Reborn in 72, I hunt to support my family and spoil my younger sister rotten.

Time flies, and it's already spring of 1999.

Under the leadership of Li Xiangyang, Sanheshan Treasures Co., Ltd. has grown from a small workshop into a large-scale agricultural product processing enterprise in Northeast China.

The company not only owns food processing plants, but also has ventures into multiple fields such as restaurant chains and logistics transportation.

Li Xiangyang stood in his newly built headquarters building's top-floor office, looking down at the bustling factory below through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The village of Xiaoliang in the distance has been transformed. Cement roads now reach every household, and the villagers live in brick and tile houses, leading prosperous and thriving lives.

"Mr. Li, this is an invitation to the provincial investment promotion conference." Secretary Liu knocked on the door and placed an elegant invitation on the desk.

Li Xiangyang accepted the invitation and glanced at it: "Spring City International Business Hotel?"

"Yes, this conference is of a very high standard; I heard that many well-known entrepreneurs will be attending," Xiao Liu reported.

Li Xiangyang nodded. Over the years, he had participated in many business activities, but most of the time he preferred to spend his time on actual business operations. However, this provincial meeting was definitely worth attending.

Three days later, at the Spring City International Business Hotel.

The large conference hall was packed, and guests were sharing their investment experiences on stage. Li Xiangyang sat in the back row, habitually observing the various people in the room.

Suddenly, a familiar figure flashed past him.

Her figure remained graceful, and her gait carried a touch of urban woman's competence, but her once youthful face now possessed a more mature charm.

Su Yan.

Li Xiangyang was startled, but quickly regained his composure. He remained seated, as if he hadn't seen anything.

During the break in the meeting, Li Xiangyang got up to leave, but was stopped by someone from behind.

"Li Xiangyang? Is it really you?"

The voice carried a hint of probing and disbelief.

Li Xiangyang turned around, and Su Yan was standing in front of him, dressed in a well-fitting business suit, holding an exquisite small bag, exuding the aura of a successful woman.

“Su Yan.” Li Xiangyang nodded calmly. “I didn’t expect to run into her here.”

A complex emotion flashed in Su Yan's eyes: "Yes, it's really... a coincidence." She paused, "I just heard from someone that Mr. Li from Sanheshan Treasures was at the event, I didn't expect it to be you."

“You are so different now compared to back then.” Su Yan looked Li Xiangyang up and down.

Indeed, Li Xiangyang is no longer the humble boy who tried to please her. Time and success have given him the charm of a mature man, and he exudes an air of quiet authority.

"People always change," Li Xiangyang said calmly.

"I..." Su Yan hesitated, "Could we talk alone? Just like... an old friend catching up."

Li Xiangyang glanced at his watch: "I have something to do later."

"Just a few minutes, is that okay?" Su Yan's tone was somewhat pleading.

Li Xiangyang was silent for a moment, then finally nodded.

The two sat facing each other in the hotel's coffee shop.

"Are you...happy?" Su Yan asked, feeling somewhat abruptly afterward.

Li Xiangyang looked at her: "Do you think this question is meaningful?"

Su Yan lowered her head and said softly, "I just...want to know if you're doing well."

“I’m doing very well,” Li Xiangyang replied simply.

Silence spread between the two. Su Yan wanted to speak several times, but didn't know what to say.

Finally, she broke the silence: "Li Xiangyang, do you still hate me?"

Li Xiangyang put down his coffee cup and looked at her seriously: "Hate? It's long gone."

"Then...do you still remember the days we spent together?" Su Yan's voice trembled slightly.

“I remember.” Li Xiangyang nodded. “I remember every single detail.”

A glimmer of hope flashed in Su Yan's eyes: "Then... if I hadn't chosen Wang Ming back then, if I had been devoted to you wholeheartedly, would we...?"

“There are no ‘ifs’,” Li Xiangyang interrupted her. “Su Yan, let bygones be bygones.”

