Jenny sat across from Mrs. Li, her back straight, her hands folded in her p. The luxurious home around her, with its polished wooden floors and vast walls of gss, felt cold despite the warm lighting. She had agreed to meet Mrs. Li—only out of respect for Li Wei, who had insisted on her presence. But the tension in the room was thick, and Jenny couldn't shake the unease gnawing at her insides.

  Li Wei had told her that his mother wanted to meet her, but the reality of this moment hit her like a punch to the gut. She wasn’t sure if it was nerves or just the weight of expectations, but she felt smaller in that moment, like a speck of dust in the vast mansion.

  Mrs. Li’s gaze was sharp, appraising, as she slowly set her teacup down on the coffee table.

  “I understand you’re a talented athlete,” Mrs. Li said, her tone polite but without warmth. “Second pce in the shooting competition, correct?”

  Jenny nodded, her voice steady despite the pounding in her chest. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “And you’re on schorship at NTNU. I hear you’re bancing that with part-time work as well. Very impressive.”

  “Thank you,” Jenny replied. Her throat felt tight, but she forced the words out. “I’ve been working hard. I appreciate the opportunity.”

  Mrs. Li nodded, but the sharpness in her eyes never wavered.

  “I’m sure you do. However,” she continued, her tone changing slightly, “while you may have earned your schorship through hard work, I’m not sure it’s the best path for you—especially considering the company my son will inherit.”

  Jenny’s brow furrowed, but she stayed silent, waiting for Mrs. Li to continue.

  “Li Wei is a man of great potential, as you know. He’s the future of our company. As his mother, I believe it’s my duty to ensure his future aligns with the family’s interests. His life, especially his retionships, need to complement that vision. And I’m not sure that you, with all due respect, fit that vision.”

  Jenny’s chest tightened, and she forced herself to stay composed. She knew what was coming.

  Mrs. Li continued, “If you were to... continue seeing my son, you might face complications—especially with the pressure from our family, the company, and his future. I’m sure you understand the value of stability and connections in his world.”

  Jenny’s heart raced. The unspoken message was clear: she wasn’t welcome. Her working-css background, her schorship, her part-time job—all of it was a stark contrast to the privileged world Mrs. Li was used to.

  “And if you continue on this path, I’m afraid that your schorship might not be sustainable,” Mrs. Li added, as if it were a mere afterthought.

  Jenny’s mind spun. She had worked so hard for this schorship, sacrificing everything—her time, her energy, her part-time job. She had been determined to get back into competitive shooting after her injury, and this schorship was her second chance. The idea of losing it was devastating.

  But Mrs. Li’s next words hit her like a sp.

  “You don’t have to make any decisions right now, Jenny. But think about what’s at stake. You’ve worked hard to get here, and I respect that. But it’s important to think about the bigger picture. This is about Li Wei’s future, and whether your retionship with him would be beneficial—or a hindrance.”

  Jenny’s breath caught in her throat. The pressure to choose between her future, her schorship, and her feelings for Li Wei was unbearable. It wasn’t a decision she should have to make. She didn’t even know if there was something between her and Li Wei. They were just friends—acquaintances, really—yet Mrs. Li was treating it as if their retionship was already set in stone.

  Li Wei had always been kind to her, supportive, encouraging her through everything. But was she ready to risk everything for him? Was it even fair to put herself in a position where she might lose it all?

  “Are you saying,” Jenny began, her voice shaking slightly, “that I should walk away from Li Wei? For my own good?”

  Mrs. Li’s face softened, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m saying you should make the best decision for yourself—and for him. You don’t have to worry about him. He’s already well on his way to success, and he has the support of our family behind him. But you, Jenny… you need to think carefully about your future.”

  Jenny wanted to scream. She wanted to tell Mrs. Li that her future wasn’t anyone’s to decide but her own. But the cold weight of the threat on her schorship kept her quiet. She had no power here. Mrs. Li held all the cards.

  “Thank you for your time,” Jenny said, standing up slowly. “I’ll think about what you’ve said.”

  Mrs. Li smiled faintly. “I’m gd to hear that.”

  —

  As soon as Jenny stepped outside the mansion, she let out a long breath, feeling the weight of the conversation still pressing on her chest. She didn’t know where to go from here, what to do. But one thing was clear: Mrs. Li’s influence was far-reaching. And if she wanted to continue her education, to continue pursuing her dream of becoming a top-level shooter, she couldn’t afford to let anyone jeopardize that. Not even Li Wei.

  As Jenny walked down the quiet street toward her apartment, she pulled out her phone and texted Victor.

  I need to talk. Can we meet?

  Her thumb hovered over the keyboard for a moment before she added another line.

  It’s about the competition. And something else.

  It wasn’t about the shooting competition anymore. It was about the choice she now faced—her future or the uncertainty of what could be with Li Wei. Would it be worth risking everything? Or was it better to walk away and focus on her dreams?

  Her phone buzzed with a reply from Victor.

  Of course. Let’s meet at the café in 30 minutes. I’ll be there.

  Jenny slipped the phone back into her pocket, a sigh escaping her lips. She didn’t have the answers yet, but she knew one thing for sure—she had to figure this out on her own.

  Li Wei might have his family’s support, but she had to find the strength to make her own decisions. Whether or not she was ready to face the consequences, it was time to take control of her own future.