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

However, upon hearing this, Luo Li inexplicably recalled her mother's words and everything that Han Xueyi now possessed that was the envy of everyone. A voice involuntarily rose in her heart: But in everyone's eyes, you are now the true winner in life...

This thought stirred up an indescribable bitterness in her heart, which had just calmed down. She quickly shook off this inexplicable emotion and said proudly.

"Hmph~ Don't give me that crap. Tell me what you're really thinking! You were spouting nonsense to my mom, making her go crazy and pressuring me...forcing me to date your man! My god! Han Xueyi, I've lived for over twenty years and I've never seen such a bizarre best friend! Are you pimping for your own man? And you're even dragging your best friend into it!"

Faced with Luo Li's questioning, Han Xueyi remained calm, smiling sweetly as she gently replied, "Because I want to be with you, Luo Li, forever... to become sisters even closer than best friends. Didn't we make a promise when we were little? To marry the same person and be best friends for life..."

Her words, though not explicitly stated, were full of subtle hints and tender expectations, wrapping her schemes in a sugar-coated layer of "cherishing friendship" and "fulfilling childhood promises."

"..."

When Luo Li heard her best friend bring up that absurd agreement again, a strange and extremely complicated expression appeared on her face.

She stared intently at Han Xueyi for a long time, then Luo Li sighed and complained with a touch of indulgence:

"You idiot..."

Being called a fool by her best friend didn't bother Han Xueyi at all; instead, her smile deepened slightly because she keenly sensed that Luo Li's tone no longer carried a strong sense of rejection.

She knew that her somewhat foolish assist had worked.

The atmosphere completely relaxed, and Luo Li no longer maintained a confrontational stance. She walked to Han Xueyi's side, sat down next to her on the grass, and spoke softly.

"I can see that you're genuinely happy right now, and I believe you truly want to share him with me. It's just... this kind of thing feels a bit out of touch with reality. Is this how wealthy people view love?"

Han Xueyi placed her hands behind her on the grass, tilted her head slightly, and a happy smile naturally curved her lips as she sweetly said:

"I don't really understand things like values ​​and views on love. All I know is that from the day I met you until now, this period of time has been the happiest and most blissful time of my life..."

She turned to Luo Li, her eyes sparkling with a longing to share: "Xiao Li, you might not understand if you haven't experienced it. Having such an outstanding man by your side, the sense of security is indescribable. Even if the sky were to fall, it wouldn't seem so scary! Because I know he will always stand firmly in front, shielding you from all the storms. Everything you think is a problem becomes simple with him, allowing you to completely relax and live each day carefree..."

Han Xueyi's description was simple yet alluring. She then reached out and gently grasped Luo Li's slightly cold hand, her gaze earnest and sincere.

"Chen Ming is such a powerful man. Luo Li, I sincerely urge you to join us. Perhaps you think I'm being nosy or even a bit absurd now. But I can assure you that in the future, you won't blame me for putting pressure on you through Aunt Luo. On the contrary, you'll thank me for giving you this push today!"

After she finished speaking, she quieted down and turned her gaze back to the sky, giving Luo Li enough time to think.

Luo Li fell into a long silence after listening. Han Xueyi's heartfelt, almost overflowing happiness was genuine.

Since things had come to this, she had no choice but to spend some time with Chen Ming.

Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to explain it to her mother. She had relied on her mother since she was a child and knew the hardships her mother had endured raising her alone. That heavy maternal love made it difficult for her to truly harden her heart and continue to fight, lest she hurt and disappoint her mother. She didn't want to experience the panic her mother felt when she fell today a second time.

If I continue to disobey, who knows what even more drastic things my mother might do...

More practically, the company's cooperation with Chen Ming had just gotten on track, solving the critical sales problem and bringing unprecedented hope. If a personal emotional rejection led to a deterioration in the relationship and the cancellation of the cooperation, her company, her dreams, and the expectations of her fellow villagers could all vanish in an instant.

She couldn't afford that price.

What she could not avoid the most was her own heart.

In just a few days, Chen Ming's presence had completely replaced her previous vague fantasies of a "domineering CEO" with a powerful and profound impact. He was not a distant symbol, but a vivid, powerful, and charismatic real person.

If she were to completely distance herself from him, she could almost foresee that she would likely never forget him in the future, and that "unfinished" feeling might become a long-term regret.

One glimpse of Chen Ming and your life is ruined!

After a series of thoughts, they gradually coalesced into a decision that became much clearer and more reassuring.

She told herself, "Fine, at worst I'll just treat it as a relationship. Anyway, I don't really like anyone right now. Since even Xueyi doesn't mind and even seems happy about it, what do I have to worry about? As for worldly opinions? That's not something I, Luo Li, care about. I'll get to know him first. If Chen Ming isn't the right person, then I won't give myself away completely. That way, I can put an end to this sudden flutter in my heart..."

