Threads of Uncertainty

The days following Chen Wei's visit passed in a blur for Li Mei. Her hands worked the clay on her wheel, but her thoughts wandered. She had spent much of her life shaping things—vases, bowls, sculptures—but now she felt like the clay, being molded by forces beyond her control.

Her family seemed quietly hopeful after Chen Wei's visit. Her father spoke of him with measured contentment during dinner, and her mother hummed softly while mending clothes, a sign of her approval. Even Li Xia, who usually dismissed village matters, made a passing comment about how "handsome and capable" Chen Wei was. But Li Jun remained silent, watching his sister carefully as if searching for signs of unease.

Chen Wei, on the other hand, had returned to the city of Lanhua early the next morning. His schedule was demanding—he had a deal to finalize with Yu Jian that required a day in the office, but not before visiting a nearby village where one of the Ning Industries' key construction projects was underway.

Ning Industries was more than a corporate name; it was a legacy. Ancestrally wealthy and deeply rooted in the city's development, the Ning family had built their reputation over decades. Their projects carried a prestige that few could rival, and their influence extended far beyond the city's limits. For Chen Wei, collaborating with Ning Industries was not just another milestone—it was a recognition of how far he had come since his humble beginnings.

At the construction site, the air was filled with the hum of machinery and the chatter of workers. Overseeing the progress was Ning Li, the project manager and daughter of Ning Industries' CEO. With her sharp mind and commanding presence, Ning Li was a force in her own right, respected by the workers and executives alike.

Ning Li had known Chen Wei since their college days. Back then, being the heiress of Ning Industries—a name that opened doors effortlessly to any prestigious institution. Chen Wei, on the other hand, was the bright scholarship student who had to work twice as hard to stand out. Yet, even then, she had admired him. His determination, intelligence, and refusal to be intimidated by wealth or status set him apart.

"Chen Wei," Ning Li greeted as he approached, her voice steady but warm. "You haven't changed much. Still as meticulous as ever."

Chen Wei offered a polite smile. "Good to see you, Ning Li. I see the project's in capable hands."

She glanced at the workers bustling around them. "It's coming along well, though I doubt it would've been as seamless without your team's designs. Your vision always had a way of blending practicality with community needs."

He nodded, his gaze shifting to the scaffolding in the distance. "It's a team effort. The goal is to make something that lasts—not just structurally but for the people who'll live and work here."

Ning Li studied him for a moment, her admiration evident. "You've come a long way, Chen Wei. From that scholarship student who barely had time to eat between classes to someone standing shoulder to shoulder with Ning Industries. It's impressive."

Her words carried genuine respect, but Chen Wei's thoughts were elsewhere. He acknowledged her with a brief nod, his expression thoughtful. "It's about doing the work, no matter where you start."

As they continued discussing the project, Ning Li couldn't help but feel a tinge of something she hadn't experienced in years—regret. Back in college, she had been too focused on maintaining her social image to truly connect with someone like Chen Wei, even though his sincerity had always intrigued her. Now, seeing the man he had become, she realized how much he had grown—and how much she had missed out on knowing him beyond superficial pleasantries.

But Chen Wei's mind wasn't on the past. Even as he walked through the site, taking note of every detail and ensuring everything was on track, his thoughts drifted to Xiaolong—and to Li Mei. Her words from their last conversation lingered in his mind, along with the image of her gentle smile.