Xia He stopped refusing and began to study it seriously.

She ordered several of the restaurant's signature dishes: bluefin tuna belly sashimi, thick-cut beef tongue, foie gras sushi...

After ordering her main course, her gaze lingered on the drinks menu for a moment, a hint of hesitation flashing across her face, before she pointed to one of the drinks.

"Another pot of this... Laurel wreath sake, warm."

She rarely drinks, but these past few days have been filled with ups and downs, from the humiliation of being bullied by Sun Hao to the triumph of successfully recovering a huge debt, and then to the surprise of receiving a generous bonus. At this moment, she has an urge to indulge herself a little and celebrate.

After taking the order, the waiter quietly repeated it before leaving.

Xia He breathed a sigh of relief, turned to Ye Heng, her eyes sparkling: "This is my first time in such a formal Japanese restaurant. It feels...so quiet, I'm not used to it."

She smiled sheepishly.

Ye Heng looked around and said, "The environment is nice, suitable for eating and discussing business."

He looked at Xia He, "Today's event is to calm your nerves and celebrate your successful promotion—you've received the 100,000 yuan bonus, and Sun Hao has been fired. Your promotion should be fine now, right?"

Mentioning this, Xia He's smile widened, and she nodded vigorously: "Yes! President Su said that in front of everyone today, so there's definitely no problem! I have to thank you for this, Ye Heng."

Her gratitude was palpable. "If it weren't for you, I might not only have lost my money, but I would have been bullied even more by Sun Hao, and I might have even lost my job."

"You were very brave yourself, and in the end you produced the recording," Ye Heng affirmed.

Before they could finish speaking, the waiter had already brought out their dishes and warmed sake one by one.

Small and exquisite tableware, and carefully arranged ingredients, make for a visual treat.

"Let's eat first," Ye Heng said with a smile.

Xia He was drawn to the delicious food before her. She carefully poured the sake into two small ceramic cups. The sake was warm and emitted a faint aroma of rice and fruit.

She held up a glass with both hands and handed it to Ye Heng, then picked up another glass for herself. Her face was slightly flushed, but her expression was very serious: "Ye Heng, this first glass is for you. Thank you for everything you've done today! I... I'll drink it all, you can drink as you like!"

After saying that, as if she had mustered up her courage, she closed her eyes and drank the wine in her glass in one gulp.

The sake was smooth on the palate, but its aftereffects were still quite noticeable for Xia He, who doesn't drink often.

A warm sensation slid down her throat, and soon two more obvious blushes appeared on her cheeks, even the tips of her ears turned slightly red.

"Cough... It's a little spicy, but also a little sweet." Xia He stuck out her tongue and fanned herself with her hand. She looked less reserved than usual and more like a charming young girl.

Ye Heng looked at her, smiled, raised his glass in acknowledgment, and calmly drank the wine in his glass.

After a few cups of warm Gekkeikan sake, Xia He's fair cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were slightly tipsy and dreamy.

Alcohol made her, who was usually somewhat reserved, more talkative, and her voice became a few decibels higher.

She rested her chin on one hand, while gesturing with the other in the air, her tone full of longing.

"Ye Heng, let me tell you... once I graduate and officially join Su's, I'm going to work really hard! I'll start from the bottom, learn from experience, and then... then strive to be able to independently manage projects!"

"My biggest idol is President Su!"

Her eyes sparkled, as if she could already see a blueprint for the future. "I'm going to make a name for myself at the Su Corporation and become a powerful businesswoman! In the future, I want to be as decisive and strategic as President Su in the business world!"

Looking at her face, which was particularly lively due to the alcohol and excitement, Ye Heng raised his glass and couldn't help but laugh.

"Haha, then let's toast to our future CEO Xia!"

Xia He completely let loose, shouting, "From now on, I'll be your mentor, Little Yezi!"

After the meal, the two left the Bamboo Hermitage.

As the sun set, golden rays bathed the streets, casting a gentle, warm glow over the city.

This Japanese restaurant is located next to the Longjiang River. The evening breeze, carrying the moist scent of the river, caresses your face, dispelling some of the effects of the alcohol and bringing a sense of comfort.

"Ye Heng, shall we take a walk along the river? We just finished eating, let's get some fresh air and sober up a bit, and... the sunset here is really beautiful."

Xia He pointed to the riverside path not far away and suggested it, her eyes filled with anticipation.

"Okay." Ye Heng did not object; taking a walk after dinner was indeed a good choice.

The two walked side by side on the riverside path.

Underfoot is a smooth stone-paved road, on one side is the shimmering, eastward-flowing Heilongjiang River, and on the other side are city buildings gradually lighting up with neon lights.

A gentle breeze from the river stirred Xia He's hair.

Xia He lagged slightly behind, her gaze unconsciously falling on Ye Heng's profile.

The golden light of the setting sun outlined his clear jawline and straight nose. His gaze was calm as he looked at the river, exuding a composure and detachment that seemed beyond his years.

Xia He suddenly realized that Ye Heng was really good-looking.

This was probably the most handsome boy she had ever seen in real life, even more so than the art students at her school.

As soon as the thought popped into her head, Xia He's heart inexplicably quickened, and the blush on her face, which had just been blown away by the river breeze, began to return.

She quickly looked away, secretly annoyed.

Xia He, Xia He, what are you thinking about! You've only known her for a few days... and you're already thinking about these unrealistic things?

Although... although I was busy with studying and working during university because of family matters, I had no time or energy to date, I did envy those classmates who were in couples, and occasionally I secretly longed for a pure relationship...

But if the object of his affections were Ye Heng… he might actually be very happy… Stop! Stop it! I can’t think about it anymore! Alcohol is really harmful!

To dispel the chaotic thoughts in her mind, Xia He turned her attention back to the scenery before her.

The setting sun is slowly sinking into the distant city skyline, while the Heilongjiang River flows ceaselessly, carrying many boats and reflected lights as it travels into the distance.

As the city lights begin to twinkle, the bustling cityscape carries a cold, unfamiliar feeling.

This magnificent yet slightly desolate scene inexplicably touched a string that had been taut deep within her heart.

After walking in silence for a while, Xia He suddenly spoke softly, her voice lacking its previous elation and filled with a subtle sadness: "Ye Heng, look at this city, so big, so prosperous, countless stories unfold every day."

"Why are you suddenly bringing this up?" Ye Heng realized that Xia He might be about to share some heartfelt thoughts with him.

She gazed somewhat unfocused at the river. "Actually... my family isn't well-off. My parents are honest, hardworking country folk who worked tirelessly to support my brother and me through school. My brother had just graduated from university and found a job, and it seemed like things would be getting better for us..."

Her voice lowered, choked with sobs: "But two years ago, my brother was in a serious car accident. Although he survived, he became a vegetable and has been lying in the hospital ever since. To pay for his treatment, our family's savings were all spent, and we are now in debt."

"My parents had no choice but to come to the city together. My father works as a migrant worker on a construction site, and my mother rents a small house near the hospital, doing odd jobs while taking care of my brother... My tuition for university was covered by student loans, and my living expenses were covered by part-time jobs and scholarships."

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