Chapter 1

Mom always said I wasn't good at talking and wasn't likable, that I couldn't compare to our neighbor's influencer daughter.

To fix me, she set down a rule: post one video each month, and I'd get as much allowance as there were comments.

Before the semester started, I posted a video.

Three comments.

The first month, Mom really only gave me three dollars.

The second month, I posted a video.

I begged classmates one by one for help, registered ten burner accounts to comment on my own posts, and went to other people's comment sections begging for mutual engagement.

After struggling to scrape together three hundred comments, Mom refused to pay.

"Ten accounts, all your burner accounts. You think I'm blind?" She slammed her phone on the table. "This month, you get nothing."

I survived by skipping classes and working six jobs a day.

The third month, I stopped struggling and casually shot a silent video.

The video went viral.

But the comments weren't right.

First day of freshman year. I sat on my dorm bed, staring at the $3 my mom had transferred to me, unable to believe it.

I hurriedly called her.

"Mom, you transferred the wrong amount," my voice was tight. "Why is it only three dollars?"

"I didn't transfer wrong." She sounded dismissive.

"What do you mean you didn't transfer wrong? Three dollars?"

"Olivia, didn't I tell you before? However many comments you get is how much allowance you get. You're the one who couldn't deliver. Who else is there to blame?"

"I thought you were joking."

"Do I look like someone who jokes?"

I clutched my phone, my nails digging into my palm.

"But how can I survive on three dollars?" My voice started shaking.

"That's your problem." She said coldly. "If you're capable, earn more comments next month. If you're not, figure it out yourself."

The call ended with a click.

Three dollars. Not even enough for one meal. I couldn't even afford the cheapest sandwich in the cafeteria.

"Hey, I bought a new mop and trash can today, plus some snacks. Fifteen dollars each, okay?"

My roommate Madison's voice drifted over from across the room. Sophie immediately replied "Got it," and Riley transferred the money right away too.

I typed "okay" in the group chat, then placed my phone face-down on the bed.

Fifteen dollars. But I didn't have it.

The next day Madison pressed me: "You're the only one left."

"Tomorrow."

The third day she pressed again: "When exactly are you going to pay?"

"In two more days."

I heard her whisper to Sophie:

"She's not going to refuse to pay fifteen dollars, is she? What kind of weird roommate is this?" The volume was just loud enough for me to hear.

Then the next day the dorm bought a new water dispenser. Fifty dollars.

Madison initiated the payment request. Sophie and Riley transferred the money quickly.

I stared at the screen, typed a line and deleted it, typed and deleted again.

What I finally sent was: "I won't drink your water. I'm not paying for this."

The dorm went silent. I could feel them looking at me.

Riley spoke first: "You won't drink? Then what will you drink?"

"I'll buy bottled water myself."

Madison laughed coldly: "Fine. Then don't touch the water dispenser from now on."

"Fine."

Sophie said quietly: "Is there something wrong with her?"

I heard it.

Then came the electricity bill. Thirty dollars per person. I didn't pay again.

Madison @ me in the group chat, sending three messages in a row:

"What about the electricity bill? You won't pay for the water dispenser, you won't pay thirty dollars for electricity either? What exactly do you want?"

I didn't reply.

I didn't know what to say. Should I say I had no money? That my mom only gave me three dollars?