Chapter 4

I first went into the hospital room, stroking my mom's pale, gaunt face, my heart full of self-reproach.

Because of my reality manifestation ability, my dad treated me like a monster.

It was my mom who resolutely divorced him and left our hometown with me, searching for a solution.

But now she was lying in bed because of me, with no telling when she might wake up.

I deposited most of my part-time job earnings into her medical account.

Then I went back to the dorm to find the medicine.

When I pushed open the dorm door, I found my area in complete disarray.

My desk was piled with junk, my closet had been opened, and my clothes were thrown on the floor, covered in gray footprints.

I took a deep breath and decided to find the medicine first.

I'd hidden it in a storage box at the foot of my bed.

As soon as I climbed onto my bed, I discovered the entire bedding was wet and reeked of an unidentifiable stench.

But fortunately, my storage box was still there.

I pulled out the key and opened it, tucking the intact vial of medicine into my pocket.

I needed to find a place with no people to use it, ensuring I wouldn't be interrupted.

As I climbed down, Clara watched my lack of reaction and pouted with boredom:

"Lyra, I'm so envious of emotionally stable people like you. Even when we accidentally spilled mop water on your bed, you don't get angry."

"Unlike me—my parents spoiled me so much I can't handle the slightest grievance."

The other roommates quickly chimed in:

"That's actually better! Having a real personality means not getting bullied. Not like Lyra—what a doormat!"

Their mockery didn't change my expression one bit.

Because her retribution was about to arrive.

I left the dorm and checked into a hotel for an hourly room.

I took out the medicine from my pocket and was about to apply it to my lips when the door was suddenly shoved open.

Clara burst in, livestreaming.

"Everyone, my roommate just came back to the dorm to get something, then rushed out again."

"I was worried something would happen to her, so I followed. I can't believe she came here to rent a room!"

"I can't just watch my roommate fall this far!"

After Clara rushed in and found only me in the room, disappointment flickered in her eyes.

When she saw me bringing the medicine to my lips, her face took on a pitying expression.

"Lyra, I actually really envy that you can't speak—saves so much social hassle."

"But even if you're dissatisfied, you can't just put random unlabeled medicine in your mouth. Aren't you afraid of poisoning yourself?"

Comments flew rapidly through the livestream:

"Liked. Clara is beautiful and kind-hearted. She even feels sorry for this kind of trash person—way too nice."

"Clara's right. There's so much meaningless socializing in society now. Being mute means she can avoid so many hassles!"

"Exactly. She just can't speak—there are people way worse off than her. I don't know what she's putting on an act for!"

Clara smiled with satisfaction. At an angle the livestream couldn't see, she reached out and pushed the medicine into my mouth.

Half the medicine went down my throat, half spilled on my lips.

An intense burning sensation spread across my mouth.

Pain appeared on my face.

Clara sighed, looking at me.

"Lyra, I really envy your courage and freedom—you dare to consume anything. You get to experience so many things."

"Unlike me—my parents only allow things verified by professionals into my mouth."

The livestream comments uniformly read:

"Good advice can't save a ghost determined to die. Clara, don't learn from her. This kind of trash has a hard life. Your delicate body can't handle such treatment!"

At that moment, a hoarse voice spoke.

"Clara, are you speaking from your heart?"