drive and fighting spirit. They refused to show their struggles to their loved ones, instead slowly experiencing the diverse facets of life and its hardships.

With each passing day, they arduously integrated into the new environment, growing rapidly and transforming. The harsh realities of society gave them opportunities to prove themselves. They inherited the humility of their villages while embodying an indomitable spirit.

It’s no wonder people say the future belongs to the children and youth. As long as there is youth, society will remain vibrant and have a promising future, right?

Chapter 21: Striving

In Xirong Town, there are two five-star hotels. Liu Xiaoyan sat on a newspaper she had spread out on the white marble steps of the Xirong Hotel. Her messy hair was tied up with a black silk scarf. Though her beige casual outfit was somewhat worn, it was still very neat. Liu Xiaoyan might have lost some of her schoolgirl innocence, but she gained a touch of maturity and competence.

Wang Ruozhi came over carrying a few boiled corns. Liu Xiaoyan took them and began eating heartily, without pretension or restraint. Her wildness had a unique charm. The challenging job search only spurred this rural girl's courage to push through her difficulties.

"Wang Ruozhi, are you really not going home for the New Year?" Liu Xiaoyan asked while gnawing on the corn.

"What’s the point? Besides, I can't leave you here alone," Wang Ruozhi replied. A scar had appeared on his forehead from a fight with some thugs, adding a bit of manliness to his otherwise slim figure.

"Please, I'm sick of listening to your sweet talk. Wouldn't your parents be upset if you didn’t go back?" Liu Xiaoyan questioned.

"Let them come here if they want; I’m not leaving you," Wang Ruozhi asserted resolutely.

"Wang Ruozhi, I really appreciate your care! But we..." Liu Xiaoyan's words were interrupted by a gesture from Wang Ruozhi, knowing what she was about to say.

"Liu Xiaoyan, can’t we just be best friends? As long as I can see you, I’m satisfied. If you consider me a friend, please don’t drive me away, okay? Honestly, Liu Xiaoyan, if there’s a day you don't try to kick me out, I might find it strange," Wang Ruozhi said with a smile. He naturally took the finished corn cob from Liu Xiaoyan and threw it into a nearby trash can.

"Alright, if you want to stay, you can stay! I just wonder how Brother Le is doing now," Liu Xiaoyan mused.

"He's in Daoyu City. If we miss him, we can go find him," Wang Ruozhi suggested.

"Forget it! We should wait until we’ve established ourselves here."

"Liu Xiaoyan, when you say ‘we’, does that include me?" Wang Ruozhi asked excitedly.

"Is there anyone else here?" Liu Xiaoyan retorted with a question.

"Liu Xiaoyan considers me one of her own! Liu Xiaoy

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