"This civil service job is a solid gig, a real stepping stone for a future in politics. And you? You're just someone who paints nails—essentially a service worker. Your income isn't stable.
"Your education isn't impressive either, just an ordinary bachelor's degree. And your family background isn't great. You're not even from around here, and you don't own a house or a car. How do you plan to make it in a big city?"
I wanted to defend myself, but speaking up would only seem disrespectful. So, I turned to Grant, hoping he'd come to my rescue.
But he was lost in his own joy, completely oblivious to the tension between me and his mother.
Disappointment washed over me.
For the first time, I felt like our four-year relationship wasn't as precious as I had thought.
After failing the exam last time, Grant had been in a slump for a while. I was the one who stood by him during those tough times. He was determined to try again but felt embarrassed asking his family for money, so he turned to me for help.
I had opened a nail salon after graduation, and my income was decent.