As Jiang Che's dad sat down beside him, his mom, Li Mei, set down another plate of dumplings, this time for her husband.
"Hungry?"
She asked with a smile, watching her husband, Jiang Ming, reach for a dumpling.
"Starving," Jiang Ming replied, his voice full of warmth as he took a bite.
He looked over at Jiang Che.
"You're in good spirits today, Che. I like to see that."
Jiang Che grinned, feeling the warmth of his father's presence.
"Feels good to be here," he said sincerely.
"Life's simple when we're together."
Li Mei chuckled, taking a seat across from them.
"You'd think he's been gone for years with the way he's talking. And all that for staying out with Zhang Wei until a little late."
"Can't argue with him there," Jiang Ming said, patting Jiang Che on the back.
"These days, you're always out or studying. Glad to see you here, son." He paused, looking thoughtful.
"Speaking of studying... How are things going with your college exam prep?"
Jiang Che swallowed a bite of dumpling, his eyes meeting his father's.
He could see the concern behind Jiang Ming's question, the way his dad was gently probing to make sure he was on track.
They never forced him to do anything but secretly they felt concern and also encouraged him when down.
"It's going well, Dad!"
Jiang Che replied with assurance.
"I've been putting in extra hours recently."
He knew how much his parents had put aside to make sure he could have a good education.
This time, he was determined not to let them down.
Jiang Ming nodded, visibly relieved. "Good to hear. I know you'll make us proud, Che."
He hesitated for a moment before adding, "Just remember, this is a big step toward your future, but it's not the whole picture. Whatever happens, your mother and I will be proud of you."
Jiang Ming added that he knew that his son's academics weren't very good recently.
Although it was good that his son was motivated, he didn't want his son to be devastated if the results weren't very good.
Li Mei chimed in, her voice gentle but resolute.
"Yes, exactly. Just do your best, Che. That's all we ask!"
Jiang Che nodded, deeply grateful.
"I know, Mom, Dad. I'll make sure I do my best, and then I'll do some. I'm ready for it this time."
"Mom and Dad, I'm full. I'm going to take a shower first," Jiang Che said, setting down his chopsticks and giving them a quick smile.
Without waiting for a response, he walked to his room, leaving Li Mei and Jiang Ming alone at the dining table.
Li Mei watched him go, her brows knitting together slightly.
She turned to Jiang Ming, who had just finished his dumplings and was now sipping his tea.
"Did you notice anything... different about him today?"
She asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Jiang Ming placed his cup down and nodded.
"I did. He's more… mature, I guess?"
Li Mei sighed softly, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
"You don't think he's heartbroken, do you? He didn't say anything, but I have this feeling..."
Jiang Ming chuckled lightly.
"It's possible. He's at that age, after all. But whatever it is, it seems like he's handling it well. I don't think we need to worry."
Li Mei leaned back, her gaze drifting toward Jiang Che's room.
"He does seem better."
Jiang Ming smiled a quiet pride in his expression.
"I think so. Sometimes a little heartbreak, or whatever it is, can push someone to grow. And maybe that's what's happening with Che."
Li Mei rested her chin on her hand, her lips curving into a faint smile.
"He even said he's been studying harder. You know how rare it is to hear that from him."
Jiang Ming laughed softly, shaking his head.
"Maybe he has. Or maybe he's just realizing what matters. Either way, it's a good change."
Li Mei nodded, her heart feeling lighter.
"I just hope he knows we're here for him, no matter what."
Jiang Ming reached over, gently patting her hand.
"He does!"
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the faint sound of running water from the shower filling the air.
While they couldn't quite put their finger on what had changed in Jiang Che, they both felt a sense of reassurance.
"That was a nice bath!"
Jiang Che stepped out of the shower, steam swirling behind him as he grabbed a towel to dry his damp hair.
The cool air of his room hit him as he entered, making him shiver slightly.
He glanced at the familiar sight of his desk, cluttered with old textbooks and half-finished notes.
It felt strange to see it all again, knowing how much time he had wasted in his previous life.
With determination, he cleared the desk, stacking the books neatly to one side.
He sat down, his hands resting on the smooth surface, and stared at the blank page of a notebook he had pulled out.
Jiang Che picked up his pen and began writing. His thoughts were sharper than ever, brimming with memories of the future that would soon unfold.
He listed key trends and events he remembered, his handwriting quick but precise.
'The internet boom' would bring opportunities like never before. Platforms like e-commerce and social media would reshape industries.
'The rise of housing prices' in major cities would offer the chance to invest early and profit handsomely.
'Digital currencies' like Bitcoin, would start small but grow explosively in the later part of the 2020s.
'Advances in artificial intelligence', mobile technology, and green energy would define the future economy.
Jiang Che's lips curled into a small smile.
( This time, all those opportunities will be mine. )
In his past life, he had watched from the sidelines, oblivious to the wealth being generated around him. But now, armed with foresight, he could seize each moment.
Of course, that was all something that would generate profit in the future and for him to seize those opportunities, money will play a big role.
For now, he needs immediate goals.
He turned to a fresh page, his pen moving steadily as he outlined his plan.
'College Entrance Exam'
His parents had worked so hard for him; this time, he wouldn't let them down.
'First pot of Gold!'
Look for ways to earn online or through part-time gigs without neglecting his studies. There were many ways that he could earn money but he needed to find the most optimal one where his time wouldn't be wasted and he could earn a big buck.
Jiang Che leaned back in his chair, rereading his notes. His past failures were still fresh in his mind, but they fueled his determination rather than weighed him down.
He placed the notebook carefully in the drawer, locking it as if sealing his resolve.
Glancing at the books on his desk, he pulled out a math textbook and began reviewing problems.
It wasn't long before the sound of pages flipping and the scratch of his pen filled the room.
In the quiet of the night, Jiang Che felt more alive than ever.
This time, his life would be filled with enjoyment rather than suffering.