The months that followed, to Chunhua, felt like her back had sprouted wings. The taste of first love was sweet, jittery and slightly anxious at times, yet incredibly fulfilling. The only place where she could feel truly safe and free was with Hai. Where a new relationship blossomed with him, the old ties with her parents had taken a sour turn when news of her rejection reached their ears.
Furious words were exchanged back and forth and none tried to understand Chunhua or her concerns behind her rejection. So her father went ahead and did what he swore to do - cut off her education fees. They continued to live under one roof, yet acted as complete strangers.
Naturally, Hai had come forward to take care of her college fees that wouldn't break even a tiny sweat on his forehead, but as proud as Chunhua was, she didn't wish to rely on him. She didn't wish for money to come in between them when they had just barely started dating.
