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Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
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00:00Mom, why doesn't Rose have to go through all this hardship?
00:03Rose never had to struggle growing up. The two of you aren't the same at all.
00:07My name is Zoe Carter. My sister Rose Carter and I are twins,
00:11yet our parents treated us like subjects in a control experiment.
00:15In high school, my monthly allowance was cut down to just 300,
00:19while Rose's was raised to 2,000.
00:21Struggling to get enough to eat, I buried myself in studying
00:24and got admitted to the elite class.
00:27After I fainted from low blood sugar, I supported myself
00:30with school assistance and part-time tutoring.
00:34I ranked third statewide in the exam.
00:37Refusing to yield to my parents' biased favoritism,
00:39I left for a top university to dive deep into scientific research.
00:44Eventually, and finally realized I am a one-of-a-kind treasure.
00:50Before the semester started, Mom had picked up some absurd idea from somewhere,
00:54and Dad immediately agreed with her.
00:55They held a family meeting over dinner on the night before my sister and I
00:58were due to go back to school.
01:01Zoe, you and your sister are seniors this year.
01:04You're about to come of age.
01:06Before you turn 18, your father and I have decided to run
01:09a uniquely meaningful troll group test on the two of you.
01:12The steak slipping from my fork onto the table.
01:14Judging by my sister Rose Carter's indifferent expression,
01:17and from my 16 years of experience, this was not a question.
01:20It was a notification.
01:22Mom, go ahead. I'm listening.
01:24I fished the steak back onto my plate and finished it.
01:27It tasted exactly the same as before, only to me, it no longer tasted good.
01:31You two had everything identical growing up, but no two people can live the exact same life.
01:36That's why this trial is necessary to temper you.
01:39Your mother and I have decided to put each of you through separate trials.
01:42Zoe, you've always been resilient.
01:44Keep that strength going.
01:46Starting this senior semester, your monthly allowance will drop from $500 to $300 until you graduate high school.
01:51My pupils dilated and my lips trembled.
01:54Dad, $500 was barely enough for me to eat.
01:56How am I supposed to survive on $300?
01:58What about my sister?
02:00Dad looked calm.
02:01That's exactly why it's a trial and test.
02:03Look at low-income students who get by on far less while studying.
02:06Can't you learn from them?
02:07Your sister's monthly allowance rises from $1,000 to $2,000.
02:12I'm warning you, don't even think about asking your sister for money.
02:15Not a single cent.
02:17With that, she transferred money to each of us right in front of Rose Carter and me.
02:20A faint smile curved my sister's lips when she received the $2,000,
02:24and she looked at me with a hint of smugness.
02:26I received $302 on WhatsApp.
02:29The extra $2 was mom's generous.
02:30I wanted so badly to say that I would gladly be the one whose spending ability was being tested.
02:34But from my parents' tight faces and calm gazes, the answer was clear.
02:38No.
02:39I tilted my head back and blinked, staring at the cool-toned ceiling light above my head.
02:43Slowly, I pushed the tears down,
02:48burying them deep inside,
02:50along with the cold light.
02:53Fine.
02:54The words I'd been about to say got stuck in my throat.
02:58My mind drifted back to the past 16 years.
03:00My parents were office workers in Rivertown,
03:02both earning over $10,000 a month.
03:05Our family was moderately well-off.
03:07Not wealthy, but far from poor.
03:09My sister and I are twins.
03:11She was born three minutes before me.
03:13When my sister was born, they named her Rose Carter,
03:16meaning a rose's promise.
03:17And I was named Zoe Carter, the unexpected one.
03:20Relatives would come visit with gifts,
03:22saying how lucky my parents were.
03:24Mom held my sister, her eyes full of maternal love.
03:27Dad held me, his smile looking forced.
03:30In most families, twins get nearly identical treatment, but not in mine.
03:34My sister wore the new seasonal baby clothes that cost $258.
03:39I wore last season's styles from the same brand on sale for only $39.
03:43On our birthday cake,
03:44Rose Carter's name was written large and bold,
03:47while Zoe Carter's was tiny and faint.
03:48She was the one who blew out the candles,
03:51and I got whatever cake was left at the end.
03:54Did you make a birthday wish, Zoe?
03:58I did.
04:00What did you wish for?
04:03If I say it out loud, it won't come true.
04:05Actually, I wanted so badly to say it,
04:07I wished they would look at me more.
04:09Mom said I had food to eat and clothes to wear at home,
04:11and told me to be good, not to cry or make a fuss.
04:14I thought it was because I was the younger sister,
04:16even though we looked exactly alike.
04:18Since I was the younger one,
04:19I naturally got less affection than my sister.
04:21I'd heard those words for 16 years.
04:24Zoe, you look weighed down by something.
04:27Are you upset about our decision?
04:30No, I was just thinking about heading back to school early tomorrow
04:33to focus on my studies.
04:34I lied, then I bowed my head,
04:36and took another bite of steak.
04:37The food was a little too salty today.
04:40Good to hear.
04:41Don't overthink things.
04:42Your mother and I treat both of you completely equally.
04:44Focus on studying and stop dwelling on trivial maths.
04:46Your grades are what matters most.
04:48Rose, come here, have more food, your favorite steak.
04:50Thank you, Dad.
04:50I love Mom and Dad so much.
04:52Zoe, stick to salad.
04:54Meat will make you sluggish and gain weight.
04:55Mom smiled, then went back to her own meal.
04:58After dinner, I went back to my room to pack.
05:00A summer sleeping mat, bed sheet, a bucket,
05:03and an old backpack with a few changes of clothes
05:05and a pair of shoes.
05:07That was all.
05:07When I was done packing, I went out to the living room.
05:10Mom and Dad were both busy in my sister's room.
05:13I took two apples from the coffee table,
05:15the ones my sister didn't like.
05:18I snuck back to my room like a thief
05:20and stuffed them into my backpack.
05:22Mom pushed the door open.
05:23Zoe, handle your own packing.
05:25Your father and I are going to help your sister sort her things.
05:27The word, okay, was on my lips, but only I heard it.
05:30A moment later, my sister walked in.
05:32You finished packing all by yourself?
05:33I told Mom she should help you out, too, earlier.
05:36But you don't have much stuff anyway,
05:38so it's fine you handled it alone.
05:40You're always more capable than me.
05:42Mom and Dad are driving me to school tomorrow.
05:44I've got tons of luggage.
05:46You'll have to take a taxi.
05:47Looking at her, my heart stung sharply for no reason.
05:50I'll figure out my own way.
05:51It's fine.
05:52Mom, see?
05:54I told you Zoe can handle it.
05:55My sister turned and left.
05:57She was happy.
05:58Everyone says we're twins, but I never felt like we were.
06:00I read once that twins' hearts are connected.
06:02Watching her walk away happily, I only felt lonely.
06:06It's senior year now.
06:07I don't have time to think about anything besides studying.
06:09All I need to think about is solving problems
06:11and how to get by on $300.
06:13My dream is to get into one of the Ivy League schools
06:15or a top engineering university.
06:17Senior year is the most important year.
06:19I have to give it everything I've got.
06:21The next morning, I woke up early at half past five.
06:23My sister, who was getting a ride from Dad, was still asleep.
06:26The school was 10 kilometers away.
