“What happened last night?”

“Did they call you again? You don’t look too good.”

After everything that happened, Xia Fu found it hard to even think of them as parents. She chewed the crispy outer shell of her egg tart, but no sweetness reached her taste buds, despite being in a fast-food restaurant savoring hot pastries.

Across from her, Fang Jingcheng had already finished his burger and was staring at her in a daze. Snapped back by her question, he leaned in instinctively, surprised as he replied, “Huh? You could tell?”

“Right here.”

Xia Fu reached over, her finger tracing from his well-defined brow down past his uplifted eye corner, finally settling on a small patch of skin under his eye. She gently rubbed it.

Fang Jingcheng was strikingly handsome, with fair skin that betrayed dark circles whenever he stayed up late. He leaned his face into her palm, finding comfort in her gentle touch, a bit of tension leaving his expression.

“Yeah, Aunt called last night.”

“Did she say anything unpleasant again?”

“No, she said she realized her mistake and wanted a chance to come home and talk it over with you. But I don’t believe it. I think she just wants to stand up for her son again, so I figured I could just ignore her.”

It was just a phone call; there was no need to be so on edge. But coming from a family like his, Fang Jingcheng was especially sensitive to his mother’s favoritism.

Ignored and pushed aside all his life, overshadowed by his older brother, Fang Siyu, Fang Jingcheng saw Xia Fu’s downcast figure and felt a pang of his own childhood—helpless, wronged, confused, angry, and powerless. These emotions mingled, making it hard to stay as calm as he usually did. But his girl was even more pitiful, more wretched, and he wasn’t a child anymore. Now, he was someone who could protect her.

Could she break free of her family expectations? Was freedom her escape? Or would she eventually receive a love full of remorse? Was that even worth it?

“I don’t believe those hurtful words. I know you; I know you’re the best.”

Fang Jingcheng wasn’t sure if he was saying this to Xia Fu or himself.

“If she tries to slander you again, I’ll hang up immediately. I’ll protect you.”

He was eager to decide for Xia Fu, desperate to shield his beloved, while somewhere deep down, he wavered, waiting for Xia Fu to give him the answer.

“What are you thinking? Even if the approach isn’t exactly… aboveboard, if it’s what you want, I can make it happen…”

Xia Fu looked into Fang Jingcheng’s beautiful eyes, feeling as though she was peering into an opened Pandora’s box. After the release of all kinds of monsters, at the very bottom, a jeweled kaleidoscope remained, with countless fragments, each one reflecting her innermost desires.

What do I want?

She had clung to her self-respect, lived in fear of violence, and filled her mind with patience, hoping that one day, through swallowing her pride, a better future would emerge. But she’d already seen where that path led.

What she needed was never love or approval; it was her own freedom. Since she didn’t care about their opinions anymore, what did insults or slander matter?

No fear. No retreat.

Teacher Li and Fang Jingcheng had done enough already. Continuing to worry and wait would only pass the shadows on to them, tarnishing the beauty they once held dear.

“We should definitely have a proper talk. I want to go to the police station to process a transfer of residence, to get my household registered under the school’s collective registry. I want to cut ties with them.”

“And as for a home? That’s not my home. That’s a tiny room I paid for, with unauthorized additions, stuffy, dark, like the ceiling could collapse at any moment. For their own safety, they should move out as soon as possible. If they want to talk, it’ll have to be over the phone.”

Xia Fu spoke each word with firm resolution, and Fang Jingcheng listened with bated breath. His clear eyes were like frozen pools, his slowly blinking lashes like falling frost. He held her hand, tightening his grip bit by bit, as if to lend her strength:

“Alright. I can book a conference room at a hotel. I’ll be there with Teacher Li…”

Who would’ve thought that Xia Fu, the “unworthy daughter,” could reel in a golden catch after stepping out just once? The Xia family had already lost Chen Xinhong as an ally; they couldn’t afford to upset Fang Jingcheng. So, without much thought, they agreed to the online meeting.

Years of memories and scenes replayed in Xia Fu’s mind. She took a deep breath before the call, struggling to keep her emotions in check, attempting to present her demands as calmly as possible:

“Before being a daughter, I’m a person, not some bargaining object. After everything that’s happened, I can’t stay in the county anymore. I’ll transfer my household, work elsewhere, and pay the necessary support to compensate for past tuition and living expenses. But that’s it. I won’t give anything more.”

