Lin Che held the hot pancake bag, watching Jiang Xuan's profile as she bent down to organize the dough. His apology hung in the air, but no one answered it.

He couldn't see her expression; he just stared blankly as she spread oil with the spatula, unfolded the pancake, and cracked the egg, all with practiced ease.

His Adam's apple bobbed, and he spoke again: "Before Mom passed away..."

“That’s all in the past,” Jiang Xuan suddenly looked up and interrupted. “I’ve said before that I respect your choice.”

Lin Che frowned, his face showing pain, "I could have visited her sooner, I..."

"No need to say anything more, you did nothing wrong, just live your life well."

"I'm sorry, I was really wrong. I've been feeling guilty all this time. I wanted to contact you, but every time I thought about how I let Mom leave with regrets, I..."

Lin Che clutched his head in anguish.

"I could have reunited with her sooner, I could have let her leave in peace."

Jiang Xuan looked at him, recalling the scene of him saving her mother at the restaurant and going to the affiliated hospital with them.

"Don't blame yourself. I was wrong before. I shouldn't have imposed my ideas on you, and I shouldn't have forced you to acknowledge your mother."

Lin Che shook his head: "No, you are not wrong, it's all my fault."

"Let bygones be bygones. Mom knows you've met a good family and are living a good life. She's already content."

These words did make Lin Che feel much better.

“I know you’ve suffered a lot since you were little.” Lin Che pulled a thick envelope out of his pocket. “You must have spent a lot of money helping Mom buy the house before. I found some money for you. You can use it first.”

"No need, I have money."

"If you had money, you wouldn't be working so hard selling pancakes."

"This little bit of hardship is nothing."

At that moment, other people came to the stall.

Jiang Xuan then began to entertain others.

*

Jiang Xuan seized the opportunities presented by the times to make money, but she never forgot the importance of knowledge.

Especially those in professional fields.

In her previous life, she studied fashion design. Although she did well in other subjects, she only learned some basics.

She studied mathematics in this life and put in a lot of effort in her studies.

Half a year of university life passed quickly, and it was time for final exams.

When she first entered university, her teacher mentioned that this year, Ningzhou University and the key university Dongda University had an academic exchange program, and two outstanding students would be selected from all the freshmen to study at Dongda University.

It is precisely because of this that many students from impoverished backgrounds are working incredibly hard.

Jiang Xuan hadn't actually considered competing for this spot before.

The main reason is that she has a home here.

However, after the final exam results were released, Jiang Xuan's grades became the focus of Ningzhou University.

Her top ranking in her grade inevitably led to her being nominated for the University of Tokyo's exchange program.

In an instant, the news spread throughout Ningzhou University as if it had grown legs.

"This is a very rare opportunity, Jiang Xuan, well done." The college leaders have always valued Jiang Xuan highly.

Jiang Xuan, however, hesitated. She couldn't let go of her business, nor could she let go of those subtle concerns.

She strolled along the tree-lined paths of the campus, and Lin Che came again.

"I heard you've finalized your plans to go to Tokyo University? I'm so happy for you."

"But I haven't decided whether to go or not."

"Go, of course you should go. Ningzhou University is indeed good here, but academically it is far inferior to Dongda University. Such a good opportunity would be coveted by others, yet you hesitate."

After thinking for a moment, Lin Che added, "Is it because your boyfriend doesn't want you to go? I'll talk to him. If he really likes you, he should support you."

"No, don't talk nonsense, he doesn't know anything about this."

"Anyway, you have to be firm in your belief first. This opportunity is very rare. Our department doesn't have this program, otherwise I would fight to the death to get in."

Lin Che also ranked first in this final exam.

"Yes, I'll think about it carefully."

Back home, Hu Tao took Dian Dian and Fan Xing for a walk, while Lu Sheng Ye sat at the table waiting for her.

"You're back? Go wash your hands and eat."

After washing her hands, Jiang Xuan sat down at the dining table. "The final exam results are out."

Lu Shengye picked up some food for her and asked, "How did your exam go?"

"First."

"My HyunHyun is still the best."

Lu Shengye's voice was calm, but a smile played in his eyes.

Jiang Xuan hesitated for a moment before speaking: "Sheng Ye, do you remember what I told you about Dongda University before?"

"Remember."

"The school wants me to go, but Tokyo University is so far away, I'm afraid that if I leave home, I'll..."

Lu Shengye put down his chopsticks, took her hand, and said, “Your efforts have never been for others. Didn’t Mom say before she passed away that knowledge is more important than anything else? Go to Dongda University, it’s a bigger stage. I’ll visit you at Dongda University whenever I have time, and I won’t let our family fall apart.”

His words were like a gentle breeze, dispelling the thin mist in Jiang Xuan's heart.

"Thank you, Tokino."

Lu Shengye affectionately ruffled her hair. "Silly girl, there's nothing to thank me for."

The next day, Kang Hyun handed over the acceptance letter from Dongda University.

Jiang Xuan did not want to give up her business.

She used the winter break to quickly develop her business, teaching Ma Xiaolan everything she could, and even recruited two apprentices to help her.

When Kang Hyun boarded the train to Dongdaemun University, the snow that had been falling for three days finally stopped.

As far as the eye can see, everything is a vast expanse of white.

The morning sun shone brightly on the platform, making the icy and snowy landscape sparkle.

Lu Shengye, Lin Che, and Dian Dian Fan Xing all came to see her off.

Jiang Xuan squatted down and kissed Diandian and Fanxing's little faces. "Be good at home, Mommy will be back soon."

She stood up again and said to Lin Che, "Brother, I heard that the library at Dongda University is very big. You can tell me what books you need and I'll borrow them for you."

"Okay, no problem."

Lu Shengye carefully tied Jiang Xuan's scarf and led her into the car.

After putting away the large luggage, he placed a small handbag on the small table and, like a nagging old mother, repeatedly reminded her to be careful.

"This lunchbox contains dumplings, this one contains braised pork, this one contains fried dough sticks, and some snacks. We're just trying to keep you from getting tired of carrying them. If you want anything else to eat, just buy it on the train. Don't get off at any of the stops."

Jiang Xuan suddenly remembered that their first meeting was at that temporary stop in Liuhe Town.

The image of him leaping across the railing, kicking up a cloud of yellow sand, still lingers in my mind.

She couldn't help but smile and said softly, "I understand, you should go back now."

"Okay, write or call me if anything comes up. I'll come see you next month."

"knew."

As the train started moving, Jiang Xuan looked at the four waving hands in the distance, her eyes filled with tears.

Their support was silent yet profound.

The story ends here, but the chapters of life continue to burn brightly—home is never far away, and dreams blossom in the distance.