During the winter break of my senior year in high school, it had been more than two years since I returned.

I went from the middle-lower ranks of the class to steadily holding the top spot, the hardship of which is self-evident.

But the closer it got to the college entrance exam, the more nervous I became.

Will the previous events...

repeat?

I was really worried.

I feared going home more than usual, but it's the New Year, and it wouldn't make sense if I didn't go back...

"Xiaohong, it's the New Year, do you have any plans?"

Qi Lu suddenly woke me from my daze. I shook my head as I looked at her. How could I have plans? At home, I just do chores.

"The college entrance exam is coming up, you know. Do you have any interest..." Qi Lu leaned in mysteriously, "in joining us for a big project!"

"What are you planning to do?"

"Well, some people in the class want to start a one-on-one tutoring initiative to help classmates who are falling behind in their studies."

"After all, you know how our class and the neighboring class are like fire and water..." Qi Lu paused, gritting her teeth a bit, "Last time they surpassed us in biology average scores because of tutoring by their top biology student. Old Huang berated us the entire period! An entire period of scolding and lecturing! It's intolerable, do you agree?"

"It does seem intolerable..."

This indeed was a good thing, but aren't you all being a bit naive...

However, it did give me an idea. I could use teaching others as an excuse to return home less often and, if I could earn money this way, at least...

But what I didn't expect was that some changes were far beyond my imagination.

"Your family's bought bride is quite something..."

During the winter break at home, one day I was sent out to buy things. On my way back, I didn't take the main road. When I was some distance from home, I suddenly heard a conversation.

"Bought," "bride" — these words exploded in my ears like thunder, nearly causing me to collapse, leaving my mind momentarily blank.

In a daze, my body reacted instinctively—

I quietly squatted down and slowly approached the source of the sound, eavesdropping on their conversation through scattered items.

Those dark days are forever a thorn in my heart; I would escape at the slightest possibility!

"Hmph, she's really lucky. She even gets money for studying..."

This voice...was my mother?!

"Isn't she? Back then, you bought her for just 5,000 yuan. Over the years, how much work has she done for you? And now she even brings in money..."

"Raising her didn't cost anything? Feeding and clothing her didn't cost anything?!"

"Oh come on, you're getting a bargain and still complaining..."

The more I listened, the colder my heart became.

I always thought rural sexism was the norm and that my parents, although often beating and scolding me, were just venting their anger. Though unlike other girls who got new clothes, at least I had clothes to change into...

I always thought they sold me because they had no choice after my brother broke his leg in a past life...

I always thought...

It never occurred to me that it was possible — that I, myself, was bought!

Yes, if I were bought, many things would make sense...

I curled up in a corner, clamping my mouth shut to stop my sobs.

I never imagined that the suffering of two lifetimes had a cause and effect.

My mind was a mess, unable to think clearly...

I quickly made my way back home while they hadn't noticed.