Mo Xiao'ai's gaze instantly turned cold. Her grip on her phone tightened unconsciously until her knuckles went white. On the other end of the call, her mother's voice was stern and left no room for argument. “Xiao'ai, have you thought about what I told you the other day? That family is really well-off. They can offer 800,000 yuan in bride price. If you marry into that family, we'll be able to get your younger brother a house...”
“Mom!” Mo Xiao'ai finally snapped, cutting her off. Her voice was full of repressed anger and sorrow. “Ever since I was little, I've had to sacrifice everything for my brother. My tuition, my living expenses, and now even my marriage has to be used to get him money for a house? Have you ever thought about how I feel? I have a life of my own, too!” Tears welled in her eyes, but she stubbornly refused to let them fall. She took a deep breath, her voice resolute. “This time, I won't do what you say. I'll choose my own path!” Before her mother could respond, she angrily hit the end-call button. The phone screen reflected her determined expression, though it couldn't hide the weariness and helplessness in her eyes...
