Final-term exams arrived right on schedule.
The mood was nothing like the nerve-shredding monthly tests of senior high; most students looked carefree, though some whispered along the way to the exam hall, promising to “help each other out” later.
“ Tang Yan, you���ve been revising forever—you must be totally ready,” Xia Zihan said. “Let me copy your answers, okay?”
“They’re seating us by student number,” Tang Yan muttered.
“ What?” Xia Zihan’s face fell. “We’re miles apart on the list— I’m doomed! If I flunk and have to take a makeup exam, my mom will nag me to death. Why did I go clubbing last night? A few drinks and my head’s still pounding…”
“The finals shouldn’t be too hard. Just relax—you’ll pass,” Tang Yan encouraged.
“From your lips to the gods.”
A full day of testing felt to Tang Yan like doing a few practice sets in a new room— hardly difficult. Hard work really does pay off. Her roommates, however, were already in “whatever” mode: one binge-watched dramas, another chatted on the phone, a third gamed on her laptop.
But Tang Yan knew their lives differed from hers. With comfortable family backgrounds, they could afford to coast; she had to work ten—no, a hundred—times harder.
That night she rushed back from the canteen with a boxed meal, eating while she read. Her phone rang—Aunt Ji.
Tang Yan shoved her books aside, answered with rice still in her mouth. “Aunt Ji?”
“Haven’t eaten yet?” Ji Yuqing asked.
“Just picked up dinner on my way from the study room.”
“How did the exams feel today?”
“Pretty good—nothing too hard,” Tang Yan said confidently.
Across the dorm a chorus of groans rose. “They were brutal, Tang Yan! You’re not human!”
Ji Yuqing heard the background and chuckled. “What time do you finish tomorrow? I’ll come get you.”
“We’re done at five-thirty.”
“Perfect—I’ll leave at five. Eat, then rest early.”
“You, too, Aunt Ji.”
The call ended, but excitement bubbled inside her. After finals, winter break meant more time with Aunt Ji—just thinking about it made her heart dance.
She devoured the rest of her rice and reopened her book.
Face mask on, Xia Zihan reclined against her chair. “Girls, any plans after exams?”
“My dad signed me up for a computer course,” Lu Wan sighed.
“You’re in college and still in cram school? Tragic.” Xia Zihan clicked her tongue.
“I’m off traveling with my boyfriend,” Han Shuang said, glowing.
Xia Zihan’s gaze landed on Tang Yan. “What about you?”
“Huh—what?” Tang Yan looked up, having tuned out the room. Xia Zihan repeated the question.
“I’m… not sure yet. I’ll let you know.”
“Forget it���I’ll ask people from another class. I can already picture your break: glued to textbooks.”
Tang Yan forced a smile. Was that praise or shade? In truth she hadn’t decided. Going back to her uncle’s house was impossible now.
She grabbed her phone and messaged a friend.
Tang Yan: Xiaoyun, are you awake? Any plans for New Year? Going home?
Zhao Xiaoyun: I’m torn! It’s like you read my mind. If I don’t go, my parents will talk; if I do, they’ll kill me.
Tang Yan: Tough call.
Zhao Xiaoyun: What about you? Going back?
Tang Yan: I… don’t really have a home anymore. After the mess with Tang Yawen, Aunt Ji moved my household registration to Huadu.
Zhao Xiaoyun: Seriously? You’re officially a Huadu girl! Aunt Ji treats you better than your own mom.
Tang Yan: She’s been wonderful… so I probably won’t go back—ever.
Zhao Xiaoyun: At least you have the choice. I send money home each month, but since I came to Huadu I haven’t contacted them. No matter what, it’s still my family—I’ll have to go.
Tang Yan: Be careful…
Zhao Xiaoyun: Relax, it’s just a visit, not a wolf’s den.
After a pause:
Zhao Xiaoyun: How did your mom react to the registration move?
Tang Yan: I doubt she even knows. I’m past caring.
Zhao Xiaoyun: She’s so cold—her daughter’s in another city and she doesn’t worry.
Tang Yan: She did call once, at the start of term…
Even she found her defense of that woman weak.
Zhao Xiaoyun: Enough family drama. When do you finish exams? Let’s grab dinner.
Tang Yan: Tomorrow’s the last one. If I’m free, sure.
Zhao Xiaoyun: Great—I’ll swap for the day shift.
The next afternoon brought unexpected news.
On the final-exam day, Ji Yuqing squeezed in a trip outside the city, taking clothes and treats to her mother. Two caregivers watched the old lady, but no hired help matched a daughter’s touch.
She arrived during her mother’s stroll and chatted with Aunt Qin, who oversaw daily care. As long as her mother ate, slept, and worried about nothing, the weight on Ji Yuqing’s heart lifted.
“Miss Ji, what brings you by today?” Aunt Qin asked.
“I’m on leave from work—more free time.”
Right then Pei Wen called.
“Sis, guess what—Li Wenping somehow locked down President Wang. The boss is praising her to the whole company.”
“That’s excellent,” Ji Yuqing said calmly. “Good for the firm.”
“But maybe not for you! While you’re away she could edge into your role—she’s been competing with us for years.”
Pei Wen’s voice was hushed, as though she were hiding in the restroom.
“Are you calling me from a toilet stall?” Ji Yuqing teased.
“Focus, Sis!”
Ji Yuqing stifled a laugh. “Relax. My suspension is intentional— for show.”
Pei Wen blinked. “I… don’t follow.”
“You’re busy now. We’ll talk tonight.”
President Wang was their latest big client. Ji Yuqing had offended her by accident the other night. Though not wholly her fault, the incident started with her. To salvage the deal, she and the CEO staged this drama— salary cut, public suspension—enough to cool President Wang’s anger and convince even the scheming Li Wenping. Fully believing she’d toppled a rival, Li would pour her soul into winning Wang back, securing the contract. Meanwhile, Ji Yuqing enjoyed a well-earned break.
If sharp-eyed Pei Wen was fooled, the rest of the company stood no chance. As for Li Wenping—still too green.
Ji Yuqing stayed until mid-afternoon. When Aunt Qin begged her to stay for dinner, she declined with a radiant smile—she had to pick up “the child” at school. Her face shone brighter than winter sun.
Driving back, her phone rang again—an entirely unexpected call.
She was coming.