The deserted playground was carpeted with golden leaves. High above, a soft orange sun hung in the azure sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. Ye Wen took a deep breath—this was fresh, smog-free air.

The monthly exam was set for late September. Right after it came the beloved National Day holiday. In past years, Ye Wen would spend it adventuring with friends—even playing marbles could fill a whole day.

Those were simpler times. Pure joy. Uncomplicated happiness. As she grew older and more mature, that lightness faded. A heavy weight pressed on her shoulders now—buying a house, a car, marrying off a son, then raising a child to repeat it all. Life’s pressures left no room to breathe.

It was just a monthly exam. Desks were spaced apart for individual seating. Supervision was lax, giving many a chance to cheat. But what did it matter? Cheating now might work. But the finals? The college entrance exam? In the end, it was all futile.

Ye Wen thought her past self had been so unmotivated. If she’d worked harder earlier, senior year wouldn’t have drained her half to death. Her cramming succeeded—but the process could’ve been easier.

“Ye Wen…” Qiu Yi whispered from a nearby chair. “Hey, slide your answers left a bit later. I’ll copy them.”

Ye Wen shot him a sideways glare. “Got it!” she snapped.

Qiu Yi frowned. What had upset her? Women were so complicated.

She was frustrated with her past self—but it was her own past. She’d still let him copy.

“Wenwen, morning~” Jin Jing entered and sat in front of Ye Wen.

“Confident about today’s exam?” Ye Wen asked warmly.

“Mmm…” Jin Jing tapped her chin with a finger. “I cleared some doubts yesterday, but still not sure…”

“Don’t stress. It’s just a monthly exam.” Ye Wen gently played with Jin Jing’s hair.

“Hah—hah—huff—” Lu Yu burst in, panting like a bellows. “Hah… just… huff… made it… hah… on time…”

“Late? It’s only seven,” Ye Wen said, glancing at the clock.

“Hah…? Crap, my clock’s broken…” Lu Yu wheezed.

“You’re such an airhead,” Ye Wen sighed.

“Students, take your seats. Exams start soon. No cheating—caught means zero marks and detention. Put textbooks away. Only pens and paper on desks… First subject: Chinese.”

The exam began amid mixed moods. Ye Wen grabbed her Chinese paper and wrote furiously. It was her strength—especially with knowledge she’d already mastered. The room fell silent, filled only by scribbling pens.

Chinese couldn’t be fully copied. Ye Wen hung the answer sheet on her desk’s left edge and tapped twice. Qiu Yi caught the signal and quickly copied the multiple-choice answers.

The half-day exam flew by smoothly. Only the English multiple-choice took extra time. After the final paper, Qiu Yi rushed to thank Ye Wen.

“No need,” she said, packing her pen. “Just… don’t cheat next time.”

“Ah… ha… I’ll try,” Qiu Yi grinned, clearly not planning to study.

“Lazybones,” Ye Wen muttered under her breath. She ignored him, slung her bag, and headed for the door.

Afternoon classes were canceled for the National Day break. Ye Wen hadn’t told her family—she had other plans.

“Jin Jing~ Let’s hit the pedestrian street!”

“Huh?” Jin Jing blinked, then smiled. “Sure! I’ve got nothing this afternoon.”

“Where? Where?!” Lu Yu spun around mid-discussion.

“Kids can’t go,” Ye Wen said sternly.

“Pfft…” Jin Jing covered her mouth. “The pedestrian street. Join us?”

“The street? Uh… I forgot my money…” Lu Yu drooped.

“No worries, I brought some,” Ye Wen blurted—then cursed herself. This was supposed to be just her and Jin Jing!

“Really? I’ll borrow for anything!” Lu Yu cheered. “Let’s go! Go!”

Turns out Lu Yu was the most excited…

Well, whatever. At least she’d walk beside Jin Jing. Ye Wen comforted herself, stepping close to her friend.

Wenlan Academy was only a thirty-minute walk from the pedestrian street. A clear river flowed beside it. No cars were allowed—just the occasional cyclist drifting by.

Neat little shops lined the path, their spotless windows showcasing prized goods.

“Whoa—!” Lu Yu stopped at a window full of Barbie dolls. “The new limited edition! So many outfits!”

“Are you still a kid…?” Ye Wen’s eye twitched.

“Yep, Lu Yu’s a kid at heart,” Jin Jing laughed. “Loves Barbies.”

“Tch! You two are so in sync!” Lu Yu rolled her eyes. Then sighed. “So expensive…”

Ye Wen’s face flushed crimson. Jin Jing giggled, pinching her cheek. “Look at you, my shy little wife.”

“Yeah, blushing bride!” Lu Yu teased.

“Good girl~” Jin Jing cooed.

“Huh?” Lu Yu froze.

“Mmm, I think Wenwen should be the wife~ So gentle and sweet. A perfect homemaker.”

“Whoever marries her is blessed!”

“But for now, my wife is all mine,” Jin Jing smiled.

Damn it! Why am I the wife?! Ye Wen screamed inside.