Having figured all this out, Luo Li said calmly, "Cook more dishes tonight, I'll come to your house for dinner."

This sounded like a casual invitation to a meal between friends, but in this context, it was undoubtedly a clear signal—she accepted the arrangement and was willing to join Han Xueyi's extended family.

Upon hearing this, Han Xueyi was overjoyed and playfully pouted, saying...

"You wish! You think you can act like a boss the moment you walk in? No way! If you want to eat, you have to help me out, washing and chopping vegetables—not a single one can be missing!"

As she spoke, she stood up nimbly from the grass, brushed off the grass clippings and dust from her clothes, and then reached out to pull Luo Li, who was still sitting, up as well.

"Let's go," Han Xueyi said warmly, taking Luo Li's arm. Her voice was light and cheerful. "From today onwards, we are truly a family."

Luo Li was pulled forward by her, but she refused to admit defeat and muttered, "What family? Don't talk nonsense... I, I'm just hungry and want to mooch a meal."

Her tone carried a hint of embarrassment at having her thoughts read, but her physical compliance said it all.

Two slender figures walked side by side toward the Han family's courtyard. Behind them, only faint traces remained of their earlier playful tumbling on the grass…

……

When Han Xueyi and Luo Li returned together, Chen Ming, Xie Wanqing, and Hua Qianhui had already finished doing their intimate things.

Chen Ming emerged from the bedroom feeling refreshed and sat down on the sofa in the living room to play on his phone.

He looked up at the noise and paused slightly when his gaze fell on the two beautiful women who had entered. He asked, "Did you...fall down outside?"

Han Xueyi and Luo Li's hair was slightly messy, and their clothes were covered with bits of grass.

The two beauties exchanged a smile upon hearing this. Han Xueyi stepped forward first and explained, "No, sir. I just sat on the grass with Xiaoli for a while and chatted."

She brushed it off lightly, then changed the subject: "By the way, Luo Li has something she wants to talk to you about alone. You two chat first, I'll go change my clothes and then start preparing dinner."

After saying that, she winked at her best friend, giving her an encouraging look, and then turned and walked briskly towards her room, leaving Chen Ming and Luo Li alone...

Chapter 319: Stamping and Authentication

When Han Xueyi returned to her room, she saw Xie Wanqing and Hua Qianhui sitting by her bed getting dressed, and she eagerly rushed over to them:

"Well, I'm out there helping the master farm, and you guys are at home sneaking around eating..."

"Hee hee hee……"

"Hey hey hey..."

Xie Wanqing and Hua Qianhui laughed and ran away separately. Han Xueyi was overwhelmed and ended up catching neither of them.

……

Chen Ming, who was outside the room, looked at Luo Li and asked, "Just say what you have to say!"

He had already roughly guessed what Luo Li wanted to say. It must have been Han Xueyi's help that had worked. He was happy, but when he thought of how arrogant this beauty had been before, he remained outwardly calm.

Luo Li took a deep breath, took a step and slowly walked to sit down next to him, then turned to look at him and said.

"I take back what I said at the hotel."

Her gaze did not waver; she met Chen Ming's gaze openly, while also bravely confronting the changes within herself.

Chen Ming understood immediately; it was just as he had expected.

Luo Li's statement at this moment, though tinged with slight embarrassment and annoyance, was ultimately a crucial step. He naturally wouldn't let this opportunity to press his advantage slip by, calmly putting down his phone and feigning ignorance:

"Take back what you said?"

He looked puzzled, as if he really didn't understand Luo Li's words and insisted that she take the initiative to completely break through that thin layer of window paper.

"..."

Luo Li was so angry at his "getting the benefit and still acting innocent" attitude that she felt a tightness in her chest and really wanted to punch him twice.

Those beautiful eyes glared at Chen Ming. Couldn't this guy just take the easy way out? He clearly understood but pretended not to, insisting that she spell it out so bluntly!

She lightly bit her lower lip, a barely perceptible blush rising on her fair cheeks. Her eyes darted around for a moment before she spoke softly, with a hint of embarrassment:

"It's...it's what I said when you pinned me against the wall...you know..."

She tried to be vague, using her eyes to signal "you know," hoping to get away with it by being cute.

However, Chen Ming didn't indulge her. He found it extremely amusing to see the girl's awkward expression, where she wanted to express her opinion but couldn't bring herself to do so.

Instead of going along with it, he pressed on, saying:

"Say it."

The sound wasn't loud, but it had an irresistible force.

You big bad guy!!

Luo Li mentally complained, "I've already backed down to this extent and taken back what I said to draw a line, can't you be a little more gentlemanly, give me some face, and let it go without saying anything?"

Why do you have to be so aggressive!

She took a deep breath, as if making a decision, slightly raised her chin, and said in a tone that was almost "gritting her teeth," yet also carried a hint of stubbornness and despair:

"You stingy little thing... Fine! I'll say it! What I'm taking back is—'You don't need to take responsibility'! Is that alright now?!"

