Qin Chuan did not know much about the Ye family's background, only that they were from the capital.
However, the special aura emanating from the three Ye siblings told Qin Chuan that the Ye family had a significant lineage.
Despite being in his mid-thirties, the eldest brother, Ye Qingping, did not regard the county magistrate as his equal, but rather as a stepping stone.
Although Ye Huai'an was unclear about what he did specifically, he exuded the prodigal demeanor of a wealthy family, comparable to Yang Conglong, his brother-in-law.
As for Ye Meiyun, the family she married into also seemed to possess considerable influence, but unfortunately, her husband had died in a car accident.
In short, the Ye family was shrouded in mystery, a place that ordinary people could not even dream of in their lifetimes.
Qin Chuan had tried to probe the Ye family's background numerous times, but he had always managed to suppress the thought in the end.
Now, hearing Ye Meiyun bring it up again, Qin Chuan felt a strong urge, almost asking what her maternal family actually did.
But the words on his lips were suppressed by his strong willpower.
Having lived two lives, Qin Chuan understood too well how sensitive such topics were and what consequences they could bring.
As it stood, Qin Chuan was content to maintain his current relationship with Ye Meiyun or Ye Qingping. While further progress would be welcome, no progress was also acceptable. In any case, he could not afford to regress.
“Sister Yun, what are your plans now?”
After a long hesitation, Qin Chuan changed the subject.
A rare resolve flickered across Ye Meiyun’s dignified and beautiful face. "I want to become stronger and break free from their constraints."
Qin Chuan blinked, seemingly caught off guard by the answer.
Suddenly, his heart skipped a beat, and he quickly grasped a key point. "Then this electronic locker business..."
"Xiao Chuan, you truly are a genius! You're so smart. I only hinted at it a little, and you guessed it right away!"
Ye Meiyun looked at Qin Chuan with surprise and excitement, her gaze making Qin Chuan a little embarrassed.
"That's right. I intend to use this electronic locker business to change my current predicament and let those short-sighted individuals know that my orphaned mother and child are not to be bullied!"
As she spoke, Qin Chuan sensed a powerful resilience and ambition emanating from Ye Meiyun.
He felt as if he was getting to know the mature and charming older sister before him anew. This breakfast conversation made Qin Chuan feel that he had underestimated her before.
Perhaps it was due to her unique upbringing, but Ye Meiyun possessed an innate ambition not to be outdone, much like County Magistrate Ye Qingping.
And of course, a strong heart!
"Don't be fooled by the large scale of Ziguang Electronics Factory. Since its inception, it has always been a contract manufacturer for others, meaning it has always lived under their wing."
"We do whatever they say, and we can only take on whatever orders they give us."
At this point, Ye Meiyun began to talk about Ziguang Electronics Factory, and Qin Chuan listened quietly.
"Since my husband passed away, people have become distant. The factions that used to court him and all sorts of relationships have changed significantly."
"If I want to escape this predicament, I have to find another way, so..."
Qin Chuan interrupted Ye Meiyun, "So when I called you that day and proposed the electronic locker project, you were moved!"
Ye Meiyun nodded, "Yes!"
Qin Chuan finally pieced together the whole story. He had initially been puzzled by how readily Ye Meiyun had agreed and how proactive she had been, completing the research and development of the electronic locker in about three months.
Even with their unusual relationship, it shouldn't have been so fast. It turned out she had this conviction in her heart.
With the conversation reaching this point, almost all the issues were laid bare.
"Xiao Chuan, I don't know what urgent matters you have to attend to."
Ye Meiyun spoke, her eyes fixed intently on Qin Chuan. "If it's not too important, can you... stay and help me?"
"I really need your help right now!"
As she finished the last sentence, a look of intense longing and sincerity shone in Ye Meiyun's eyes.
Qin Chuan immediately felt conflicted, torn between two difficult choices.
On one side was the futures market in the provincial capital, where he had invested his entire fortune, and he had only left his brother-in-law in charge, which made him uneasy.
On the other side was Ye Meiyun's plea, and he was also the second largest shareholder.
If the electronic locker business truly took off, it would bring him substantial benefits; the profits were tangible.
Just as Qin Chuan was caught in this dilemma, a hurried phone ring suddenly echoed from the bedroom.
Ye Meiyun stood up to get the phone, but Qin Chuan quickly said, "I'll get it!"
He then dashed into Ye Meiyun's bedroom, picked up the ringing phone from the nightstand, and subconsciously glanced at the caller ID, finding a name that read "Manager Xue."
Qin Chuan handed the phone to Ye Meiyun. Upon seeing the caller, a look of undisguised disgust flashed in Ye Meiyun's eyes, but she eventually answered.
"Hello, Manager Xue!"
"President Ye, it's already eight o'clock. Why haven't you come to work yet?"
As soon as the call connected, a haughty male voice came through, palpable even through the phone.
"Is it eight o'clock already?"
Ye Meiyun looked up at the wall clock and found that it was indeed eight o'clock. She and Qin Chuan had been talking for over half an hour without realizing it.
"I'm sorry, Manager Xue. I injured my leg a little and am on my way."
Ye Meiyun explained.
"Injured? Is that an excuse? All the senior management are waiting for you. Get here within fifteen minutes!"
Manager Xue reprimanded coldly over the phone before hanging up.
Ye Meiyun's complexion turned pale, and she decisively put down her food and returned to the bedroom to change.
In less than two minutes, Ye Meiyun reappeared. Unlike the blue uniform she wore yesterday, today she wore a light gray uniform and flat leather shoes.
The fitted uniform accentuated her graceful curves, and despite her slightly pale complexion, her stunning charm was undeniable.
"Sister, your leg..."
Qin Chuan hesitated.
"It's fine. Let's go!"
Ye Meiyun's expression turned calm and resolute. In this moment, she transformed back into the strong career woman, dignified, steady, and elegant, exuding a powerful aura.
This was a stark contrast to the pitiful plea for help at the breakfast table just minutes ago.
The two quickly went downstairs, and Qin Chuan started the Mercedes, rushing Ye Meiyun to the electronics factory.
Meanwhile, Ye Meiyun took advantage of the time to put on makeup in the passenger seat.
Upon reaching the electronics factory, Ye Meiyun paused slightly before getting out of the car. "Xiao Chuan, if you really have something to do, you should go back."
Watching Ye Meiyun's determined figure stride away in her leather shoes, Qin Chuan let out a wry smile. "Sister, you're forcing my hand!"