"Thank you, Mother!" Shen Nianxi hugged Lin Wanqiu and said softly, "Mother, I will definitely work hard and won't let you and Father down."

Lin Wanqiu hugged her daughter tightly, her heart filled with happiness and contentment. She recalled the days she had traveled back to the 1960s, the hardships and suffering she had endured, and the difficult years she had spent raising Nian'an. Back then, her greatest wish was to ensure her children had enough to eat and wear, and to grow up healthy and happy. Now, she had not only fulfilled that wish but also given her children the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Nian'an had become a top student at a prestigious university, contributing to the development of the family business; Xixi had also achieved outstanding results in her beloved dance. All of this filled her with immense joy and happiness.

The next morning, the family packed their luggage and prepared to return to Beijing. Just as they were about to leave the hotel, a middle-aged man in a suit, with a refined demeanor, stopped them.

"Hello, are you Shen Nianxi's parent?" the middle-aged man asked politely.

"Yes, may I ask who you are?" Lin Wanqiu asked, puzzled.

"Hello, I am Zhou Zhengming, the director of the Provincial Ballet Troupe." The middle-aged man introduced himself. "I watched Shen Nianxi's competition yesterday. Her performance was wonderful, and she is very talented. Our troupe would very much like to invite Shen Nianxi to join our professional team. Would you be willing to consider this?"

The provincial ballet troupe is a nationally renowned professional dance group, and joining it would be a rare opportunity for any child learning dance. Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise and delight in each other's eyes.

Shen Nianxi's eyes widened, her face showing disbelief. She never dreamed that she would receive an invitation from the provincial ballet troupe.

Lin Wanqiu composed herself and said, "Commander Zhou, hello! Thank you very much for your recognition and invitation to Xixi. This is a very good opportunity. We need to discuss it with Xixi and then give you an answer, is that alright?"

“Of course!” Zhou Zhengming said with a smile. “This is my business card with my contact information. I hope you will seriously consider it. Shen Nianxi is a very promising dancer, and we are very much looking forward to her joining us.”

Lin Wanqiu accepted the business card and thanked Zhou Zhengming. Zhou Zhengming chatted with Shen Nianxi for a few more minutes, encouraging her to keep up the good work, before turning to leave.

As she boarded the bus back to Beijing, Shen Nianxi's emotions remained turbulent. Watching the scenery rush past the window, her heart was filled with conflicting feelings and anticipation. Joining the provincial ballet troupe meant she could receive more professional training and have the opportunity to perform on a larger stage, but it also meant leaving her family and living and studying alone in the provincial capital.

Lin Wanqiu saw through her daughter's thoughts. She gently held her daughter's hand and said, "Xixi, whatever choice you make, your mother and father will support you. If you want to join the art troupe, we will respect your decision; if you don't want to leave home, we won't force you. Most importantly, you should do what you love and not leave any regrets."

Shen Tingzhou also said, "Xixi, Dad knows this is a difficult choice for you. But you must remember that no matter what path you choose, Dad and Mom will always be your strongest support."

Looking into her parents' concerned eyes, Shen Nianxi was deeply moved. She knew that her parents genuinely cared for her, and that they would support her no matter what choice she made.

"Father, Mother, I need to think about it carefully," Chen Nianxi said.

"Okay, we'll give you time to think it over." Lin Wanqiu nodded, a gentle smile on her face.

The car sped along the highway, carrying the family's joy, anticipation, and anxieties, heading towards Beijing. In Shen Nianxi's heart, an important decision was slowly brewing. She knew this decision would affect her entire life, but she believed that with her parents' support and encouragement, she would be able to make the best choice for herself, going further and further on the path of dance, shining with her own unique brilliance.