School started in early March.

At 10:30 a.m., Saya led Joanna to go through the admissions procedure, select the optional courses, get familiar with the dormitory, and walk towards the school gate.

"Jo, I don't recommend you to live on campus."

"Saya, but I want to." Joanna shook her head.

Lukas and she hadn't broken off their engagement yet. The old man would definitely ask her to live in the old house of the Jensen family. She didn't want that, and living on campus could serve as an excuse.

She explained the reason to Saya who then nodded dully and stopped her persuasion.

Saya was going back to Graham's house while Joanna planned to buy some books from the book center. They agreed on having dinner at Saya's house before splitting up.

She only had one bank card, and the 500-yuan balance was all she had.

Joanna arrived at the book center and went into a bookstore.

When Rey Grant saw her, his eyes lit up.

"Joanna, finally you're here. I thought I needed to hire another person!"

"When have I ever gone back on my words?"

Rey nodded with a smile. While walking inside, he looked back at Joanna.

"You look pale. Are you alright?"

Joanna followed him while deftly sorting out the books that had been checked by the customers. With a smile, she hummed.

"I caught a slight cold and pretty much recovered."

She raised her head and beamed at Rey.

"Don't worry, it won't drag me down from work!"

In high school, Joanna got acquainted with Rey by chance. One year older than her, he knew that Joanna was looking for a job. His father happened to be recruiting, so Joanna applied.

"Just kidding!" Rey's eyes glittered, and he pouted.

"Here, this is your salary from last June to last month. Double wage at the end of the year, and the total amount is 45,000 yuan. Check it out."

He handed the bank card to Joanna but then hesitated.

Seemingly aware of his following speech, Joanna gave an easy smile.

"Don't worry, I've set my thinking straight and will keep the money instead of giving it to my parents. I need the money for my education."

Rey heaved a sigh of relief and couldn't help but tap her head.

"Ah! You finally got it. I was wondering if I should keep the salary for you and give it to you until your parents no longer hustle money from you."

He once bumped into the scene when Joanna's mother beat her, cursed her harshly, and hustle all the money from her against her will. He couldn't believe such a mother should exist in this world.

"Not anymore!"

Joanna took the payroll card, put it in her bag, and turned to the dressing room.

"I'm going to change my clothes."

Rey nodded, opened his mouth, and couldn't refrain from asking.

"Joanna, you still... don't plan to continue with your studies?"

"Yes, I just registered at school today." Joanna answered without looking back.

"Really?" A bright smile appeared on Rey's handsome face, "That's nice. You should go to school since you're only 18. The engagement is too early for you."

"Even if you are engaged and your fiancé really likes you as you said, how would he let you drop out?"

At the door of the dressing room, Joanna stiffened but still spoke in a brisk voice.

"He and I are breaking off the engagement."

"Sorry!" Rey looked awkward and hurriedly apologized.

He knew how much Joanna liked Lukas. In the past three years when she worked at their bookstore, she had talked about the man every day, but he didn't think things would work out.

Lukas boasted high status. Although Kane favored Joanna, there was a world of difference between the Jensen family and the Bennett family. Even if they got married, they might not be able to get along.

Joanna waved her hand and went into the dressing room.

Rey looked at the closed door and rubbed his face.

Joanna was going to break off the engagement. He should be happy for her.

Lukas and she were not meant for each other. Even if she married into the Jensen family, Joanna would still work here every day without Lukas's knowledge.

In the meanwhile, he felt sorry for Joanna.

Joanna changed.

After she entered the bookstore, her smile was no longer as bright and easy as before. Now she looked calm and gentle as if she grew up overnight.

She was just 18 and in her prime.