“Sigh! So boring.”
“I’m taking a sick day tomorrow!”
“Eh, then I’ll take a menstrual leave.”
“Lillie! Are you really not taking a day off? Less than half of the students will show up tomorrow.”
“I’m taking a day off tomorrow.”
“What? You’re taking a day off? Are you kidding? You’ve never been absent in six years, the only ‘Perfect Attendance’ in the whole school.” Joziah’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Lillie smirked slightly and said seriously, “Yes, I’m taking a day off tomorrow.”
A month ago.
“I’m going to a social event.”
“Pfft~” A mouthful of hot soup was sprayed out.
“Sis, are you serious?” Novah wiped the soup stains from her mouth, unable to straighten her back.
Looking back at Dad, greasy soup dripped down his face, with two pieces of vegetables hanging on his glasses, his complexion as dark as a pot bottom. “Hahaha! Dad, you’re so trendy that pendant on your glasses is simply the top fashion trend of this year.”
“Shut up!”
“Lillie! At a young age, what do you need a boyfriend for? Don’t expect me to agree. You, dream on!”
“I’m not looking for a boyfriend; I want to get married.”
“Pfft––” Mom unconsciously tightened her grip on the ketchup bottle, and the ketchup squirted out, contrasting with the soup on Dad’s left chest, one yellow and one red, creating a humorous scene.
“Your bra is quite unique, very sexy!” Mom joked.
“Ugh.” Dad covered his face and rushed into the bedroom.
“Heavens! Was Dad just crying?” Novah was both puzzled and surprised.
“Forget him. Lillie, did you fall and hit your head on the way home, or are you feeling unwell?” Mom, who usually roared like a lion and had a fierce face, surprisingly switched to a gentle tone and a loving expression. It seemed I had really given her quite a shock, but my long-held wish would not change.
I am Lillie, eighteen years old. From childhood to now, I have grown up according to my parents’ and teachers’ arrangements and requirements. I can say I have met all their expectations and am seen as a “model student” by everyone. Some have asked me if following such a routine doesn’t make me feel bored or lack a sense of self. The answer is: “No.” Trivial matters are not worth mentioning; the greatest goal in life: to get married at the right age, absolutely not to become an “outdated” woman (outdated refers to women who are not married by twenty). Even Chinese historian Sima Guang said: “Men should marry at sixteen and women at fourteen.” My thoughts are definitely not wrong.
“No, I’m not crazy or sick; my mind is very clear. Girls my age are already married and have children running around. I’m considered a ‘rejected woman’ at this age, which is something to be looked down upon.”
Mom rubbed her forehead, looking frustrated. “I think I should get you a sick leave, maybe a psychiatric evaluation; this is serious! Delusions are coming out.” After saying that, she turned and went back to her room, muttering to herself: “Still talking in ancient tones, how did you suddenly become an ancient person?”
“Dad, sign my leave request.”
“Sigh! Why haven’t you given up yet? You know I have no say in this family, go find the queen!” Dad looked quite helpless, probably really troubled by me and genuinely afraid of Mom. If I end up with a husband like this in the future, suppressing play, heh heh! So refreshing!
“Sis, what are you thinking? Why do you look so lewd?”
Stop, stop, don’t let anyone find out.
“Mom, please help me sign the leave request.” I presented it with both hands, very respectfully.
“Social event leave? Sure! You treat my words like the wind; I’ll break your hands and feet and see how you go to a social event.” While saying this, she pulled out a rattan stick, ready to strike. Looking back, Dad and Novah had already run off without a trace. In a critical moment, one can only rely on oneself, “Wait…”
“I didn’t say it was for a social event; it’s for sick leave!”
“Sick leave?” Mom looked at me suspiciously, clearly not believing it.
“Aren’t you asking me to see a psychiatrist? I also think I’m not quite normal mentally.”
Mom’s expression softened a bit as she asked, “Do you need me or your dad to take a day off to accompany you?”
“No need, no need, I can manage by myself.” I quickly replied, thinking that if you accompany me, it would expose the truth. Great! I successfully passed the first hurdle; indeed, talking to elders while belittling oneself is the way to go.
“Lillie! Although you’ve already entered a top university, you can’t just do anything. Are you joking with the teacher?” The class advisor asked gently, but her expression was quite hard to read.
