The meal lasted for a long time, finally concluding with everyone in high spirits.
Many were quite tipsy, including Qin Chuan and Ye Qingping themselves.
After the meal, considering everyone's journey, Qin Chuan arranged for hotels for all of them, allowing them to shower and rest for a day. Those who weren't drunk could explore the county town at their leisure to familiarize themselves before heading to the factory tomorrow.
In a spacious hotel room, as soon as Qin Chuan and Ye Qingping stepped inside, they were instantly sober, their formerly hazy eyes now clear.
They exchanged a knowing glance, a smile of understanding passing between them.
As seasoned veterans of countless banquets and drinking sessions, they had mastered the art of "feigning drunkenness." After all, to maintain this pace indefinitely would truly ruin their health.
In contrast, Ye Meiyun was genuinely a bit drunk, her cheeks flushed, her eyes distant, mumbling to herself as she sat on the bed.
Ye Qingping shook his head watching this scene.
Despite being married and thirty-two years old, his sister lacked experience in many aspects; she was a very straightforward person.
Growing up in a well-off family, Ye Meiyun had never worked. After marrying into another affluent family, she had no need to either.
Especially after giving birth to her niece, Ye Meiyun had almost completely abandoned the idea of working.
Annual dividends from company shares were more than enough for her to spend lavishly. Her days were spent at home, either accompanying her child or shopping with her friends, indulging in beauty treatments and maintaining her life as a wealthy wife.
Had it not been for that unfortunate incident, Ye Meiyun would likely have lived her entire life this way, a life that was both monotonous and devoid of excitement.
Alas, life is rarely a smooth path...
"Meiyun, have some tea!"
Ye Qingping poured a cup of tea and handed it to his sister.
Ye Meiyun struggled to sit up on the bed and said, "Thank you, Brother! Big Brother is always the kindest to me!"
After a cup of steaming hot tea, much of Ye Meiyun's drunkenness seemed to dissipate, and her eyes regained some clarity.
She then went to the bathroom, washed her face, and emerged completely sober.
Seeing Qin Chuan and Ye Qingping smoking in the room, neither speaking, she commented,
"You two are something else, smoking without opening the window. The room is filled with smoke, it's so stuffy..."
Ye Meiyun opened the window, and a gust of cool, fresh air rushed in.
"During the meal, I didn't have a chance to ask about your situation. Let's talk properly now! What exactly happened?"
Ye Qingping finally spoke.
Qin Chuan and Ye Meiyun exchanged a look. "Sister, why don't you tell him?"
Ye Meiyun demurred, returning to sit on the bed. "Brother, this is a long story..."
She then proceeded to recount to Ye Qingping everything that had transpired since her husband's accident.
This included her collaboration with Qin Chuan on the electronic locker project...
Hearing how much his sister had gone through since her husband's death, Ye Qingping was astonished, especially about her being framed by other shareholders of Ziguang Electronics Factory.
"How could you not have told us about such major events at home!"
"Brother, I'm already married, so I couldn't bother the family with my affairs."
Ye Meiyun seemed remarkably calm, clearly having matured significantly after her experiences.
"Besides, you are all so busy; I thought I could handle these small matters myself."
Ye Qingping frowned. "And your in-laws? Don't they know?"
"I think they probably do!"
Mentioning her in-laws, Ye Meiyun's expression suddenly turned peculiar, as if she were trying hard to suppress something.
Qin Chuan, being perceptive, noticed this, and a flash of sharp insight crossed his eyes.
Ye Qingping, however, did not notice and continued his questioning. "Then didn't they help you in any way?"
"Help me? Heh!"
Ye Meiyun let out a light laugh. "In my awkward situation, some people there probably wish I would leave sooner. Plus, I didn't give them a son, only a daughter."
"In their words, it would be better to sell the shares in Ziguang Electronics Factory, then I can go wherever I want in the future."
*Bang!!*
This time, as soon as Ye Meiyun finished speaking, a fist slammed down on the table, echoing through the room.
Ye Qingping, enraged, stood up, his face contorted with anger. "That family is truly detestable!"
"You haven't remarried, so you're still considered part of their Song family, and they're urging you to leave quickly. It's obvious they're afraid you'll covet the family fortune!"
Ye Meiyun chuckled self-deprecatingly, seemingly too weary to dwell on the unpleasant matter.
Ye Qingping, sensing this, quickly changed the subject. "What about Niuniu? You've come here, so what about Niuniu?"
"I've temporarily sent Niuniu to Mom and Dad's place for them to look after," Ye Meiyun said. "Once things are stable here, I'll figure out how to bring Niuniu over."
"That's the only way for now!"
Ye Qingping finally had a detailed understanding of his sister's situation. Suddenly, his gaze shifted to Qin Chuan. "That electronic... you two have?"
"Electronic lockers!"
Qin Chuan interjected.
"Right, the electronic locker project. What stage is it at? It's worth so many people coming together, and you've even brought in several top talents..." Ye Qingping inquired.
"County Mayor Ye, regarding the electronic locker project, we've actually succeeded!"
Qin Chuan announced.
"What? It's already successful?"
Ye Qingping was greatly surprised.
"Brother, it's truly successful. We're just lacking in marketing," Ye Meiyun said. "If the accident hadn't happened, the electronic lockers would likely already be on sale and distributed nationwide."
"No wonder you're all so motivated. It turns out a significant part of the reason is here..."
Ye Qingping finally understood why his sister and Li Chunsheng were willing to follow Qin Chuan to this small county. Their joint project was just one step away from completion.
Anyone in their shoes would have continued to pursue it, otherwise all the effort put in so far would have been in vain.
"Have you brought any samples? I'd like to see what kind of treasure these electronic lockers are to make so many of you so eager!"
Ye Qingping was filled with curiosity.
"Brother, the electronic lockers are inconvenient to carry. We've just arrived, and some samples have been entrusted to a logistics company. They should arrive in at least two to three days," Ye Meiyun explained with a smile.
Hearing this, Ye Qingping couldn't hide his disappointment but then asked with renewed enthusiasm, "Then tell me in detail, what are the special features and advantages of these electronic lockers?"
"Going by the name, they seem to be for storing things..."
More than two hours later, Qin Chuan and Ye Qingping left the hotel together.
On the way to drive County Mayor Ye to work, Ye Qingping suddenly asked, "Qin Chuan, have you found a suitable place for my sister to live?"