After that storm, my photos were still circulating on the forum.

My mom, under the guise of doing what's best for me, went ahead and applied for a leave of absence on my behalf.

I was somewhat annoyed, "Couldn't you have asked for my opinion first?"

She looked at my hysteria and angrily said, "Isn't this for your own good? You're in the spotlight now. Even if you go to school, you'll be harassed."

"I already discussed it with your Uncle Song. Next month, we'll arrange for you to study abroad. It's for your own good! After all, you're flesh and blood of mine. Mom won't harm you."

I laughed out loud, "Is that so? Is it for my own good? Or do you just want to get rid of me and sell me off at a low price later?"

She raised her hand and slapped me, "Don't forget your current life. Who provided it for you?"

"Your short-lived ghost of a father? We're still squatting in a rented house. It's your fortune that I can help your Uncle Song. Listen to me! Go abroad, gain some valuable experience, and when you return, you'll be a successful overseas student. Mom will arrange a good marriage for you. If you stay in the country now, you'll just be infamous and useless!"

My gaze gradually became distant, and my chest felt like something was blocking it, making it hard for me to breathe.

She passed by me and walked towards the door.

I turned around and looked at her back, quietly saying, "Mom, I'm like your handbag. Take me out to show off when you need to, lock me up when you don't, clean me when I get dirty, and throw me away when I'm broken."

The footsteps at the door paused, and she coldly said, "You don't resemble my daughter at all. Whether you become a luxury bag or a garbage bag depends on you!"

...

On the day I went abroad, Song Qingci, for the first time ever, came to see me off at the airport.

I took the suitcase handed to me by my mom and officially bid farewell to everyone.

Song Qingci suddenly spoke, "Little sister, when you get there, you'll be in an unfamiliar place. Take care of yourself."

I despised his hypocritical demeanor but had no choice but to greet him with a smile.

I forced a fake smile, "Thank you for your concern, brother."

He suddenly took a step forward, hugged me, and affectionately stroked my hair.

His breath sprayed against my ear, and I clearly heard him say, "Ji Yang, congratulations on escaping the abyss."

I broke free from his embrace and boarded the plane without looking back.

The white clouds outside the window intersected and overlapped, creating a scene akin to a fairyland.

I drifted off to sleep in a daze, but in my dream, Song Qingci's face was gradually approaching.

I silently encouraged myself: "The light boat has passed through countless mountains, and I, too, will embrace a whole new self."