some air, I could hear a few friends in the hallway cornering Ryan to probe for information.
Even when I just went out to the terrace for sor
“Didn’t you say Mia had a falling out with you over the school beauty? Has she still not gotten over you and come back?”
Ryan scoffed quietly.
get over it in a couple days. We’ve known each other for so many years, how could she really cut ties with me?”
“She’s just being childish. She’ll ge
That person sighed, “Actually, Mia is pretty great. You two have so many years of feelings. We’re all envious of how obedient she is to you”
“On one side is your childhood sweetheart of many years, on the other is your dream girl. It’s a pity to give up either… So what are you planning to do in the future?”
Ryan was silent for a while before speaking.
“To be honest, I think Mia is great too.
“But it just feels like such a waste. I’m still so young. How can a man only
ly have one woman for his whole life? It’s too boring to see the end from the beginning.
“I need to go out and see the world… But it doesn’t have to interfere. As long as I turn back, there’s always someone keeping the light on at home.”
That person fell silent too.
After a while, he laughed and punched Ryan.
“You jerk.”
I couldn’t listen anymore and quietly walked further away.
The evening breeze blew, and I couldn’t help sniffing, my eyes growing hot again.
I only hated myself for being so blind before, misjudging someone so badly.
13
At this party today, I was in an absolutely terrible mood.
Mrs. Carter was especially happy to see me though, constantly fussing over me at the dinner table.
“Mia, the air in New York is very dry. Tomorrow, have Ryan take you to the mall to stock up on some moisturizing skincare products”
“No need, Auntie. There are plenty of malls in New York, and online shopping is very convenient too.
She smiled and agreed, then said to my m
“For the dorm bedding and such, when I was preparing Ryans, I got Mia’s set ready too, for all four seasons.
“Especially since northern winters are very cold, I picked very thick ones, I bought several sets of down jackets too. You’re busy with work, so you don’t need to worry about preparing things for Mia.”
My mom looked a bit awkward, probably realizing these things would be completely useless in Florida.
I not wanting to be rude, my mom just politely expressed her thanks.
Claire’s expression beside us was very unpleasant.
But Mrs. Carter paid no attention. She continued instructing Ryan and me:
<
“When you get to New York, you two will be each other’s closest people, Ryan, you must take good care of Mia, and don’t make her angry anymore, okay?”
Ryan glanced at me carelessly:
“Hmph, her wings have grown strong. She doesn’t need me to take care of her. She can fly on
her own.”
The atmosphere became a bit awkward, Claire suddenly spoke up, inserting herself into the conversation.
“Auntie, my school is in New York too. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Ryan in the future.
“Besides, Mia will be far away in Florida. It’s not very convenient, right?”
Before she could finish, Ryan and his parents‘ expressions changed.
“Florida?“!!
They asked me in unison.
Claire was startled, “Ryan, you didn’t know? The admission list was posted at school. Oh right, you haven’t been back to school,”
Everyone stared at me.
Isilently nodded under the pressure.
Mom helped explain for me.
“Mia suddenly changed her application at the last minute. She wants to go to college in Florida. That university is very good too, and it’s the major she likes”
Ryan didn’t believe it. He grabbed my hand and asked again to confirm.
“Mia, aren’t you going to the same college as me? I watched you fill out the application myself.
His grip on my hand was painful. I couldn’t help getting angry too.
“Yes, I’m going to Florida. What’s it to you?”
Ryan was incredulous, then laughed.
“Are you joking? You, who jumps straight into my arms at the sight of a cockroach, you dare to go to Florida?”
I took out my phone, found the high–resolution photo of my acceptance letter, and showed it to him.
Ryan took the phone and zoomed in to look at it over and over. In the end, he actually laughed angrily.
Amid everyone’s exclamations, he pulled me out of the banquet hall.
14
He dragged me into a rest area and closed the door behind us.
Ryan leaned against the door, not letting me escape as he interrogated me.
“Mis, well done!
“Just to be stubborn, you forgot
promise and went off to college in Florida on your own?”
I lifted my head.
Mustering up my courage, I confronted him.
Mustering up my courage, I confronted him.
“I have my own thoughts too. Why do I have to decide my life according to your preferences?
“Ryan, search your conscience. Are you really angry about the promise, or because I can’t continue to be your convenient girl warming your
bed?
Ryan’s face turned pale:
“What do you mean?
