Chapter 1

Summer of 1983, Princeton University, Teacher's Office.

"Mr. Derek, I've made up my mind. I plan to study, but I’m giving up my spot at Princeton University for the decryption program at MIT."

The autumn wind carried a chill as Cyril, with his slender frame, stood tall, his eyes unusually resolute.

Derek paused for a moment, then exclaimed in overwhelming joy,

"Cyril, you’ve finally come to your senses! I thought you were giving up your Princeton spot to your cousin just so you could marry Natalie. But the decryption program at MIT is very special—it requires you to conceal your identity and live under an alias. Have you discussed this with your family?"

"No need to discuss. I can make this decision myself."

Cyril's eyes flickered with pain when he heard the word "family," but it quickly passed. Perhaps, once he was completely out of their world, he would no longer have anything to lose.

It was all because his uncle had drowned in the river while saving him. His parents took in his cousin, claiming that Cyril owed him his life and should learn to be humble.

To make up for their guilt, his parents gave all their good things to his cousin, even falling in love with his fiancée.

Both family and love had been taken away from him.

Now, in order to take his college spot, his parents forced him to agree, and Natalie even suggested exchanging it for a marriage certificate.

Cyril had spent the whole night thinking on his small balcony bed, and finally realized the truth.

This time, he wouldn’t yield. Instead, he chose to sever ties with them, no longer wanting any part in their lives.

The red maples blazed like fire, and as Cyril walked down the cold street, his back seemed lonely. The workers, dressed in blue, were heading home, riding their bicycles with happy smiles on their faces.

The bustling world felt completely out of place for him.

A jeep pulled up beside him, blocking his path.

"Get in!"

The window rolled down, revealing a cold, pretty face. Natalie looked impatient.

"Did you explain everything to the school?"

Cyril remained silent.

He had explained everything, but not in the way Natalie had wanted. Instead of giving up his Princeton spot, he was going somewhere she would never find.

Before Cyril could respond, Antonin leaned his head out from the back seat, waving a large bundle of items in his hand.

"Cyril, look! Natalie bought me so many things—clothes, shoes, and even a radio! She said if I go to Princeton, I can’t let anyone look down on me."

Cyril's gaze locked onto the necklace around Antonin's neck, and his expression changed drastically. It felt like his heart had been pierced, with blood rushing to his head.

It was the heirloom his grandmother had left for him, and it was also the token of love meant for Natalie. To his shock, Natalie had given it to Antonin.

Natalie noticed Cyril's gaze and a flash of embarrassment crossed her face, but it quickly returned to calm.

"Antonin likes it. Anyway, it’s not that valuable. After we get the marriage certificate, I’ll buy you something better."

Cyril felt a bitter pang in his heart. The necklace wasn't worth much, but it represented love. Unfortunately, in Natalie's eyes, it had become insignificant.

And that made sense.

Natalie didn’t love him, so she wouldn’t treasure it.

Antonin, hearing the mention of the marriage certificate, showed an exaggerated expression of jealousy, feigning grievance as he cried out,

"Natalie, I think Cyril is upset. Is it because I took his spot at Princeton? I'm sorry, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have taken his things. I deserve to be unwanted."

Natalie couldn’t stand Antonin being upset. Her face darkened, and she glared fiercely at Cyril.

"Antonin’s life has been tough enough. You have everything—why do you have to compete with him?"

She quickly patted Antonin's head, soothing him.

"Don’t worry. The Princeton spot is yours, no one can take it from you."

"Go home and reflect on yourself. When you’ve figured things out, apologize to Antonin. Otherwise, I won’t forgive you!"

With that, she slammed the gas pedal, leaving a cloud of dust behind.

Antonin on the backseat shot Cyril a smug, taunting look, his face filled with malicious glee.

Cyril coughed violently from the dust, tears streaming down his face.

Look at that.

He said nothing, did nothing, but everything he did was wrong.

Cyril stood motionless for a long time, until a maple leaf fell onto his shoulder. The cold wind bit through his thin clothes. Once, when he had nowhere to go because of his parents' favoritism, it was Natalie who had said, "With me around, the world will never be lacking in love."

But even that woman, who had promised to protect him for a lifetime, had changed her heart.

The sky was overcast, and Cyril wiped the tears from his eyes. He took a big candy out of his pocket and gave a bitter smile.

The candy had been kept for many years—it was a gift from Natalie. She had said that whenever he felt sad, he should eat the candy, and life would feel a little sweeter.

Cyril had always been reluctant to eat it, saving it for the present.

Now, the candy had gone bad, just like Natalie’s love. It had turned into garbage.

Cyril threw the candy into the drain, along with his biased parents and his fickle fiancée. He no longer needed any of them.

Chapter 2

As soon as Cyril returned home, he heard the sound of laughter from inside. He glanced up at the sky. The fiery red clouds resembled a mocking face, ridiculing his lonely, desolate figure.

