The salary I received on the 15th of July was less than 2,500 yuan because I didn't work a full thirty days. Shortly after receiving it, my mom called me and asked me to transfer the money to her account, so I sent 1,700 yuan over.

Two days later, my younger brother got a new smartphone as a reward for passing his final exams, which my mom gave him.

My mom explained, "In this era of information and technology, your brother said he was being isolated by the boys in his class for not having a smartphone, unable to join their conversations."

I didn't ask much, as I already knew it would turn out this way.

Two days before receiving my salary the following month, I took a half-day off and went home.

Upon seeing me, my mom frowned and asked, "You took time off? Does that mean you won't get paid for this half-day?"

I replied, "I came back to get some things."

My mom didn't say anything more but advised me not to take leave so casually next time.

I gathered all my identification documents and the few sets of clothes left at home and took them with me.

Since there was no contract, I resigned immediately after receiving my salary.

I blocked all contact with my family and boarded the train to the city where my university was located.

From the first day I started working at the factory, I had already decided that regardless of whether I could successfully enter university, I would leave that place.

I tightly held onto my bag, which contained my ID, household registration book, and my university admission letter.

As the train started moving, watching the scenery outside recede, I felt a mix of excitement, nervousness, and longing for the unfamiliar city.

I was about to start my own life.