Chapter 4 — How Much Does Love Cost?

Chu Tinh and everyone are asleep. I took out my book and continued studying until two in the morning. At the end of the first year, I received a national scholarship, 8,000 yuan. I paid all the tuition fees and still had a little left over. My dad called me a few times. The first time was to question why I didn't go home.

“The wings are stiff, aren't they, To Vy?”

“I'm busy studying.”

"Busy? I see that you don't have this house in your heart anymore!"

I said nothing. He felt meaningless and hung up. The second time was at the end of the year.

"Where is this month's expense report? Why hasn't it been sent to me yet?"

“I don't use dad's money.”

“Where are the 708 coins I gave you?”

“I don't accept it.”

The other end of the line was silent for a long time, then there was an angry scream.

"To Vy! Are you showing off your power to me?"

"Do you think your scholarships are so terrible? You're slapping me in the face!"

“I tell you, without my training, you are nothing!”

I calmly listened to everything. Waiting for him to finish speaking, I just asked one question:

“Are you done talking yet?”

"After I finish talking, I'll hang up. I still have to study."

I hung up. The hostel is very quiet. Chu Tinh poked her head down from the top bunk bed.

“To Vy, did you quarrel with your father?”

"Nothing."

I opened the book, but couldn't read a single word. I don't cry. I just feel... The place called "Dad" in my heart has turned into a black hole. Constantly draining the last remaining bit of warmth. In my second year of college, my mother secretly came to Shanghai to visit me. She waited for me in a cafe. As soon as she saw me, her eyes turned red.

“Vy Vy… why are you so skinny?”

She took out a thick envelope from her pocket and stuffed it into my hand.

“This is my own money that I saved, please take it.”

I pushed the return envelope.

“Mom, I don't need it.”

“I have money, I can support myself.”

“Mom, keep this money and buy yourself something nice.”

Mom looked at me, her eyes were very complicated. There is heartache. It's also a bit strange.

“You seem to have… changed.”

“Everyone will change.”

Mother and daughter sat together for half an hour. She constantly told stories in the house. Recently, my father is passionate about calligraphy, practicing calligraphy every day at home, saying that he wants to cultivate himself and improve his character. He said his business was getting better and better every day, and he even bought To Loi a better car. It is said that To Loi graduated from college but refused to work and spent every day wandering around outside. I sat and listened very quietly. It's like listening to the story of some strange family. When we broke up, my mother hugged me.

“Vy Vy… if you have time, come home and visit a little.”

“Your dad actually… still misses you.”

I neither agree nor refuse. I saw her off to the subway station, watching her back gradually disappear among the crowd. Maybe I will never return to that house again. Time passes so quickly it's scary. During my four years in college, I lived like a wind-up machine. I won every scholarship there was to win. Specialized scores are always at the top of the department. English passed the eighth major, and also studied a double degree in finance. On graduation day, I simultaneously received offers from three corporations in the top 500 in the world. In the end, I chose to stay in Shanghai, working for an investment company. On graduation day, the weather was very nice. Chu Tinh's family and everyone came and stood in front of the school gate to take pictures. Chu Tinh asked me:

“To Vy, where are you?”

“They were busy and couldn't come.”

I replied smiling. I basically never informed them. I just texted my family a message.

"I've graduated. The job was signed in Shanghai, and I won't go back to my hometown anymore."

A minute later, my father's phone immediately rang. Still a familiar torrent of scolding.

“Who allowed you to stay in Shanghai?”

“What kind of person is a girl who keeps wandering around like that?”

"I'm telling you, come back here immediately! I've already looked into the civil servant position in my hometown for you!"

“To Vy, don't forget who raised you to be a good person!”

Hearing the familiar yet unfamiliar voice on the phone, I suddenly felt funny.