06:28Not too far.
06:28Not too close.
06:29I would take the school bus.
06:31Young lady, you go to Huawei High, right?
06:34No family member could drop you off?
06:35Carrying all this luggage alone must be tough.
06:38I thought he was annoyed by all my stuff taking up space.
06:40I walked toward the back of the bus.
06:42My parents have to drive my sister to school
06:44so they don't have time for me.
06:45Sir, I'll set my luggage by the back door
06:47so it won't block anyone.
06:48It's fine.
06:49I just don't usually see a young girl
06:51hauling all her gear to school this early in the morning.
06:54He probably just thought it was strange
06:55that I was in such a hurry to get to school at dawn.
06:57Zoe, your parents couldn't spare time to send you again?
07:00Good morning, Mr. Ward.
07:02I just wanted to get here early.
07:03They need to save their free time to drop my sister off this afternoon.
07:06You're such a sensible kid.
07:08My granddaughter makes her dad carry all her luggage up the dorm stairs.
07:11All right, hurry on inside.
07:13I glanced at the girls' dormitory building 100 meters away.
07:15Actually, my dad did carry luggage to the school gate.
07:18Just my sister's luggage.
07:20Goodbye, Mr. Ward.
07:21Back in my new dorm room,
07:22I made my bed skillfully
07:24and put away my clothes and shoes.
07:27I opened my phone
07:28and stared at the $300 balance in my WhatsApp wallet,
07:31thinking about how I was going to get by each day.
07:33I couldn't spend more than $10 a day.
07:36As I divided the $300 across each day of the month,
07:39I wondered,
07:40did my sister ever stress about how to spend her $2,000?
07:43Probably not.
07:45If she ran out,
07:46Dad would secretly transfer more money to her WhatsApp.
07:49My sister was Mom and Dad's rose promise,
07:52their precious treasure.
07:5610 o'clock in the morning.
07:58Mom had finished cooking at home
07:59and stepped into the bedroom
08:01to call my sister to the table.
08:03That's Zoe,
08:04dolling around even on the first school day.
08:06Dad frowned.
08:07He pulled out a chair,
08:09which let out a harsh, creaking screech.
08:11He flung open my bedroom door,
08:13ready to scold me,
08:14only to find the room empty.
08:17Harold,
08:19what's wrong?
08:20Zoe's not in her room at all,
08:21Rose Carter said with a shrug.
08:23My sister probably left for school on her own.
08:25Her tone as casual as if she were talking about a stray cat next door.
08:28This Zoe,
08:29we're ready to drive her.
08:30She never thinks about how tired we are.
08:32Dad slammed my bedroom door shut.
08:34After speaking,
08:35he seemed to remember something,
08:36and his voice trailed off.
08:37All right,
08:38everyone sit down and eat.
08:39After we finish and rest a little,
08:41we'll drive Rose to school.
08:44Come here,
08:45sweet Rose.
08:45I made all your favorite dishes.
08:48Mom didn't seem bothered at all by my absence from the table.
08:50Her eyes were fixed entirely on her elder daughter.
08:5316 years.
08:54I had spent all 16 years living in my sister's shadow,
08:57my own face fading into obscurity.
09:00At Riverdale Heights High School,
09:02my sister and I were in different classes.
09:04It had been that way since our freshman year.
09:06She was in Synergy Honors Class 2,
09:08and I was in Synergy Honors Class 1.
09:11When the final exam results for the second semester of our sophomore year came out,
09:16I finished first among all honors students,
09:18and ranked 80th in the entire grade,
09:21earning a special transfer into the Vanguard Elite Class.
09:24I'd had luck on my side.
09:26One student in the Vanguard Elite Class had moved abroad,
09:29leaving a last-minute vacancy.
09:31I hadn't gotten around to telling my family yet.
09:34Actually,
09:34I'd mentioned it to Dad on our birthday.
09:36He'd been in a hurry to buy my sister a new phone back then,
09:39and probably hadn't paid it any mind.
09:42When my sister got back to her dorm,
09:43she headed to my old dorm room next door to gloat,
09:46but she didn't find me there.
09:47Excuse me,
09:48do you know where Zoe Carter is?
09:50She left home early this morning and hasn't checked into the dorm yet.
09:54Zoe Carter scored extremely well on finals,
09:57ranking 80th grade wide.
09:58The school gave her promissional mission to transfer into Vanguard Elite Class.
10:02She moved to a fifth-floor dorm room now.
10:04How come you don't know that as her sister?
10:06Rose Carter froze on the spot,
10:08as if struck by lightning.
10:1080th in the grade?
10:11She was ranked 300th,
10:13a full 220 places behind.
10:16Zoe Carter,
10:17what a clever little sister she was.
10:19I stepped out of my dorm,
10:21heading for the cafeteria,
10:22and ran straight into my sister from the stairs.
10:25Zoe,
10:26did you really get into Vanguard Elite Class?
10:31Yes,
10:31I told Mom and Dad on our birthday this summer.
10:34Didn't they mention it to you?
10:35Rose Carter's brows were furrowed tight,
10:38her face dark with displeasure.
10:40No.
10:40Rose Carter got her answer,
10:42then turned and headed back downstairs,
10:44already dialing a call.
10:45I stood where I was and heard her call for Dad.
10:48Her voice sounded like she'd suffered some terrible injustice.
10:51Mom and Dad had high hopes for my sister.
10:54Starting from sophomore year,
10:55my sister grew more playful,
10:57her attention gradually drifting to a certain figure on the school basketball court.
11:02Meanwhile,
11:02I only had $500 a month for living expenses.
11:05I poured all my focus into studying and working through problems.
11:09Hard work paid off.
11:11The result even surprised me.
11:13Once I got downstairs,
11:15my phone rang.
11:15It was Dad,
11:17and there was a note of displeasure in his voice.
11:19Zoe,
11:20why didn't you tell us you transferred into Vanguard Elite Class?
11:23Dad,
11:24I told you on our birthday.
11:25I clearly remember you nodded your head back then.
11:28Harold Carter frowned and thought for a moment.
11:31The memory did ring a bell.
11:33But what about your sister,
11:34now that you've suddenly moved up to the Elite Class?
11:36Rose is so bright and has everything she could ask for.
11:39I'm sure she'll score just as well as me on the college entrance exam.
11:43We need to stay united as a family.
11:45Less than two minutes later,
11:47Mom called.
11:47I watched the other students heading to the cafeteria,
11:50decided it was too crowded,
11:51and found a spot to sit down instead.
11:53Zoe,
11:53how could you transfer into Vanguard Elite Class without talking to us first?
11:57Think about how much pressure this puts on your sister stuck in the regular Honors Class.
12:00Why did you make this big decision without consulting the family ahead of time?
12:05All your senior classmates will judge and pity Rose now.
12:08Mom spoke quickly,
12:09the same tone she always used when there was a conflict between my sister and me.
12:13I remembered our third grade final exams.
12:15I'd gotten first in the class and won the All-Round Excellence Award.
12:20My sister had gotten the Model Civility Award.
12:22She'd smiled and taped my sister's certificate in the most visible spot in the living room.
12:27Zoe,
12:28this wall is perfect for your sister's awards.
12:30I'll hang yours inside your bedroom instead.
12:32Okay.
