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

This heartwarming dinner was exceptionally satisfying. Only when the dishes were scattered, night had completely fallen, and the night market lights shone even brighter, did Luo Li reluctantly wipe her mouth and bring up the topic of returning to the village again.

"That's enough, we... should go back."

Her tone carried a clear sense of reluctance, but she remained rational, and a hint of concern flickered in her eyes.

“However, we can’t go back together. There are too many acquaintances in the village. If they see us alone together, there will inevitably be gossip. Especially… in other people’s eyes, you are Xueyi’s boyfriend, and I… am Xueyi’s best friend. Some things are too nasty to hear, and it’s not good for the three of us.”

Her considerations were meticulous and thorough, reflecting her concern for Han Xueyi, her own reputation, and her caution regarding this nascent and delicate love triangle.

Chen Ming listened quietly, understood, and nodded in agreement: "I understand. You can call a car to go back first. I'll just wander around for a bit and drive back later."

Seeing how understanding and respectful he was of her concerns, Luo Li was immediately moved and gave him a big hug. She rubbed her pretty face against his neck, feeling his pulse, like a kitten clinging to its owner.

"Thank you for understanding me so much."

Chen Ming hugged her back, patted her back gently, and said softly, "Silly girl, why are you being so polite with me? Go on your way, be careful on the road, and send me a message when you get home."

Luo Li nodded vigorously, released him, and looked at him deeply, as if trying to etch his gentle expression into her heart. Then, without further hesitation, she turned and walked to the roadside, using a mobile app to call a car.

Sitting in the back seat of the taxi, watching Chen Ming, who was standing in the dim light of the night market, smiling and waving at her, grow farther and farther away, Luo Li's heart was filled with an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and happiness.

She never imagined that she would fall so deeply in love with a man in just four days, even giving him her all. These four days overturned her understanding of life over the past twenty years, filled with surprises, struggles, sweetness, and ultimate certainty.

Nothing in life is more unpredictable than this.

But feelings are something that can't really be measured by the length of time.

The moment your heart flutters, you're destined to fall for them.

The die is cast, and her feelings for Chen Ming are deeply ingrained. Even if someone were to advise her to leave Chen Ming now, she absolutely wouldn't listen. This man has become a part of her life, one she can't sever...

On the other side, Chen Ming watched the taxi disappear into the traffic, then strolled around the night market for about half an hour, bought a drink, casually looked at the street scene, and then leisurely walked to the parking lot and drove back to the village.

By the time we arrived at the village entrance, it was already late at night. There were no pedestrians on the main road of the village, only a few streetlights casting a dim yellow glow, and the occasional barking of dogs came from the deep alleys, making it even more quiet.

He parked the car and, bathed in moonlight, returned to Han Xueyi's courtyard.

The courtyard gate was ajar, and the light in the living room was still on. As soon as he gently pushed the door open, a soft and fragrant figure, like a fledgling returning to its nest, gracefully nestled into his arms.

"Master, you're back!"

Han Xueyi tilted her pretty face up, and in the soft light under the eaves, her smile was warm and serene, without the slightest complaint or displeasure, only pure waiting and welcoming.

She seemed to have just taken a shower; she was wearing a soft cotton nightgown, her hair still damp, and she exuded a familiar, comforting fragrance.

With fragrant herbs in his arms, Chen Ming's slightly tired heart, which had been feeling a day ahead, was instantly soothed and comforted.

He closed the courtyard gate behind him, pulled Han Xueyi into a tight embrace, took a deep breath through her hair, and smiled, "Yes, you're back. Have you been waiting long?"

"Not long ago, I just finished tidying up." Han Xueyi leaned gently against his chest and asked softly, "Master, are you tired? Why don't you take a bath to relax?"

"Okay." Chen Ming readily agreed.

Afterwards, with Han Xueyi's considerate care, Chen Ming took a comfortable hot bath.

Of course, the daily recharging activities for the harem girls are essential, but I won't go into details here...

The next day, at dawn.

The original purpose of this trip to Bingxia City was to accompany Han Xueyi back to her hometown to visit her mother and put an end to her worries.

This matter is now basically completed.

Therefore, last night, in a warm whisper, Chen Ming and Han Xueyi had already discussed their trip back to Ling'an City.

