After the graduation ceremony, Lacey and Carol packed their things and loaded them into Rick's Mercedes-Benz business van.

Carol, holding her grandmother's hand, got into Rick's car. At this moment, Lacey was almost clinging to Jax, holding his hand as they got into his SUV. The two vehicles left the campus one after the other.

Along the way, Lacey and Jax chatted happily.

"Jax, you're so thoughtful, giving me such a big surprise!" she said, holding the large flowers under her petite nose, constantly smelling the fragrance, having not put them down since leaving school.

Jax glanced at her and said with a proud smile, "Graduating from university is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Not creating some profound memories would be a regret for life, don't you think?"

"Yes," Lacey replied, rubbing her nose against the petals, somewhat shyly asking, "Are we officially boyfriend and girlfriend now?"

"What do you think?" he asked, tilting his head.

"Stop it! I don't know. It feels like I'm in a dream. This all happened so suddenly; I wasn't prepared," she said bashfully, covering her entire face with the bouquet.

Jax laughed heartily at this. Once his laughter subsided, he said thoughtfully, "From now on, you're my girlfriend. Nobody else had better try anything, or I'll fight them for it!"

Lacey felt a sweetness in her heart and slowly leaned her head on his shoulder.

Carol and her grandmother sat hand in hand in the middle row of the Mercedes-Benz. Carol's beautiful eyes never left Rick's profile, a detail not missed by her experienced grandmother.

"Carol, now that you've graduated, what kind of job do you want?" her grandmother asked, holding her slender fingers, eyes full of affection.

"I would prefer something related to my major, like working in an advertising agency, a corporate marketing department, or a media advertising department. Anything related to advertising is good," Carol replied without much thought.

"As long as you're happy," her grandmother said, wishing only for her happiness.

"If you don't mind, come work at my company," Rick suddenly suggested while driving.

Carol looked at her grandmother, who smiled back, not nodding in agreement but instead using her gentle gaze to seek Carol's opinion.

After hesitating, Carol said, "Rick, your company is so big, I'm afraid I won't do well. I should start at a smaller company to gain some experience."

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"We graduated from a top university; there's no need to go to a small company for experience. Just come work for me. Start by learning in the workshop if you're worried about not doing well. Once you're familiar with our products and operations, move to the planning department," Rick decisively concluded, leaving no room for discussion.

Carol playfully pouted at Rick's back. Her grandmother smiled and patted her hand.

The two cars, carrying everyone, soon arrived at the Lacey family villa. Rick had arranged a lavish meal at home to celebrate Lacey and Carol's graduation.

The ingredients were plentiful: crabs, prawns, sea fish, shellfish... It was like a grand seafood feast, keeping Carol busy in the kitchen with Rick.

Lacey, Jax, and Carol's grandmother were in the living room, drinking water, snacking, and chatting, comfortable and unreserved with each other.

Carol's grandmother liked Lacey's straightforward and carefree nature, which made her easy to accept. She asked with a smile, "Lacey, how did you meet Jax?"

Lacey blushed slightly, batting her long eyelashes, "We got to know each other through my brother. He has a partnership with Jax's company. But actually, I knew of him long before that. I used to watch his live streams every day." She glanced shyly at Jax.

Jax smiled back at her without saying a word.

"Then you two are meant to be! A handsome couple indeed," the grandmother said with blessings, making them both slightly embarrassed.

"Dinner's ready!" Carol called everyone to the table. Wearing an apron, she looked every bit the lady of the house. Her grandmother's eyes sparkled with pride.

Everyone sat down together, Rick taking the head of the table. Lacey and Jax sat on one side, Carol and her grandmother on the other.

"Let's raise our glasses. First, we must congratulate Carol and Lacey on completing their studies. From today, you're no longer students but independent women stepping into society. It would be best to use your hands to create happiness. But remember, your family will always be your strongest support," Rick said, his speech filled with passion.

Everyone was inspired. Lacey and Carol's eyes welled up with complex emotions: ambition, fear of the unknown, and nostalgia.

After everyone raised their glasses, Rick continued, "On the way back, I decided to offer Carol a job at my company. She hasn't decided yet, so I'd like to ask Carol and her grandmother for their opinion."

He looked earnestly at Carol and her grandmother. Lacey and Jax also turned their attention to them, waiting for the final decision.

Carol bit her lip, struggling internally. She didn't want to refuse the offer. Working at Rick's company would surely be smooth, but she didn't wish to have that ease. She wanted to share both sweet and bitter experiences with him.

She glanced at her grandmother, then firmly met Rick's gaze. "Rick, I appreciate your concern. I will work at your company, but not now. Please let me experience the hardships first. Once I'm ready, I'll come to you," she said firmly.

Hearing her determined words, Lacey was the first to react. She didn't expect her best friend to give up such an opportunity to strike out on her own. She frowned and tried to persuade her, "Carol, not everyone gets such a chance. My brother is offering you a great opportunity. You should seize it!"

Carol's gaze towards Lacey flickered but remained resolute as she continued to look at Rick.

Rick's eyes burned with admiration for her courage, increasing his affection. He wanted to confess his feelings right then but restrained himself, considering his inexperience in matters of the heart and his sister's influence. His restless heart gradually calmed.

"I respect your decision. The doors of Candy Group are always open to you, ready to welcome you whenever you're ready," he said, raising his glass to Carol. They both drank, showing empty glasses and sharing a smile of understanding, like close lovers.

The grandmother nodded approvingly, clinking her glass with Carol's, silently endorsing her decision.

"Lacey, what are your plans next?" Rick suddenly asked.