Chen Xiang and Ruo Xuan

The morning light filtered through the windows of the small apartment, casting a warm glow over the room. Chen Xiang sat at the dining table, his laptop open and spreadsheets scattered across the surface. He had spent the better part of the night crunching numbers, studying market trends, and carefully planning his next move. The success of his first investment had given him a sense of purpose he hadn't felt in months.

His siblings were still asleep, their soft murmurs and the occasional creak of a bed frame breaking the early morning silence. His mother shuffled into the room, her slippers dragging against the floor. She paused when she saw him, her brow furrowing with concern.

"Chen Xiang, did you sleep at all?" she asked, setting down a steaming mug of tea in front of him.

"A little," he replied, his eyes still fixed on the screen. "I've just been trying to figure out how to make this work."

"You've already done so much," she said, sitting across from him. "You don't have to carry all of this on your own."

Chen Xiang looked up, his gaze steady. "I'm not just doing this for me, Mom. It's for all of us. Dad always wanted us to be secure, and I promised him I'd make that happen."

Her lips trembled, but she nodded, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "Just don't forget to take care of yourself too, okay?"

"I won't," he promised, offering her a faint smile.

As the day progressed, the apartment filled with the usual bustle of life. Wenwu ambled into the kitchen, his freshly shaved head gleaming in the sunlight. He grabbed a piece of toast and leaned against the counter, watching Chen Xiang work.

"So, Mr. Stock Market Genius," Wenwu said, his tone playful. "What's next? Are we buying an island or something?"

Chen Xiang smirked, shaking his head. "Not quite. But I've got a few ideas."

"Just don't forget about us little people when you're rich and famous," Wenwu teased, biting into his toast.

"You're the last person I'd forget," Chen Xiang shot back, earning a laugh from his brother.

Later that afternoon, he stepped outside for a breath of fresh air. The neighborhood was alive with the sounds of children playing, the distant hum of traffic, and the occasional bark of a dog. He found himself wandering toward the park, the same one where he had first met Zhang Ruoxuan. The memory brought a small smile to his face.

As if summoned by his thoughts, Ruoxuan appeared, jogging along the path. Her ponytail bounced with every step, and her face was flushed from exertion. She slowed when she saw him, a look of surprise and recognition lighting up her features.

"Chen Xiang," she called, stopping a few feet away. "Fancy seeing you here."

"Small world," he replied, his hands slipping into his pockets. "You're still keeping up with your runs, I see."

"Of course," she said, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand. "And you? How's the knee holding up?"

"Much better," he said. "Thanks to you."

She smiled, tilting her head. "You seem... different. More focused."

He hesitated, then nodded. "A lot has changed. But I think it's for the better."

"That's good to hear," she said, her gaze lingering on him for a moment. "It suits you."

They walked together along the path, their conversation easy and unhurried. He told her about his first successful investment, the hours he'd spent learning, and the plans he was building. She listened intently, her admiration evident.

"You've always been determined," she said. "But seeing you actually achieve something like this... it's inspiring."

Chen Xiang glanced at her, his heart skipping a beat. "I couldn't have done it without the people who believed in me. People like you."

Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked away, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Well, I'm glad I could help."

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, they reached the edge of the park. Chen Xiang paused, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

"I want to keep going," he said suddenly. "Not just for my family, but for myself. I want to build something meaningful, something that lasts."

"You will," Ruoxuan said softly. "I can see it in you."

He turned to her, the warmth of her words settling over him like a blanket. "Thanks, Ruoxuan. For everything."

She nodded, her smile growing. "Anytime, Chen Xiang."

As they parted ways, Chen Xiang felt a renewed sense of purpose. The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time in a long time, he wasn't afraid. He had his family, his drive, and perhaps, something more.