Early in the morning, just as Chen Ming had fallen asleep after a busy night, Han Xueyi quietly got up.

She quietly changed her clothes, went to the kitchen, tied on an apron, and began preparing breakfast for her family before their departure. Soon, the kitchen was filled with the rich aroma of millet porridge and the crispy scent of fried eggs.

Han's mother also woke up early. Hearing the noise in the kitchen, she came in, leaned against the door, and looked at her daughter's busy figure with loving eyes.

Hearing footsteps, Han Xueyi turned around and gave her mother a sweet smile, her hands continuing to crack eggs, and naturally brought up the matter they had discussed the night before:

"Mom, breakfast will be ready soon... By the way, it's about time we headed back to Ling'an City. There are still many things waiting for Master to take care of there..."

She paused, turned around to wipe her hands, walked to her mother, and took her mother's rough but warm hand in hers, her eyes filled with reluctance: "Mom, why don't you come live with us in Ling'an City? The conditions there are much better than in the village, and medical care and daily life are more convenient. Let me take good care of you. You've worked hard for most of your life, it's time for you to enjoy your retirement..."

Her suggestion came from the bottom of her heart; she hoped to bring her mother to live with her and make up for the regret of not being able to be by her side more often over the years.

Upon hearing this, Han's mother's face broke into a kind and magnanimous smile, and the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes smoothed out.

She gently patted her daughter's hand in return, her voice soft: "Silly girl, Mom knows you're filial. But you know, Mom has lived here for decades, my roots are in this place. I know all the neighbors, the air is fresh, and the pace of life is slow. I'm used to it all. A new environment would make me feel uncomfortable."

Seeing her daughter's slightly furrowed brow, she knew she was worried, and changed the subject, her eyes sparkling with expectation:

"Hmm... how about this, Mom will make a promise with you. When you and Xiao Chen work harder and give Mom a big, healthy grandson or a beautiful granddaughter to hold, Mom will definitely come over, enjoy her retirement, and help you take care of the child! That's Mom's biggest hope right now!"

Chapter 326: Creating a Surprise

Han Xueyi was surprised that her mother would suddenly bring this up, and two red clouds instantly rose to her cheeks, like the morning glow reflecting on snow.

But amidst her shyness, a tremendous sense of happiness welled up inside her—her mother had not only fully accepted Chen Ming, but had even begun to look forward to the fruit of their love, which was undoubtedly the warmest blessing for her choice.

She lowered her head, trying to hide the smile she couldn't suppress: "Mom... don't worry, I... I'll work hard and try to make you a grandmother as soon as possible."

"Good good!"

Mrs. Han readily agreed, her eyes filled with satisfaction. "Mom's not in a hurry. You young people have your own plans. As long as you and Xiao Chen are loving and harmonious, that's more important than anything else. Don't worry about me. Your mom is someone who knows how to enjoy life now..."

She smiled mysteriously and revealed, "You don't know, do you? Mom secretly hired a hardworking and honest housekeeper to help me tidy up the house, do some heavy work, and chat with me. I only gave her a few days off these past few days because you guys are here. So, I'm doing just fine here, don't worry!"

Upon hearing this, Han Xueyi was relieved to know that her mother could live well even without going to Ling'an City.

At breakfast time, the family sat around the table. Han Xueyi told Chen Ming the final time for their return trip: "Grandpa, Mom and I have discussed it. We'll book our flight back tomorrow, is that alright? We can have one more day to enjoy the sights today."

Chen Ming naturally had no objection and nodded with a smile: "No problem, no problem."

Thus, this last day before their parting was imbued with extraordinary significance. Han Xueyi and Luo Li both wanted to share everything with Chen Ming—their past that Chen Ming had never had the chance to experience!

So the two of them, along with Chen Ming, enthusiastically revisited the various places where they had played during their childhood and adolescence:

The village primary school was empty and quiet during the holidays.

They pointed to the huge old locust tree, saying they used to play hopscotch and catch cicadas there in the summer; they pointed to the mottled brick wall, recalling the crooked graffiti they used to draw on it; standing by the simple playground, they could almost hear the shouts from the sports meets back then...

Han Xueyi laughed as she recounted how Luo Li had tripped and fallen during PE class because she ran too fast. Luo Li countered by saying that Han Xueyi had forgotten the lyrics because she was nervous during a singing competition. The two beauties teased each other, their laughter echoing through the empty campus...

