I hummed again.
My mom became awkward, unable to find
anything to say.
Ethan suddenly yelled coldly, “Ashley, what
are you so arrogant about? Your parents are
talking to you, and this is your attitude?”
I immediately hung up the video call.
Without wasting a moment, I picked up my
books and rushed to school.
Youth is precious; I felt sorry for indulging
myself last night and needed to catch up!
10
In my junior year, I became even more
frenzied, participating in every suitable
competitION.
I even participated in the campus singing
competition, singing ordinarily but confidently
and sincerely, winning enthusiastic applause.
I belatedly realized that since when, I had
stopped being self–deprecating and numb.
I could confidently face the most vulnerable
aspects of myself, not fearing loss and not
relying on anyone.
The small village of my past was truly under
my feet!
This year, I went home.
Since my studies were over, I only needed to
wait for graduate school admissions.
I took this opportunity to go home and bring
away the things I hadn’t taken before.
The day I went home, I didn’t tell my family; I
took a plane.
Returning to the familiar villa, I looked at the
second–floor balcony.
く
It was empty; no one had jumped off
anymore.
Walking inside, Mr. Wang, the butler, looked
at me in surprise, not recognizing me at first.
But he was very polite, asking who I was
looking for.
I said I was Ashley Zhou.
Mr. Wang was stunned, staring at me for a
while before exclaiming, “No… It’s really Miss
Ashley? Come, come in quickly!”
He was so excited, constantly praising me.
“My goodness, Miss Ashley, you’ve changed
so much! You’re…what’s that saying…a
scholar…I’m not well–read; I forgot.”
“A cultured person exudes an elegant aura?” I
chuckled.
“Yes, yes!” Mr. Wang’s face turned red. “Miss
Ashley, I’ve met many young ladies, but none
like you!”
I laughed and said, “Your flattery is quite
impressive,” inwardly amused, as he was a
favorite of my father’s.
I walked inside, changing the subject. “Are my
mom and dad not home?”
“Mr. and Mrs. Zhou went to see Miss
Jessica’s singing performance; it’s some kind of competition at her music college,” Mr. Wang explained.
I nodded.
Mr. Wang continued, “Ethan is at the
company. He’s under a lot of pressure
recently; he’s incredibly busy, and he hasn’t
been home for half a month.”
I nodded again, not caring.
Since no one was home, I went to my room to
pack my luggage.
I had left in a hurry, only taking a few sets of
clothes and necessities; I hadn’t taken my
high school diaries, graduation photos, or
bracelets from friends.
く
Now, I searched my room, gathering
everything I needed.
Ready to leave, my parents and Jessica
returned.
Jessica was unhappy and disgruntled,
constantly grumbling about the school’s
manipulation that led to her defeat!
After three years, Jessica hadn’t changed
much, still like the seventeen–year–old girl.
Spoiled, fashionable, flamboyant.
I remembered my first time home, wearing
simple old clothes, with calluses on my
fingers. Compared to her, I felt inferior, not
daring to look at her.
Now, I was still simple, without makeup,
clean.
But seeing her was like a giant tree seeing a
flamboyant little flower; I simply glanced and
then looked away.
She saw me and froze.
<
My parents also noticed me, looking surprised
and confused.
Then my mom quickly approached, staring
intently at me, asking uncertainly, “Ashley?” “Yes,” I smiled at her. “I came back to pack
some things, and I’m leaving.”
