After a seven or eight-hour drive, Lu Ming and An Yirou finally arrived at their home county. Lu Ming, with his extensive business acumen, asked Li Chengyao, a member of his team, to secure a bus ticket for An Yirou to return home and celebrate the New Year with her family. Meanwhile, Lu Ming opted to drive to his hometown in the countryside by himself.
As the car journeyed through the picturesque landscapes, they approached Lujia Village, Lu Ming's hometown. Although small, with only 300 households, the village boasted a charming simplicity that resonated with Lu Ming's childhood memories.
Driving along the village road, the Maybach 62S-Landaulet that carried them drew attention. Even though the villagers might not recognize the luxury car's logo, its opulent appearance was unmistakable. It was a stark contrast to the ordinary scenes of rural life.
"It's almost there," Lu Ming said casually, steering the car through the village.
An Yirou, a mix of excitement and nervousness evident on her face, inquired, "How should I behave when I meet your uncle and aunt later? Should I help with the dishes and housework? Do I need to be more diligent?"
Lu Ming chuckled, "You've been watching too many TV dramas. Just be yourself, a beautiful woman quietly enjoying the visit."
The village roads turned more familiar as they neared Lu Ming's home. An Yirou gazed at the idyllic scenery outside the car, her thoughts wandering. Eventually, she turned to Lu Ming with curious eyes, "You are quite a mystery. According to common sense, someone with your background, vision, cognition, and environment wouldn't come from an ordinary rural family. Don't get me wrong; I'm not being discriminatory, but it's just hard for me to understand."
Lu Ming smiled, appreciating her curiosity. However, revealing his extraordinary circumstances as a time traveler wasn't an option. Instead, he replied with a smile, "Sometimes, there are geniuses in the world. To borrow a phrase from Sherlock Holmes: when you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth. The fact is, my parents were ordinary, and I graduated from high school."
An Yirou smiled back, "It doesn't matter; you're mine anyway!"
As they approached Lu Ming's hometown, he dropped An Yirou at the bus stop for her journey back and drove to his parents' house.
Entering the village, Lu Ming couldn't help but notice the attention the Maybach attracted. When the car pulled into the yard, Lu Ming's mother greeted them with joy. After exchanging pleasantries, Lu Ming retrieved a safe from the car, sparking the curiosity of those present.
Lu Ming's mother, concerned, asked, "Son, why did you bring so much money back? People are saying you're a billionaire. I didn't realize your career had become this big. Now, the whole village and even the county know about you."
She shared how the constant visits from people wanting to give gifts and praises had become overwhelming. Lu Ming chuckled, realizing that the fame had made his parents hesitant to come home for the Chinese New Year.
Lu Ming's mother, satisfied with An Yirou, assured her support, saying, "Xiaoyi, if this guy ever bullies you, tell Auntie. Auntie is your backer, supporting you to stand up to him."
An Yirou, sweetly smiling, replied, "Thank you, Auntie. Lu Ming has been very kind to me."
The conversation shifted, and Lu Ming's mother expressed relief and happiness for the couple. Lu Ming then explained that he brought some money back to help with the requests from relatives and friends in the village. His parents had experienced the downside of their son's success—the constant visits and requests for help.
Lu Ming used a small amount of money to buy out the favor, ensuring that those who had asked for help would not come to the door again. This way, he could maintain positive relationships without being burdened by constant requests.
As the evening continued, Lu Ming and his parents chatted about various topics, and Lu Ming's mother expressed her satisfaction with his choice of An Yirou. Lu Ming, appreciating the warmth of home, found solace in the familiar surroundings and the company of his loved ones. The quaint simplicity of the village, coupled with the joyous atmosphere of reunion, created a perfect setting for the Chinese New Year celebration.