“I won’t marry Chen Xinhong. That illegal dowry-bought house—you’d be wise to move out soon.”

A long silence followed from the other end before her mother, Zhang Mei, finally spoke, sighing faintly.

“Transfer the household, huh? Tearing up that paper would be a hassle. But if you really don’t want to be with us, maybe a new place is for the best…”

“We don’t want the dowry! But that house? We bought it fair and square; how could it be illegal? You’re still young. We raised you, and you’re talking about support like it’s a burden… How about this: we put the house in your name alone, so you can rest easy about it. I admit we were harsh before because we were poor. A girl should be raised better, right? You have your ideas now, and we should give you more. Mom won’t mistreat you.”

Zhang Mei’s tone dropped to an almost pitiful level, her voice soaked with a mother’s soft sorrow, so gentle it made Xia Fu feel a chill, as though pricked by needles. She quickly interrupted:

“Just transferring the household is enough. The house and money? I don’t want any of it. I want nothing.”

The more Xia Fu rejected, the more Zhang Mei pushed with her sweet talk.

“Nothing? Don’t be silly. Prenups are normal now. You can’t run off with a man empty-handed, right? Things seem good now, but later? Home is always your fallback. Parents are just regular people, who make mistakes and bad decisions. But it’s love, you know?”

Zhang Mei’s vision of family warmth wrapped Xia Fu like a spider’s web in the wind, clinging stickily. Xia Fu felt herself bristle, like a cat with its tail stepped on, eager to break free from the conversation. She didn’t understand why even a separation had to turn into a farce, making her seem like some rebellious kid, ungrateful for her parents’ supposed love.

“I’ll earn my own money!”

“I hate that house! You kept me locked up in there. Why would I want it? I don’t want a single thing from home. I’ll pay the support, but in return, don’t contact me anymore. Don’t talk to me about love—I’ve had enough!”

The more fiercely Xia Fu spoke, the more Zhang Mei responded with soft tolerance, even shifting to soothe her daughter’s emotions.

“I know you’re hurt and angry. You don’t want to hear me, but I know it’s all just words spoken in anger. Think it over, give Mom a chance to make it up to you.”

This was a ruthless moral hunt. Never had Xia Fu felt so unloved, uncared for, and unheard. She’d told herself she didn’t expect anything, yet tears, like beads on a string, still fell from her face.

Seeing her beloved girl trembling, Fang Jingcheng couldn’t take it any longer. For a split second, he wanted to snatch the phone and tell Xia Fu that it was enough. But her next move stopped him in his tracks.

She didn’t need his mental support. Even as tears flowed uncontrollably, she could keep moving forward.

Xia Fu clenched her hand, digging her fingers into her thigh, using physical pain to calm her emotional ache. She asked her questions one by one, peeling away the decaying flesh that claimed to be love:

“Is that county house more important than S City’s collective registry and the talent program for a first home? Is this really for me?”

“Since I was little, it’s always been this way. You said I was worthless, that no one but my parents would love me, that my future would depend on my brother. But it was me who got into college, who worked to help with household expenses. You lied to me, belittled me, acted like a mother, made me obedient, and told me to work hard, only to leave everything for my brother. Is this love or control?”

These words struck Zhang Mei hard. Without waiting for Xia Fu to finish, she snapped back angrily.

“How dare you speak like that?! I’m your mother! How can you think of me so badly?”

No more tears. No more fear. No more giving in. She didn’t need their approval, nor did she need this pain. Xia Fu knew the answers to all her questions, so there was no need to wait for Zhang Mei’s defense. Everything she’d said was simply to officially say goodbye.

“It’s enough. We’re done. Move out if you want. I’m just informing you.”

Xia Fu hung up decisively, and as silence fell, she felt a massive tremor, the fatigue hitting her so suddenly that she nearly dropped her phone.

Luckily, Fang Jingcheng caught her, shielding this falling gem close to his chest.

“It’s alright. It’s done; you’ve done it.”

