Han Xueyi stood in the center of the room, slightly raised her exquisite face, and took a deep, satisfied breath, as if she wanted to engrave the air of her hometown and the happiness of the moment into her lungs.

Then, with an elegant turn, she faced Chen Ming, her eyes seemingly filled with shattered starlight, and her face bloomed with a captivating smile that could outshine a hundred flowers—a smile that was pure, content, and filled with unreserved love.

"Master, Xueyi is so happy... so happy..."

As she spoke, she stretched out her fair and slender hand to Chen Ming with anticipation, palm facing upwards, as if extending a ceremonial invitation.

Chen Ming was also infected by her happy mood, and the softest part of his heart was gently touched. He subconsciously reached out and firmly took the soft little hand that was offered to him.

The moment their hands clasped, Han Xueyi's smile, like a firework ignited, suddenly became even more dazzling and captivating.

With her hands clasped together, she faced him and began to dance a traditional Chinese dance lightly, as if it were weightless.

The girl didn't change into dancing shoes, nor did she have a glamorous stage. She simply wore her everyday clothes and, in this bedroom filled with childhood memories, spontaneously danced with her beloved man at the center.

Not only that, she also softly hummed a beautiful lullaby:

"The girl says spring is not too late, and the foolish boy remains in the true Jiangnan region."

"The melody of Jiangnan falls upon the lonely city, transforming into mist and rain to accompany my melody."

"A girl's words, 'Winter is not cold,' and a foolish boy will traverse ten thousand mountains."

"Remember our song, a soft sigh~~~"

The chorus of "Spring Is Not Too Late" might have originally carried a hint of melancholy and longing, but Han Xueyi's interpretation breathed new life into it. The correspondence between "girl" and "foolish boy" seems to reflect her relationship with Chen Ming, filled with tenderness and unwavering commitment.

The hum she sang was no longer a lament of parting, but rather "Wherever you are, that is my Jiangnan," and a passionate love that said, "I would gladly cross countless mountains for you."

Han Xueyi held Chen Ming's hand and danced gracefully, her smile as sweet as melting honey from beginning to end. Her eyes, gazing at Chen Ming, were filled with an almost overflowing, intense love...

She wasn't performing; she was using her best skills—dance and singing—to express her love for her beloved without reservation.

At this moment, Chen Ming's heart was truly melted.

Looking at the beautiful woman dancing and singing softly for him in the sunlight, he felt that Han Xueyi was breathtakingly beautiful and beyond compare in this one minute.

She was no longer the maid who only knew how to rely on and please him, but a charming woman who radiated artistic brilliance and vitality.

This pure expression of joy and love born from him is more touching than any deliberate flattery.

Even Xie Wanqing and Hua Qianhui, who were following behind them, were deeply touched by the sweetness.

They unconsciously leaned against the door, looking at the two figures in the center of the room who looked like a perfect couple. A little impulse and desire even quietly rose in their hearts to join them and dance with their loved ones.

Perhaps it was because Han Xueyi sang the chorus of "Spring Is Not Too Late" with such a sweet feeling of love that the emotional power contained in the melody easily evoked the romantic longing deep in the hearts of the two young girls to show their most beautiful side to their lovers...

Unfortunately, neither of them had formally studied dance—one was studying finance, and the other psychology. They could only suppress their eagerness, exchange a smile, and tacitly clap their hands lightly to the rhythm, acting as the atmosphere-maker.

If Liu Rushuang, Qing Zijin, and Su Mengdie, these three music-study girls, were here, they could provide some accompaniment.

Unfortunately, they all had other commitments and couldn't come along.

So this is Han Xueyi's time to shine!

Chen Ming's heart gradually became intoxicated, and he was unconsciously drawn into the sweet atmosphere of love by Han Xueyi.

Of course, all of this wonderful experience is predicated on the fact that the dancer is Han Xueyi. She is extremely beautiful, has a graceful figure, has studied professional dance, and has a sweet and melodious singing voice.