“But I…” Tears welled up in Su Yan’s eyes. “Only now do I understand what I missed back then. These past years, I’ve often thought of you, of the days we spent in Xiaoliang Village… I was so naive back then, so ungrateful.”

Li Xiangyang listened quietly, his face expressionless.

“Li Xiangyang,” Su Yan looked up at him, “don’t you miss the past at all?”

Li Xiangyang was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Su Yan, do you know what I miss? I miss that innocent version of myself from back then, the one who was willing to give everything for someone. But that version of myself is long dead."

"I killed him, didn't I?" Su Yan's tears finally flowed.

“No,” Li Xiangyang shook his head, “I killed him myself. Because I realized something: you never loved me; you always loved only yourself. The only reason you still talk to me now is because I'm successful and rich, nothing more.”

These words were like a sharp sword, piercing Su Yan's heart. Her face instantly turned pale.

“You’re right,” Su Yan said, choking back tears. “I truly only loved myself. Back then, I was selfish, vain, and greedy… I took advantage of your feelings and hurt your family.”

Looking at the weeping woman before him, Li Xiangyang felt nothing. Time is the best healer and the best teacher. It taught him what is worth cherishing and what should be let go.

“Su Yan,” Li Xiangyang stood up, “let bygones be bygones. You have your own life to live; don’t always live in the past.”

Su Yan raised her tear-filled face: "Then... can we still be friends?"

Li Xiangyang shook his head: "We don't need to be friends. We come from two different worlds; it's enough that we each live our own lives peacefully."

After saying that, Li Xiangyang turned around and prepared to leave.

"Li Xiangyang!" Su Yan called out to him from behind.

Li Xiangyang did not turn around.

"I'm sorry...I'm sorry..." Su Yan's voice came from behind, filled with deep regret and despair.

Now she finally understands that she missed not only a man, but also a lifetime of wealth and glory.

Li Xiangyang paused for a moment, but eventually walked out.

Stepping out of the coffee shop, the spring sunshine warmed him. Li Xiangyang took a deep breath, feeling much more relaxed.

He took out his phone and dialed his home number.

"Xiaoyun, it's me."

"Xiangyang? How did the meeting go?" Li Xiaoyun's gentle voice came from the phone.

"The meeting went well, but I want to go home early," Li Xiangyang smiled. "Staying at home is better than anything else."

"Then come back soon. Xiao Chen is back from the provincial capital today. He said he has something important to discuss with you." Li Xiaoyun's voice carried a hint of mystery.

Li Xiangyang's heart skipped a beat. His son, Li Wangchen, was studying business administration at a university in the provincial capital. He rarely came home, but this time he suddenly returned saying he had something important to discuss. He wondered what it was.

"I'm heading back now, I should be home by dinnertime."

"Okay, I'll ask Mom to prepare your favorite braised pork. Xiaochen said he wants to give us a surprise."

After hanging up the phone, Li Xiangyang left the hotel immediately. This encounter with Su Yan felt like a complete farewell to the past. Now, all he wanted was to return to the home that truly belonged to him.

In the evening, Li Xiangyang drove back to Xiaoliang Village.

The changes in the village have shocked everyone who has returned. The wide cement roads are lined with neat rows of trees, every household has a brand-new brick and tile house, and many houses have cars parked in front of them.

Li Xiangyang's house is built on a small hillside north of the village. It is a three-story building surrounded by gardens, and from a distance it looks like an estate.

As soon as I parked the car, I heard a young voice come from the yard: "Dad, you're back!"

Li Wangchen walked out of the courtyard, tall and handsome, having inherited all the best features of Li Xiangyang. University life had given him a more scholarly air, but the resolute spirit of his father still lingered in his eyes.

"Xiao Chen, why did you come back so suddenly? Is everything alright at school?" Li Xiangyang patted his son's shoulder and noticed that his son had grown taller again.

"The school is great. I have something important to discuss with you and Mom." Li Wangchen's expression was a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Let's go inside and talk."

Li Xiangyang noticed that his son seemed troubled, but he didn't ask any further questions and followed him into the courtyard.