Get those stones going boys and tomboys, we need to get those numbers up!
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{Chapter: 370: Pay off debts for a lifetime!}
Lin Yuan smiled. "It's still in production, but the final version should be ready in a couple of days. Fair warning—the price won't be cheap."
He paused, looking at Xiao Lian and Xiao He. "Since you two helped Wanxi so much while she was recovering, I'll reward each of you with a box of masks at the end of the year."
"Pffft!" Xiao Lian and Xiao He both gasped with joy, their grins nearly reaching their ears.
"I knew following the Young Master would lead to treasure!" Xiao Lian cheered.
"More skincare, less housework—deal of the century!" Xiao He added with a laugh.
Lin Yuan shook his head. "Actually, the production cost isn't that high. Once we're ready to scale, we'll mass-produce it and make it available to regular consumers. Everyone deserves to look their best."
"Thank you, Young Master!" the girls chorused happily.
After the beauty trials, the group decided to take a break and enjoy the evening scenery.
The villa was located near a scenic riverside path. Just a short walk away was a long stretch of a peaceful river, wide and glimmering under the dim glow of the night lights. The cool breeze from the water made the atmosphere comfortable and romantic.
Lin Yuan and the five women walked leisurely along the riverbank, the night alive with the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft lapping of water against stone.
The city's lights reflected on the water, shimmering like scattered jewels, creating a dreamlike scene.
"Wow! Look over there! It's a cruise ship!" Xiao Lian pointed excitedly into the distance.
"Yeah! It's huge!" Xiao He echoed, her eyes wide in awe.
Lin Yuan followed their gaze and nodded calmly. "That reminds me… I actually own two cruise ships. We'll go out on one of them next time."
"Really?!" Xiao Lian and Xiao He's voices practically overlapped.
He then turned to Qiu Wanxi. "You don't get seasick, do you?"
"Nope!" Qiu Wanxi said with a bright smile, clearly excited by the idea.
"As expected of the Young Master…" Xiao Lian and Xiao He sighed dreamily, their eyes filled with admiration.
Lin Yuan chuckled as he glanced over at Xiao Lian and Xiao He, who were still walking a few steps ahead. "You two need to toss out those kiddie swimsuits before we set foot on my cruise ship. I've got a strict dress code."
"Hmph!" The two girls pouted in unison, crossing their arms over their chests as they turned their heads with exaggerated frustration.
But their tiny rebellion only lasted a second—because they couldn't suppress their smiles for long.
Behind them, Qiu Wanxi giggled softly, the sweet melody of her laughter adding to the night's gentle rhythm. Her steps slowed as she naturally fell into stride beside Lin Yuan.
The lights from across the river shimmered like a galaxy in motion, casting a dreamy glow upon the water's surface. The group walked quietly along the river path, the city's heartbeat distant yet soothing. As they walked, the others wandered ahead, chatting and admiring the view, leaving Lin Yuan and Qiu Wanxi trailing behind in their own little bubble.
Qiu Wanxi reached out with her slender arm and gently wrapped it around Lin Yuan's. Her touch was soft, featherlight, but it carried a weight of emotion.
"Young Master… is this okay?" she asked, looking up at him with wide, gentle eyes. "Is it uncomfortable for me to hold you like this?"
Lin Yuan turned his head slightly and met her gaze with a warm smile. "Of course not."
How could it be? With her delicate fingers resting on his arm and her fragrance subtly wafting through the air, the feeling was nothing short of blissful. It would be strange not to enjoy such warmth.
"Hehe… That's good to know." Qiu Wanxi's voice was barely above a whisper as she leaned closer, tightening her hold just a little and pressing her soft figure gently against his side.
A soft breeze passed by, tousling her hair.
"Look, Young Master!" Qiu Wanxi suddenly pointed toward the riverbank. "The lights over there… they're even more beautiful from this angle!"
Lin Yuan raised his head and followed her gaze.
