Ji Yueyi sat in the cafeteria, staring at the baozi and vegetable soup before her with no appetite. Her mind was still trapped in last night, as if she remained lost in Mu Yue Ran's violet eyes, feeling like a lifetime had passed.
After waking up this morning, Ji Yueyi had briefly thought it was all a beautiful dream. But only when she saw Mu Yue Ran's good morning message on her phone did she dare to believe it was real.
Ji Yueyi recalled the yawning bear emoji and couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Haha, Sis Yue Ran always has these adorable little quirks," she thought.
"Hey, what's got our gorgeous Ji Yueyi laughing like that? Share it so we can all have a laugh too," a raspy voice called out, like a duck's croak. Ji Yueyi instantly wiped the smile off her face. She frowned and turned her head away.
But this "keep away" aura didn't stop a few girls. They shamelessly sat beside her, poking her elbows. "Why did you leave first last night?" one asked with a trace of reproach.
Without changing expression, Ji Yueyi tore off a piece of the slightly hard dough skin. She dipped it in hot soup and stuffed it into her mouth. Only after chewing slowly did she say, "My sister came to pick me up. She said I can't go to places like that anymore."
Remembering the woman who dominated the drinking table last night—whom they couldn't get drunk even with a rotation tactic—the speaker's face turned ashen. Gritting her teeth, she coaxed, "Why be so obedient? We all had fun yesterday. We're high schoolers now—why act like a goody-goody?"
"I've always been well-behaved," Ji Yueyi replied. "And only you seemed happy."
After finishing her baozi, Ji Yueyi ignored the persistent girls. She walked straight out of the cafeteria, entered the classroom, opened her textbook, and continued studying. For her, studying wasn't just a way to change her fate; it was to honor her parents' tireless sacrifices in sending her to the big city.
As sunlight sank, Ji Yueyi reached the classroom door, her shadow moving with her. Just as she prepared to leave school, her homeroom teacher suddenly blocked her path.
"Ji Yueyi, come to my office."
Though puzzled, Ji Yueyi reviewed her recent actions. Confirming she'd done nothing wrong, she walked cautiously inside. Only she and the teacher were in the spacious office. He pushed out a stool, smiled kindly, and gestured for her to sit.
Feeling uneasy, Ji Yueyi sat properly, legs together, hands on her knees. She listened quietly.
"Ji Yueyi, are you still working part-time?"
"Yes, delivering food and odd jobs as a waitress." She replied truthfully. Her family situation required work, and the school had turned a blind eye after her report—as long as her grades didn't drop.
But now, the teacher wore a troubled expression. After hesitating, he said slowly, "You should stop working. You're in second year high school now; academic pressure has spiked. Your body could break down."
Astonishment flashed on Ji Yueyi's face. She shook her head vigorously. "My grades haven't dropped. I'm healthy. I know my limits."
"I know, but..."
"Teacher, my dad was hospitalized from a car accident. He just got out and is recuperating back home. He needs money."
"I... can't stop working." Ji Yueyi smiled bitterly, her eyes holding a trace of pleading. The teacher couldn't bear it; his lips trembled silently.
After frozen seconds, a sigh broke the quiet. Helplessly, he said, "You'll get this semester's scholarship and the poverty subsidy. Can't you hold on a bit longer? This is your crucial period. An important exam is coming—in months, you might earn a key university recommendation."
"Forget it. I'll contact your family directly."
Ji Yueyi panicked, wanting to argue. She knew her parents would agree instantly, adding to their burden. But the teacher had made up his mind. Ignoring her protests, he firmly ushered her out.
Standing in the empty corridor under the setting sun, Ji Yueyi was alone with her shadow. She crouched down, buried her head in her knees, and stayed silent. Only when the final bell rang did she slowly rise, dragging her tired, numb legs toward the exit.
Ji Yueyi walked to a restaurant's back door—her workplace as a waitress and food deliverer. Pushing inside, she saw the manager smoking in the break room. His face shifted from confusion to helplessness. He stubbed out his cigarette, wiped his face, and said slowly, "Xiao Yue, your school teacher called. You can't work here anymore due to studies."
"I don't want you to leave, but... I'm in a tough spot too."
Ji Yueyi's eyes widened in disbelief. She hadn't expected the teacher to act so fast. The manager sighed sadly, handing her three months' salary—a small kindness for the pitiful girl. He patted her shoulder. "Treat today as your last shift." Then, unable to bear the oppressive air, he hurried away.
Silently, Ji Yueyi entered the changing room. She neatly stored her schoolbag and uniform in a locker, then put on an apron. Closing the door, her body slumped against it as if weightless. She reached out to steady herself. Taking a deep breath and exhaling, she tried to expel the gloom pressing on her heart—but the irritation clung like a persistent shadow. All she wanted was a peaceful life to study well...
After much thought, Ji Yueyi went to the front desk. No matter what, she'd finish this last shift properly.
"Hello, what would you like to eat?"
"Hmm... how much to buy your heart?" Wu Fan put down the menu, his cheesy words dripping with calculation as he eyed Ji Yueyi.
