Chapter 1

I used to be the most cherished child in my family.

Until my brother was born, and every single one of my "out of line" behaviors became threats to him.

On my brother's first birthday, I spent an entire month building him a singing castle from over a thousand pieces.

But when I turned it on, the dazzling lights and mechanical sounds scared him into tears.

That night, my father smashed my castle, and my mother slapped me for the first time in my life.

The next day, I was sent to a boarding reform academy that claimed to "reshape lives."

My father looked at me with ice-cold eyes:

"Director Wallace, my daughter has something wrong with her head. I need you to make her 'normal.'"

"As for payment, I'll donate ten million dollars to the academy. Plus, I'll cover all future education expenses for your son."

Three years later, they came to pick me up from the academy.

Seeing me in my rigid white dress, hands folded at my abdomen, walking as if measured by a ruler, they were extremely satisfied.

My father smiled and opened his arms toward me: "Baby, I'm here to take you home."

Instead, I took a step back, bowed in standard form, and recited in a voice devoid of emotion.

"New Life Code, Article Three: Physical contact within three meters with strangers is prohibited unless necessary."