Chapter 4 My Own Key
When we got home, I picked up the keys Mom had left on the table and tried to take one.
"Mom, I won't go to Aunt Lin's house anymore. You don't need to pick me up either. I'll come back by myself after school."
Mom paused, as if she understood something.
"Why? You don't want to go to Aunt Lin's anymore?"
I lowered my head. "I just don't want to go to someone else's house. Give me a key."
Mom respected my wish.
My small pride had been shattered by Qin Chi after all.
Without friends, I studied desperately.
Three years passed. Our grades rose and we grew taller.
In junior high, Qin Chi and I still attended the same School but we were no longer in the same class and had almost no contact.
During those years, Qin Chi became much more rebellious. He fought with students from other classes and other schools, skipped class to play games online, and his grades dropped.
Yet with that face and his cold personality, he remained the School's most talked-about figure.
One day I forgot my key and squatted outside the door reviewing my lessons.
Aunt Lin and Qin Chi returned carrying many bags.
Qin Chi glanced at me, then looked away and opened the door.
Aunt Lin still warmly invited me over.
"Xiaoning, did you forget your key? Come do homework at Aunt Lin's."
"No need, Aunt Lin. I'll go find my mom at the market later."
"Come on. It's Qin Chi's birthday today. I bought lots of ingredients. Eat with us."
I froze. It was Qin Chi's birthday.
"Oh, this child is getting more distant as she grows up. Hurry inside. I'll call your mom. You'll eat at our place tonight."
I could not refuse, so I picked up my bag and followed awkwardly.
"Aunt Lin, let me carry that."