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

The warmth from his shoulder and the almost overflowing sincerity in his eyes confirmed to her that this was not a playboy's frivolous promise, but a strong man's well-thought-out commitment to shoulder responsibility.

She hadn't expected Chen Ming to respond so seriously to her question, which had sounded like a joke. She had expected to hear excuses, vague answers, or even more romantic but empty sweet talk.

Her thoughts returned, and Luo Li smiled and said coquettishly:

"Of course I believe you! Besides, what else can I do if I don't believe you? I've already unwittingly boarded your pirate ship..."

Having said that, she seemed unwilling to let the overly serious atmosphere linger, so she grabbed Chen Ming's wrist, her tone becoming light and cheerful with a hint of mysterious excitement:

"Don't just stand there, come with me!"

Before she finished speaking, she took Chen Ming's hand and turned to jog towards the denser woods. Her skirt billowed, revealing her fair ankles, tracing graceful arcs in the morning light and green grass…

This sudden action startled Chen Ming, who had intended to take advantage of the solemn atmosphere to kiss the girl, and his carefully prepared tenderness was interrupted by her hasty escape.

But watching the girl's leaping figure in the sunlight, the firm pull of her slender wrists, and the fresh fragrance that filled the air, Chen Ming chuckled indulgently, happy to be led forward by her.

After running a short distance, the path under my feet turned from the open riverside meadow into a narrow trail worn into shape and hidden behind bushes.

The light suddenly became deep and dark, and the sound of flowing water faded into the distance, replaced by the rustling of the wind through the leaves.

Chen Ming's heartbeat quickened involuntarily with the increasing privacy of the environment, and a secret sense of anticipation quietly sprouted like vines. Could it be...?

Before long, Luo Li led him nimbly through several dense clumps of wild roses and a low hazel grove, and suddenly the view opened up before them—a forest clearing with an extremely thick, centuries-old tree in the center, requiring several people to encircle its trunk. Its canopy, like a giant umbrella, cast a vast expanse of dense shade. The gnarled roots formed a natural seating area, and the ground was covered with a thick layer of moss and fallen leaves. Sunlight could only filter through the gaps in the branches and leaves, casting dappled, shimmering spots of light, like a dream.

It's incredibly quiet here, as if completely isolated from the outside world.

Luo Li ran lightly to the ancient tree, leaned against the rough but weathered trunk, breathing slightly, her chest rising and falling gently.

She faced Chen Ming with a smug smile on her face, as if she were sharing a secret. In the dappled light and shadow, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

"Just now by the river...did you want to kiss me?"

?

This sudden, straightforward question almost left Chen Ming speechless.

But now he's quite experienced in love, and after a brief moment of surprise, he quickly regained his composure and even found her smug "I know what you're up to" look incredibly cute.

So he nodded, readily admitting it, his gaze fixed intently on the girl: "Yes, I think so!"

Concise, frank, and aggressive.

Luo Li seemed quite satisfied with his straightforward answer. She raised her hand again, her fingertips running through her soft hair, gently brushing it aside—a gesture that, in the quiet light and shadow of the forest, carried a languid yet alluring charm.

“Just now at the pavilion… that won’t do. Although the scenery by the river is beautiful, it wouldn’t be good if villagers who are out for an early morning walk passed by, or if someone on the other side of the river saw us…”

She shook her head slightly, her tone carrying a hint of playful arrogance, "This is my and Xueyi's secret hideout when we were little. It's very secluded and quiet, is that okay?"

The last "oh" was drawn out, as if it had a hook, swaying gently in the quiet air.

Chen Ming's heart was completely stirred. He never expected that Luo Li, who usually seemed stubborn and proud, would be so powerful in seducing people once she took the initiative!

She not only accepted his offer to kiss her, but even carefully chose the location for it!

The contrast between this dedication and boldness ignited a fire within him—what was there to hesitate about now? Words were superfluous.

He took a half step forward, instantly closing the final distance, and embraced the girl's soft body. Then he kissed Luo Li's small lips.

"Well……"

Luo Li let out a short, soft nasal sound, then closed her eyes.

This time, she showed no panic or resistance. In fact, the moment Chen Ming kissed her, she naturally raised her arms and wrapped them around his neck. After all, she had already been kissed by Chen Ming twice and was almost used to it...

Perhaps because Luo Li's mindset had completely changed, Chen Ming could clearly feel that she was actively responding to him. Although she lacked any skill, her earnest attempt to please him was like the finest wine, making him somewhat intoxicated...

This enthusiasm ignited Chen Ming's desire, making it difficult for him to control his hands...

After a long while, their lips parted...

Chen Ming's heart overflowed with tenderness as he looked at the beautiful woman, whose pretty face was already blushing, so close to him, and asked softly:

"Xiao Li, why are you being so well-behaved today?"

Luo Li didn't answer his question directly. Her eyes darted around, and she was too embarrassed to meet his gaze.

She pouted slightly, complaining like a little girl in a soft, sweet voice:

"That's too much! How can you be so pushy... Once you start kissing me, it just won't stop, my lips are practically swollen from all the kissing..."