12:33Whenever relatives or my parents' co-workers came over,
12:36all they ever praised was my sister.
12:38My awards leaned against my bedside,
12:40where I could see them when I slept.
12:41Only I knew how many there really were.
12:43Zoe,
12:43are you listening to me?
12:45Why don't you go talk to your homeroom advisor
12:47and ask to transfer back to your old Honors Class?
12:50Mom rarely talked to me at length.
12:52Only when it came to my sister would she ramble on and on,
12:55never tiring of it.
12:56Mom,
12:56this transfer was decided by school administrators and follows official school rules.
13:01I earned this spot with my own exam scores.
13:03I haven't done anything wrong.
13:05If you have an issue with it,
13:06you can talk to the principal yourself.
13:08You ungrateful child.
13:10Are you blaming me for cutting your spending money?
13:12If you can't endure a little hardship now,
13:15how will you ever become a valuable member of society in the future?
13:19Look at all the hardworking role models in your school and learn from them.
13:23Mom,
13:24why doesn't Rose have to go through all this hardship?
13:26I finally asked.
13:27The question I'd buried deep in my heart for years.
13:30Rose never had to struggle growing up.
13:32The two of you aren't the same at all.
13:34You're the younger sister.
13:35What's wrong with making sacrifices for Rose?
13:37You're 16 years old and still so immature.
13:40Do you have any idea how hard it was to give birth to you and raise you?
13:43Before, whenever she said that, I'd always apologized sincerely.
13:46Told her I was wrong, that I shouldn't have made her mad.
13:49But today, I didn't want to say it because I knew I hadn't done anything wrong.
13:53My silence made her go quiet too.
13:55In a daze, I couldn't quite make out what she said at the end
13:57before she hung up in a hurry.
13:59I guess she'd gone to comfort my sister.
14:01I brushed off my pants and headed to the cafeteria.
14:04My eyes drifted over the meat dishes,
14:07but I turned firmly toward the vegetarian line in the end.
14:10Auntie, one stir-fried cabbage and one potato, please.
14:13Rice was free.
14:14Soup was free.
14:15I was nearly 1.7 meters tall.
14:17I'd hit a growth spurt the semester before,
14:19and my appetite had grown too.
14:21Zoe Carter, is this all you're having for lunch?
14:24Leo Redding stood beside me.
14:26I ate too much meat at home, just cutting back to light in my stomach.
14:29With that, I turned and walked away,
14:31not wanting to linger around him.
14:33If we spent too much time together,
14:35my sister would come picking a fight again.
14:37Leo Redding was the boy my sister liked.
14:40He came from a good family and was handsome.
14:42He was the academic class representative of Vanguard Elite Class 1,
14:46and his grades consistently sat in the upper middle of the entire grade.
14:50Leo Redding stood where he was, his eyes following Zoe Carter.
14:54He couldn't understand how two twin sisters could have such different personalities.
14:59The elder sister, Rose Carter, was bright and vivid,
15:02like a rosebud about to bloom.
15:03She had sunny eyes, a brilliant smile, and a warm manner.
15:07Zoe Carter, by contrast, seemed reserved, with a strong sense of self-isolation.
15:12Her expression was always plain and unreadable.
15:14Still, she studied incredibly hard.
15:16He'd heard the new transfer to his class was her,
15:19and had come over meaning to congratulate her.
15:22He shook his head, picked up his tray, and lined up at the meat dish window.
15:26The senior year was so stressful.
15:28How could anyone get enough nutrition without eating meat and eggs?
15:31Leo Redding!
15:32You haven't gotten your lunch yet, either?
15:34Rose Carter said in surprise.
15:36Yeah, Rose Carter.
15:37I just saw your sister over there.
15:39She only got two vegetarian dishes for lunch.
15:41Hearing the boy she liked mention me,
15:43my sister's smile froze for a split second.
15:45Zoe just eats too much meat at home.
15:47She's cutting down to lose weight.
15:48Are you close with her?
15:49Not really.
15:51I just ran into her just now.
15:52Since I know you, I know who your sister is.
15:54Leo Redding said flatly.
15:56Rose Carter smiled.
15:58Top students didn't lie.
16:00She scanned the crowd until she spotted me sitting alone in a corner, eating.
16:03She lifted her chin, her gaze sharp with a sense of claim and defiance.
16:08Too bad I was too focused on my food to notice or to care.
16:11I wanted peace and quiet, but my sister would never let me have it.
16:14I don't know which of them suggested it,
16:16but the two of them walked over and sat down at my table.
16:19Her tray was piled high with meat dishes,
16:21a big drumstick sitting right on top.
16:24The rich smell drifted straight to my nose.
16:27I swallowed quietly, pretending not to notice.
16:30I kept my head down and ate my rice,
16:32making the most of the side dishes to get as much rice down as I could
16:35before going back for seconds.
16:37They say opportunity favors the prepared,
16:39but I had less than $300 left on my meal card.
16:42No money, no opportunity to grab that drumstick then.
16:46Leo Redding's gaze flicked between the two sisters' trays.
16:49He watched my rice disappear at a steady pace.
16:52He opened his mouth to say something,
16:54then thought better of it, and held his tongue.
16:57Zoe, do you want this big chicken leg?
17:00I can share it with you if you'd like.
17:03Rose Carter said, taking a small bite of minced meat eggplant,
17:07her eyes glinting with teasing.
17:09Oh wait, I forgot I can't give this to you.
17:11Sharing food that would count as us breaking the rules.
17:14If mom finds out, she'll scold me, and you'll get punished too,
17:17leaving me to take all the blame as your older sister.
17:21Isn't that right?
17:22Leo Redding's curiosity was piqued,
17:24but I had no intention of explaining.
17:26Rose Carter certainly wasn't going to say anything.
17:29She had her own scale to weigh things on.
17:31I knew that.
17:32Everyone in our family, mom and dad included,
17:35had their own scale.
17:36By the time I was full,
17:38nearly half of my sister's food was still left on her tray.
17:41Most of it was meat.
17:43I'm heading out now, I said,
17:45standing up with my tray and nodding at the two of them.
17:48There was a class meeting at two o'clock in the afternoon.
17:51Almost everyone there would be a new face to me,
17:54except for Leo Redding.
17:56I hadn't expected my seat to be the row right in front of his.
17:59It felt like there was a prickling on the back of my neck.
18:02Thankfully, the feeling faded soon enough.
18:05This was a class of the best of the best,
18:07with only the Olympiad training program above them.
18:10Everyone was busy studying,
18:11gearing up for college entrance exams,
18:13and aiming for the Ivy League and top public universities.
18:16No one had time to fixate on their classmates.
18:19This is our very first class assembly of Senior Namester 1.
18:23We have a new transfer student joining our class today.
18:26Please come up to the podium and introduce yourself,
18:28the homeroom advisor said from the podium.
18:31I walked up to the front, my expression calm.
18:35Hello, everyone.
18:36My name is Zoe Carter.
18:38I transferred here from the original Synergy Honors Class 1.
18:41I'm truly glad to get to study alongside all of you.
18:44I'd appreciate all your guidance from here on out.
18:46Thank you.
18:48Among the students in the audience,
18:50Leo Redding was the first to start clapping.
18:52The others looked at me with a mix of scrutiny, recognition, and quiet comparison.
