The Second World in Ancient Times

After the celebration, the Siqing family's business flourished, with orders pouring in. However, behind this seemingly rosy picture lay new pressures. The family urgently needed to expand production, but they were severely short-staffed, and the supply of raw materials was becoming increasingly tight. The family elders were deeply concerned, debating solutions daily.

Si Qing was filled with anxiety as he watched the new predicament facing his family. That day, at a family meeting, an elder expressed concern, "We're expanding too quickly. If we can't properly address these issues, all our previous efforts might be wasted."

Si Qing stood up and said with a firm look, "Elders, we cannot be intimidated by these difficulties. We can recruit new craftsmen. I've done some research and found many skilled refugees in the city who can be put to use with a little training. As for raw materials, we can try to negotiate with more suppliers and open up new supply channels."

An elderly uncle frowned and said, "Refugees? Are they reliable? Besides, it's not that easy to find new suppliers. You might get ripped off if you're not careful."

Si Qing: "Uncle, the refugees just need an opportunity. We can formulate strict assessment and management methods. As for suppliers, we can send more people to the surrounding areas to look for them. There will definitely be some willing to cooperate."

The family finally decided to adopt some of Si Qing's suggestions and began to work on resolving the problem. Si Qing took the initiative to undertake the work of communicating with and training the refugees, and also participated in the search for new suppliers.

Amidst the busy schedule, a special person appeared in Si Qing's life. He was a young artist named Mo Yu, hired by the family to create promotional images for a new product. Mo Yu had a slender figure, picturesque features, and an elegant demeanor. His brush seemed to possess a magical power, bringing the product's unique features to life.

Si Qing first met Mo Yu in the family's painting studio. Mo Yu was concentrating on painting when Si Qing walked in and saw the unfinished painting. She couldn't help but exclaim, "You paint so beautifully."

Mo Yu looked up and saw Si Qing, and smiled slightly: "Thank you for the compliment. You are Miss Si Qing, right? It is my honor to paint for your family."

Si Qing looked at his smile, her heart moved inexplicably, and her cheeks flushed slightly: "Your paintings will definitely make our products more attractive."

From then on, Si Qing would unconsciously go to the painting studio, finding various excuses to watch Mo Yu paint. Mo Yu also liked to chat with Si Qing and listen to her stories about family products, which would inspire her.

Once, Si Qing came to the art studio with a sketch of a newly designed product.

Si Qing: "Mo Yu, take a look at this. This is our new design. Which parts do you think should be highlighted when it is drawn as a promotional image?"

Mo Yu took the sketch, examined it carefully, and a glint flashed in his eyes. "This design is very unique. We can highlight the pattern here. It has a mysterious beauty. I want to use light and shadow effects to show it in the painting. It will definitely attract attention."

Si Qing: "Your ideas are always so wonderful, I believe you."

The two were discussing in the painting studio. Inadvertently, their eyes met, and a subtle atmosphere spread between them. Si Qing's heartbeat involuntarily quickened.

However, family affairs are not always smooth sailing. While Si Qing is busy pursuing family expansion and personal relationships, competitors who were once suppressed begin to stir again. They secretly unite to spread rumors about the decline in quality of Si Qing's family products. They also bribe some thugs to cause trouble around the family store, affecting business.

When Si Qing learned about this, he angrily said, "They are really haunting us. We must fight back."

The friends responded one after another: "Si Qing, we listen to you. We can't let them go easily this time."

Si Qing organized family guards to strengthen the store's security while sending people to investigate the source of the rumors. At the same time, she also had to take care of production and training, and she was extremely busy.

At this critical juncture, different opinions emerged within the family regarding Si Qing and Mo Yu's frequent interactions. An aunt privately told Si Qing, "Qing'er, you're now an important member of the family. You should be mindful of your words and actions. If you're too close to that painter, gossip will inevitably circulate, and it might also distract you from handling family affairs."

Si Qing felt a little aggrieved: "Aunt, Mo Yu and I were just discussing work. His paintings are very important to our family."

Aunt: "I know, but people's words are scary. You should think more about your family."

Si Qing is caught in a dilemma. On the one hand, her family's reputation and business are threatened, and on the other hand, her budding feelings are questioned. She feels the pressure is as heavy as a mountain.

Si Qing tries hard to suppress her feelings for Mo Yu and focus more on dealing with the family crisis. However, Mo Yu notices a change in Si Qing.

One day, Mo Yu stopped Si Qing in the painting studio, his eyes full of confusion: "Si Qing, what's wrong with you lately? It seems like you are deliberately avoiding me. Did I do something wrong?"

Si Qing avoided his gaze: "No, Mo Yu, the family is in a lot of trouble right now, and I have to focus on dealing with it. Let's get the work done first."

Mo Yu held Si Qing's arm and said, "I know family matters are important, but I feel like you're here for more than just this. Have you heard any bad rumors?"

Si Qing broke free from his hand: "Don't ask anymore, we can't be distracted now." After that, she hurriedly left the studio, leaving Mo Yu standing there with a confused look on his face.

Back home, Si Qing overheard some of the elders discussing her relationship with Mo Yu, which further upset her. She knew that at this critical moment, the interests of the family were paramount, but she couldn't control her feelings for Mo Yu, and this conflict made her miserable.

