The broke boyfriend, Sebastian Blackwood, I dumped years ago has become a tech tycoon.

During a financial interview, the host asked him who he wanted to thank the most.

He said, "I'd like to thank my ex-girlfriend. Her leaving me taught me that money is the most important thing in the world."

As soon as the words left his mouth, the internet exploded with rage.

They started doxxing me.

A hacker even projected my private X account onto a live screen.

I shared links for ten bags of bread for five dollars, savvy tips for sampling free food at supermarkets, what time bakeries clearing out unsold items at night, and which trash bins the items end up in.

I held my phone while walking and eating. "These are clean. A small piece like this usually costs over forty, but it tastes just like those five-for-ten sponge cakes..."

Watching the posts where I shared my frugal daily life, Sebastian Blackwood sneered, "You left me just to live like this?"

The audience in the studio burst into laughter.

"If Alice Green hadn't dumped Mr. Blackwood back then, she'd be having afternoon tea at Bulgari right now."

"She must be drowning in regret. Serves her right for being so short-sighted."

The host asked him, "How you felt, seeing your ex-girlfriend end up so miserably?"

He pulled Sophia Turner close to him and said coldly, "She deserves it."

The fans in the audience screamed again.

"Mr. Blackwood and Sophia are a perfect match—the millionaire CEO and the popular star!"

"This world is just a giant novel. Mr. Blackwood and Sophia are the main characters, and Alice is the evil villainess who did all the bad things and died miserably, hahaha."

They weren't wrong.

I really did die miserably—a very wretched death.

But I never actually did anything bad.

In my twenty-five years of life, the only bad thing I ever did was dump Sebastian when he was at his poorest.

But I didn't want to. I couldn't drag him down with me...

Suddenly, the screen showed that my X account had updated.

The title was "Ten Farewells to the World."

The audience erupted in laughter again, saying I was just being a drama queen.

This interview was being broadcast live. They all thought I was watching, faking a suicide attempt to save face.

But I was already dead.

My best friend, Jessica Miller, posted it. Today just happened to be my birthday.

My username was "Beg for One Resurrection Pass".

"Hello! Is it recording?"

On the screen, I waved at the camera with a bright smile.

I was wearing the hospital pajamas, with the hospital room as my background.

Jessica choked back a sob. "It's started."

I clap my hands together like calling "action". Then I took off my wig, revealing my bald head.

"As you can all see, I'm sick. My head feels brighter than a lightbulb right now."

"And I broke up with my boyfriend of seven years. I initiated it, by the way. I dumped him!"

I lifted my chin proudly.

"The reason I'm filming this video is that I feel like a person should leave something behind in this world."

"It would be too sad to be forgotten after death. If no one brings flowers to my grave during the holidays, I'll be sad even as a ghost."

I put my hands on my hips and and point playfully at the camera.

"Jessica, I only allow you to forget me after a year. Any sooner and I'll get mad."

Any later, and I'll get mad too.

My dear friend, I hope you can quickly move on from the pain of my departure.

That's actually why I'm filming these—to help her gradually get used to the fact that I'm going to die. To soften the sorrow.

Jessica's hand holding the phone began to tremble, and her sobbing grow louder.

"Hey, keep the camera steady! The shot's getting blurry.

"You have to capture my final beauty in this world clearly."

"I don't want to film anymore. You're not going to die. You'll get better."

Off-screen, Jessica had started wailing, but she tried hard to steady the phone, though the frame kept shaking.

On screen, I swallowed hard, my eyes turning red too.

"If you don't like me saying that, let's call it a recovery diary instead."

"Today is September 7, 2023. The weather outside is lovely."

The camera follows my pointing finger toward the window.

There was an amusement park next to the hospital, and my ward window faced right towards it. The joyful shouts of children come through clearly in the video.

"Recording my first recovery video. Today, I'm going to stop loving Sebastian..."

"We've only been broken up for four months, and he's already dating. What a jerk. He forgot about me so quickly."

"But his new girlfriend is pretty. I hope they're happy."

"I really envy that she has a healthy body and can marry the man I wanted to marry."

"But it's okay. In my next life, I will definitely be happy!"

Farewell to the World: Part Two.

I was wearing the same hospital gown, but I was clearly thinner than in the last video.

This time, I wore a red wig tied into two braids.

"Today is September 24, 2023. Let me show you my hospital meal."

The camera zoomed in.

It was a simple meal, all cooked by Jessica. As the camera panned over each dish, I call out its name.

"And now, it's my eating show."

I started eating, picking up food toward the camera. I chew with relish and even finish half a bowl more rice than usual.

Off-camera, Jessica was praising me, saying I was doing great.

I responded with exaggerated expressions. "It's all because my Jessica cooks so well. I even want to lick the plate."

I lifted the plate and pretended to lick it.

Jessica stopped me, exasperated. "You can't lick the plate."

Then Jessica started cleaning up and handed the phone to me.

I turned to the camera and started talking about my wig.

