Senior year, heading back to school for the thesis defense felt like being released from prison.

I was exhilarated beyond words.

Burning the midnight oil, partying non-stop.

And somehow, I ended up causing trouble.

Late at night, I rode my scooter, forgetting my night blindness. One careless moment and I crashed into a pitch-black luxury car.

Officer Grant shook his head as he took notes. "You managed to dodge all the other cars but aimed for the most expensive one, huh?"

The car was brand new, not insured, and the blame was all mine.

The owner didn't say a word, just kept sending repair bills to my email.

Those endless numbers made me black out again and again.

I felt utterly hopeless, like I couldn't even find a grave to lie in.

Not fully graduated, no suitable job in sight.

But I was desperate to pay off the debt, so during this gap, I had to hunt for part-time jobs.

Mrs. Foster called, saying the lychee harvest was abundant this year, and asked if I wanted to pick lychees for a hundred bucks a day.

Of course, I did. I could strip a lychee grove bare with my bare hands now.

I immediately bought a ticket home for that night, intending to tell Ava Johnson.

But she was traveling and hadn't returned.

So, on the way to the station, I sent her a voice message: "Ava, I'm heading home..."

Suddenly, Driver Zhang hit the brakes. I lurched forward, accidentally sending the unfinished message.

Ava was out playing, so she didn't respond immediately.

By the time I reached the station, she called back, her voice eerily calm:

"Quinn, you left something really important behind."

I racked my brain, confused. "Important? I packed everything."

Her voice turned urgent. "It's really important! Get back here!"

I was even more puzzled.

I was broke. I even packed the toothpaste I had to squeeze out.

How could I have left something important behind?

I replied, "I really don't have anything important at school."

"I said you do. You do, you do, you do! Hurry back!"

Ava came from a wealthy family, the typical spoiled rich girl.

She could be a bit demanding and bratty, but she wasn't unreasonable.

Her sweet looks and fragrant, soft demeanor made her antics somewhat endearing.

Before I could respond, she hung up.

I ignored it, ready to swipe my ID to board the train.

The next second, my phone chimed with the beautiful sound of a credit alert.

A payment of fifty thousand dollars.

From Ava.

See? Isn't she adorable?

The transfer note was blunt: "Take the money, refund the ticket, come back."

Alright.

I remembered. I remembered it all.

I did leave something very important behind.