Just as Si Qing was troubled by these annoyances, the investigators who were investigating the source of the rumors returned with good news. It turned out that during their joint operation, the rival clans had developed internal disagreements. One small clan, resentful of the other clans due to an uneven distribution of profits, was willing to cooperate with Si Qing's family and provide evidence of their crimes.

When Si Qing heard the news, a gleam flashed in his eyes: "This is a good opportunity, we must make good use of it."

She immediately arranged a meeting with the small family. At a secret location, Si Qing met with the other party's representative.

The small family representative said: "Ms. Si Qing, we are willing to hand over the evidence to you, but we hope you can guarantee the safety and certain interests of our family."

Si Qing: "As long as your evidence is true, I can agree to your request. We can sign an agreement to protect your rights."

The two sides reached a consensus, and Si Qing obtained the key evidence. She handed the evidence to the government, and the government took swift action to crack down on the families that spread rumors and disrupted the family, temporarily alleviating the family's crisis.

With the crisis over, Si Qing breathed a sigh of relief. But the problems between her and Mo Yu remained unresolved. Then, an unexpected person appeared—Mo Yu's sister.

Mo Yu's sister found Si Qing and handed her a letter: "Miss Si Qing, Mo Yu asked me to give this to you. He knows your current situation and doesn't want to embarrass you, so he decided to leave the family and develop elsewhere. But he wants you to know that his feelings for you are sincere."

Si Qing took the letter, her hands trembling slightly. She opened it, and inside was Mo Yu's familiar handwriting: "Si Qing, by the time you see this letter, I will have already left. I don't want you to be embarrassed between the family and me because of me. You are a responsible person, and the family needs you. I hope you can realize your dreams. No matter where you are, I will always bless you."

Si Qing burst into tears, she realized how deep her feelings for Mo Yu were. She decided to find Mo Yu and stop running away.

Si Qing asked around for Mo Yu's whereabouts and finally found him in a small town outside the city.

Si Qing: "Mo Yu, why are you leaving?"

When Mo Yu saw Si Qing, surprise and pain flashed in his eyes: "Si Qing, you shouldn't have come. I don't want to affect you."

Si Qing walked forward and hugged him: "I don't want to lose you. The family crisis has been resolved. We can face the future together."

Mo Yu was stunned, then hugged Si Qing tightly: "Really? I thought we had no chance anymore."

At this moment, the sound of horse hooves could be heard in the distance. It turned out to be the family members chasing after them. The uncle in the lead shouted, "Si Qing, you can't be with him. He will ruin your future and also affect the family."

Si Qing wiped away her tears and turned to face her uncle: "Uncle, I love him, and he has done nothing wrong. He has always supported me during this family crisis. I will not give up on him, nor will I give up on the family. I will find a way to balance it."

Uncle: "You are confused!"

Si Qing: "No, uncle, I am very clear-headed. We can work together for the family. His talent will bring more benefits to the family. Please believe me."

Everyone fell silent, the atmosphere tense to the extreme. At this moment, the sky suddenly began to rain heavily, as if to add drama to this conflict between emotion and family responsibility.

Si Qing stood there firmly in the rain, her eyes showing no sign of retreat. Her uncle looked at her, his heart wavering. Other family members were also whispering among themselves, and some began to think Si Qing had a point.

After a while, my uncle sighed and said, "Si Qing, have you really thought this through? If he does anything to harm the family, you will bear the consequences."

Si Qing: "I do, uncle. I believe in Mo Yu. He hopes that the family will get better and better just like me."

Mo Yu stepped forward and saluted his uncle. "Uncle, I will prove with my actions that I am sincere to Si Qing and my family. I will use my brush to paint a better future for our family."

The uncle looked at them and shook his head helplessly: "Well, I hope you won't let the family down."

Si Qing and Mo Yu smiled at each other, knowing this was a new beginning. After returning to the family, Si Qing and Mo Yu devoted themselves to the family's development. Mo Yu designed a series of exquisite promotional plans for the family, attracting more customers. Si Qing continued to expand the business and strengthen management.

Throughout this process, Si Qing matured, learning to balance her emotions with her family responsibilities. She was no longer the girl who simply ran around for the family, but a woman of flesh and blood who understood love and responsibility. Her relationship with Mo Yu also deepened through their shared struggle, becoming a beloved family story.

As the family grew, Si Qing and Mo Yu's fame grew. However, their success attracted the attention of larger forces. Powerful families began suppressing the Si Qing family, attempting to prevent them from growing stronger.

One day, Si Qing received an anonymous letter warning her not to expand the family business, or else she would be in big trouble. Si Qing dismissively threw the letter aside, saying, "We won't be intimidated by such threats."

But trouble soon arose. The family's goods were attacked several times during transportation, causing heavy losses. Si Qing realized that this was a new and difficult battle.

Si Qing called a meeting with his family and friends: "We can't just sit there and wait for death. The enemy this time is stronger than before, but we are not pushovers either. We need to strengthen the security of the transportation and find out who is behind this."

The friends responded one after another: "Si Qing, we will fight with you!"

Mo Yu held Si Qing's hand and said, "No matter what difficulties you encounter, I will always be by your side."

Si Qing looked at everyone, his heart full of fighting spirit: "Okay, let's meet the new challenge!"

In this era of challenges and opportunities, Si Qing's story continues. With her love for her family, her affection for Mo Yu, and her own convictions, she will write a more glorious chapter, constantly striving towards her goal of becoming the eternal empress. Every challenge will become a stepping stone for her growth, allowing her to go further and further on this legendary path.