The Tangled Thread In His Mind Got Messier

The Liu family was in the middle class. Richard was a typical traditional man who left everything regarding the inside of the household to his wife, Linda. Most of his time was used to build his career.

As long as Lucas remembered, their family never had any major financial struggles. Even though his father rarely brought them on a vacation, they could still eat three meals a day. He and Kevin also got some pocket money.

But, everything changed when Lucas was in his third year of high school.

"How could you?! Dear! That's our savings!"

"Shut up! It's not like I lost everything! Only half of it!"

Richard was lured by his old classmates to join an investment platform. The first three times bore fruit for him thus, he increased the funds. His luck was out of the window for the fourth time.

Tens of thousands of savings vanished in the air, unable to be retrieved. It happened shortly after Grandpa Chen's death.

From that moment onwards, Richard and Linda fought frequently. Lucas couldn't focus on his study. His performance slightly dropped but, to his parents, he was a failure.

"Your entrance exam is here soon! Do you want to embarrass your parents? Get a grip and study more!"

"Lucas, you're the eldest. You should set an example for your brother."

Lucas was dispirited by how his parents reacted. He vowed to himself that he would get into a top national university. He studied harder than before, ignoring the constant fight between his parents, but...

"Even though you get a scholarship, we can't afford to send you to the uni. Lucas, how about postponing it for a while? At least, until our finances are stable."

"You can just forgo uni. You should work to help our family now. Your mom and brother rely on us."

His dreams shattered.

Lucas didn't understand why his parents were adamant about forcing him to work right after graduating high school. From his observation, the situation at their home was not that terrible.

Even if they refused to support him when he was at the university, he could still work and study at the same time.

Until now, Lucas didn't understand why his parents changed so much.

Sure, his mother and father favored Kevin more than him ever since both of them were young. But, the favoritism grew to another level during the time Lucas was preparing for the entrance exam.

Despite his initial protests, Lucas finally gave up in the face of his mother's tears and his father's scolding. Instead of enrolling in a high-tier education institute, he started living the life of a part-timer who relied on different jobs at the same time.

Daphne was furious with Lucas' decision but, she also understood it was hard for him to go against his parents.

As Lucas' girlfriend from high school, she had heard about his family situation.

"Don't worry, Lucas. Wait for me to graduate first. You can go back to school. I'll support you."

Because of that promise, Lucas ground his teeth and continued working as a part-timer. At the same time, he looked into night school. The fee was high for someone who depended on a meager sum of wage to live.

Thus, Lucas saved some money from his salary after giving half of it to his family. In his spare time, Lucas would pick up the necessary books to keep his brain active.

After careful consideration, Lucas decided not to attend the university. He would just aim for the civil service exam. Even a high school graduate like him could apply for it.

But...

"You can start small. It's hard but, it's better than only chasing others' dreams. You only live for your family until now, right?"

It was not the first time Michael insinuated such a thing but, Lucas usually didn't pay any heed to it.

Despite his love for baking, Lucas never thought to make it into a living. He never learned it professionally like Michael. His parents would grow mad if he ever suggested being a baker.

Still, those words struck Lucas so hard this time. Especially with what had been happening in his life recently.

At half-past ten, Lucas arrived back at the apartment. The lights inside had been switched off, showing that Daphne might already go to bed.

Lucas heaved out a sigh. His tensed nerves loosened just because he didn't need to face Daphne when his mind was a mess. His patience was running thin right now. If she continued to provoke him, they might fight for real.

Lucas quietly entered the apartment. After washing his face and hands with warm water in the kitchen, he headed toward the bedroom.

Daphne was indeed sleeping. She was curling up under the thick blanket.

Lucas couldn't look at her face clearly because she was lying facing in the opposite direction.

If this was before, Lucas always slid under the same blanket and hugged her from behind. Daphne also loved such a gesture from him.

But, Lucas didn't dare to do so now. They also hadn't been intimate in a long time.

'This is too troublesome...'

Lucas changed into his sleeping outfit; a thick sweater under a T-shirt with long cotton pants.

Instead of sleeping on the same bed they shared for over a year, he decided to just sleep on the couch. He also wore a pair of thick socks.

Taking his pillow and a fresh blanket, Lucas lay down on the couch in the dark living room. The place was a bit colder than the bedroom but, he could manage.

Somehow, the tiny living room appeared so vast to him right now.

Despite his exhaustion after working and studying all day long, it was hard for Lucas to close his eyes.

For how long should he be stuck in this suffocating situation?

Lucas suppressed himself from sighing out loud. Wiping his face roughly, the tangled threads in his mind got messier.

His family and lover were against him right now.

Should he do something to get out of this mess?

If only Grandpa Chen was still here... He could definitely bestow wise advice on him.