Chapter 3

Make up for it, they said. How were they supposed to make up for six years of lies and pain?

The next day at school, my homeroom teacher summoned me. "Adam, there's a guaranteed spot for studying abroad in the math program. Tuition and fees are fully covered. Would you like to take up this opportunity?"

She added, "I understand your family situation isn't easy, which is why I think you should seize this chance. It might just change your future."

The requirements were strict. To qualify, the student would need to win a major math competition at least three times and have at least a "B" in a foreign language. I was the only student in the grade who met both criteria.

Without hesitation, I nodded. "Of course, Ms. Clark. 100%."

I guess this was exactly what my parents wanted to see—the poor kid, raised tough, working harder to become more accomplished.

Ms. Clark patted my shoulder. "Good. In that case, you won't even need to take the June exams. Take this time to rest. Then, you can report to the school early."

Soon, I would escape this place, that ridiculous livestream fiasco, and my parents, who were never worthy of that title. I could live just fine on my own.

After all, it was just a game of deception. Two could play that game.

…

Today, there was a citywide event that several schools were participating in. It was a pre-exam exchange and learning conference. As a student representative of great academic achievement, I attended with a few classmates.

Before the conference officially started, a top student from an international school gave a speech. A familiar figure stepped onto the stage, and lo and behold, it was Archer. He was representing his school.

"Hey, that guy looks like Adam."

Others noticed too. They murmured among themselves. "Yeah, kinda. But that guy's obviously more handsome. You can tell he's from a rich family."

"He's rich. How can a poor kid compare? They're in totally different worlds."

Archer and I were twins. Our faces were almost identical once, but years of malnutrition changed me. My skin was darker, and my palms were rough and calloused. His skin was clear, soft, and smooth.

He grew up with love and money, while I grew up with nothing but hardship and tears.

"I heard that guy's grades are terrible, though. He's probably only up there because his family's rich and well-connected," someone whispered.

Meanwhile, Archer was confidently sharing his study tips on stage. I caught sight of Mom and Dad sitting in the second row with their phones raised. They were grinning from ear to ear as they recorded his speech.

Those who loved someone would take every chance to record key moments in their lives.

When I thought about how Mom had never attended a single parent-teacher meeting for me over the years, I couldn't help but feel bitter.

The conference went on for a long time. At one point, I went to the restroom.

When I tried to come out, I realized the door wouldn't open. No matter how hard I pushed or pulled, it wouldn't budge. It was as if someone had locked it from the outside. "Hello? Can someone help me?"

I pounded on the door, calling out for help, but no one answered. Just when I took a step back, ready to kick the door loose, it swung open.

Archer stood outside with a few students behind him, blocking the doorway so I couldn't get out. He raised a hand in signal, and one of the students stepped forward, kicking me to the ground.

I clutched my stomach and gritted my teeth in pain.

As if that wasn't enough, Archer grabbed a bucket of water nearby and poured it over my head. The dirty, slightly foul-smelling water soaked me halfway, leaving me drenched and humiliated.

They laughed at me. I wiped the water off my face and opened my dripping eyes to stare at Archer. "Why are you doing this?"

He stepped forward and kicked me into the corner. Resentment was brewing in his eyes. His tone was laced with sarcasm. "Aren't you supposed to be an excellent student? Why didn't you go up on stage and give a speech?"

He scoffed, and his voice was dripping with mockery. "Oh, Adam. Did you really think Mom and Dad were going to take you home after the exams? Not a chance."