Alright, Celeste Harrington is truly an understanding and considerate young woman. Although she was a bit fierce when we first met, that is no longer the case. The memory of that day is still vivid in my mind—I recall her standing at the entrance of the company, arms crossed, her gaze sharp, resembling a small lion fiercely guarding its territory. But now, her eyes reflect only warmth and concern.

As she drove, she casually inquired,"What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing," I replied."I was just recalling how you were so stern when I first came to see you. You were a completely different person back then."

"Of course," she chuckled softly, her voice tinged with playful mischief."At that time, I didn't know you, and I thought you were just trying to get on my good side. But then I found out you were from Eldoria, and I regretted being so harsh with you."

"Why?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

"Because you're handsome," she said, unabashedly, her eyes gleaming with a sly sparkle."I like you just the way you are."

"Are you just a fan of good looks?" I couldn't help but laugh.

"Yes, I like good-looking people. What's wrong with that? I'm not ugly either," she pouted, feigning a look of mock indignation.

"Yes, yes, my Celesteis the most beautiful," I quickly agreed, a warm feeling spreading through me."But we've only been dating for a day, and now I'm meeting your parents—don't you think this is moving a bit too fast?"

"Hey, you don't want to be with me, do you?" she suddenly turned to me, her eyes filled with a mix of nervousness and uncertainty.

"No, that's not it." I hastily explained, afraid of misunderstanding.

"Well then, you better make a good impression," she said, her tone teasing but laced with expectation.

When we arrived at her house, she parked the car, then turned to me with a grin."Bring everything from the back seat. This is how a son-in-law should behave when visiting his future in-laws," she said, half teasing, half serious. Her words made me smile, though I couldn't help feeling a bit nervous inside.

At the entrance, there was a fingerprint lock. Celeste easily unlocked it, and the door clicked open. As she stepped inside, she immediately grabbed a pair of fresh slippers from the shoe cabinet and handed them to me."I bought these just for you," she said, her voice gentle and affectionate, warming my heart.

I changed into the slippers and glanced around. Her living room was spacious and bright, decorated simply yet elegantly, with modern furnishings that conveyed a sense of refined taste. Compared to my own home, which, although spacious before the bankruptcy, now seemed rather humble, I could understand why Celeste always carried herself with such confidence.

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Just then, the sound of the door opening signaled the arrival of her mother from the kitchen. Her mother, a middle-aged woman with a warm smile, showed the subtle signs of age around her eyes, yet her kind and gentle demeanor made me feel at ease immediately."Celeste, is this Ryan? Ryan, please, have a seat. Celeste, go get him a glass of water," she said in a soft, welcoming voice, which helped calm my anxious heart.

"Auntie, there's no need to trouble yourself. I'm not thirsty. This is my first time visiting, so I brought a small gift. I hope you like it," I quickly replied, though I couldn't help but think that this level of warmth exceeded my expectations.

Her mother was quick to reply,"Of course we like it! But Ryan, you're here, that's enough. You being here is the best gift. Celeste, just put it down."

"Mom, all you ever see is your son-in-law," Celeste teased, her eyes twinkling mischievously."I brought him home today. Take a good look and see if you're satisfied."

"Ryan has certainly lived up to my expectations—he's even more handsome than in the photos," her mother said with a smile, yet her eyes still subtly scanned me from head to toe.

It was only then that I realized—Celeste Harrington must have shown my photo to her mother. This revelation took me by surprise and made me a little nervous. I wondered whether the version of me in the photo differed from the real me.

"Celeste, you stay with Ryan. I'll go finish cooking; dinner will be ready soon." Her mother turned and headed toward the kitchen with brisk movements that commanded respect.

"Auntie, do you need any help? Let me assist you," I quickly offered, eager to make a good impression.

"No need, no need. I'll have it done in no time. Celeste, you stay with Ryan," she said, smiling as she gently declined my offer and proceeded into the kitchen.

I leaned towards Celeste and whispered,"Your mom is really warm and welcoming."

Celeste smiled, her eyes curving into crescents."You're the first boy I've ever brought home. Do you think my mom would be upset?"

"You showed her my photo? Where did you get it?" I asked, feeling a bit nervous.

"I took it secretly while we were having dinner last night," she said with a playful grin, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark, as though boasting about her cleverness.

"So it was all part of your plan," I said, pretending to be shocked, though I couldn't help but feel amused by her cuteness.

"Yep" she winked at me, her tone filled with a touch of pride.

"Let me show you my room!" she suddenly suggested, her eyes brimming with excitement.

I hesitated, feeling uneasy. It didn't feel quite right to enter a girl's bedroom on my first visit.

"Come on" she dismissed my concerns with a wave of her hand and immediately tugged me upstairs. Her room was cozy and inviting, with walls adorned with cute stickers and a row of plush toys neatly arranged by the head of the bed. The whole room exuded the charm of a princess's sanctuary.

"Welcome to my little world!" she declared proudly, then eagerly pulled a thick photo album from the bookshelf and began flipping through the pages for me.

"These are pictures from my childhood," she said, pointing to a photo where she wore a pink dress, her chubby cheeks framed by a radiant smile.

"Celeste, you look so different now compared to back then," I remarked, admiring the photo.

"So, which version of me do you like?" She suddenly looked up at me, her gaze filled with expectation.

"I like both," I replied with a smile, though in my heart, I found her present self even more captivating.

Upon hearing this, a satisfied smile spread across her face. She then moved closer, wrapping her arms around me, and gazed at me with dreamy eyes."Ryan, it's fate that brought us together, isn't it? From so far away, I still found you."

I softly kissed her on the lips, then whispered,"We have all the time in the world." A sense of anticipation for the future filled my heart.