I spoke enthusiastically, looking perfectly normal. But the moment Jessica left, my expression twisted in pain.

I scrambled off the bed, hugged the trash can, and threw up violently.

When I appeared in the frame again, my face is streaked with tears.

"Don't get the wrong idea. The food Jessica made was really delicious."

"It's just that the side effects of the chemo are getting worse. I've been feeling dizzy and nauseous lately."

"I couldn't let Jessica's effort go to waste; she'd be so worried if she saw this. She's been crying over me a lot recently..."

"But I think I did something bad. They say people who waste food will end up in hell after they die..."

I stuck my tongue out playfully at the camera, trying to look a bit more alive.

I got back into bed and pulled out the lucky charm hidden inside my clothes.

"Sebastian, that lady was a liar. She said wearing this charm would keep me safe and healthy for the rest of my life."

"But now I'm dying. Don't wear yours anymore either. Though, you probably threw it away a long time ago..."

"Sebastian, tomorrow I really will stop liking you!"

"It's been five months since we broke up.

"People say it takes twenty-one days to form a habit.

"But I've gone through five twenty-ones, so why am I still not used to you not being here?

Farewell to the World: Part Three.

Today is November 27, 2023.

The weather has turned cold, and snow has started to fall outside. The usually lively amusement park is now deserted.

I grabbed my phone and snuck out, making my way to the slide.

I held up my phone, talking as I walked. "It might sound hard to believe, but... I've never been to an amusement park in my entire life."

"I really wanted to go to Disneyland once. I heard the fireworks there are beautiful. It's a pity it's so far away. I probably won't get the chance..."

The slide was covered in snow, too. I picked up a nearby twig and was poking at it when a child suddenly appeared.

"So, adults like playing on slides too?"

Startled, I turned the camera toward the child. His eyes were pure and innocent.

"Can't adults play on slides?"

He thought for a moment. "Well... they can. But why didn't you wait until the snow stops?"

"Waiting for the snow to stop... takes too long. I don't think I can wait that long."

"The snow won't stop until spring, and I don't have that much time left."

The child didn't understand and asked, "Why not? It'll be here soon."

I gave a bitter smile.

But I'll be gone soon, too.

After clearing away the snow, I sat down on the slide and asked the kid to hold the phone and film me.

The children's slide was so short; I reached the bottom in an instant. Just like the rest of my life.

I cheered at the camera, acting as excited as if I were on some grand rainbow slide out on the plains.

Only I knew that I was trying to make up for something.

I went to the amusement park Sebastian never took me to, so I can die with no regrets now.

The melted snow felt bone-chillingly cold against my skin.

That night, I caught a cold.

When Jessica found out, she twisted my ear and scolded me for nearly two hours.

"Don't you know you're a patient right now? Going out to play on a slide with a kid? Take this fever reducer, and get some sleep!"

Coughing, I smiled and took the medicine.

The moment she left, the smile vanished from my face.

I propped the phone against the table edge, I gasped for air, struggling to breathe.

With trembling hands, I took a few puffs of oxygen before smiling at the camera.

"Sorry about that. I've been having more trouble breathing lately..."

"Cough, cough! I really used to handle the cold well, honestly."

"When I get better, I'm going to go winter swimming!"

I even added the little boy on WhatsApp; he has a smartwatch.

He sent a message: "Sister, when the snow melts next year, I'll play on the slide with you again."

With a bitter smile, I typed back: "Okay."

I hope I get the chance.

Farewell to the World: Part Four.

February 9, 2024—the day I finally came home.

"We're going home today."

I hold my phone in the car, happily filming the scenery outside the window, occasionally turning the camera toward Jessica beside me.

When it was time to get off, the smile on my face stiffened.

Because by then, I could no longer walk. Jessica helped me into the wheelchair.

Seeing the sadness on her face, I challenged her to a race.

I handed her the phone and wheeled myself ahead.

I looked back. "Come and catch me! I've got four-wheel drive now; I'm definitely faster than you."

Jessica chased after me with the phone, but I reached our rental apartment first.

I shoot her a pretend glare. "My dear Jessica, if you're going to go easy on me, at least make it believable. 'Altitude sickness'? Seriously? That's just ridiculous."

Jessica smiled but didn't say a word.

We didn't have much money left. Two bowls of pasta with eggs were the best meal we could afford.

We huddled together, chatting under the lamp.

"Jessica, do you remember the first time we met?"

"Of course. You had snot running down your face—you were the messiest kid in the orphanage, hahaha."

"Is that all you remember? What about how I 'saved' you? Why don't you mention that?"

"You have the nerve to bring that up? Sebastian was clearly just crouching down to pick something up. You insisted he was lifting my skirt. Then you two got into a fight, and in the end, we were all punished with no dinner."

At the mention of my first meeting with Sebastian, my expression went a bit dazed.

Time flies. I can't believe we've known each other for nineteen years.

Just then, the clock struck midnight.

A premonition washed over me.

I looked deeply at Jessica, and after a long silence, I said, "This year marks the twentieth year since we met."

