The leaves of the plane trees lining Huai Tree Street had fallen to the ground, signaling the quiet arrival of autumn. A gentle breeze blew, lifting the leaves into the air before they drifted back down.

Tang You stood in the living room, surveying the unfamiliar surroundings.

This was a villa that had been vacant for quite some time. Although the decor was somewhat outdated, the place was still relatively clean and tidy.

A few years ago, the Tang family had moved to the neighboring city of Haicheng due to business reasons. Now, because of the college entrance exams, Tang You had to return to her original registered residence, which meant transferring back to C City.

The best art high school in C City was located in this district, so her mother, Fang Lai, had purchased this villa nearby. Though it was a bit old, its proximity to the school made it a convenient choice.

“I’ll have someone come over to clean up later, and we’ll change the wallpaper in your room. Youyou, is there anything else you’d like to add?” Fang Lai’s voice came from behind her. Tang You turned her head and asked, “Where’s Dad?”

Fang Lai was about to respond when the phone in her hand rang. She immediately turned away and walked to the window to take the call.

Her mother’s posture was tall and proud, exuding the confidence typical of a strong, successful woman.

A few seconds later, Fang Lai finished the call.

She walked over, put her phone back into her new designer bag, and said to Tang You, “Your dad just finished a meeting and is waiting for me at the airport. We’re going to South Africa for an inspection this time. While we’re away, you need to listen to Aunt Rong, practice your cello, and attend your classes. Do you understand?”

The Tang family had made their fortune in real estate, but perhaps unsatisfied with the status quo, Fang Lai had started to venture into the jewelry business a couple of years ago. This time, they had finally arranged a meeting with a mine owner in South Africa through a mutual acquaintance, and she wasn’t going to miss the opportunity.

Tang You was already accustomed to this kind of separation, as her parents were often away on business. She nodded calmly and pointed to the wallpaper samples on the table that had been sent by a master decorator. “I’d like the wallpaper to be sky blue.”

“Sky blue?” Fang Lai frowned as she flipped through the samples, pointing to one with small white daisies on it. “Sky blue doesn’t look good. How about this one?”

Tang You’s lips moved slightly as she turned her head away in annoyance. “Whatever.”

After Fang Lai left, Tang You went up to her bedroom on the second floor.

She placed her cello case in the corner. The expensive cello inside had been custom-made for her by a craftsman overseas, at her mother’s request, and had Tang You’s name engraved on it.

Thinking about this, Tang You’s shoulders slumped slightly.

To be fair, her mother did love her very much; it was just that this love was too overwhelming, too overpowering, and sometimes suffocating.

From big decisions like school and friends to small choices like the color of wallpaper, Fang Lai controlled everything, leaving no room for dissent or refusal.

Feeling stifled, Tang You pushed open the glass door of her bedroom and stepped out onto the balcony.

The paint on the balcony walls was starting to peel in some places, and a few newly purchased potted flowers sat nearby.

Leaning on the balcony, she could clearly see the scenery around her new home.

In front of the villa was a not-so-wide street, lined with towering French plane trees. The area seemed to be a standard upscale residential neighborhood, but across the street—

On the other side of the plane trees was a jarring contrast: a cluster of tightly packed brick houses with tile roofs.

Compared to the tranquility on this side of the villa, the world over there seemed more down-to-earth. Faint sounds of laughter, bicycle bells, and children playing with spinning tops could be heard.

Tang You’s curiosity was piqued.

Fang Lai was very strict with her, always saying that studying was the priority, that she would go abroad for university, and that she would become the youngest cello soloist. Even when making friends, they had to be the glamorous offspring of noble families.

So, Tang You’s few friends were all proper young ladies. They spent their days learning different languages, mastering the etiquette of high society, discerning the vintage of wines, and doing all sorts of things that didn’t quite match their age.

Tang You often felt that her eighteen years of life lacked vibrancy and freedom.

In the distance, there were lively sounds, full of energy. The alley hidden within the villa district, which seemed so out of place, strongly attracted Tang You. She couldn’t help but rise on her tiptoes, trying to see more clearly.