After saying that, she turned her face away, as if looking at Chen Ming again would only make her angrier, but her ears were bright red.

Chen Ming knew he had it in the bag after hearing that! He almost burst out laughing.

This girl, even when she admits defeat, she has a kind of unwillingness and drive, it's really... adorable.

He quickly composed himself, suppressing his smile, and deliberately adopted a stern expression, speaking in a slightly dissatisfied and critical tone:

"Oh, so I'm a 'stingy person'? Then don't talk to a stingy person like me."

As he spoke, he pretended to pick up his phone again, which he had just put down, and casually swiped his finger across the screen, acting as if he couldn't be bothered with her anymore, ready to continue to manipulate this stubborn, silly girl.

His tactic of feigning retreat to advance made Luo Li even more restless.

"No! I'll tell you anyway!"

Luo Li was thoroughly provoked by his attitude. Forgetting all about shyness and reserve, she turned around abruptly and stared at Chen Ming again, raising her voice slightly, "You just want to make things difficult for me, don't you? You just want to hear me say it myself, don't you? Fine! Listen carefully!"

She straightened her back, as if making a solemn oath, uttering each word clearly and distinctly:

"I, Luo Li, hereby formally announce that I want to try dating you! From now on... from now on I am your girlfriend, please take care of me for the rest of my life!"

After speaking, she pursed her lips tightly, staring intently at Chen Ming, awaiting his reaction. Although she tried to sound calm, her slightly trembling fingertips betrayed her inner turmoil.

"..."

Hearing her declaration, which was practically a unilateral official announcement, Chen Ming felt both annoyed and amused. She had already gone this far, yet she still subconsciously wanted to place herself in a "dominant" position. This arrogance made him want to continue to torment her.

So, without looking up, his gaze remained fixed on his phone screen, and he responded in a nonchalant tone.

"How did you become my girlfriend? Did I say yes?" He paused, finally reluctantly raising his eyes to glance at her, his tone slightly teasing, "You can just refuse like that, take it back like that... What, does the earth revolve around you? Am I someone you can summon and dismiss at will?"

His words were half true and half false.

It's true, he did have a little bit of "emotion" about being rejected before. But it's not that he would refuse this "delicious" food that was offered to him. It's just that this "delicious" food needs to be "disciplined" a little so that she understands that some things can't be decided by her alone.

"you!"

Luo Li was so choked by his words that she almost couldn't breathe. Her chest heaved violently. This scoundrel was simply going too far!

However, she quickly remembered Han Xueyi's confident words of comfort on the way back: "Don't worry, the master is just a little temperamental. You can coax him and he'll be fine. He's probably very happy inside. How could he really refuse you?"

Luo Li still believed in Han Xueyi's understanding of Chen Ming.

Moreover, if she fails, she won't be able to explain it to her mother; today's "bamboo shoots stir-fried with pork" might just be an appetizer...

Thinking this, her anger, which had just risen, cooled down quickly, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over it.

Luo Li took a few deep breaths and began to try to reason with the "difficult" man in front of her.

“Ming,” she called his name, trying to close the distance, “I know you’re willing to accept me. If that’s the case, why do you have to make things difficult for your future woman in this way?”

Huh?

Chen Ming's fingertip paused almost imperceptibly on the phone screen. This girl... reacted quickly and was quite eloquent; she grasped the key point immediately.

However, just talking isn't enough for Chen Ming.

"That's it?"

Chen Ming chuckled lightly, "Luo Li, you're thinking too simply. Entering the Chen family isn't as easy as just saying 'I want to give it a try.' You have to follow the rules of the Chen family."

His words were ambiguous, neither completely rejecting her nor setting a "rule" threshold—as long as she followed the "rules," there would still be a chance. This reflected both his desire to dominate as a man and a way of tempering Luo Li's character.

Luo Li, of course, understood the underlying meaning in his words.

Or rather, the reassurance she received from Han Xueyi subconsciously made her quite certain that Chen Ming wouldn't truly shut her out just because of a temporary issue of saving face. After all, Han Xueyi was definitely the person who understood Chen Ming best.

Since Han Xueyi said there was no problem, then there's a high probability that there really really is no problem. Right now, this man is just throwing a little tantrum and being temperamental.

Realizing this, Luo Li's anger dissipated considerably. She even felt that the seemingly domineering but actually childish man in front of her was actually quite down-to-earth, not so aloof and unapproachable.

Since reasoning with them isn't working, let's try a different approach.

Luo Li hesitated for a moment, then Han Xueyi's suggestion to "just coax him" flashed through her mind. Finally, she made up her mind and decided to use her not-so-skilled beauty charm.

She moved slightly, slowly and tentatively, to Chen Ming's side. The distance between them instantly shortened, and they were so close that they could feel the warmth emanating from each other's bodies.