All these advantages combined to create a scene so romantic and moving, deeply touching Chen Ming. Imagine if it were an ugly, overweight, clumsy woman with a shrill voice performing such a "singing and dancing solo" for Chen Ming—the scene would likely be anything but romantic. Given Chen Ming's temperament, he probably wouldn't have been able to resist the urge to slap her twice to make her stop immediately…

Aesthetics are always an indispensable cornerstone of romance.

When Han Xueyi finished her song, she landed steadily in front of Chen Ming with her last spin, slightly out of breath, her cheeks flushed with a delicate blush from the exercise and excitement.

She didn't speak immediately, but with a mysterious and sweet smile, she took out a beautifully packaged, high-quality dark blue velvet box from her bag.

Then, holding the box in both hands as if presenting a precious treasure, she handed it to Chen Ming, her voice tinged with expectation and shyness, and said:

"Sir, this is for you..."

Looking at her solemn yet adorable appearance, Chen Ming's smile deepened.

Without any hesitation, he smiled and reached out to take the box. Without asking what was inside, he simply used his fingers to gently pry open the clasp on the lid and opened it.

Inside the box, nestled on a black velvet lining, lay a watch. The dial design was simple yet sophisticated, the hands and markers shimmering delicately in the light, and the metal strap exuded an understated yet high-end feel. The overall craftsmanship was impeccable, and its considerable value was immediately apparent.

Chen Ming looked up from his watch, just as he was about to say something to Han Xueyi.

But then he saw the beauty raise her fair and slender forearm and playfully wave it at him. On her wrist was a watch that was almost identical to the one in the box, only a size smaller, making it look more delicate and refined.

“Sir, I noticed you haven’t been wearing a watch, so I took the liberty of buying two.”

Han Xueyi, with a hint of smugness and barely concealed joy on her face, explained, "Let me help you put it on! Hehe..."

It turned out that these were a pair of couple's watches, and she had already secretly put the women's watch on her own wrist.

Chen Ming understood, a warm feeling welling up inside him, and he lovingly extended his wrist.

Han Xueyi happily took the men's watch out of the box, gently and attentively put it on him, and adjusted the tightness of the strap.

As the watch rested securely on Chen Ming's wrist, complementing the women's watch on Han Xue's wrist, Chen Ming looked down at it, a tenderness he himself didn't realize on his face, and softly said:

"Snow-white robes..."

He wanted to sincerely thank her for her kindness, but before he could utter two words, a slender and delicate index finger gently pressed the rest of his words back to his lips.

Han Xueyi tilted her head back, her eyes filled with coquettishness and tenderness, stopping him from saying thank you.

The index finger lingered briefly on his lips, carrying a cool touch and the unique fragrance of a young girl. When the finger was removed, Han Xueyi's pretty face, flushed with pink, slowly moved closer to him.

Chen Ming could clearly see his reflection in her eyes and feel her breathing becoming clearer. He didn't move, but waited quietly.

Finally, under the smiling gazes of Xie Wanqing and Hua Qianhui, their lips gently touched.

Yes, without a doubt, on such a sunny afternoon filled with love, in Han Xueyi's boudoir, Chen Ming was forcibly kissed by this girl who was as happy as if she had won the whole world...

Happy times passed quietly in a warm atmosphere.

Chen Ming and the other three watched a lighthearted and fun movie together in the bedroom. After the movie, they went to the living room and chatted with Han's mother for a while.

Han's mother warmly offered them dried fruits and roasted melon seeds that she had sun-dried herself. The conversation mostly revolved around Han Xueyi's childhood anecdotes and inquired about Chen Ming's life in Ling'an City. Her words were full of affection and care for this "future son-in-law".

Laughter could be heard from the living room from time to time, creating a harmonious and warm atmosphere.