Next was the town's small park.

The swing sets were rusty, but they each sat on one, letting Chen Ming gently push them from behind. Han Xueyi closed her eyes, feeling the breeze on her face, and smiled, saying that when she was little, she always felt that if she swung the highest, she could touch the clouds in the sky. Luo Li pointed to the stone table and benches not far away, saying that they used to do their homework there…

After lunch, the group visited the county library, which, though old, held their initial longing for the outside world.

They walked quietly among the slightly dimly lit bookshelves, pointing to a certain row of bookshelves and whispering that their favorite young adult novels were hidden there.

Han Xueyi said she had once fantasized about what her Prince Charming would look like here, and now, her king was truly standing beside her. Luo Li said she had read many biographies of entrepreneurs here, planting the seeds of entrepreneurship within her…

After concluding their nostalgic trip, the group headed to a nearby hotel.

Han Xueyi smiled brightly at Chen Ming, took his hand, and walked lightly backward. It was as if with him by her side, the whole world was safe; even without looking where she was going, she felt no fear. Her trust in Chen Ming bordered on blindness…

Luo Li, filled with reluctance, clung tightly to Chen Ming's arm, leaning almost half her weight against it.

After all, she had just completely entrusted herself to Chen Ming, and before she could even savor the sweetness of their relationship, separation was already upon her. This reality of being separated would be heartbreaking for any girl experiencing love for the first time.

A strong thought kept popping into my head—why not just go with him, to his city, so I could see him every day…

But when she thought of her mother, her company, and her dream of bringing prosperity to her hometown, she could only forcefully suppress this tempting idea.

She told herself to wait until she achieved her dreams before going to Chen Ming's side...

That night, Luo Li was incredibly passionate!

She remembered the promise to "fight to the death" vividly, and regarded it as a ritual that had to be completed before parting.

It wasn't just about winning or losing; it stemmed from a deep-seated unease. After all, her man was leaving tomorrow. Unlike Han Xueyi, she couldn't be by Chen Ming's side all the time; she could only try to leave a lasting impression on him within the limited time she had.

She was afraid that Chen Ming would forget, once he returned, that there was a girl in the far north province who cared for him, and that there was a Luo Li here...

As for how to leave a deeper impression on Chen Ming?

As a woman who is still quite naive in matters of the heart, the simplest and most direct way she could think of would probably be to recharge herself, right?

She had vaguely heard that men are "animals who think with their lower bodies," and she was sure she was right!

In reality, she had no need to worry at all, because in the future, Chen Ming would teleport to see her almost every day, she just didn't know it yet...

The following morning, Chen Ming and his group returned to Han Xueyi's home to formally bid farewell to Han's mother.

A faint sense of melancholy permeated the small courtyard.

Mother Han held Chen Ming's hand tightly for a long time, nagging him, "Little Chen, be careful on your way back. Send me a message when you arrive so I know you've landed safely... When you have time, bring Xueyi back to visit often. This will always be your home..."

Looking at the distinguished young man before her, who clearly adored his daughter, she said earnestly:

"Auntie knows that your identity is not ordinary, and that you and Xueyi... cannot get married like ordinary couples. Auntie has thought about this and doesn't mind. As long as you treat Xueyi well and truly love her, that's more important than anything else. Auntie has seen the changes in Xueyi since she got together with you. She is truly happy, and that's enough."

Mother Han gripped Chen Ming's hand tightly, her voice filled with an extremely solemn entrustment and pleading:

"But there's one thing Xueyi has always secretly longed for—she really desires a little life carrying both of your bloodlines to continue this love... If possible, I hope that at a suitable time in the future, you can fulfill Xueyi's little dream of becoming a mother. With a child, her life will be more complete, and the bond between you will be even stronger. Xueyi is too shy to say these things, so I, as her mother, have to swallow my pride and bring it up..."

Upon hearing this, Chen Ming was about to nod in agreement.

Han Xueyi, standing to the side, was like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. With a mix of shyness, urgency, and protectiveness, she immediately interrupted the conversation.

"Mom~!"

Her voice unconsciously rose a little, and she looked at her mother with a slightly reproachful yet helpless gaze: "Why...why are you saying all this? The master has his own plans regarding the child, so please don't worry about it..."