18:57All kinds of looks.
18:58I bowed and stepped off the stage, then returned to my seat.
19:01Behind me came Leo Redding's deep, clear voice.
19:04If you have any trouble with your studies later, you can ask me.
19:07I checked the rankings.
19:09He had placed 59th overall in the previous final exam.
19:11An impressive feat.
19:13Thank you.
19:14I neither promised to take him up on the offer, nor turned it down.
19:17I knew my own abilities well enough.
19:19At Westbrook High School, a mere 80th place in the grade meant nothing.
19:23Only the top eight truly counted.
19:26Over the next few days, I settled into the normal rhythm of senior year in Vanguard Class 1.
19:31It was tense and demanding.
19:35Occasionally, I would run into my older sister, Rose Carter, in the school cafeteria,
19:39and there was a faint trace of envy in the way she looked at me.
19:42I couldn't tell if it was just my imagination.
19:46On Friday afternoon, the homeroom teacher called me in for a talk.
19:50He gave me an odd look.
19:51Zoe Carter, how do you feel about studying in class these days?
19:56It's fine.
19:57I can keep up with the pace.
19:58I answered honestly.
20:00He nodded, went on to say,
20:01Your mother called and wants you to go back to your original class.
20:04What's your thought?
20:05I got into this class with my own efforts.
20:07I won't go back.
20:08All right, I understand.
20:09The teacher said in a low voice and stood up to find the dean.
20:15Afterward, the dean asked me the same question.
20:17My answer was just as firm.
20:19Your mother hopes you transfer back.
20:20What is your decision?
20:22I won't transfer back to the original class.
20:24I nervously clutched the hem in my skirt.
20:26The school respects your decision, Zoe Carter.
20:28Vanguard class is admission by selection.
20:30Parents cannot alter it arbitrarily.
20:32A flicker of warmth stirred inside me.
20:34The principal knows about this matter.
20:36He said we follow school rules.
20:38He continued.
20:39Focus on your study.
20:40The school will handle communication with your family.
20:43I fought back my tears.
20:44Thank you, dean.
20:46I was genuinely grateful.
20:47I had no desire to fight for the affection my parents showered on my sister,
20:51because I knew it was a battle I could never win.
20:53But when it came to my education, I would never surrender an opportunity I had earned through
20:58my own effort.
20:59My mother could do nothing about the situation.
21:02Frustrated and resentful, she found other ways to take her anger out on me.
21:07Soon enough, the next month arrived.
21:10On my way to get food in the school cafeteria, I ran into my sister.
21:15Zoe, mom transferred $2,300 to me today to buy Lutifin for eye stress.
21:20Oh, that sounds nice.
21:21I spoke in a flat tone, holding back every emotion.
21:25I lifted my gaze to her bright, luminous eyes.
21:28There was a warmth and light in them that I had never known.
21:31I looked down at my phone, waiting for a transfer that never came.
21:35Maybe mom had been held up by something.
21:38At any rate, I had $18 left on my cafeteria meal card, enough to get by for two more days.
21:45The next day, after Evening Study Hall, I drank a cup of hot water to fill my stomach and lay
21:49in bed, staring at my cafeteria meal card, which showed a balance of $2.
21:54There was a faint metallic taste in my mouth, mixed with the salt of silent tears.
21:59I would go hungry at lunch tomorrow.
22:01For breakfast, I bought two pieces of bread.
22:03I ate one and saved the other.
22:05It was not until half an hour before Evening Study Hall that I finally received mom's mobile
22:09transfer.
22:10It was still $300, with no extra $2 this time.
22:14Zoe, mommy's been on a body with work and forgot for a while.
22:17I may didn't remind me.
22:19You're not blaming mom, are you?
22:21No.
22:22You speak out if you feel upset, even with heavy work.
22:25Mom would never neglect you.
22:28Truly nothing.
22:29I'll end the chat now.
22:29I need to study.
22:30I set down my phone wearily, as if I had just fought an entire battle.
22:36The days dragged on.
22:37As I threw myself into my studies, I also learned to swallow my pride.
22:42For breakfast, a slice of bread, plus as much free porridge as I could drink.
22:47For lunch, two bowls of rice with a single vegetable dish.
22:50And if there was soup, I'd scrape every last drop from the bottom.
22:53When the hunger got unbearable after Evening Study Hall, I drank more hot water to stretch
22:58my stomach.
22:58I made it through the fall semester, and I'd lost a noticeable amount of weight.
23:01When winter break arrived, mom gave me no money for study materials.
23:05Every day, I walked five kilometers to the nearest bookstore just to read.
23:10Before I knew it, the holiday season was here.
23:13Happy holidays.
23:14I love this time of year.
23:16Relatives would come bearing holiday gift money, and there would be tables laden with
23:19good food.
23:21Zoe, how come you've gotten so thin in senior year?
23:24The relatives eyed me one after another, murmuring among themselves.
23:28I gripped my fork tightly.
23:30She's swamped with schoolwork.
23:31She's in vanguard class now, a different class from her sister.
23:34There was a strange, resentful edge to mom's tone, but the relatives didn't pick up on it.
23:39They only looked on with envy.
23:41You're so lucky to have two promising daughters.
23:44You'll live comfortably in the future.
23:45Oh, she's just going through a phase.
23:48When the relatives weren't looking, mom narrowed her eyes at me in a silent warning,
23:52warning me not to say anything out of turn.
23:54I kept my head down and ate.
23:56When there was meat on the table, I stayed quiet and ate as much as I could.
24:00In our house, mom made all the rules, and dad was her quiet enforcer.
24:04He sat beside the relatives during conversations, smiling politely.
24:09Before the guests left, my sister and I each received a red envelope of gift money.
24:13It was the eighth one I'd gotten that holiday season.
24:16As soon as the relatives were gone, mom held out her hand to me.
24:20Zoe, hand over your lucky money to me for safekeeping.
24:23Why?
24:24This is my lucky money.
24:26I'll keep it safe for you.
24:27You and Rose can't hold extra income during exam season.
24:31Besides, all red allips are exchanged by your father and me.
24:34They're essentially our money.
24:35Mom held out her hand, staring straight at me.
24:38I had no reply.
24:38All throughout the holidays, every time I received a red envelope, mom took it away before I could
24:43even open it.
24:44I secretly hid $200 once, but dad found it and gave it straight to my sister right in
24:49front of me.
24:50Zoe, don't ever do this again.
24:51Do you understand?
24:52I hung my head, biting my lip as I stared at my toes.
24:56My body trembled like a withered leaf in the cold wind outside our neighborhood.
25:00And if I couldn't keep the gift money, I'd just eat as much meat as I could whenever
25:04relatives came to visit.
25:05The holidays ended and school resumed.
25:08The spring semester brought an even heavier workload.
25:11My sister's monthly allowance went up to $2,700, while mine stayed at $300.
25:17I wanted to eat meat, fruit, all kinds of good things too.
25:20But I knew I could only dream about it.
25:22No, I couldn't let myself daydream like that.
25:25I poured all my energy into solving practice problems.
25:29My grades improved again.
25:31In the first exam of the new year, I ranked 60th overall in the grade.
25:34An improvement of 20 whole places.
25:38Zoe Carter, excellent progress.
