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The sun had barely risen when Lin Yue opened her eyes.
A soft golden light slipped through the tattered curtain, casting a warm glow across the modest room.
She yawned, stretching lazily under her thin blanket before sitting up.
With a sudden burst of energy, she slid off the bed and padded to the kitchen.
She began moving around the kitchen quietly, making breakfast.
The scent of fried eggs, warm toast, and boiling milk filled the room.
Just as she poured the last cup of milk, she heard soft footsteps behind her.
"Yueyue?" Ah Yan's voice was groggy but gentle.
She turned, beaming. "Morning, Ah Yan!"
He rubbed his eyes and leaned against the doorframe. "What's the occasion? You're up early."
She placed the cup on the table. "I'm going out to look for a job today. Can't keep sulking around, right?"
He smiled. "That's good. You've got this."
She'd thought it through last night.
She won't sit down and wait for Ah Yan to go to work.
She was supposed to take care of him, not the other way around.
She also couldn't stay idle.
They ate in companionable silence, each absorbed in their own thoughts.
She was thinking about where she could apply, wondering if any nearby restaurants or shops were hiring.
After breakfast, they washed the dishes together—Ah Yan insisted—and got ready to leave.
The moment they stepped outside, however, a dark cloud descended over her bright morning.
Two unwanted figures spoiled her happy morning.
Two familiar figures stood at the gate.
Lin Yue's body went rigid.
Her mother and brother were waiting like lurking vultures.
Her mother's arms were crossed tightly, her eyes sharp and cruel.
Her brother, arms stuffed in his hoodie pocket, chewed gum with an arrogant air.
Like he owned the world.
Arrogant.
They looked like they were just about to enter when they saw them and decided to wait for them at the gate.
Lin Yue didn't say a word as she kept walking.
She had long decided these people were no longer her family.
"So now you can't even greet us? You've really grown wings," her mother snapped, stepping forward.
Lin Yue's jaw tightened.
"Move," she said coldly.
Her mother's hand shot out and grabbed her arm roughly. "Little bastard. You think just because you have a boyfriend now you can ignore us?"
Ah Yan instinctively stepped forward, but Lin Yue held up a hand, silently telling him to stay back.
She turned her eyes on her mother, cold and unwavering. "It's none of your business."
Her mother sneered. "It is if your brother needs money. Give us three thousands. He needs to buy gifts for his girlfriend."
Lin Yue stared at her mother, disbelief flashing across her face.
Then she laughed.
Angrily.
A bitter, mirthless laugh.
"You're unbelievable. Do you remember telling me never to come crawling back? That we'd severed ties? You made it clear I was nothing to you."
Her brother clicked his tongue, clearly annoyed. "Stop being dramatic. We raised you. You owe us."
Lin Yue's voice turned sharper. "You raised me? You mean making me work at fifteen, taking all my wages, and feeding me scraps? You really know how to raise someone. A very good job."
Her mother scowled. "Watch your mouth! We clothed and fed you."
"Barely," Lin Yue shot back. "And by the way, I saw your 'precious daughter' Xingyan on TV the other day. All over a certain actor as a couple. Looks like she's doing fine. Maybe she can fund your boyfriend-gift nonsense."
Her mother's eyes flared. "Xingyan works hard for this family. She's a star now! You should contribute too."
Lin Yue raised an eyebrow, a smirk on her lips. "I've contributed since I was a teen. I've paid my debt. And besides... I was fired. So I have nothing to give."
Her mother's expression shifted. Doubt, then disdain as she looked at her phone's clock.
It was already past eight.
No employer would let their employee go at work so late.
"Fired? Hah. No wonder you're still useless. Come on, son. Let's go. She's a waste of space."
She tugged her son's sleeve, and they turned away arrogantly.
Lin Yue didn't move.
She watched them go with a blank face.
Inside, her chest was tight, but her eyes remained dry.
She was done crying over people who never truly loved her.
However, it still hurts.
When they disappeared from view, Ah Yan touched her shoulder gently. "Are you okay?"
She nodded. " Let's go."
But he didn't miss the quiet ache behind her words.
As he started his scooter, he looked over at her and smiled reassuringly. "They won't bother you for a while. Not now that they know you've got no job and no money."
She gave a small smile. "That's true. Their love is always conditional. Money is their everything."
He dropped her off at the street corner near a cluster of stores and small businesses at the entrance of the restaurant.
She turned back to him waving before leaving.
"Have a good day at work."
He smiled softly. "You too. Good luck."
She nodded and walked away.
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