure of was that doing it would definitely save a lot of money!

Compared to the cost of renting office space in Bingxia city, using idle property in one's own home or village can undoubtedly save a lot of money, which may be a good choice for a small startup with tight funds.

Chen Ming turned his head to look at Han Xueyi beside him, whose brows were slightly furrowed, and asked softly, "Xueyi, judging from the situation... your best friend seems to be in a bit of trouble. Should we go over and help her out?"

He felt that this might be a great opportunity to repair their friendship.

However, Han Xueyi's reaction was beyond his expectations.

She gently shook her head, her voice low and complicated, "No need, she can handle it. Our presence might only make her more uncomfortable." She paused, then tightened her grip on Chen Ming's arm, pulling him in another direction. "Sir, let's leave here first."

Chen Ming was genuinely surprised that Han Xueyi's first reaction was to avoid the situation rather than offer assistance.

This was completely different from the scene he had envisioned, a story of deep friendship and mutual support.

But then he thought about it again. Han Xueyi clearly understood Luo Li's personality and the subtle relationship between them better. So she must have her reasons for doing this.

So Chen Ming didn't say anything more and was led by Han Xueyi to the other end of the village.