C85 The Snow Country's Goddess.

Ye Yu returned to his seat and noticed Han Xue's forlorn expression. Thinking she was still anxious, he reassured her, "Xiao Xue, there's no need to worry anymore. This is all Ouyang Yu's doing."

Han Xue shook her head. "I've never doubted you. It's just... Qin Qing was once my friend, and to see her end up like this, I..."

"This is the result of her own vanity," Ye Yu said gently. "She brought it upon herself. You're not to blame."

Relieved by his words, Han Xue's mood lifted, and she gestured for Ye Yu to look at something. "Ye Yu, this Acacia Ring is truly amazing. Wearing it, I can sense your presence even from home!"

Ye Yu chuckled. "Well, it embodies the love between Niu Lang and Zhi Nv. Not even the vast Milky Way can sever their bond."

Han Xue gazed at the ring on her finger, deep in thought, before asking, "Ye Yu, what if one day we're forced apart and can't be together? What then?"

Holding her hand firmly, Ye Yu declared, "I will never let go, no matter what."

Her smile blossomed at his words, yet her mind couldn't shake the memory of last night's conversation with her father.

"Xiao Xue, who gave you that ring?" Han Shiyue inquired from his spot on the sofa.

After a brief hesitation, Han Xue replied, "It was a gift from Ye Yu."

"Ye Yu? That impoverished student?" Han Shiyue scoffed with contempt. "How could he afford such an expensive ring?"

"You're investigating him!" Han Xue shot back, her glare piercing.

"What's wrong with that? My daughter is infatuated with him. Shouldn't I look into it?"

With determination, Han Xue insisted, "Regardless, I want to be with him."

After a long, contemplative gaze, Han Shiyue sighed, "Ah, Xiao Xue, you are my daughter, and I respect your choice."

Her eyes sparkled with joy, and she snuggled up to him, saying playfully, "Dad, you've always been the best to me."

Han Shiyue grumbled, his face clouding over, "But I have one condition."

"What is it? Tell me!"

"You have six months. Your relationship can only continue until you go abroad."

Han Xue gasped, "Why?!"

"There's no why," Han Shiyue stated firmly. "And no stepping over the line during that time!"

Blushing furiously, Han Xue protested, "Dad! What are you implying? There's no line crossing, honestly!"

Clearing his throat, Han Shiyue added, "I'm doing this for your good. Bring him here someday; I want to meet him. If he doesn't impress me, well, you'd better end things quickly."

Han Xue was content with the compromise, knowing that one concession could lead to another.

"Dad, why can't it continue after I leave the country?"

Leaning back, Han Shiyue looked weary as he explained, "Because you are destined to fulfill the role of the Snow Country's goddess."

Han Xue was stunned. Was this mystical response for real?

"Dad, what are you talking about? The goddess of Snow Country? Have you been reading too many fantasy novels?"

Han Shiyue chastised Han Xue sharply, "Don't spout nonsense! Xiao Xue, you must understand that the world is far more complex than you can imagine! And you, you are destined to be the goddess of the Snow Country!"

Seeing Han Xue's skepticism, Han Shiyue felt compelled to elaborate, "In just a few days, Princess Diana of the Snow Country will grace us with her presence. She will explain everything to you then."

"Diana?" Han Xue echoed softly, a hint of recognition in her voice. She was familiar with the name; after all, Diana was celebrated as the Bright Moon of the Snow Country, the kingdom's most radiant princess.