They chatted like this until evening. As darkness fell outside the window, Han Xueyi's phone suddenly rang. It was Luo Li calling to remind them of their dinner appointment.

The four of them then got up, greeted Han's mother, and went out again, blending into the slightly cool evening air of the northern countryside.

Led by Han Xueyi, a local, they walked through several familiar village paths and arrived at one of the few farmhouse restaurants in the village.

The restaurant has a small storefront and simple decor, but red lanterns hang at the entrance, and warm lighting makes it look clean and tidy.

As soon as Chen Ming and his companions entered, a warm current carrying the aroma of food wafted over them, dispelling the chill. Their gaze swept across the restaurant, and they saw Luo Li sitting alone at a square table by the window, gazing out in a daze, seemingly lost in thought.

Chapter 304: Extending a Helping Hand

"Xueyi, you're here? Come in and sit down..."

Luo Li turned around when she heard the noise, saw them, smiled, and waved.

Her smile seemed more natural than it had been by the river that afternoon, but upon closer inspection, a lingering trace of weariness and worry remained between her brows.

The four of them walked over and sat down around the square table.

Han Xueyi looked around and found that only Luo Li was there. She couldn't help but ask with some curiosity and concern, "Luo Li, where is your... friend? The male classmate who was with you this afternoon? Didn't he come?"

Luo Li picked up the teapot on the table and poured hot tea for the people who had just sat down. She said in a rather casual tone, "He said he had something to do in the city and would drive back after dinner."

Han Xueyi took the teacup, warmed her hands, and gave a teasing smile. She pressed on, "Tell me honestly, what's your relationship with her? She actually came all the way from the city to see you... Are you dating someone?"

"No, I didn't, don't talk nonsense!"

Luo Li immediately denied everything, then explained, "We're just ordinary classmates. I mainly wanted to ask him for help to see if he could help find a market for the company's canned meat."

She paused, then added with a self-deprecating tone, "Besides, I guess even this ordinary classmate relationship will soon be impossible to maintain."

Han Xueyi was taken aback upon hearing this, as she keenly sensed an unusual aura in Luo Li's tone.

She observed Luo Li's expression with some suspicion, then hesitated for a moment. As her best friend of many years, she knew Luo Li's personality well. Since the other woman didn't want to talk about it, she considerately refrained from further gossiping about her friend's love life. Instead, she cleverly steered the conversation towards their respective careers, a topic of greater interest to both of them.

"I see... So, how's the sales of the canned meat going? Any progress?"

Upon hearing this core problem, Luo Li's previously calm face immediately flashed with an undisguised sense of loss and frustration.

But now that Han Xueyi already knew about the difficulties her company was facing, she had nothing more to hide, so she gently shook her head, her voice lowering slightly:

"Not yet... I contacted a few companies, but they either thought we were too small, or that the transportation costs were too high, or that they didn't have confidence in our brand... Forget it, let's not talk about this unpleasant topic."

Luo Li rallied her spirits, refocused her gaze on Han Xueyi, and asked, "Tell me about yourself. How long do you plan to stay this time? Are you leaving again?"

However, before Han Xueyi could answer, Chen Ming, who had been sitting quietly to the side, suddenly spoke up:

"How much canned meat does your company currently have in stock? What kinds are there? What is the approximate ex-factory price per unit?"

I had promised Han Xueyi that I would help her.

Chen Ming would naturally not go back on his word.

In addition, Chen Ming himself also had some appreciation for Luo Li, a beautiful girl with a unique temperament, strong will, and an overall appearance score of 90, and wanted to get to know her.

Since this matter is nothing more than a small favor for me, and it can both fulfill Xueyi's wish and help Luo Li in a convenient way, why not do it?

Chen Ming's sudden question startled both Luo Li, who was sitting opposite him, and Han Xueyi, who was nestled next to Chen Ming.

Han Xueyi looked at him with a face full of joy: "Master?"

This call contained so many meanings—surprise, gratitude, and a sweet feeling of "my husband really loves me the most."