Ever since his parents brought Antonin into the house, Cyril had felt completely out of place. All because his uncle had saved him from drowning, Cyril was told he owed his cousin and had to give way—starting with toys and clothes, moving on to his parents’ affection, and finally, even losing his fiancée.

He felt like a wandering, forsaken spirit, standing silently at the doorstep. The laughter inside stabbed into his heart like a knife, the blood seeping into the floor beneath him, forming a dark shadow that threatened to swallow him whole.

Cyril pushed open the door. The laughter inside instantly ceased, as though his presence had disrupted their harmonious family moment.

Cyril’s mother glanced at him and pointed to a small stool by the side, where a bowl of food rested. Inside, there were only a few green vegetables, while the table was filled with fish, pork, and beef.

Since childhood, his parents claimed that his cousin needed nutrition to grow, so they gave Antonin the best food and forced Cyril to be understanding, to give up his seat and share his meals. Now, Cyril slept on a broken cot on the balcony and ate scraps of discarded vegetables.

But his parents never considered that Cyril, being only half a year older than Antonin, also needed nutrition.

Cyril’s mother got up and deliberately placed a piece of fish in Cyril’s bowl, smiling as she said, “This is your favorite dish. Sit down and eat.”

Cyril’s expression remained blank. “Mom, I’m allergic to fish. It’s my cousin who likes it.”

This time, Cyril’s mother didn’t show her usual impatience or scold him for being troublesome. Instead, she looked into his eyes with a rare gentle expression. “Did you explain everything to the school? Give up your Princeton spot to your cousin. You’re good at studying; you can take the exam again next year.”

Cyril remained silent.

Cyril’s mother’s face darkened, and her tone turned stern. “How can you refuse? You owe your cousin a life. Giving up your spot at Princeton is no big deal. You should know better.”

Even after so many similar incidents, her blatant favoritism still hurt Cyril deeply.

Cyril’s father put down his utensils and suddenly slapped Cyril hard across the face, his expression furious as though facing an enemy. “How did I raise such an ungrateful son? If you don’t agree, get out of this house immediately. I have no son like you.”

Cyril’s head buzzed, a bright red handprint appearing on his cheek. Facing his parents’ anger, he felt as though his body was being sliced by countless knives, trembling uncontrollably.

Antonin, wiping away fake tears, looked pitiful and said, “Please don’t pressure my cousin. It makes me sad. Maybe I’m just not destined to study. Don’t blame him; it’s my fault for being unloved.”

His parents immediately rushed to comfort Antonin, promising that they would ensure Cyril gave up his Princeton spot and buy Antonin plenty of gifts.

Only then did Antonin stop crying. He looked at Cyril’s pale face and said, “Cousin, I never meant to take your things. If it bothers you, I can leave.”

Cyril’s father exploded with anger, glaring at him. “Are you satisfied now? Making the family chaotic. Apologize to your cousin immediately.”

Cyril wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his gaze sweeping over the people in the room. This group of so-called relatives was doing everything they could to destroy him.

Just as his father moved to hit him again, Natalie spoke up. “Cyril has already agreed to give up his spot at Princeton. He’ll clarify everything at the school today.”

Only then did his parents’ expressions soften, though they still huffed indignantly.

Cyril’s mother thought for a moment, then fixed her gaze on him. “At least you have some sense. Since your cousin is going to school, you should go work and earn his tuition. Remember, you owe him this.”

Cyril stared blankly at his mother. How could the woman who gave birth to him say something so cruel?

His mother didn’t seem to care about his reaction. Her tone was firm and commanding. “After summer break, go find a job. You’re just wasting time at home anyway.”

His parents nodded in agreement.

The family then began discussing how to organize a banquet for Antonin, celebrating his acceptance into Princeton—a prestigious achievement for the family.

No one paid any attention to Cyril.

To them, his existence was like a trash can—mentioned when needed, discarded without hesitation when not.

Cyril didn’t know when he had ended up lying on his bed. His heart, which had been aching, had grown numb. Staying in this loveless house suffocated him.

The bed, which he had been using for over ten years, was damp and moldy, barely covering half his body. Meanwhile, Antonin had a bright, spacious room filled with toys and candies from the supply cooperative. Cyril could only sleep on the narrow, leaky balcony, enduring rain, wind, and snow for a decade.

It was a scorching summer, yet he felt ice-cold inside.

Staring at the night sky, Cyril thought to himself—just one more month, and he could leave this loveless place.

Since this family didn’t need him, he would disappear from their lives forever.

Chapter 3

That night, Cyril had a dream. In it, he saw himself as a child, embraced lovingly by his parents, their eyes full of affection. Natalie, two years older than him, pinched his cheeks and said, "So cute!"

It was as if he were submerged in a warm spring, reluctant to wake up. But then Antonin appeared, like a living nightmare. His parents’ faces twisted into grotesque expressions, yelling at him. Natalie turned away and walked farther and farther away.

Cyril cried, "Mom, Dad, Sister, don’t leave me!" He frantically tried to chase after them, but the ground beneath him opened into an abyss. He fell, engulfed by despair and pain, unable to struggle.

