“Don’t even think about it,” Zhao Mingzhen snapped, her voice shooting up an octave. “If you don’t go back to our hometown, who’s going to look after Mom and Dad?” The outburst came without warning, making me jump. Deng Jiazhe immediately shot her a cold glare. Zhao Mingzhen instantly realized she’d lost her composure. Her jaw worked silently for a moment before she lowered her gaze, picking up a