My father's words from last night are still echoing in my ears.

"Life presents us with many choices; some mistakes can be corrected, while others can ruin your entire life."

"Mingfu, dinner's ready!"

The voice of her mother, Wang Xiulan, came from the kitchen.

"I'm here, Mom."

Su Mingfu took a deep breath, picked up his schoolbag, and walked out of the room.

At the dining table, his father, Su Jianguo, was drinking porridge. When he saw him come out, he simply nodded.

His mother was busy serving him porridge and vegetables, her eyes full of satisfaction.

Although the atmosphere at home is still a bit tense after last night's incident, it has eased up a lot.

"Eat more, nothing tastes as good as home-cooked food in the school cafeteria."

Wang Xiulan put the peeled eggs into her son's bowl.

"Thank you, Mom."

Su Mingfu kept his head down, eating his rice, not daring to look his father in the eye.

He tossed and turned all night, his mind replaying Xiaomei's fierce attitude toward the child and her sharp curses, a stark contrast to her usual gentle and kind demeanor.

Su Jianguo put down his chopsticks, his voice calm.

What time will you be back at school?

"The train leaves at eight, Dad."

Su Mingfu quickly replied.

"Yes, focus on your studies and don't think about anything else."

Su Jianguo's words carried an undeniable authority.

"Remember your choice last night."

"I know, Dad."

Su Mingfu nodded solemnly, finally feeling a huge weight lifted from his heart.

After finishing breakfast, Su Mingfu picked up his luggage and prepared to leave.

Wang Xiulan chased after him to the door and stuffed a bag of freshly baked pancakes into his hand.

"Eat on the way, don't go hungry."

"Mom, I'm leaving."

Su Mingfu hugged his mother, then turned and strode towards the alley entrance.

Just as I turned the corner, a familiar figure suddenly appeared before me.

Xiaomei was wearing a light blue dress, her hair loosely tied up, and she was drawing water from the well at the entrance of the alley.

Upon seeing Su Mingfu, her eyes lit up, and she immediately put down the bucket, a sweet smile spreading across her face.

"Mingfu!"

She jogged a few steps to meet her.

"Leaving home so early?"

Su Mingfu paused for a moment, his heart pounding involuntarily.

But then, the sharp "Shut up" I heard last night rang in my ears again.

He took a deep breath, his eyes hardening, and walked straight past Xiaomei without even glancing at her.

Xiaomei's smile froze on her face, and she reluctantly took two more steps after her.

"Mingfu, why are you ignoring me? Did your mother say something?"

Su Mingfu quickened his pace, almost jogging.

Xiaomei's furious voice came from behind.

"Su Mingfu! You stop right there!"

Several middle-aged women who got up early at the entrance of the alley looked over curiously. Xiaomei then realized that she had lost her composure and quickly lowered her voice, but she could not hide the resentment in her tone.

"Stop pretending to be high and mighty! You poor wretch! You think I'm really interested in you? Bah!"

Hearing these curses, Su Mingfu's steps became even more determined.

He walked out of the alley without looking back.

Meanwhile, at Su Mingqiang's home.

Su Mingqiang was humming a little tune while frying eggs.

Li Jinhua sat at the dining table, watching her husband's busy figure, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up.

Since she became pregnant, Su Mingqiang has been like a different person. He takes care of all the housework and cooks her delicious meals every day.

"Jinhua, try this egg. I added some chopped green onions."

Su Mingqiang placed the golden fried egg in front of his wife, his eyes full of anticipation.

Li Jinhua took a bite and squinted her eyes in satisfaction.

"tasty."

"That's good."

Su Mingqiang grinned, revealing a row of neat white teeth.

"Oh, by the way, I'll buy a chicken after get off work today and make you some chicken soup to help you recover."

Just as Li Jinhua was about to speak, there was a sudden, urgent knocking on the door, so forceful it seemed to shatter the door.

"Who is it? So early." Su

Mingqiang frowned and quickly went to open the door.

As soon as the door opened, Li Jinhua's parents stood outside with gloomy faces.

The two looked travel-worn, clearly having arrived early in the morning.

"Dad? Mom?"

Su Mingqiang stood up in surprise.

What brings you here?

"What, you're not welcome?"

Li's father said coldly, without even looking at Su Mingqiang.

Su Mingqiang quickly moved aside at the doorway.

"Dad, Mom, come in and sit down. Have you eaten? I'll go fry a few more eggs."

Mr. Li snorted and walked straight into the house, followed closely by Mrs. Li. The two of them surveyed the humble home as if inspecting their territory.

"No need to trouble yourself, we've already eaten."

Although Li's mother said this, her eyes were fixed on the fried eggs and porridge on the table.

Li Jinhua quickly got up.

"Mom, have some more. Mingqiang's fried eggs are so delicious."

Su Mingqiang had already quickly tied on his apron.

"I'll go cook another dish; it'll be ready soon."

Mr. and Mrs. Li sat down at the dining table without saying a word.

Li Jinhua felt a little guilty and just kept her head down, drinking her porridge.

soon.

Su Mingqiang came over carrying freshly stir-fried vegetables and warmed-up steamed buns.

"Dad, Mom, eat it while it's hot."