25:41When my homeroom teacher praised me, I touched my empty, aching stomach and my eyes stung with
25:46tears.
25:47Leo Redding, who sat in the back row, ranked 51st.
25:51I was making progress, and so was he.
25:54I often felt dizzy and lightheaded while working through problems.
25:58One morning in the third week of the semester, I fainted in class from low blood sugar.
26:03Zoe?
26:04Hey, wake up.
26:06Leo Redding found me and took me to the nurse's office.
26:10Zoe Carter, you can't diet in senior year.
26:13You've starved yourself into hyposemia.
26:15Tell me, do you not have any money on your Capitia meal card?
26:18Leo Redding had been reluctant to believe it.
26:21Occasionally, he'd seen Rose Carter in the cafeteria, picking out whatever she wanted
26:24without a second thought about price, choosing only what she liked.
26:29How could this be?
26:30Leo Redding had no obligation to help me, and no reason to get involved in my parents'
26:34choices.
26:35We were just classmates.
26:36Maybe he was even closer to my sister.
26:38In my mouth was a piece of chocolate the nurse had given me.
26:41It raised my blood sugar quickly.
26:43Once the dizziness faded, I slowly sat up.
26:46I hadn't tasted the sweetness of Dove chocolate in more than two months.
26:51Thank you this time.
26:52I'm going back to the Cloers to review.
26:56When I stepped out of the nurse's office, Rose Carter was standing right in front of
27:00me.
27:01She did not look pleased.
27:03Zoe, stop pretending.
27:05Mom just let you endure some hardship and you're being dramatic.
27:08I'm not being dramatic.
27:09I'm beside the fine now.
27:11Wait!
27:12My sister reached out, grabbed my wrist, and pulled me roughly.
27:15I stumbled and nearly fell.
27:19What else is there?
27:21I need to go back to study.
27:23I looked her straight in the eye.
27:25Maybe it was the first time I'd ever looked at her with such raw, unmasked feeling.
27:30The dean is coming.
27:31My sister let go, leaving my wrist slightly red.
27:35Zoe Carter, if you're fine, go back to class.
27:38Your sister cares about you a lot.
27:40The dean said with a smile.
27:42Yeah.
27:43After I left, Leo Redding paused thoughtfully for a moment, then followed the dean straight
27:47to the faculty building.
27:49Teacher, I have a situation regarding Zoe Carter to report.
27:53Are you saying that Zoe Carter has been chronically underfed and has no money on her meal card?
27:58Yes.
27:59She's thinner than when she first joined our class.
28:01But her family situation isn't bad.
28:03I'm also Mar.
28:04I asked her, but she wouldn't say.
28:06I hope the shell gonna pull up Zoe Carter's from Predominions and Yen to Jigriya's Sudhan
28:10Selfay Records.
28:10She usually weekends at schools and don't go jad.
28:14No problem.
28:15We'll pull it up now.
28:16The dean said gravely, giving the order.
28:19Too problem.
28:20Soon, the two of them saw how much I had spent each month over the past several months.
28:25Every month, less than 300 yans.
28:27This is absurd.
28:30How can a 16 or 17-year-old survive a teen-year-old girl?
28:35Survive on 300 yans a month.
28:37What on earth is going on with Zoe Carter?
28:40Is she doing some wilderness survival challenge at school?
28:42She's not even a low-income student.
28:44This is ridiculous.
28:46The dean slammed his hand on the desk, his eyes wide with shock.
28:49A person cannot function without food, especially under such intense academic pressure.
28:54Without proper nutrition, the brain cannot work at full capacity.
28:58Then the dean pulled up Rose Carter's spending records as well.
29:01She spent over $1,500 every month.
29:04In her highest month, she spent $2,100, more than many students at the school.
29:09Both men frowned deeply.
29:11The gap between the two sisters' monthly allowances was enormous.
29:14This was not normal.
29:16Not normal at all.
29:17Call Zoe Carter to ask clearly.
29:19When I was told to go to the dean's office, I set down my pen and exam paper and walked
29:23out.
29:23My stomach was empty, burning with hunger.
29:25I knocked on the door.
29:26Teacher, are you looking for me?
29:28Student Zoe Carter, I just checked in your monthly school can of self-agria.
29:32The dean paused for two seconds.
29:33Do you have anything you want to say to Lodger?
29:35I glanced at the numbers.
29:37After a long silence, I mumbled.
29:39Teacher, I can handle it myself.
29:41Handle it?
29:41How?
29:42By drinking hot water to tough it out when hungry?
29:45The school cultivates high IQ talents who know how to flexibly apply knowledge and adapt,
29:50not book derds who starve to fant it.
29:53The corners of my eyes reddened and my mouth opened silently.
29:56All the grief and unfairness I had carried since the start of the school year
30:00welled up uncontrollably, stinging the backs of my eyes.
30:03I'm 16 years old.
30:04All I want is to study hard.
30:07This isn't Zoe's fault.
30:09Mom says cheating on a test is wrong,
30:11but she never said anything about leaking private information.
30:19A controlled experiment?
30:24Of special significance?
30:26If your parents were here right now, I'd slap the stupid out of them!
30:29God, I'm so pissed off!
30:32The dean picked up his thermos and took a long, furious gulp.
30:35Then he slammed the thermos down hard on his desk.
30:38He seemed even angrier about this than I was.
30:40He stood 6'2", weighed roughly 245 pounds,
30:45and was broad and stocky in build.
30:47If my dad were here...
30:49The mental image was almost too absurd to imagine.
30:53Thank you, Dean.
30:54Thank you for standing up for me.
30:56But please, please don't call my parents.
31:00Is there any way I could earn meal credits by working at the cafeteria?
31:06My parents have favored my sister over me since the day I was born.
31:10Instead of waiting for them to change, I'd rather change my own situation.
31:14I'm Zoe Carter.
31:15Like my sister always says, I'm used to hard work.
31:18I can wash dishes, sweep floors, wipe tables.
31:20Whatever needs doing in the cafeteria, I can handle it.
31:24Zoe Carter, I can pay for your meals!
31:27Leo Redding said quickly.
31:29Thank you.
31:30Taking his money would mess with my head.
31:33I wouldn't be able to focus on studying.
31:38I'm not on financial aid.
31:40I don't qualify.
31:46My goals are simple.
31:48Work hard.
31:49Become someone who matters.
31:57All right.
32:00Let me talk to your counselor, and I'll get back to you with an arrangement.
32:04Head back to class.
32:07Wait.
32:08Hold on.
32:09My daughter.
32:10My daughter bought me these protein vats.
32:12I hate this crap.
32:15Zoe Carter, take them.
32:17Don't eat them in class.
32:18The way he looked at me, there was something different in his eyes now.
32:23Something softer.
32:25Thank you.
32:26Then took the snacks like they were a treasure.
32:29Walking out of the dean's office, I realized he wasn't nearly scary as people said.
32:35He was actually reasonable.
32:40Leo Redding stared at Zoe Carter's thin, but still straight-backed figure as she left,
32:45lost in thought.
32:50During break, my homeroom teacher called me out into the hallway.
32:53There was pity in her eyes.
32:55Zoe, the dean filled me in.
32:59Starting Monday through Friday, you'll help out in the cafeteria for one hour at lunch.
