Her Three Toasts, My Final Goodbye

After the influencer agreed, they ended the livestream, both thrilled.

Not long after, Mom called me.

“You’ve been out long enough. Come back tomorrow. Your sister landed a show, and you should come see how things are done.”

“To broaden my horizons? Or to let the whole internet condemn me as unfilial?”

I sneered, which only annoyed her more.

“How can you talk to your mother like that? I’m your mom—don’t I have the right to teach you?”

“Since you already know, just come back quietly. You’re the older sister. Isn’t it normal for you to give more?”

Apparently, leaving myself only enough for basic living expenses and funneling everything else to them—

To her, that was just “a little more.”

I didn’t argue. I simply murmured “Mm.”

That satisfied her enough to hang up.

The next morning, I took my freshly issued visa and went straight to the airport.

In the airport lobby, the big screen was playing clips from a reality show that had gone viral, combining the “Three Glasses of Wine” video with the image of a selfish daughter.

Mom and the “unfilial daughter” narrative drew everyone’s attention.

Parents pulled their children close, preaching lessons as they passed.

“See? A child may not love their mom, but a mom always loves her child.”

Love?

Of course there was love.

I could never forget Mom’s panic when she rushed me to the hospital as a kid.

Or the way she handed me food, claiming she didn’t like it, though I knew she was just giving up her share.

But now—

None of that mattered anymore.

My mom loved Emily more. Without question.

She couldn’t balance her love between us.

Naturally, I had to accept that my love for her would be shallow in return.

The company had already heard about the drama. Mr. Johnson messaged me.

I replied, then boarded my flight without a backward glance.

I knew I would never return.

At 2:40 p.m., the reality show began its pre-broadcast.

Mom and Emily had dressed up but refused to wear the coats I’d bought them.

Mom kept calling me, furious yet forcing herself to keep her composure.

At 3:00 sharp, the show went live.

In my new company’s hotel room, I watched the big screen.

Viewership had already surpassed one hundred million.

Because of the hype, Emily caught the attention of several film and TV producers, who were negotiating with her.

Meanwhile, Mom was telling the audience about the hardships of raising me.

“I don’t know how I ended up with such a selfish child.”

“My health is poor, I can’t work, and she’s so stingy she won’t even pay her sister’s tuition.”

“She’s afraid Emily will outshine her and embarrass her. But Emily has always been more talented!”

The host asked, “What would it take for you to believe the family could be whole again?”

Mom frowned, thought for a moment.

“If she comes back and apologizes, goes on a trip with us, and pays Emily’s tuition—”

She pursed her lips. “Then I’d be willing to forgive her.”

The livestream audience buzzed with agreement.

“That’s reasonable. When money’s tight, the kids should help out. It’s not like she’s married!”

“Exactly, Emily got into a top school. Tuition at good schools is cheaper, and she won’t even pay that?”

“Mom’s adorable. A simple trip and she’s satisfied. So forgiving, still wanting to take her daughter traveling.”

“That eldest daughter doesn’t know how lucky she is!”

Without exception, they all condemned me.

The host gestured to the door.

“Let’s see what the daughter has to say.”