Starting Today, I'll Use the Toilet by Myself

"Help! Why do we have to attend seven straight days of classes this week?"

"Who the hell designed this holiday shift? It's downright disgusting." The wails rose and fell during the ten-minute break, the collective resentment nearly blasting through the ceiling.

The 2013 May Day holiday lasted only three days, two of which were borrowed from the upcoming weekend.

Seven days of classes for three days off.

In reality, only one day was an actual holiday—the other two were just relocated weekends.

Ultimate torture, really.

Uncle Wang, the gatekeeper sitting by the entrance, clutched a calendar with a pained expression:

"Brothers, I did the math. We're trading seven days of suffering for one day off! Total rip-off!"

"Rip-off? More like highway robbery!"

Chen Xiaoya, standing at the lectern, massaged her temples as the students' howls grated on her nerves. She rapped the desk sharply.

"Enough already. Consider this practice. When you hit G3, Saturday make-up classes will be the norm, and you'll even have to come back for evening self-study on Sundays."

The classroom fell silent for a split second before erupting into even more horrified screams.

"Teacher, is that supposed to be comfort or torture? Evening self-study too?"

"Please, I beg you, don't say those three words—I'd rather drop dead right now."

Though it was only Wednesday, the mood was as heavy as an endless Monday.

Lin Mo lay sprawled across his desk, tuning out the surrounding complaints. School had long ceased to be torture for him.

Besides, he wasn't even sure if he'd have competitions this weekend or if they'd be postponed until after May.

The weather was warming, the breeze through the window carrying a hint of dry heat.

Summer always arrived early in Goat City.

Just then, a faint floral scent drifted over. Jiang Yunlu had turned around in her seat and was now watching Lin Mo.

"Lin Mo," she said softly, her voice unusually clear amid the noise, "I want to go out with you to buy lunch today."

Lin Mo lifted his head, surprised.

For the past week, Jiang Yunlu had always asked Lin Mo and others to bring food back for her, while she brought homemade breakfast.

He couldn't fathom why she'd suddenly suggest this.

As if reading his confusion, Jiang Yunlu flushed slightly.

"I feel bad making you all buy food for me every day.

Plus... I've never been to Backstreet. I'm curious."

The "you all" primarily included Lin Mo and Wang Qin.

Given Jiang Yunlu's generous tipping, everyone was happy to run errands for the young miss.

But the young miss still felt guilty.

After some thought, she decided going out to eat with Lin Mo would be better—and she could finally see what Backstreet was like.

"Sure."

A single word, crisp and straightforward.

Jiang Yunlu visibly relaxed, her eyes curving into crescents.

Still, Lin Mo couldn't resist asking:

"Still not on speaking terms with your dad?"

The question struck a nerve.

Jiang Yunlu recalled her father's recent efforts to appease both her and her aunt.

Having angered both women at once, he now resembled a chastened schoolboy—whipping up elaborate dishes daily, watching her and her aunt with pleading eyes.

Yet her aunt remained stubbornly cold, leisurely ordering takeout every day. The doorbell of the delivery rider might as well have been a battle cry.

The atmosphere was so awkward you could carve out a three-bedroom apartment with your toes.

Last night, Jiang Yunlu had caved and sneaked a piece of her father's sweet-and-sour pork loin while her aunt wasn't looking.

One sharp glare later, she'd nearly choked.

Then came the scolding in her room.

How had her own anger morphed into her aunt's crusade?

Lin Mo waited patiently, letting her untangle her thoughts.

"I'm not mad anymore. Dad knows where I stand and isn't pushing.

But Auntie's still holding a grudge."

"So you've accepted your dad's peace offering, but your aunt won't budge, leaving you stuck in the middle."

Lin Mo's words cut to the heart of it.

He knew Jiang Chengshan had fully surrendered—his only task now was winning back his daughter.

Except first, he had to placate his sister.

Poor old man.

Jiang Yunlu's face fell like a scolded kitten.

"How'd you know?"

"Lucky guess. Then why eat out?"

"Because... I think I need to be more independent." Her voice held quiet resolve.

Lin Mo's brow arched, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Ah yes, independence starts with buying lunch. Very in line with that nursery rhyme—'Today I'll use the potty all by myself.'"

Jiang Yunlu swatted his shoulder, stifling a laugh.

Nearby, Wang Qin rolled her eyes.

Ugh, look what he's done to the young miss's settings. Thank goodness none of her old classmates are here.

At noon, Lin Mo headed out for lunch with Jiang Yunlu and Chu Miaomiao in tow.

Chu Miaomiao wasn't joining them—she was just picking up her own meal at the gate.

Outside Classroom 8, they ran into Xie Yuling emerging from another room.

Xie Yuling barely blinked at Jiang Yunlu trailing behind Lin Mo. Instead, she slowed her steps, looping her arm through Chu Miaomiao's.

"Miaomiao, I'm exhausted."

Chu Miaomiao radiated maternal warmth, patting the head resting on her shoulder.

"It's okay, a nap after lunch will help."

The four moved in delicate equilibrium until reaching the school gate.

Chu Miaomiao collected her meal from the security booth and waved goodbye, heading back to class.

Meanwhile, Xie Yuling's eyes narrowed as she spotted Lin Mo and Jiang Yunlu stepping through the main gate side by side. She quickened her pace—only for a woman to intercept Jiang Yunlu.

"Young Miss, you've finally come out!"

The female assistant looked ready to weep. Jiang Yunlu hadn't retrieved her lunch in nearly two weeks.

Though the assistant had ultimately eaten the meals herself, another week of this and she'd have to return to her actual job.

Jiang Yunlu pressed her lips together, about to refuse—when Lin Mo abruptly snatched the lunchbox.

"Here, consider your job done. Now scram. We're going to eat."

The assistant gaped, but seeing Jiang Yunlu's indifference, she could only nod and retreat to her car.

The moment the pair left, she dialed Mr. Jiang.

Xie Yuling caught up just then.

"Where are you two going?"

"Lunch. Joining us?" Lin Mo pointed at the noodle shop ahead.

Jiang Yunlu raised her head and looked at Xie Yuling.

Xie Yuling met her gaze.

Finally, Xie Yuling shook her head and said, "No need. My mother has already cooked."

With that, she turned and walked away, but her fists clenched tightly.

She took deep, steady breaths.

"We're allied now, allied. There will be time ahead, plenty of time."