Su Mingfu stood up and said earnestly.
"Uncle, don't worry, I will study hard and come back to build our hometown! I want to make sure that the vegetables from Sujiatun are sold all over the country!"
The crowd applauded and cheered, creating a lively and exciting scene.
Many villagers sighed.
"The Su family is truly blessed; their ancestral graves are emitting auspicious smoke, producing such a promising child!"
"Mingfu has always been a smart kid, but I never expected him to be this amazing!"
"Our village will depend on Mingfu from now on!"
In the evening, the banquet ended, and the Su family courtyard returned to its usual tranquility.
Su Mingfu sat alone in the courtyard, gazing at the starry sky, his heart filled with anticipation for the future.
Su Jianguo walked over and sat down next to his son.
"Mingfu, Dad is proud of you."
He said softly.
"It's not because of your high score, but because you have your own opinions and know what you want."
"Dad, thank you for your understanding."
Su Mingfu said, moved.
"I know many people think I'm foolish for giving up a prestigious university to go to an agricultural college. But I truly believe that being able to do what I love and contribute to my hometown is the most important thing."
Su Jianguo nodded.
"Yes, it's not easy to find your direction in life. Once you find it, you must stick to it. Whether it's an agricultural college or Tsinghua or Peking University, the key is to learn real skills and become a useful person."
The father and son talked for a long time, from the hardships of the past to their plans for the future.
Su Mingfu described his study plan at the agricultural college, while Su Jianguo shared his experiences and lessons learned from years of farming.
As night deepened, Su Mingfu returned to his room, took out a brand-new notebook, and wrote on the first page.
"My university plan: 1. Master my major; 2. Participate in research projects; 3. Do practical work at home during summer vacation; 4. Return to my hometown to start a business after graduation."
He knew that the Sijiucheng Agricultural College was not only the place where he studied, but also the starting point of his dreams.
He wants to use his knowledge to take the vegetable base in Sujiatun to a higher level and enable his parents and fellow villagers to live a better life.
Moonlight streamed through the window and fell onto the desk, and a determined smile appeared on Su Mingfu's face.
He murmured to himself.
"Dad, Mom, I promise I won't let you down. I will make Sujiatun proud of me."
At that moment, a seed of hope was planted in the heart of this farm boy.
In the near future, this seed will take root, sprout, blossom, and bear fruit, not only changing his personal destiny but also bringing new life and vitality to the entire Sujiatun village.
Nothing unexpected happened in the following months.
The vegetable greenhouses grew larger and larger, almost monopolizing half of the vegetable market in Beijing, and Su Mingfu successfully went to university.
Su Jianguo's wealth began to grow rapidly at a visible pace.
In the blink of an eye.
As the calendar turned to December, the first snow fell in Sujiatun.
Su Mingqiang stood by the window, watching the pure white snowflakes fall silently, calculating the days in his mind.
Tomorrow marks the anniversary of Li Jinhua's death.
He has experienced too much this past year.
From imprisonment, the loss of his wife, the confusion after his release, to finding a new direction in life at the vegetable farm.
But deep down, guilt and longing for Li Jinhua always haunted him.
"What are you thinking about?"
Dr. Chen Mo's voice came from behind.
Su Mingqiang turned around and saw his mentor, who had helped him overcome his psychological trauma, looking at him with concern.
"tomorrow..."
Su Mingqiang's voice was a little hoarse.
Tomorrow is the anniversary of Jin Hua's death.
Chen Mo nodded and walked over to him to watch the snow together.
"Are you ready?"
Su Mingqiang shook his head, feeling as if a large stone was pressing on his chest.
"I don't know how to face this... For the past year, I've tried my best not to think about her and have focused all my energy on my work."
"Running away is not the solution."
Chen Mo said gently.
"I'll go with you tomorrow, okay? We can have a proper farewell ceremony."
Su Mingqiang glanced at Chen Mo gratefully and nodded.
That night, he tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He got up and took an envelope from deep inside a drawer. Inside were several photos of Li Jinhua and a hair clip that she often wore.
The Li Jinhua in the photo has a bright smile and radiant eyes, a stark contrast to the haggard and desperate woman she later became.
"Golden Flower..."
Su Mingqiang called softly, his fingers gently tracing the photograph.
I'm so sorry...
The next morning.
The snow has stopped, but the sky remains overcast.
Su Mingqiang and Chen Mo went to the cemetery. Su Mingqiang remained silent the whole way, his hands tightly clutching a wooden box containing Li Jinhua's belongings.
The cemetery caretaker recognized them and silently pointed in a direction.
Walking on the snow-covered path, Su Mingqiang's heart beat faster and faster.
One year ago today, Li Jinhua died alone on the street, while he was imprisoned and did not even get to see her one last time.
This regret and guilt almost overwhelmed him.
"This is it. I asked around, and this is it!"
Chen Mo stopped in front of a simple tombstone, which only had a number and no name.
Su Mingqiang's legs went weak, and he knelt on the snow.
Tears blurred his vision as he trembled as he opened the wooden box and took out Li Jinhua's photo.
"Jin Hua...I'm here..."
His voice was so choked up that it was almost inaudible.
"I'm sorry... I'm late..."
Chen Mo stood quietly to the side, giving him space and time to express his feelings.
"This past year... I've been thinking, if I had been more rational back then, if I had discovered the truth sooner... maybe everything would have been different..."
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