Although it was a complaint, there was no real annoyance in her tone; instead, it sounded like she was being coquettish.

After saying that, she seemed to need some space to calm her racing heart, so she gently pushed Chen Ming's chest.

Chen Ming stepped back slightly, but his arms were still wrapped around her slender waist.

Luo Li raised her large blue eyes, which seemed to hold a galaxy, and looked at him with a shy, dependent, and complicated expression.

Chen Ming keenly noticed the fleeting hint of conflict in the depths of the girl's eyes.

He guessed it was due to the environment; although it was secluded, it was still in the wild—which girl wouldn't want to do something as sacred and memorable as her first time in a safer and more comfortable environment?

So Chen Ming leaned close to her reddened earlobe and whispered in an extremely gentle and understanding voice:

“Xiao Li, although this place is beautiful and is your and Xueyi’s secret base, it’s still not perfect enough, not private enough, and not comfortable enough…”

He stepped back slightly, looked into her eyes, and said earnestly and sincerely:

“Let’s go back. Next time, I’ll choose a better place, a safer, warmer place just for the two of us, a place where you can completely relax! That way, I can give you a truly wonderful memory…”

[Ding! Luo Li's favorability +1, current favorability 72!]

The system notification sounded clearly in Chen Ming's mind.

Clearly, he accurately guessed Luo Li's unspoken thoughts, and this extreme thoughtfulness and respect completely touched the softest part of her heart, further increasing her favorability towards him.

Luo Li's tense shoulders relaxed almost imperceptibly, and she breathed a sigh of relief deep in her heart.

Her mind was indeed in complete turmoil. The subconscious value she placed on her first recharge, along with the slight insecurity brought about by the environment, made her hesitate.

But Han Xueyi's question, "Do you really want him to leave with regrets?" echoed like a curse, almost making her give up that insignificant bit of persistence.

To her utter surprise, just when she herself was confused, this seemingly domineering man so gently noticed her unease and considerately suggested a pause, even painting a more beautiful picture of the future, all to leave her with better memories!

He didn't take advantage of her half-hearted resistance to achieve his goal; instead, he prioritized her feelings.

At this moment, all doubts, anxieties, and entanglements, like a thin mist under the sunlight, quickly dissipated.

Luo Li knew that she had truly fallen for this man—she was such a simple woman that once she saw that the other person truly cared about her, she would unconsciously want to give her all to repay him and treat him even better.

So Luo Li gazed at Chen Ming with deep emotion, as if trying to etch his image into the depths of her soul. She whispered:

"Chen Ming, I don't want you to leave with any regrets. As long as you continue to treat me well and cherish me... then I'm willing to be your woman right now. Take me to a hotel!"

Having said all that, the girl's feelings were crystal clear. If Chen Ming were to hesitate or refuse again, it wouldn't be respect, but rather affectation and cowardice.

As the saying goes, "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, for ye may ye have nothing left but bare branches."

As if rewarding the girl's courage, he gave her a loud "smack" kiss on her already flushed cheeks and said with a doting smile, "Okay, I'll listen to you, let's go to the hotel now."

However, just as Chen Ming was about to take her hand and leave immediately, Luo Li objected: "Wait... we can't go together. There are too many people in the village, and if we both leave the village early in the morning and someone sees us, it'll get out... the gossip won't be good for you, for me, or for Xueyi! So you should drive to the city first and wait for me at the hotel. I'll come a little later..."

Her considerations always revealed a thoughtfulness beyond her years, as well as her careful maintenance of this complicated relationship.

Chen Ming readily agreed and nodded, "Okay, I'll send you the hotel address and room number later. Be careful on the road, no need to rush."

After saying that, he left the grove and headed towards the parking lot.

Watching Chen Ming's figure disappear around the corner, Luo Li covered her burning cheeks with her hands, her heart pounding in her chest. But her eyes remained resolute; having made her choice and made her promise, she had no intention of breaking it.

That's just Luo Li's personality; once she's made up her mind, she won't back down.

She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart, then picked up her small bag and resolutely left the secret grove that had witnessed the transformation of their relationship...

Chapter 324: Inspecting the Results of the Battle

Sixty minutes later, in the presidential suite on the top floor of a five-star hotel in downtown Bingxia.

The heavy curtains were not fully drawn, and the bright morning sunlight shone through the gaps, cutting out several dazzling golden bands of light on the carpet. The air was filled with the elegant and tranquil scent of high-end fragrance.

Luo Li sat on the edge of the excessively spacious King-Size bed, her head slightly lowered, her hands clasped together on her knees, her fingertips turning white from the force.

The neckline of the dress was slightly open, revealing a small section of delicate, fair collarbone and the graceful lines of the neck, the skin tinged with a light, captivating pink.

She didn't dare to look up at Chen Ming.

The entire space was so quiet that you could hear the faint hum of the central air conditioning system and the pounding of her own heart.

Chen Ming sat down next to her, reached out and gently put his arm around her shoulder, trying to soothe the girl's nervousness.

