"Qin Chuan, what are you saying?"
Hearing that Qin Chuan was going to invest two million yuan, Shang Bingrong and his wife's eyes widened in disbelief.
They were shocked not only by Qin Chuan's decision but also by the sheer amount of two million yuan.
In the current environment, two million was no small sum.
"Uncle Shang, Auntie, I'm not lying to you, this is true."
"If you don't believe me, you can ask Hong Lian, she knows about this."
"As early as last year when I went to the capital and learned about Boss Liu's research direction, I decided to invest!"
Qin Chuan explained.
"Dad, Mom, everything Qin Chuan Ge said is true!"
Shang Hong Lian said excitedly upon seeing this.
"Now you should believe that our research direction is correct, right? Even Qin Chuan Ge is so optimistic about it!"
"Uncle and Auntie, online shopping is not the deceptive thing you imagine. It is a product of the internet that can be completely realized in reality."
Liu Dongqiang, being sharp, seized the opportunity to increase his persuasion.
"And Hong Lian is a very smart girl, with great talent in computer software development."
"If you truly tie her down by your side, it would really be holding her back!"
Shang Bingrong and his wife were momentarily undecided, their expressions a mix of shock and doubt.
"Uncle Shang, Auntie, I can understand your love for Hong Lian, it's a natural parental instinct."
"You don't ask your children to be overly capable, you just wish for their safety by your side."
Qin Chuan said again.
"However, I want to add a word, your concern, though well-intentioned, often requires listening to the children's wishes."
"If the children are willing to listen to you, then let the adults arrange everything."
"But if the children are unwilling, if they have their own ideals and ambitions, then as parents, you should respect their wishes."
"After all, children will have their own lives. Elders will eventually pass away and cannot care for them forever. Do you agree with what I said?"
Shang Bingrong and his wife remained silent for a long time, their gazes meeting with complex expressions.
It was clear that receiving such a large dose of new information had overwhelmed the elderly couple, who needed time to process it.
"Dad! Mom!"
"Give me three years. I'm only twenty-two this year, and I'll be twenty-five in three years! If I can't achieve something by then, I'll obediently come back and listen to you, okay?"
"At that time, you can have me work in the system, or anywhere else you wish!"
Shang Hong Lian's tone was pleading, her rosy face filled with pitiable innocence.
Shang Bingrong and his wife remained silent, their expressions clearly showing their internal struggle. However, they ultimately loved their daughter, otherwise, this situation wouldn't have occurred today.
"Uncle, Auntie, in three years, I guarantee we can build the shopping platform!"
Liu Dongqiang also pledged.
Unfortunately, his words lacked much persuasive power. To be precise, Shang Bingrong and his wife did not fully trust him.
"Qin Chuan, do you truly believe this online shopping they're researching has a bright future?"
Shang Bingrong turned to ask Qin Chuan, trusting him more than Liu Dongqiang and the others.
"Uncle Shang, yes! I am very optimistic about them!"
Qin Chuan answered without hesitation.
As his answer fell, Liu Dongqiang's eyes were filled with gratitude.
As for Shang Hong Lian herself, her beautiful eyes showed deep emotional fluctuations, not only gratitude but also a host of other emotions, her eyes glistening, evoking much thought.
"Alright, Hong Lian, we will give you three years!"
Shang Bingrong suddenly declared with a firm voice.
"Three years from now, if your project truly yields results, then your mother and I will no longer interfere excessively in your life decisions."
Shang Hong Lian stood up excitedly, threw herself into her father's arms, and jumped with joy, "Thank you, Dad! Thank you, Dad! I knew you loved me the most..."
"Don't I love you too?"
Shang Bingrong's wife said softly.
Shang Hong Lian immediately reacted, turned, and hugged her mother's neck, beginning to act spoiled.
In an instant, the tense atmosphere in the private room transformed.
Everyone was laughing joyfully.
Much later, the lunch meal slowly concluded.
Qin Chuan had drunk quite a lot, Liu Dongqiang was completely drunk, and Shang Bingrong was also swaying unsteadily.
In their happiness, Shang Hong Lian had also had a few glasses of red wine, her small face flushed.
Liu Dongqiang's original plan to leave that day was clearly disrupted. He was taken back to the hotel by the young man named Bao Zi.
"Uncle Shang, goodbye!"
Qin Chuan stood by the entrance of the Fan Dian, watching Shang Bingrong's wife drive away, leaving only him and Shang Hong Lian.
"Hong Lian, where are you going? I'll give you a ride!"
Although Qin Chuan had drunk quite a bit, his tolerance was always high. He wasn't completely drunk, just slightly groggy.
He opened the car door and got in. Shang Hong Lian also got in.
After asking the question, not receiving a response for a long time, Qin Chuan looked at the passenger seat with confusion.
He found Shang Hong Lian staring intently at him, her large, watery eyes filled with shifting emotions, her breathing rapid.
"Hong Lian? Hong Lian? What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Qin Chuan asked with concern.
Unexpectedly, as soon as he finished speaking, Shang Hong Lian, who had been motionless, suddenly reached out, grabbed his neck, and then her plump, soft lips firmly pressed against his.
"Mmm~~~"
Caught off guard by such an assault, Qin Chuan was stunned for a moment, his eyes wide, his mind going blank for an instant.
Until he felt the inexperienced and fumbling kisses on his lips, Qin Chuan finally regained his senses. His previously muddled head became incredibly clear.
"Hong Lian, what are you doing?"
Qin Chuan forcefully pushed away the girl who was holding him tightly, his face filled with astonishment.
After being pushed away, Shang Hong Lian was breathing rapidly, panting heavily, unsure if it was from nervousness, excitement, or something else.
"Qin Chuan Ge, do you know? I... I like you!"
"I've liked you for a long time!!"
Shang Hong Lian confessed to Qin Chuan.
This time, Qin Chuan was completely bewildered, staring dumbfounded at the emotional girl in front of him.
"You... no... I..."
Qin Chuan felt his thoughts were in utter chaos. The usually eloquent and articulate him found himself speechless for the first time.
Because he was truly too shocked at that moment.
Shang Hong Lian's sudden confession had completely caught him off guard.