Although her mother's words were all true, deep down she did long to have a child with Chen Ming, a child that would be a fusion of their blood and love—a dream that is almost the most instinctive longing of every woman deeply in love.

But at this moment, seeing her mother so openly lay out this expectation in front of Chen Ming, she still subconsciously chose to protect her husband, fearing that this sudden pressure would make him feel embarrassed.

She secretly thought to herself: "Mom, really! It's one thing to mention this to me privately, but how could you bring it up to Grandpa directly? What if he hasn't considered this yet, or has other plans? Wouldn't it just make things awkward? Grandpa treats me so well, how can I let family matters upset him..."

Thinking this way, she became even more determined to "end" the topic quickly.

So she stepped forward, took Chen Ming's arm, and made a move to walk towards the courtyard gate, her tone urging, "Alright, Mom, let's stop talking! If we keep chatting, it'll get really late, and the plane won't wait! Master, come on, let's go, we should leave..."

She almost pushed and pulled Chen Ming away from her mother's nagging, her protectiveness evident in her words.

Seeing her daughter's eagerness to "protect" her, Han's mother felt both amused and gratified—all those years of teaching had not been in vain, and her daughter had surpassed her in ability!

She shook her head with a smile, half-jokingly complaining, "Oh...you silly girl, you really do forget your mother once you have a man! You're not even officially married yet, and your heart is already completely with Xiao Chen! Alright, alright, since you young people know what's going on, then your mother won't say anything more. Be careful on the road with Xiao Chen!"

Her gaze finally fell on Chen Ming: "Little Chen, Xueyi is sometimes thoughtful and sometimes silly. I'll have to ask you to take good care of her from now on."

At this moment, Chen Ming had already been pulled by Han Xueyi to the courtyard gate.

Hearing Han's mother's final words, he stopped and gave a bright smile, promising:

"Don't worry, Auntie, I'll make sure you get to hold your granddaughter, and she'll definitely be a beautiful and gentle girl like Xueyi!"

Upon hearing this, Han's mother was taken aback at first, then a smile of immense relief and joy blossomed on her face.

"Oh! That's great!"

She nodded repeatedly, her voice becoming much lighter, and encouraged her daughter and son-in-law, who had already walked out of the courtyard and were about to get into the car, saying, "Then Auntie will be waiting for your good news! Good luck!!"

The car slowly drove away from the village. In the rearview mirror, Han's mother's figure grew smaller and smaller until it finally blended into the familiar landscape.

……

The group drove along the winding road towards Ice City.

The scenery outside the car window gradually changed from pastoral landscapes to the outline of the city. After arriving in the city, they successfully returned the rented vehicle to a rental shop near Taiping International Airport.

In the airport waiting hall, a vast glass curtain wall overlooks the clear blue sky to the north, and the faint roar of planes taking off and landing on the runway can be heard. Inside the spacious and bright hall, people move about, the sounds of announcements, conversations, and the rolling wheels of suitcases blending into the background noise of farewells.

The moment of parting for Luo Li had arrived.

Han Xueyi, Xie Wanqing, and Hua Qianhui tacitly moved away slightly, leaving Chen Ming and Luo Li some space to be alone.

From the moment Luo Li entered the airport, she stayed close to Chen Ming, and now she was practically glued to him. Her beautiful blue eyes were fixed on him, filled with an intense reluctance, and even slightly reddened.

Chen Ming felt both pity and a bit of unexpected amusement seeing her clinging and uneasy like a kitten about to be abandoned by its owner.

He truly never expected that Luo Li, who usually seemed so capable, independent, and assertive, would become such a clingy little devil once she fell in love.

So he raised his hand and gently stroked the top of her soft hair, comforting her in a tender tone:

"Okay, stop looking at me like that. It's not like I'm never coming back. And whenever you miss me, you can video call me anytime! I'll definitely make time to come see you. Maybe much more often than you think..."

Luo Li felt a little better after hearing his words of comfort, but she still kept her arms wrapped around his waist and buried her face in his chest, saying in a muffled, nasal voice, in a sticky, mushy tone:

"You said it... You can't lie to me, and you can't forget me, okay?" She repeated the simplest yet most important request, like a little girl asking for a promise.