"Yes, Alice. We have many more twenty years ahead. You have to stay with me."

"Okay..."

Suddenly, my eyelids felt incredibly heavy.

I slowly leaned my head against her shoulder and closed my eyes...

Farewell to the World: Part Five.

February 13, 2024.

After three days and nights of emergency treatment, I finally woke up.

Looking at Jessica's exhausted face, I broke down.

I yanked out the IV needle from my arm, blood splattering across the bed. It looked shockingly bright against the white sheets.

I screamed at Jessica, "Why did you save me? Why am I not dead yet? Just let me die!"

Jessica frantically pressed the nurse call button.

I threw a pillow toward the camera, then began clawing at my own face. Within moments, my skin was streaked with blood.

Jessica tried to stop me, but the moment she got close, I only grew more frantic

"Get out! I said get out! Leave me alone!"

Then came the sound of violent retching—I vomited all over myself.

Jessica started crying. "Alice, haven't you always been strong?"

"You said you'd keep filming your recovery videos... all the way until the day you were truly healed."

"Get out!"

My answer was a heart-wrenching scream.

She could only stand there helplessly, watching as the doctor rushed over to inject me with a sedative.

The doctor said, "Please try to understand. The pain the patient endures every day is beyond what we can imagine. It's inevitable that she'll have mental breakdowns sometimes."

Once I calmed down, I looked up in despair, my eyes red-rimmed.

"Jessica..."

"Alice."

She walked over and gave me a hug, ignoring the mess on my clothes.

My hands trembling, I hugged her back, resting my chin on her shoulder as tears streamed down my face.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you..."

"I don't want to be a burden... to keep dragging you down. When I woke up, I was dazed—I thought I was still normal. But the pain in my body kept reminding me that I'm sick..."

"I'm sick... What do I do... I'm sick, Jessica..."

I sobbed, my voice breaking into incoherent cries.

Jessica hugged me tighter. "It's okay, Alice. You can get through this, I know you can..."

"After all... you are our sunshine, Alice..."

Farewell to the World: Part Six.

March 19, 2024.

Suddenly, I could stand up again.

I felt much better, and Jessica was thrilled.

But seeing the doctor's hesitation, I knew what it was—the final rally before the end.

I rolled up my sleeve, revealing a mesh of purple bruises. It was riddled with needle marks.

"Look, Jessica, I'm practically a pincushion. It hurts."

"Hmph, now you're complaining about pain? You were full of energy last night staying up to snag tickets."

I pouted. "It's my ex's first interview since he made it big—of course I had to go cheer him on."

"It's been so long... I just wanted to see how his company is doing."

The playful smile faded from Jessica's face, replaced by a serious look.

After a moment, she poked me. "You broke up with him back then because his company was just starting, and you didn't want to be a burden.

"If he still loves you, would you ask him for help?"

"No!" I refused firmly.

"But his company is worth millions now. Covering your treatment would be a drop in the bucket for him."

"That doesn't matter! I won't go to him, and you are absolutely forbidden from doing so either!"

"But..."

"No 'buts'!"

I cut Jessica off, pulling my sleeve back down to hide the frightening marks.

"I'm doing just fine. He and I have been on different paths for a long time. In his eyes, I'm just a terrible woman who abandoned him when he was at his lowest."

"If someday... well, if hating me lets him live a happier life later on, then so be it. Loving me... loving me would only bring him pain."

Seeing the tears welling up in Jessica's eyes, I quickly grabbed her hand and whined playfully, "the aquarium already has enough water today. We don't need you adding to it."

"Don't worry, a little cancer can't beat me!"

"We still have to keep filming—until the day I'm completely healed. Then do livestreams together and make a fortune!"

"By then, I won't even look twice at Sebastian!"

Watching my exaggerated acting, Jessica burst into laughter through her tears.

Seeing her smile, I felt relieved. "Let's go. It's rare we get to come out for a stroll, let's not talk about that stuff.

"If we wait any longer, the aquarium will be closed..."

"Ah!"

I was walking backward while talking to Jessica, and when I turned around, I accidentally bumped into someone's chest.

Without lifting my head, I bowed and apologized repeatedly.

Suddenly, a familiar cold sneer sounded from above. I jerked my head up.

When I saw his face clearly, I stumbled back in fright.

Jessica recognized him too. "Sebastian?"

Although it had been over a year, success had treated him well.

The Sebastian before us now was very different from before.

But after knowing each other for so many years, we still recognized one another instantly.

"Alice?"

His handsome eyes looked me up and down.

Seeing how haggard I looked, shock flashed in his eyes first.

Then, as if he realized something, a mocking smile spread across his face.

He opened his mouth to speak, but I reacted instantly, turned around, and ran.

Jessica chased after me, holding up her phone as we sprinted.

The sound of panting and the rushing wind filled the air.

Along with the shaky camera footage, you could see just how desperate our escape was.

Amidst the howling wind, I faintly heard Sebastian shouting my name.

"Alice! Do you hate me that much?"