She instantly understood that Chen Ming was intervening in Luo Li's predicament out of consideration for her.

Chen Ming felt her intense gaze and smiled calmly: "Why are you looking at me like that?"

He reached out and gently pinched the girl's smooth cheek, his expression full of affection. "Since your best friend is in trouble, I'll just lend a hand."

Hearing him confirm it himself, Han Xueyi finally felt a huge weight lifted from her heart, and her mood became even more cheerful.

She turned to look at Luo Li, who was still somewhat taken aback, her face beaming with a radiant smile of pride, and said with certainty:

"Luo Li! Tell me the details! Now you really don't need to worry anymore! As long as my master is willing to help, there's nothing in this world he can't do!"

Upon hearing Chen Ming's question and Han Xueyi's unwavering words, Luo Li was overjoyed. It was as if she had grabbed a sturdy piece of driftwood on the edge of drowning. A surge of hope instantly coursed through her body. Was the sales problem that had been troubling her for so long and suffocating her really going to be solved so easily?

However, this joy lasted only a moment, and then her expression involuntarily became complicated. It was a complex emotion mixed with gratitude, embarrassment, and a hint of barely perceptible loss.

I am grateful that Chen Ming was willing to lend a helping hand;

The embarrassing thing is that the problem that I have been trying so hard to solve is probably just a small thing that others can do to "lend a hand".

Her disappointment stemmed from her pride—she so desperately wanted to overcome the difficulties by relying on her own abilities and making a fair and square breakthrough, rather than by depending on her best friend's boyfriend's "charity."

This made her feel that the path she had chosen for self-reliance was, in some way, inferior to the path Han Xueyi had chosen.

But she was a person who clearly distinguished between public and private matters, and she quickly suppressed the complex thoughts churning in her mind, understanding that resolving the company's survival crisis was the top priority at the moment.

Personal emotions seem so insignificant in the face of real-world difficulties.

So she took a deep breath, trying to make her expression look professional and calm, and turned to Chen Ming to begin her detailed explanation:

"Mr. Chen, thank you for your help. Our canned goods are all in standard 500-gram cans. They are mainly divided into three categories: pork canned goods, beef canned goods, and specialty venison canned goods. Some of the raw materials come from my own small-scale ecological farm, where they are raised and slaughtered in strict accordance with standards; the rest are purchased from farmers in the village who have signed agreements, which is also part of our 'company + farmer' model..."

She wanted to go on to explain in detail the breeding process, processing techniques, and quality control, trying to prove that her products were worth helping, and not just based on connections.

However, Chen Ming gently interrupted her, waving his hand with his usual relaxed smile still on his face:

"Um, Luo Li, you don't need to explain in such detail. Just tell me the exact quantity in stock and your ex-factory price. And then, give me one can of each flavor to try."

"..."

Chen Ming's words stunned Luo Li once again.

She had assumed the other party would at least inquire about product quality, production standards, or brand philosophy, since these are fundamental aspects of business cooperation.

But he skipped all of that and only cared about the core numbers and the taste of the product.

Luo Li quickly realized that the other party might not actually be interested in her canned goods, her entrepreneurial story, or her lofty ambitions. The only, and crucial, reason he was willing to help was simply because she was Han Xueyi's best friend.

This was purely out of consideration for Xueyi, a "casual favor" based on personal relationships, rather than an endorsement or investment in her business project itself.

Once Luo Li understood this, the sense of loss that had just been suppressed resurfaced.

She knew her best friend Han Xueyi well; Han Xueyi was definitely not a woman who liked to make empty promises or exaggerate. Since Han Xueyi said so confidently that "Chen Ming can do it if he's willing," it meant that this composed man in front of her truly possessed the ability to easily resolve her predicament.

Even though she still harbored a stubborn desire to prove herself to Han Xueyi, she was reluctant to accept this almost "gift-like" help.

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