Liam had intended to refuse directly, but suddenly, Elena called.

After pressing answer, Elena’s voice came from the other side: "Liam, Clara wants to come with us as well."

Liam frowned and turned to look at Xu Chen: "Fine, then I’ll bring someone too, so they can keep each other company."

"Good, I’ll drive to the South Gate now." With that, Elena hung up.

Hearing there was a chance, Xu Chen ran up to Liam again, grinning: "Liam, tell me, do I still have a chance?"

Liam rolled his eyes at Xu Chen and replied flatly: "Lucky you."

Just like that, what was supposed to be a sweet date for two turned into a group outing for four.

On the way, Clara kept holding Elena’s hand, the two of them chatting and laughing quite happily.

Meanwhile, Xu Chen, like a curious child, was mesmerized by the antiques at the stalls at the South Gate.

"Liam, do you think if I hang this 'Shangfang sword' on my bedroom door, will all demons and monsters steer clear of me?"

Liam glanced at Xu Chen: "The one they have there has been blessed."

Xu Chen paused, holding the sword, his eyes flickering: "That makes sense! I’ll find some time to go to the temple to get one blessed."

Liam ignored him further, turning to walk toward Elena and placing a chic, hand-woven flower wreath on her head.

"The old lady selling flowers said: wear flowers in this life, and you will be beautiful in the next."

"When did you buy this?" Elena was surprised, her eyes shining.

Liam curled the corners of his mouth, his voice gentle: "I saw it just now and thought it looked good, so I wanted to buy it for you."

Clara stood on the side, having been force-fed a heavy dose of affection: "I get it, I’ll go."

With that, Clara walked away from where they were and went to the other side to walk side-by-side with Xu Chen.

"Why are you carrying such a pile of junk?" Clara asked, looking at Xu Chen in confusion.

Xu Chen looked at his treasures in his arms, then at Clara, and asked uncertainly: "Who are you calling a pile of junk?"

Clara, fearing he wouldn't understand, pointed directly at the antiques in his arms with her finger: "Is it clear now?"

Xu Chen’s face darkened instantly, and he looked away: "I don't talk to ignorant women."

Clara’s fiery temper ignited immediately. She walked in front of Xu Chen, blocking his path: "I’m ignorant?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Xu Chen looked straight at Clara.

Clara was just about to retort, but when she saw the clear, deer-like eyes of Xu Chen, her heart skipped a beat for no reason.

The originally arrogant and domineering atmosphere between them suddenly started bubbling with pink romantic energy.

Chapter 27: Cleaning House

"Are you moving or not? If you’re not moving, don’t block the road!"

The urge from a passerby finally pulled the two distracted people back to reality.

Just as Clara was about to turn to the side, the crowd suddenly surged.

"The fireworks show is about to start, everyone hurry!"

As the broadcast rang out, the crowd became even more restless, and a child suddenly rushed over, knocking Clara down.

Just as she thought she was about to have a painful encounter with the ground, an arm swept around her waist.

After spinning around and regaining her footing, Clara saw that the person in front of her was none other than Xu Chen.

Her cheeks instantly began to burn, causing her to lower her head and whisper a soft, "Thank you."

Xu Chen let go and took a few steps back, creating distance: "It’s nothing. As long as you’re okay."

After saying this, he turned and began picking up the antiques that had fallen to the ground.

Clara pursed her lips, walked over silently, and bent down to help pick up the artifacts.

South Gate main entrance.

"Are their phones still unreachable?" Elena asked, looking worried.

Liam shook his head. He had called Xu Chen and Clara over a dozen times, but not a single call went through.

"Could they have gotten separated? Should we go look for them?"

"Forget about them, they’re adults." After saying this, Liam took Elena’s hand and walked to the bridge.

At this point, the bridge was packed with people; there wasn't even standing room.

Not long after, continuous "bangs" sounded in the night sky, and colorful fireworks bloomed like flowers.

