"As expected of you, Zheng. Heh heh. Speaking of which, surely you haven't forgotten about that beauty we couldn't stop thinking about!" Li Hao said.

Chen Zheng felt a headache coming on, fighting the urge to just kick him.

"Are you talking about the village beauty?"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Li Hao nodded his head like a chicken pecking at rice.

The village beauty, Li Qiaoqiao, was as beautiful as a celestial nymph. Once upon a time, she was the goddess in the dreams of all the young men, including Chen Zheng and Li Hao. However, Li Qiaoqiao's deep feelings for Li Hao made it difficult for anyone else to get between them. As they grew older, their bond deepened, but Li Qiaoqiao's mother, Zhang Pingcui, hoped she would marry a better man. To that end, she forbade Li Qiaoqiao from seeing Li Hao, preventing their love from developing further.

Although they were both busy with their own lives in college, they managed to keep in touch, albeit inconsistently. Now, during this reunion, it was clear Li Hao's feelings for Li Qiaoqiao were still deep, and it seemed she couldn't stop thinking about him either. It looked like there was a chance for them to rekindle their old flame, but her parents' opposition stood in their way.

Chen Zheng looked at Li Hao and said, "You're the boss of Gourmet City now. You should have plenty of confidence."

Li Hao said shyly, "I want you to come with me to see Li Qiaoqiao."

Chen Zheng looked helpless. "Alright, alright, let's go! I have no idea what you're so shy about. Qian Qian, let's go with this guy."

"Okay!" Liu Qianqian replied, smiling brightly as she followed Chen Zheng.

Ecstatic, Li Hao led the way like a cheerful little bird. Before long, the three of them arrived at the end of the village, where Li Qiaoqiao was in her vegetable garden, watering the verdant sprouts.

"Wow!" Liu Qianqian exclaimed. "She's so beautiful!"

"Of course! She's the beauty of our Mumu Village!" Chen Zheng said before giving Li Hao a light kick. "Go on, your beautiful girl is waiting for you!"

Li Hao nodded and walked toward Li Qiaoqiao, his movements stiff and awkward.

Sensing someone approaching, Li Qiaoqiao slowly lifted her head. When she saw Li Hao, a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes, but her expression quickly returned to one of calm.

"Qiao Qiao!" Li Hao called out, stopping three meters in front of her.

"Yes," Li Qiaoqiao responded softly.

Then... silence.

Chen Zheng slapped his forehead. This was supposed to be a passionate reunion!

"But my mother..." Li Qiaoqiao's voice was heavy.

Hearing this, Li Hao couldn't help but tremble. "I... I know..."

Watching from the side, Chen Zheng felt the corner of his mouth twitch. These two are talking in riddles... Most importantly, they clearly have feelings for each other but are being held back by some invisible wall, completely stifling their love.

[Ding! Congratulations, Host! You've successfully triggered a choice-based mission.]

[Option 1: Help Li Hao rekindle his old romance. Reward: +10 Charm Points.]

[Option 2: Let things develop naturally. Reward: The "Callous and Uncaring" title.]

Just then, the system's voice rang out in his mind.

At the same time, Liu Qianqian couldn't help but whisper, "Those two are so pitiful. They're clearly in love, but they can't be together!" She clasped her hands together. "If I were the God of Matchmaking, I would definitely tie their red threads of fate together so nothing could ever stand in their way!"

Hearing this, Chen Zheng frowned. He immediately thought of the Fate Card in his storage space.

[Fate Card: When used on two people, it will bind them for life, never to be parted.]

Without a moment's hesitation, Chen Zheng took out the Fate Card.

I choose the first option!

His gaze fell upon Li Hao and Li Qiaoqiao as he silently activated the card. The Fate Card trembled as if it were alive before instantly shattering into countless points of light, which then dissipated like stars into the air.

At that moment, Li Qiaoqiao and Li Hao stared, stunned by the unexpected spectacle. The next moment, the air seemed to thicken. Mustering all her courage, Li Qiaoqiao cried out, "Haozi, I like you! I want to be with you forever!"

Li Hao's response was equally determined. "Me too, Qiao Qiao. No matter how many difficulties lie ahead, I'm ready to face them with you by my side."

With their feelings declared, they rushed toward each other and embraced tightly.

"That's truly magical!" Chen Zheng exclaimed in amazement.

Liu Qianqian covered her mouth, her eyes brimming with joy.

"We shouldn't disturb them," Chen Zheng said with a smile, taking Liu Qianqian's hand to leave.

[Ding! As the host has successfully made a choice, you have received the following reward: +10 Charm Points.]

Walking behind Chen Zheng, Liu Qianqian suddenly noticed that his silhouette seemed even more handsome than before, causing her cheeks to flush slightly. Chen Zheng, however, didn't pay any mind to this. He was just happy he could help his brother and wasn't particularly concerned about any rewards.

"Qiao Qiao, let's go to your house," Li Hao said, gently pulling back to look at her with eyes full of deep affection. "I'm confident I can convince your mother to accept us!"

Li Qiaoqiao nodded, her own eyes sparkling with determination. Hand in hand, they left together, heading for her home.

Soon, they arrived at Li Qiaoqiao's house and walked right in. Although her family wasn't wealthy, their living conditions were quite decent. Her parents were farmers, and she was their only daughter.

"Qiao Qiao, you're back?" Li Yuanguang and Zhang Pingcui were chatting in the living room, their faces bearing warm, affectionate smiles. However, when they saw Li Hao and Li Qiaoqiao standing hand in hand at the door, their smiles instantly froze.

"Qiao Qiao, Haozi, what are you two doing?" Li Yuanguang's voice was filled with suppressed anger.

"Uncle Li, I'm in love with Qiao Qiao!" Li Hao declared, his gaze as firm as a rock.

"In love?" Zhang Pingcui's face turned grim. "Haozi, our family of three has endured hard times together. All we want is for Qiao Qiao to have a happy life. Do you understand?"

"Mother! Haozi can give me a wonderful life!" Li Qiaoqiao responded with equal resolve.

"Absolutely not! Qiao Qiao, let go of him this instant and tell him to leave!" Zhang Pingcui said, refusing to yield.

"Aunt, I..."

Before Li Hao could finish, Zhang Pingcui cut him off. "Haozi, save your breath. A child's marriage is decided by the parents' command and the matchmaker's word. If we don't agree, you two can never be together!"

"Mother! I won't marry anyone but Haozi!" Li Qiaoqiao pleaded, her eyes welling with tears.

"What is this nonsense!" Li Yuanguang shouted, jumping to his feet in a rage.

"Dad, Mom! I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I'm not marrying anyone but Haozi! If you're still going to oppose this, then you can just pretend you don't have a daughter!" Li Qiaoqiao cried, her eyes filled with a mixture of tears and determination.

"You... You're completely out of control!" Li Yuanguang raged, his finger trembling as he pointed at his daughter.

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