Though brutal, she had made her choice. He’d known it all along; he’d never doubted her. Fierce joy and deep sorrow, two conflicting emotions, surged in him like hot oil poured over ice water, churning and boiling, leaving Fang Jingcheng unsure which feeling ran deeper.

“We can complete the transfer this afternoon. When you graduate, you’ll settle in S City as high-level talent, just like me.”

He painted a picture of a better future, burying his face in her neck to hide his smile.

“I won’t let them stand in your way again.”

Now it was his turn to decide.

…

Chen Xinhong had already visited Xia Biao twice in a single day. Staring at the man with his leg propped up, Chen Xinhong issued a final ultimatum with a dark expression.

“Out of respect for President Fang, I can waive the dowry payment. If you’ll just move out of this place, I can even throw in some extra cash, so let’s part on good terms.”

“… This house is just an illegal add-on. Tearing it down is good karma. So what’s it going to be? Are you really staying?”

Xia Biao snorted, giving the table a heavy slap as he growled, “Why should I go? This is my daughter’s house! You’re the one who should leave.”

“Fine, have it your way. Next time, it won’t be someone as accommodating as me.”

Chen Xinhong knew the Xia family was short-sighted and laughably vain. That’s precisely why he’d lured them into this trap. But he never expected the tables would turn, and the stone he threw would hit him in the face.

Since the building was labeled a dangerous structure, tenants who received compensation had started moving out. The nail salon owner across the hall was enthusiastic about relocating, especially with a neighbor who would sell his daughter without hesitation. Just as Chen Xinhong opened the door to leave, he saw her dragging her suitcase out, scowling as she shot a disgusted glance at Xia Biao.

“Disgusting.”

The word dropped like a feather, piercing enough to make Zhang Mei frown. She glanced at Xia Biao, worried as she asked.

“Are you really staying? What if they cut the water and electricity? It’s too hot, not good for Changqing’s recovery.”

“Move? Hell no! That brat doesn’t have the guts to do anything! ‘Recovery’? He’s only whining for you. I caught him gaming last night, totally fine! Go back inside; your moaning is driving me nuts. I’m still the one holding this family together.”

Xia Biao spit dismissively, taking Chen Xinhong’s threat lightly.

At this point, the house didn’t matter. What mattered was Fang Jingcheng’s attitude.

Other than the initial scuffle that left bruises on both sides, Fang Jingcheng hadn’t done anything too aggressive. To him, Fang Jingcheng was just a lovesick kid, doing nothing more than pushing for peace talks—a kid not worth fearing.

Everyone knew rich families had high expectations. No way would they accept someone as troublesome as Xia Fu. If Fang Jingcheng wanted to make him happy, he’d have to treat him like a father-in-law, use a respectful tone, and find a decent job for Changqing.

Otherwise, he’d bring the whole family to F University’s gates and kick up a fuss. He doubted the two would still be like some “Romeo and Juliet” by then. Knowing Xia Fu, she’d probably beg him in tears.

As for these neighbors?

The fewer, the better. With two whole floors to themselves, they could turn it into a guesthouse, living off rental income instead of fixing cars.

With dreams of a brighter future in mind, Xia Biao relaxed, sprawled across the sofa, staring up at the ceiling.

The place needed better wiring—the lights flickered every time usage spiked. The wiring was faulty, like when Zhang Mei was on the phone last night. It was doing it again now.

Might as well rewire after they got the money. And fix those stains left by careless construction.

One crack here. Another one there.

Fully focused, he counted the cracks on the walls. He hadn’t even noticed when one of them, just within a blink, had suddenly deepened.

Like a viper awakened by spring thunder, it twisted. Blinding white lightning split the heavy clouds. The sky cracked open, scattering a fine layer of dust.

Then came the thunderous crash, so loud that even Xia Fu felt it from her hotel.

When Xia Biao tore down his daughter’s bedroom’s load-bearing wall, it hadn’t collapsed. When Xia Fu prayed through tears for it all to end, it hadn’t collapsed. When Fang Jingcheng demanded Chen Xinhong take back the dowry and urged the Xia family to vacate, it hadn’t collapsed. But when Xia Biao plotted to sell Xia Fu for a second time, this new home finally could bear no more and crumbled.

A daughter who left the nest no longer brought him prosperity.