The Riverview Villa was situated in a quiet, serene location, far from the bustling crowds. Across the river, however, the city of Jiangbei unfolded in full splendor—its skyline illuminated by a thousand dazzling lights. In the stillness of the night, with nothing but the sound of the wind and water between them and the city, it felt like they were standing at the edge of a dream.
"It's beautiful," Lin Yuan agreed, his tone mellow.
Qiu Wanxi nodded slowly. "This is only the second time I've seen something so stunning."
"The second?" Lin Yuan looked at her, curious. "When was the first?"
Her cheeks turned the color of sunset as she looked away, bashfully brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It was the time we rode the Ferris wheel together… Remember? At the top, just before we kissed."
A wave of warmth washed over Lin Yuan. He remembered it vividly—the view, the tension, and the moment their lips met. The memory was etched into both of their hearts.
"That moment felt like a dream," Qiu Wanxi whispered, her voice tinged with emotion. "And now this... feels just as magical."
She paused for a beat and then added softly, "If I hadn't met you, I might never have seen any of this. Young Master…"
But before she could continue, Lin Yuan interrupted gently. "Wanxi, this isn't the end. It's just the beginning. Your illness is gone. You have your whole life ahead of you now—there's a lot more I plan to show you."
Qiu Wanxi blinked rapidly as her eyes began to mist. Her heart felt so full she thought it might burst.
"Hmm…" she murmured, then rested her small head against his shoulder, her long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings.
Moments passed quietly between them.
Then, in a voice barely above the night wind, Qiu Wanxi whispered again, "Young Master… thank you."
"Hm?" Lin Yuan tilted his head slightly.
She continued, her words raw with emotion. "Thank you for everything—for curing me, for giving me the cake shop, for making my dreams possible. My life, my happiness… it's all because of you."
She smiled through her tears. "When my parents died, everything turned gray. My days were cold and empty. I felt like a wilted flower in a forgotten corner of the world. Sometimes, the only light I'd see was when the wind moved the curtain just right…"
"But then… you came in. You didn't just open the curtain—you broke down the entire wall and let the sun in. You're like the warm sun that brought my world back to life."
Her voice trembled slightly as she reached the end. "So… thank you, Young Master. I know I can never repay you. Not even in a lifetime. But… I just want you to know... I really like you."
Her cheeks burned red with embarrassment.
"I…"
But before she could say anything more, Lin Yuan stopped her the only way he could.
He leaned down and kissed her.
It wasn't a rushed or stolen kiss—it was a firm, silent affirmation.
Qiu Wanxi's eyes widened in surprise, but quickly fluttered closed. Her cheeks flushed deep red, her body melting against him, and she made no effort to resist.
Far ahead, Xiao Lian and Xiao He had turned around, wondering why the couple had fallen behind.
Their eyes widened when they spotted Lin Yuan and Qiu Wanxi in a passionate kiss beneath the riverside lights.
"Eek!" Xiao Lian squeaked and quickly turned around.
Xiao He clutched her own cheeks and muttered, "Why do I feel like I just got kissed too...?"
Jiang Rou stood silently, her lips pursed. The complicated feelings in her heart swirled again.
As if sensing her stare, Lin Yuan finally let go after three to four minutes. Qiu Wanxi was left breathless, panting softly, her face radiant with emotion.
"Young Master…" she whispered again.
Lin Yuan smirked slightly. "Helping you recover was just an investment. If you're so thankful, then pay off the debt by working for me for the rest of your life."
"Okay…" Qiu Wanxi replied, her voice so soft it almost melted in the wind. She leaned her head against his chest again, smiling in contentment.
Just as they stood wrapped in warmth and intimacy, a sudden sound came from further ahead—a shout or perhaps a cry.
Both Lin Yuan and Qiu Wanxi lifted their heads instinctively.
Their soft smiles faded into alert expressions.
Something was going on.
And it wasn't part of the peaceful night.