Ji Yueyi let out a soft breath, set down her pen, and stared at the exam paper covered in her handwriting. She flipped through it carefully, checking every detail. Satisfied there were no mistakes, she stood and handed it to the teacher.

The homeroom teacher verified the information, glanced at his watch, clapped his hands, and announced, "Exam’s over. Pass papers from back to front."

It was just a small quiz, so students weren’t nervous. They looked relieved as they handed in their papers. Ji Yueyi helped count them, then took the stack to the office. Returning, she found the teacher on the podium.

"Tomorrow’s parent-teacher meeting," he said. "We’ll discuss your recent performance with your parents."

"Don’t be nervous. I’ll give honest feedback."

"Ah!? No! I’m not ready!"

"Heh, my butt’s gonna swell up again."

"What’s to fear? I’ve got steel plates ready."

Ignoring the groans, the teacher stepped down. Spotting Ji Yueyi nearby, he patted her shoulder. "I know your family situation. If it’s inconvenient, I can call your parents."

Ji Yueyi shook her head vigorously, eyes firm. "No farm work now. I’ll definitely bring my father!"

"Well, it’s not necessary to—"

"No, he’ll come! Don’t worry, teacher."

The teacher relented. He knew her father always made excuses before, but Ji Yueyi seemed upset about it.

After school, Mu Yue Ran picked up Ji Yueyi. In the car, Mu Yue Ran noticed her troubled look. "Something to tell me?"

Ji Yueyi shook her head hard, then paused and nodded.

"Pfft, just say it," Mu Yue Ran chuckled, ruffling her hair. Ji Yueyi pouted, fixing her messy hair. "School’s having a parent meeting."

"You? Afraid of being scolded?" Mu Yue Ran was puzzled. Ji Yueyi was a model student—unlike her, who’d dragged her sister to cover for absent parents.

"It’s not that. My parents... they never want to come." Ji Yueyi fidgeted with her sleeve, cupping her cheeks. "They make excuses—crops to harvest, it’s too far to town." She buried her face in the passenger seat cushion. "I found out they’re secretly working in the city, avoiding me. I know they’re afraid of embarrassing me. But I’m not! I just want them to see how great their daughter is..."

Mu Yue Ran understood. To Ji Yueyi, true pride wasn’t her own success, but having amazing parents. But parents often hide, fearing they’ll shame their kids. Mu Yue Ran knew that frustration.

"Hmm... I’ve got a trick," Mu Yue Ran said at a red light. She gestured for Ji Yueyi to lean closer. Ji Yueyi did, feeling Mu Yue Ran’s warm breath on her ear. Her hands gripped the armrest.

"Just say this... and then..."

Ji Yueyi’s eyes widened. "Is that... okay?"

"Of course," Mu Yue Ran said, stepping on the gas. "If you don’t push them, they won’t come."

"Okay... I’ll try."

Ji Yueyi pulled out her phone, dialed her father. As it rang, she swallowed nervously. Surprisingly, she felt a hint of excitement. She glanced at Mu Yue Ran’s mischievous grin. *Am I getting corrupted too fast? And why do I like it?*

The call connected. Her father’s rough voice boomed, thick with accent. "Hey! My girl, what’s up?"

Encouraged by Mu Yue Ran’s gaze, Ji Yueyi blurted out, "I’m dating someone! The teacher found out! They want to meet you! Come to school!"

She clutched her chest, heart pounding. Lying for the first time, especially about this, made her palms sweaty. Mu Yue Ran gave a thumbs-up. They listened.

Silence. Then chaos—shouting, clattering.

"Lao Ji! What are you doing? Your injury just healed!"

"Damn it! Where’s my rifle? I’ll find that punk messing with my little cabbage!"

"The state took your rifle! Just take an axe!"

Mu Yue Ran and Ji Yueyi exchanged worried glances. Good news: parents were coming. Bad news: with an axe.

Ji Yueyi placed her hand over Mu Yue Ran’s. "Don’t worry. My dad’s impulsive, but rational."

*Girl, listen to yourself.*

"Why comfort me? He’s coming. The trick worked," Mu Yue Ran smirked. "I’m not scared. I helped her dump that loser. I’m a hero! Besides, I’m a girl now. What’s to fear?"

*So, could you stop your thigh from trembling...*