Chapter 9 "Oh, sweetie, you really hate bothering us, don't you? But I truly love you and hope you'll consider studying abroad to broaden your horizons," my mom said earnestly, her tone filled with persuasion. I hung up the call and went back to study. After Leila went abroad, my college entrance exams drew closer. For many wealthy kids, the college entrance exams were just a minor hurdle-something they didn't even need to bother with. But for me, it was the most important turning point of my life. With unwavering determination, I aimed to take first place in the year and secure a spot at the nation's top university. I was fully confident. The moment I stepped out of the exam hall, tears streamed down my face. My deskmate rolled her eyes dramatically. "Why are you crying? Did you look at yourself in the mirror again?" When I got back to my apartment, I actually did look in the mirror. It was a new mirror I'd bought recently. I never used to have the habit of looking at myself, never owning full-length mirrors or even a small makeup compact. Back then, the only reflection I saw was in the washbasin. Now, I stood quietly and took in my reflection. It wasn't to admire how much prettier or fairer I'd become. I was simply appreciating the fact that, in this life, I finally managed to live for myself. With some money left in my account, I decided to reward myself with a trip to the seaside. It was the first time in three years I'd gone anywhere far. I took two photos-one of the ocean and one of myself. For the first time, I posted on social media. I didn't know what to caption it, so I just used an emoji-the grinning face with teeth. My mom was the first to like it. She was shocked. "Carol, is this you?" 1/3 +25 Bonus I replied with a simple "Yeah." She messaged again. "Really? Is this really you? You've changed so much!" Yes, I had changed so much that even my own mother couldn't recognize me. My dad didn't bother liking the post. Instead, he sent me a message: "Where did you go?" "To the beach," I replied. After a pause, he scolded me. "You've got some nerve. We invited you to the beach so many times before, and you refused. Now you go on your own? It's not safe to travel alone." I didn't respond. Later that evening, Shane liked my post too, and even left a comment: "You've grown into such a fine young lady. The Lowe genes are something else." I ignored it. Before the exam results were released, I took up a part-time job. Two weeks in, my mom found out about it through my teacher. She scolded me over the phone. "Sweetheart, why do you keep running off without saying anything? What if something happened and we didn't even know? Come back. You don't need to work." I told her, "It's good to earn a little money for tuition. Attending college is going to be expensive." She let out an exasperated laugh. "Are you kidding? Does it look like our family is so broke we can't even afford tuition?" My family wasn't broke, just broken. Throughout my three years in high school, I never asked my family for money, and they never offered, either. The cash gifts I received when I returned home were what kept me going all this time. I smiled silently, saying nothing. My mom, slowly realizing the truth, asked hurriedly, "Your dad didn't give you any living expenses?" "No."/ "What about your brother?" "He didn't give me anything either." 2/3 With that, I hung up the call. I was too busy. After all, the assembly line couldn't function without me. +25 Bonus results were released, the whole school erupted in celebration. ed my goal: I got into Crownridge University. Not only that, but I was also the top scorer in the entire city and even got interviewed by the city's television station. My homeroom teacher was so overwhelmed with emotion that she cried, calling me a genius over and over. I smiled quietly. But the smile faded quickly when my parents showed up. The teacher had invited them for a group photo. My mom was ecstatic, her face lit up with pride, unable to stop smiling. Even my dad dropped his usual stern demeanor, shaking hands with the officials and boasting nonstop. It seemed the title of "City's Top Scorer" was prestigious enough to impress even the wealthiest families. I turned and walked away, unwilling to pose for photos with them. As I stepped out of the school gates, a sleek sports car pulled up, and a sharp-looking man stepped out. It was Shane. Our eyes met, and he froze for a moment. "Didn't Mom and Dad say they came to see you? Where are you going by yourself?"