However, as soon as his arm touched her, Luo Li's body visibly trembled, like a startled fawn.

Seeing this, Chen Ming immediately let go of her hand, feeling even more pity for her.

“Xiao Li,” he said in a very gentle voice, coaxing her affectionately, “you’re too nervous. How about we have some fruit wine to help you relax?” He remembered that she seemed to have a low alcohol tolerance, and a slight buzz might help her let down her guard.

Luo Li immediately shook her head, her voice barely audible yet filled with stubbornness: "No... I don't need to drink. I can adjust my emotions quickly... Don't worry about me, just start!"

She seemed to think that needing alcohol was a sign of weakness, and that only by facing difficulties head-on could she demonstrate her determination!

After speaking, she tried her best to maintain a calm expression, but due to nervousness, the expression looked more like that of someone facing execution with a resolute expression, staring at Chen Ming as if ready to die...

This adorable contrast between his cowardice and bravery made Chen Ming laugh, and he couldn't help but tease him:

"Haha~ Your expression and tone... anyone who didn't know better would think you were about to be taken to the execution ground."

Luo Li felt embarrassed by his smile and teasing. Her forced "heroic" expression shattered, replaced by the shame and annoyance of being seen through.

Her face flushed, and she glared at Chen Ming with displeasure, scolding him playfully, "You big bad guy! Don't try to make me laugh in such a serious setting!"

Chen Ming looked into Luo Li's serious blue eyes and was taken aback—was this a serious occasion?

Right.

For a seasoned warrior with numerous girlfriends, this might simply be a natural development arising from deep affection, a beautiful union of mutual love.

But for Luo Li, a girl with no romantic experience who sees giving herself and her body as a major commitment in life, this is undoubtedly an extremely serious and sacred ceremony that concerns her entire life.

This isn't being pretentious; it's the most direct manifestation of her pure view of love.

Thinking of this, Chen Ming also put away his playful and smiling demeanor, replacing it with a spontaneous sense of respect and tenderness.

“I’m sorry, Xiaoli,” he said sincerely, meeting her gaze. “I didn’t mean to mock you; I just wanted to make you relax…”

His sudden change to a serious attitude startled Luo Li. Immediately afterward, her tense heartstrings seemed to be gently plucked by this understanding and respect, and she relaxed a little.

The girl shook her head and said softly:

"It's okay, I know you mean well... From today onwards, you're my man. Are you ready for this?"

Luo Li spoke these words very seriously, her cheeks flushed red as if they were about to bleed, but her eyes were exceptionally firm.

Looking at her, this beautiful, stubborn, and pure girl who was now entrusting her future to him with all her courage, Chen Ming felt a complex and surging emotion welling up inside him. There was emotion, joy, and even more so, a heavy sense of responsibility.

“I’m ready, Xiao Li.” He nodded firmly to the beauty in response, “From today onwards, please entrust the rest of your life to me. I can assure you that as long as I’m by your side, I will cherish you, protect you, and never let you suffer the slightest grievance…”

As Luo Li listened to his promise, which was more sincere and moving than any sweet words, and saw the undisguised sincerity in his eyes, the last bit of unease and tension in her heart melted away like snow under the sun. A warm current spread from the bottom of her heart to every part of her body, dispelling all stiffness.

A gentle smile bloomed on her face, a smile as pure as the first snow and as radiant as summer flowers:

"Then, I look forward to guiding you for the rest of your life, my Mr. Chen..."

With her earnestness and purity, Luo Li elevated what might have been merely a moment of passionate intimacy to the level of almost forging a sacred covenant.

The solemn atmosphere, reminiscent of a wedding vow, perfectly demonstrated how much Luo Li valued this matter.

Everything fell into place naturally, requiring no further explanation.

Chen Ming bent down, gently cupped Luo Li's burning cheeks in his hands, and slowly brought them closer...

The curtains in the presidential suite had been quietly drawn at some point, blocking out the sunlight and leaving only the soft, warm light from the bedside lamp, casting a private and gentle veil over this enchanting and sacred scene.

[Ding! Luo Li's favorability +8, current favorability 80!]

……

A moment of spring night is worth a thousand pieces of gold; flowers have a delicate fragrance, and the moon casts a soft shadow. The sounds of singing and music from the pavilions are faint; the courtyard with its swings is deep in the stillness of night. — "Spring Night" by Su Shi, a great Song Dynasty writer.

As time, which was worth a fortune, passed, Chen Ming finally gently embraced the delicate and powerless Luo Li.

Luo Li, now fully charged, was in a listless and languid state. Her eyes, which were originally as clear and bright as sapphires, were now half-closed, her gaze unfocused and dazed, as if she had not yet fully regained her senses.

Even someone as strong and independent as her, with the courage to face all kinds of difficulties, was experiencing for the first time what it meant to be "unable to hold on"—a complex feeling that arose after being completely conquered, which temporarily rendered her proud self-control and rationality ineffective.

She didn't know why she was silently shedding tears.