His parents and Natalie didn’t look back, circling around Antonin as they walked into the distance.

Cyril sank into unending darkness.

The noise of fireworks outside woke him up. He opened his eyes, finding his pillow soaked with tears. He thought he wouldn’t feel sorrow for them anymore, but deep down, he still yearned for love and recognition. Thankfully, it was just a dream.

A jeep pulled into the yard, and when Cyril saw the tall man stepping out, he quickly went downstairs.

"Cyril, I heard you got into Princeton. Not bad."

The tall man was Eric, Natalie’s adoptive father. A longtime friend of Cyril’s family, he owed his life to Cyril’s father, which was why the two families had arranged the engagement. Eric was one of the few people who genuinely cared for Cyril.

Eric patted Cyril’s head, then glanced at his daughter and nodded. "It seems you did the right thing, celebrating Cyril’s success with fireworks."

Natalie frowned. "Dad, the fireworks aren’t for Cyril. Cyril said he doesn’t want to study anymore and has given his Princeton spot to Antonin. Antonin will study hard and live up to everyone’s expectations."

Eric’s expression shifted, and he was about to scold her when Cyril stopped him.

Cyril forced a smile. "Uncle, you just got home. Rest for now. I’ll explain it another day."

He didn’t want Eric probing further, fearing it might expose his decision to apply for MIT’s decryption program. All he wanted was to leave quietly, without too many entanglements.

Eric’s face darkened as he glared at Natalie before storming off in anger.

Now, only Cyril and Natalie remained.

Natalie’s expression was blank. "Don’t tell my father about the marriage certificate yet. And you’d better come up with a good explanation for giving up your spot at Princeton. Do you understand?"

Cyril kept his head down and murmured, "Okay," showing no reaction.

Natalie’s willingness to marry someone she didn’t love just to help Antonin get into Princeton was truly noble.

"Antonin is young and fragile. Don’t mention the marriage certificate in front of him. Also, I told you to apologize yesterday—why haven’t you done it yet?"

Before Cyril could respond, Natalie pressed on aggressively. "Antonin will be heading to Princeton soon. You should do something to help him get enough food in US."

Seeing how Natalie always prioritized Antonin, Cyril felt as though a boulder was crushing his chest. He could barely breathe. "Do you think it's necessary for me to do so? With you and my parents doting on him, is he lacking anything?"

Natalie froze, finally remembering Cyril’s dire situation. A trace of complexity crossed her face.

"Don’t worry. I promised to marry you, and I won’t go back on my word."

Natalie could only use the marriage to placate Cyril.

"Natalie, are you really going to marry my cousin?"

Natalie’s face changed dramatically. She turned sharply toward the door, where Antonin stood, leaning against the frame. His face was pale, his expression pained.

"It’s not like that..."

Before Natalie could explain, Antonin began slamming his head against the wall, his face contorted with agony. "I don’t want Sister to marry my cousin! I love Sister too..."

Antonin’s distress was so exaggerated that Natalie panicked. She shoved Cyril aside and rushed to hold Antonin.

Their parents came out, their faces paling at the scene.

The three of them hurriedly got Antonin into the car and drove to the hospital. Before leaving, Natalie shot Cyril a cold glare and said icily, "Do you see what you’ve done? You deliberately provoked Antonin. I didn’t know you could be so malicious."

Natalie’s disgusted and hateful look hit Cyril like a heavy blow to the chest. Whatever Antonin wanted, all he had to do was show a bit of sadness, and the entire family would revolve around him. Every problem was blamed on Cyril.

Natalie’s furious expression replayed in Cyril’s mind. He told himself not to grieve for a woman who didn’t love him, but tears still fell uncontrollably.

Antonin’s little schemes were easy to see through with just a bit of thought.

Once, Natalie couldn’t stand how the family favored Antonin. During Cyril’s darkest time, she had burst into the house, taken him away, and announced to the whole neighborhood that no one was allowed to bully Cyril anymore.

Back then, Natalie had treated Cyril very well, giving him many gifts.

But at some point, Natalie changed. Her dislike of Antonin turned into pity.

Antonin was like Cyril’s nemesis, always taking everything away from him.

Cyril coldly watched the car disappear into the distance, letting his tears fall to the ground. This would be the last time he cried for Natalie, the last time he felt sorrow for this loveless family.

From now on, he would live for himself and dedicate his youth to building his country.

Cyril returned to his room and began tidying up the cramped balcony. In an old box, he had stored all the gifts Natalie had given him—everything from wooden toys to an autumn leaf.

He had once treasured Natalie’s gifts, unable to part with them.

But now, they were nothing but trash.

Cyril gathered all the gifts, placed them in the yard, and set them on fire, burying his love for Natalie in the flames.

Just as the fire was nearly out, Natalie returned to the yard and saw the scene.

When she saw the burning wooden puppet, her face changed dramatically, and a wave of intense unease surged in her heart.