Summer vacation tiptoed away at summer’s tail, yet the heat clung stubbornly. The sun blazed so fiercely it stung the eyes, weaving the illusion that this season would never end.

School’s return always carried a bittersweet ache. Waking at noon, sleeping past 1 a.m., skimming motivational quotes for seconds each night—only to be left choking on dust when classes began.

“Homework done?”

“I didn’t go anywhere all summer—just homework. If I still hadn’t finished? I’d be dead.”

He Muqing rolled her eyes hard, impatience flickering across her face. “You’re leaving anyway. Why nag me daily?”

“Because I keep hearing about people pulling all-nighters before school starts… and getting scolded.”

Su Yu held his freshly bought ticket, dragging a heavy suitcase. He Muqing followed behind, carrying his small bag.

“Who said that? I… I just forgot some!” Her gaze drifted sideways. Denying fault stubbornly was her trademark.

The noisy waiting room swallowed their hushed bickering. They teased like old times, tactfully avoiding the word *goodbye*.

“My train’s here. Be careful heading back alone.”

“Mm~” He Muqing lowered her long lashes obediently. “Call me once you’re settled. So Mom won’t worry.”

“That worried? Gonna cry?” Su Yu smiled, gently flicking the delicate bridge of her nose—just like before.

She shook her head, eyes wide. “Pfft! I’ll be thrilled you’re gone. Don’t flatter yourself. Scram!”

“Well… bye.”

“Bye.”

He Muqing handed him the bag. She watched Su Yu vanish into the crowd. Her hesitation melted bit by bit, anxiety rising. Words hovered on her lips—then vanished.

“Hey. I *will* go to Qingchuan.”

“I believe you. I’ll find the best dessert shop near campus. Treat you every day.”

Su Yu turned, flashing a wide grin. She couldn’t help but smile back.

*Good… good.* Far enough now. He couldn’t see the faint red dampness gathering at the corners of her eyes.

…

Weekday noon at the convenience store was quiet. Time to tally new shipments—a meticulous task where mistakes were common. Yet the manager adored the new girl: pretty, diligent, flawless all summer. A pity she was only part-time. Leaving tomorrow.

“Xiao Xia, off tomorrow?”

“Mm?” Xia Qian’ge looked up from crate numbers, wiping glistening sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. A bright, practiced smile bloomed. “Yes. School starts tomorrow.”

“Ah… Will you come back during breaks?” The manager sighed.

“My school’s far. Probably not.” She shook her head apologetically. “But I can return winter break—if you still need help.”

“Great! Settled. I’ll raise your pay. And name you Employee of the Month—bonus included!”

“Thank you, Manager.”

“Customer at the register. I’ll finish the stock.”

“Thanks.”

Xia Qian’ge set down the checklist, dusted her uniform lightly, and hurried front.

For most, post-exam summer meant rest. Three years of grueling study—no need to be strict. Part-time jobs were just “life experience.” But Xia Qian’ge had no choice.

She smiled while scanning items, calculating totals, packing bags, handing them over cheerfully.

Her clean, refreshing smile startled the customer. *Why would someone this pretty work here?*

He stammered, muttered “thanks,” and left hastily—something he’d never done before.

As the door closed, her smile faded. Her deep eyes darkened like spilled ink, cold and hollow.

She didn’t like smiling. Found nothing funny. Yet that stiff, mechanical curve had become Xia Qian’ge’s trademark.

She *had* to smile. Without it: no school popularity, no easy job, no boy stealing glances at her profile from the corner.

Today was her last shift. From afternoon onward—truly free. Free to leave *that* house.

…

Dusk set the sky ablaze in fiery red. Xia Qian’ge stepped out of the store, black bag slung over her shoulder. Holiday or not, her outfit stayed simple: crisp white tee, faded jeans hugging long legs—bordering on shabby.

The store wasn’t far. That apartment was all the man left before divorce: a worn unit in an old complex, nearly worthless. Clever of him—to wait until she turned eighteen before filing. No child support. Clean break.

The marriage had long been in tatters, yet dragged on until her birthday. He never shouldered responsibility; womanizing was routine. For her, its collapse was pure relief.

“Hello, Mom.”

Xia Qian’ge’s voice turned sweet, obedient, genuine warmth in her eyes—the perfect daughter.

The voice on the line sounded frail, weary. “Qian’ge… off work?”

“Just finished! Manager even gave extra bonus today.”

“Good… Your father wants to start a business. Needs to borrow a little. We have savings… Could we…?”

“Mom, you’re divorced. And… that’s my tuition money.” Her tone stayed soft, gentle.

“But you got paid! I’ll get mine soon. Consider it a loan from me?”

“Mom… he’s nothing to us. Must we stay connected?”

“Qian’ge! You carry his blood—he’s your father!”

“…Okay. I’ll listen. Lend it to him.”

“Good girl. My obedient Qian’ge.”

“Mm. What should I cook tonight? I’ll…”

“Hanging up. Your father’s waiting.”

*Click.* Static crackled. Her unfinished words—and smile—froze mid-air.

“Pathetic creature…”

She whispered to the dead line. Her mother was pitiful. But Xia Qian’ge felt not a trace of sympathy. *She deserves it.*

The weak never deserve happiness. Never…