Watching the fireworks unfold, Elena couldn't help but think of the past, and she couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

"I remember the last time I watched fireworks with you was on graduation day. I’m glad you’re still by my side now, and I’m glad we still love each other."

The loud explosions of the fireworks drowned out her voice, and Liam didn't hear what she said.

But in the moment the fireworks bloomed, he leaned in close to Elena and whispered in her ear: "I love you."

No matter what this world becomes, he will firmly continue to love her.

Love to the end of the world, love until the seas dry and the rocks crumble, love until there is not a single trace left of their existence on this earth.

The next day.

Liam officially brought Elena into the Liam Group headquarters as his personal secretary.

From the first day she entered the company, Elena stayed in the office all day, familiarizing herself with the processes.

Over time, she became increasingly adept at her work and became Liam’s most capable assistant.

President’s Office.

"Any schedule for the afternoon?" Liam flipped through the documents in his hand without looking up.

Elena stood before the desk, her tone steady: "I need to sign the raw material supply contract with the Neon Company."

Liam nodded slightly, his slender hands wielding a signature pen across the documents one by one.

Because he had just officially taken over the Liam Group, he was still busy dealing with miscellaneous files. Although the people at the board meeting didn't say anything on the surface, they still caused trouble behind the scenes.

Thinking of how the internal management had been replaced by personnel from the Shi family by Liam’s stepmother, Liam’s brow furrowed tightly.

Outside, the Liam Group was still a major conglomerate, but internally, it had long been hollowed out by the so-called board of directors.

Thinking of this, Liam’s pen stopped. He looked up at Elena and asked: "Who is in charge of the project in the South Suburbs?"

"Previously it was Director Liu of the Sales Department, but later it was changed to the Shi family's eldest son, Shi Qing."

Upon hearing the name "Shi," Liam’s expression darkened instantly, the chill in his deep eyes growing colder.

It seems his stepmother really left him plenty of "talent."

"Replace Shi Qing with the original Director Liu, and pull the background information on all the executors of other projects for me."

Elena quickly recorded it in her notebook: "Understood, President Liam."

When they got off work, it was already 10:30 PM.

Liam glanced at his watch and turned to Elena: "Want to grab a late-night snack?"

Elena was startled: "Eat what?"

"You’ll know when we get there, let’s go." After saying this, Liam drove away with Elena.

They finally arrived at the entrance of a hotpot restaurant near Jinghua College, which was at its liveliest hour.

The atmosphere of daily life permeated the air; this was a place they frequented in their college days.

"Boss, one yuan-yang pot (split pot)." After ordering, Liam took Elena to a private room on the second floor.

From the second-floor window, one could see the lively scene of the snack street.

Looking at the young faces walking on the road, Elena couldn't help but feel emotional: "It’s good to be young."

Time flies, and it had been seven years since they left the college.

Liam put down his chopsticks and looked directly at Elena: "But we are doing just fine now, aren't we?"

Elena turned her gaze back, looking at Liam with confusion: "What do you mean?"

Liam curled his lips, his voice slow: "Because we are at the perfect age for marriage, Mrs. Liam."

Chapter 28: Hit and Run

Elena was stunned, her heart racing: "What did you say?"

Liam clenched his hand into a fist and stretched it out in front of Elena, starting a countdown.

"Three, two, one!"

As Liam opened his hand, a necklace hanging a diamond ring appeared before Elena.

The blue diamond on the ring was exceptionally dazzling under the warm lights, and small roses were engraved on the ring band.

"They say blue diamonds are rare in this world, so I am using one to gift to my one-and-only beloved."

Liam’s magnetic voice carried endless tenderness, causing Elena to fall completely.

Elena felt a bit choked up, her eyes slowly turning red: "I..."

Liam gently wiped away the tears from the corners of Elena’s eyes, his gaze full of doting affection: "Silly pig, you won’t look pretty if you keep crying."