180 The Meadow you are the only child in your family and your parents adore you, it doesn’t mean that every child is valued. You don’t understand what it feels like being a daughter is a crime! I am never part of the family. My parents raised me as if they wasted their time and money.” She had to stop to breathe. “My parents don’t even like you. Why do you always stand up for them?” “When they know me better, I am sure they will like me and...” He gave her a gentle smile. “No, they won’t!” Ye got up, snatched her backpack, and left. She looked out the train window. Bright sunshine flooded the wooded terrain, the rolling hills and receding trees. Father’s sneer floated into her mind. Old humiliations and rage rose within her. Her cell phone vibrated. Chou: You barely had breakfast. I put some biscuits in your bag just in case. She put down her phone. She was still mad, but could she blame him for his innocence? She never told Chou why her parents didn’t like him. Besides, Chou always saw the good in others. Wasn’t it why she was attracted to him? She always struggled with a worthless feeling, but Chou saw the best qualities in her and helped her see them herself. A moment later, her phone vibrated again. Chou: Sorry. I should be more understanding. Ye sighed and typed: That’s all right. I shouldn’t be mad in the first place. After she walked out of the station, several motorcycle drivers approached her and asked where she wanted to go. She was not sure if she would recognize the distant cousin who was supposed to meet her. There was no taxi in the remote countryside station. She spotted a young man standing before a car and hesitantly walked towards him. “Ye?” he asked. She nodded and got in. “Your first time back
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