33:04Two meals a day, two entrees, two sides, on the house.
33:10It was one of the best things I'd heard all year.
33:15Thank you, Miss Rivera.
33:16I promise I'll work hard and won't let it affect my grades.
33:21Being full, being fed well, that became my biggest motivation.
33:26My teacher looked at the bright, hopeful look in my eyes and pulled me into a gentle hug.
33:31Zoe Carter, I believe in you.
33:33You've got this.
33:38For a second, I almost felt what eternal warm-up must be like.
33:45I really wanted to cry, but I didn't want to get her blouse dirty.
33:51I pulled away and gave her a small smile.
33:54Mrs. Rivera, I'm going to go do some practice tests.
34:02The kitchen worker was very kind to me.
34:06Zoe, honey, just wash the trays.
34:08Can you handle that?
34:09Be careful not to break anything.
34:13Yes, ma'am.
34:14I do chores at home all the time.
34:17I rolled up my sleeves, added dish soap, and got to work.
34:25Since sixth grade, I'd been helping around the house on purpose.
34:28Sweeping, helping mom prep vegetables, washing dishes, cleaning both my room and my sister's.
34:36Mom and dad worked hard to support us.
34:38I got that.
34:40I wanted to be the kid who made their lives easier.
34:43But no matter how helpful I was, how quiet, how good,
34:48most of the light in my parents' eyes landed on Rose.
34:51The tiny bits that reached me felt like sunset on a winter day.
34:55Brief.
34:56Gone before you could hold on to it.
34:58We look exactly alike, my sister and I.
35:01So why do I feel like I'm just her reflection in a mirror?
35:04Real, but not quite.
35:07I'd wondered that for years.
35:09Maybe I was about to find out.
35:15Eat up, sweetheart.
35:16You're nothing but skin and bones.
35:19Lord!
35:21I smiled warmly.
35:25Thank you.
35:28Today's tray had meat and vegetables, steaming pot burk, a heaping scoop of beef stir-fry with eggplant, taking up
35:34more than half the plate.
35:36My mouth watered instantly.
35:40I sat in the far corner and ate in big bites.
35:45The pot roast mixed with the salty wetness sliding down my cheeks.
35:50Right now, I felt happy.
35:53She stopped beside my table, frowning.
35:55You actually got meat today?
35:57What's the occasion?
35:58Cry while you eat, why don't you?
36:01None of your business.
36:03Either say something useful or let me eat.
36:06Rose Carter rolled her eyes and flipped her ponytail as sh-
36:09Whatever.
36:12Not long after she left, Leo Redding sat down across from me with his tray.
36:16He was smiling, like he was in a good mood.
36:18I nodded at him.
36:20Late lunch, too?
36:21Yeah.
36:22Lost track of time-solving PTDs.
36:24At least there's still food left.
36:28After a couple bites, he looked at me hesitantly.
36:33What's up?
36:34I asked.
36:36Zoe Carter, I've got a favor to ask.
36:40If you're asking me to pass a note to my sister, find someone else.
36:45Leo Redding choked on his food.
36:47He turned his face away, and rice came out of his nose onto the floor.
36:53It was ridiculous.
36:54I definitely wasn't laughing.
36:56Definitely.
36:57He waved his hands quickly to explain.
36:59No, I- God, no.
37:01I net right hit throw.
37:03I never liked throws.
37:05Anyone dating in senior year has a screw loose.
37:14So what is it?
37:16There's a sophomore.
37:18My cousin, actually.
37:20He wants tutoring.
37:22Math and physics.
37:24Are you available?
37:25I frowned in confusion.
37:27Your scores are higher than mine.
37:31Why me?
37:32He's behind specifically in the subjects you're strong in.
37:36If it's too much, forget it.
37:38I thought about it.
37:39Two hours every Sunday.
37:41Some extra cash for food and supplies.
37:42It wouldn't kill my own study time.
37:44And he clearly didn't have to pick me.
37:48Okay, I'm in.
37:49Thank you, Leo.
37:50No problem.
37:51You're doing me a favor too, honestly.
37:53We didn't know each other that well.
37:56I counted it as owing him one.
38:01Something I'd pay back later.
38:05We settled on the time starting that Sunday.
38:08Then Leo Redding brought his cousin Leo Reed over to meet me.
38:13Hey, Zoe.
38:14Uh, hi.
38:15Thanks.
38:17Leo Reed's face turned red when he saw me.
38:20Hi, Luke.
38:23What was that about?
38:24Did I have sauce on my face from lunch?
38:27She's here to tutor you, so keep your head in the books and your thoughts to yourself.
38:30Leo Redding snapped at him.
38:32Leo Reed mumbled an agreement.
38:35The whole thing felt odd, but it was their business, not mine.
38:38I didn't know them well enough to pry.
38:40He offered to pay $80 an hour, but I turned that down and only charged $50.
38:45$50 an hour, two hours a week.
38:47That was $100 total.
38:49$100 wasn't a fortune, but it meant the world to me.
38:51I kept working the cafeteria shift.
38:54The teetering money I quietly saved.
38:56At 17, I'd already learned one truth.
38:59No matter how old you are, you need either skill or money to get by in this world.
39:03A month before the SAT exams, Mom sent me an extra $50.
39:08Zoe, here's $50 extra for you.
39:10Spend it on whatever you want.
39:12I stared at my phone, not rushing to accept the transfer.
39:16During the final exam sprint, when my sister got everything she asked for, Mom only gave
39:21me $50 extra.
39:22It felt like a tiny, meaningless crack in their so-called fair experiment.
39:27It was almost ironic.
39:30Two hours later, when I still hadn't accepted the money, Mom texted again.
39:34What?
39:35Is it not enough?
39:37Zoe, I'm telling you, you have to keep pushing right until the end.
39:40Don't let your father and me down.
39:42My fingers curled and my eyelashes fluttered.
39:45I typed back.
39:46No, I have enough money.
39:48Thank you, Mom.
39:49You keep it.
39:50At home, Clara Carter felt a sudden tightness in her chest.
39:54Zoe's reaction had caught her off guard again.
39:57It felt like things were starting to slip out of her control.
40:00What's wrong?
40:01Harold Carter asked.
40:04Zoe didn't take the money.
40:05Told me to keep it.
40:07Teenagers act out.
40:09When she's broke, she'll come around.
40:12Yeah.
40:13We're doing what's best for her.
40:14I lived on campus full-time.
40:16Didn't go home once.
40:18Mom and Dad had rows.
40:20Whether I was at the dinner table or not didn't seem to register.
40:23Not a single phone call asking why I wasn't coming home.
40:26Not one.
40:28Honestly, it was fine.
40:30Between the cafeteria job and the occasional tutoring seat,
40:33I ate three full meals a day.
40:36With meat.
40:37Every ounce of energy went into the final stretch.
40:44Mock exam results came back.
40:50I knew I could push higher.
40:56Early June.
40:57The SAT exams arrived right on schedule.
41:00They came every year at this time, but I'd waited 17 years for this day.
41:03The day before the exams, the dean came to our classroom and stood at the front.
41:07He looked over the whole class, his tall frame silent, for a long moment before he spoke.
41:12Look, I'm not going to give you a speech.
41:15After your last exam, I'm taking everyone out for burgers.
41:18All you can eat on me.
41:22You've all got this.
41:24I mean it.
41:29Whether you end up at MIT, Stanford, or right here at State, I'm proud of every single one of you.
41:39What exactly was I hoping to see?
41:44Mom and Dad were probably outside Rose's room right now.
41:47I could picture it perfectly.
41:53I didn't expect anything different.
42:01Zoe Carter, you good?
42:05Good.
42:06Let's go.
42:08Yeah.
42:09May the curve be ever in our favor.
42:11No.
42:20Rose was anxious this morning.
42:23We walked her in, but we won't make it to your side.
42:25Take care of yourself.
42:29Three days flew by.
42:31Some kids looked like prisoners freed from chains.
42:35Others were already mapping out their futures.
42:44Blue.
42:46Endless blue.
42:49White clouds drifting like blank pages waiting for ink.
42:56Over by the bleachers.
42:58The horizon stretched out forever.
43:01And here, under this tree, was me.
43:07Finals were over.
43:10Time to go home.
43:16I've liked you for a long time, Leo.
43:20Sorry, Rose.
43:21We're not a match.
43:27Leo Redding, do you like my sister?
43:28Is that it?
43:33I don't have feelings for you.
43:35And Zoe and I just...
43:36We're heading in different directions.
43:40The world's bigger than this parking lot.
43:55He was right.
44:02Graduation wasn't an ending.
44:06It was the curtain going up.
44:09Family, romance.
44:11Both felt like illusions to me right now.
44:14Better to focus on the real world.
44:23Rose, what score do you expect to get?
44:27Around 6'650, probably.
44:30Dad laughed, ruffling my sister's hair.
44:32You're amazing, Rose, our precious girl.
44:34When I got home, Mom and Dad first asked about my sister with concern.
44:37Then they finally remembered I was there, too.
44:41Zoe, how did your exam go?
44:43It's fine.
44:44I went back to my room and closed the door.
44:46Staring at the closed door, Henry Carter and Clara Carter both felt their younger daughter had changed.
44:52She didn't seem as close to them as she used to be.
44:55Henry Carter stepped forward to knock, but his elder daughter, Rose Carter, stopped him.
45:00Dad, you promised we'd go traveling after the exams.
45:02Hurry up and book the tickets.
45:04All right, all right.
45:05Dad hasn't forgotten.
45:07I heard everything from inside the room, but I didn't care, nor was I interested.
45:10I started thinking about what to do over summer break, tutoring juniors, for example, to earn some pocket money.
45:15After all, my sister never lacked money.
45:17I did.
45:19After a moment's thought, I bit the bullet and messaged Leo Reed.
45:22Last time he'd mentioned that a few of his close friends also wanted tutoring.
45:26Senior Zoe Carter, you just finished your exams.
45:28Won't you take a break and go out to have fun?
45:30No.
45:31Do you need tutoring?
45:31I have time this summer break.
45:32Yes, absolutely.
45:34A few of my friends will want tutoring.
45:35Is that okay?
45:37Of course.
45:37Let me know once you've set the schedule.
45:39I could tell Leo Reed was thrilled.
45:41What a studious junior.
45:43At dinner, Dad served my sister a large steak, then hesitated before handing me only a small piece.
45:50I stared at the meat in my bowl and didn't touch it.
45:53Mom never brought up the control group experiment from this past year, as if nothing had ever happened.
45:58Why didn't she mention it?
45:59I was dying to know what she and Dad thought of that so-called special test.
46:04But in the end, I said nothing.
46:06It didn't matter anymore.
46:10Two days later, Mom, Dad, and Rose packed their bags to leave.
46:14Right before they walked out the door, Mom suddenly remembered me and turned to ask, looking a little awkward.
46:19Zoe, we're going to the seaside for a trip. Do you want to come along?
46:22I'll pass. You three go enjoy yourselves. I promised I'd tutor several underclassmen.
46:27Mom, Dad, if Zoe doesn't want to come, let's just leave quickly. We have a flight to catch.
46:32Suit yourself, then.
46:33Mom and Dad glanced at me and saw no trace of dissatisfaction on my face.
46:38I was still the same obedient, sensible girl as always.
46:42After the three of them left, I headed out to tutor the juniors.
46:48I met Leo Reed and his three classmates, four people in total.
46:52I still charged $50 an hour for two hours of tutoring every day.
46:56I was going to make a good amount of money.
47:00Senior Carter, this cake is for you.
47:03Leo Reed said, his ears turning pink.
47:07Look at Leo's red ears. I told you, this guy's got a crush on Senior Carter.
47:12Don't talk nonsense like that.
47:15Uh, uh, Senior Carter, do you have a boyfriend?
47:20I replied in surprise.
47:23No, I don't.
47:25You don't mean you actually...
47:27I do.
47:28I only see all of you as my underclassmen.
47:31Besides, high school should be focused on studying.
47:34There will be plenty of time for dating once we reach university.
47:37I didn't say no outright, but he would understand what I meant.
47:40Senior Carter, are you dating my cousin Redding, Leo?
47:43I froze for a second, so they were related.
47:46No, we're not on the same path.
47:49We each have our own dreams and goals.
47:51It's far too early to talk about romantic relationships right now.
47:55Really?
47:56Then that means I still have a chance in the future.
47:59Leo Reed said excitedly.
48:00I said nothing and decided to assign him harder practice problems.
48:05I kept tutoring while waiting for the National University Entrance Test results to be released.
48:10June the 25th was Results Day.
48:12I went online to check my score, but it wasn't available yet.
48:15Three days later, the results came out.
48:17They were much better than I'd expected.
48:20703 points on the science track.
48:22Third place in the entire state.
48:24It was my name, and I hadn't misread the number.
48:26I wasn't first.
48:27I wasn't that brilliant, but I was proud of myself.
48:29My hard work had paid off.
48:30I should be able to get into any major at MIT easily.
48:33I was just about to reach out to Leo Redding when he called me first.
48:36Ms. Zoe Carter, how was your exam result?
48:39I figured a score like mine wouldn't stay a secret in the city for long.
48:42It's alright.
48:42I got 703 points.
48:45What about you?
48:46Everyone would find out sooner or later.
48:47So I told him.
48:48What the hell?
48:50703 points?
48:51It was the first time Leo Redding had ever cursed in front of me.
48:54He admitted he'd lost his composure.
48:55That's incredible, Ms. Zoe Carter.
48:57I only scored 6-6-96.
48:59You're the pride of our whole class now.
49:01Our head teacher will be overjoyed.
49:02With your score, you can choose either Harvard University or Yale University freely.
49:06I want to go to MIT.
49:08Leo Redding was a genius.
49:10He figured out my reasoning right away.
49:12That's fine.
49:13We'll keep in tall the time.
49:15Okay.
49:16You didn't ask which university I plan to apply for.
49:19Which university will you apply for, Mr. Redding Leo?
49:22Harvard University, without a doubt.
49:24The capital city is pretty close to Boston.
49:26I can visit you there during holidays.
49:28You have to be my tour guide then.
49:31I couldn't very well say no.
49:32No problem.
49:33After hanging up, I sat at my desk in a daze.
49:36Dad knocked on the door.
49:39Zoe, come out here for a second.
49:43I went to the living room.
49:45My sister looked uneasy.
49:46Maybe she hadn't done as well as she'd hoped.
49:49Mom, Dad, what's the matter?
49:52Your sister got 635 points, a little lower than she predicted.
49:57But she's still our family's pride.
49:59She can get into top 985 universities for sure.
50:02I looked at Rose Carter and said sincerely,
50:05Congratulations, sister.
50:08Mom asked,
50:09Zoe, have you checked your exam score?
50:11How many get points?
50:12A flicker of urgency in her eyes.
50:14I couldn't tell if she was anxious for my sister or for me.
50:18Probably for my sister.
50:19It's nothing important.
50:20I'll head back to my room if there's nothing else.
50:23Hey, kid, even if you messed up the exam, we wouldn't scold you.
50:26Right before I stepped into my room, I turned my head slightly.
50:29I didn't mess up.
50:31You'll find out soon enough.
50:32That night, admissions officers started calling.
50:35When the one from Harvard University called, I told her I was choosing Yale University.
50:40I will choose Yale University instead.
50:43When the one from Yale University called, I told him I was going to Harvard University.
50:46Then both sides went quiet.
50:50The next morning, I opened my door.
50:52Zoe, why did you hide your 703-point score from us?
50:56I didn't hide it.
50:57You already found out anyway.
50:58Is getting an excellent score some kind of mistake?
51:01Mom and dad were speechless.
51:03It's not a mistake at all.
51:04Your sister didn't perform well this time, and she's feeling upset.
51:07So this is still my fault?
51:10But I won't apologize for it.
51:12National University Endurance Test scores raise the threshold for the future,
51:17yet they can never decide one's final achievement and life height.
51:21Zoe, I feel like you've become a completely different person lately.
51:24Mom, if you only got 300 living spes every month, you'd change too.
51:29No matter what you say, you're blaming me, aren't you?
51:32No, I don't blame any of you at all.
51:34Fate is three parts heaven sent, but the other seven parts are in your own hands.
51:39With the National University Entrance Test over,
51:42I'd left that ridiculous, miserable year behind me.
51:45Zoe was her own flesh and blood.
51:47Right then, she had the illusion that her daughter was drifting further and further away.
51:54Mom and dad assumed I'd definitely get into an Ivy League school.
51:57It wasn't until I finished filling out my application and clicked submit
52:00that I felt a huge weight lift off my chest.
52:04Rose ended up choosing the State University of Riverton,
52:07scoring just above the admission line.
52:08In late August, I set off alone on a new chapter of my life
52:11with my MIT acceptance letter in hand.
52:14Goodbye and never meet again.
52:15Dad said he'd see me off, but he went to Rose's University first.
52:18I was used to it. It was better this way.
52:22The program I enrolled in involved classified work.
52:26I had to sign a non-disclosure agreement upon admission,
52:29and after graduation, I'd be required to live in relative seclusion.
52:33It was fine by me.
52:34My scholarship covered all my expenses through college.
52:37During my university years, I stayed on campus for both winter and summer breaks.
52:41Leo Redding came to visit me a few times, as he'd promised.
52:45I kept my promise to come visit you.
52:48Lean your body forward. Don't stiffen your legs.
52:51We went from classmates to friends.
52:52We met, and we parted.
52:54After that, I met my head teacher, and even had dinner at his home.
52:58The teacher's wife was a woman who embodied both gentleness and warmth.
53:02She's fond of me. Maybe she's heard my story.
53:05She said,
53:06Zoe Carter, such a lovely girl. You're so endearing.
53:12You might have been expected, but you're a treasure all the same.
53:18Every single person is a treasure.
53:20After all those years, tears fell into my bowl.
53:23They tasted salty, but with a hint of sweetness.
53:26Yes, ma'am, I understand.
53:28As time went on, mom and dad would call,
53:30but I always turned them down, saying I was busy with schoolwork.
53:35After graduation, my work was classified.
53:37They had even less way of reaching me.
53:39It's not that I'm heartless.
53:42They've gotten along fine all these years, with or without me around.
53:46I didn't hate my sister.
53:48When I was little, I'd envied all the love and attention she got from our parents.
53:52But now, my career and life's purpose filled my heart and mind.
53:56Beyond personal affection, there's a greater calling.
53:59If no minor familial love wraps around me, I will embrace the greater devotion wholeheartedly.
54:06There's a bigger sky beyond the skies of Riverton.
54:09I'd seen a far vaster world.
54:11I dedicated myself quietly to my country, one of millions doing the same.
54:16I led a team, and our research filled a gap in a cutting-edge international field.
54:20And this was only the beginning.
54:22When I was 26 years old, my sister got married.
54:25I took time off and went back to Riverton for two days.
54:28There was guilt in Rose's eyes when she looked at me.
54:31I'm so sorry, Zoe, for everything back then.
54:34I handed her a red envelope.
54:36It's fine.
54:37All of that is long gone.
54:39I wish you a lifetime of happiness.
54:42Stay a few extra days.
54:44Your mother misses you terribly.
54:46I turned it down.
54:46I'd already booked a return flight for the same day.
54:49After the wedding, I returned to where I work.
54:52I'm like a cloud slipping through my parents' fingers.
54:55They can only watch as I drift far away until I vanish from sight.
54:59They occasionally send emails to a designated mailbook.
55:02Yet I read every message and never reply.
55:07Time flew by.
55:08When I was 28, Leo Redding tracked me down through connections.
55:15Zoe Carter.
55:16Do you have a boyfriend?
55:20No, I don't have spare time for a relationship.
55:23At 29, Redding Leo is refined and steady, with clear, bright eyes.
55:29Just like the teenage boy stand by the playground that summer when we were 17.
55:34Then how about considering your old classmate me?
55:36I tilted my head and looked at him, thinking for a long time.
55:40I seem to recall we both once said we were not cut from the same cloth.
55:43That's true, yet two parallel lines never intersect.
55:46Only lines meant to cross we'll meet.
55:48Leo Redding smiled.
55:49I smiled too.
55:50For a second I remembered what his cousin Leo Reed had said.
55:53That kid had said he wanted to pursue me, but in the end, his cousin was the one who stepped
55:57up first.
55:58I'd always kept my feelings guarded.
56:00With Leo Redding, I didn't feel that spark of infatuation, but I didn't dislike him either.
56:04We were comfortable together, and he truly helped me without asking for anything in return.
56:08Maybe he was the right partner for me.
56:10Not that everyone needs a partner, but trying wouldn't hurt.
56:16Six months later, we got married.
56:18At my request, the wedding was very small.
56:21I didn't tell my family.
56:22There was no point.
56:24Leo Redding said,
56:27Zoe, you are not the expected jurr meaning random.
56:31You are the jurr that stands for Glossy Gannerum, a precious treasure.
56:35I was deeply moved by what he said.
56:39Have you sliked me all along?
56:41You figured it out?
56:44I always thought you were an extraordinary girl, so strong that all I want one is to shield
56:49you from harm.
56:51Is to shield you from harm.
56:57Zoe, you are a treasure too.
57:00You're my treasure, and one among countless precious talents, devoting themselves to our
57:07motherland.
57:10I broke into a soft smile.
57:12Everything fine licked into place.
57:14I always deep down.
57:16I came into this world, and I was never superfluous at all.