Chapter 1

"First, studying is very tough for me, so I need plenty of rest, and there must be no noise at home at any time."

"Second, I am very sensitive to the smell of cooking oil. It makes me feel dizzy and unwell, so cooking at home is not allowed."

"Third, I do not like animals, so pets are not allowed in the shared house. If you have touched an animal, please make sure there is no smell left on you before coming back."

"Fourth, if the sound of the shower is too loud, it affects my studying and rest, so no shower after nine o'clock at night."

...

"Eighth, no eating in the room, as the sound of chewing distracts me."

"Ninth, the use of any scented products, like perfumes, is forbidden. I dislike any pungent odors."

"Tenth, to not disturb my studies, you must schedule your activities according to my routine."

This was my first experience of living in a shared apartment with a roommate, and I truly couldn't understand her rules.

Three people shared the house, all preparing for graduate school exams, yet she had the audacity to make such outrageous demands.

Nobody in the group chat responded to her, yet she continued to dictate arrogantly. "From today onward, I'm in charge of this house, and you all must follow these rules."

I couldn't hold back my temper and retorted on the spot.

"Who do you think you are? We're all preparing for exams. What right do you have to boss us around?"

After I spoke, the group fell silent for two seconds, and soon, she sent a long string of voice messages.

"How dare you speak to me like that? A newcomer defying my orders?"

"I'm telling you. My exam preparation is a top priority, and if anyone dares to disrupt me, I won't let it go!"

"I’m warning you. Don’t provoke me, or you'll regret it!"

But I had already seen too many arrogant and sharp-tongued people in college.

"I don't care who you are. Whether you study or not is none of my business, but you have no right to interfere with our behavior!"

She shivered in anger and sent several more voice messages filled with swear words.

I ignored her and put down my phone to study.

Before going home, I found that another roommate, Penelope Watson, had friended me on WhatsApp. After I accepted her friend request, she immediately sent me a message.

"Elizabeth Buckland, don't mess with Anne Mills. You just moved in and might not know, but she's retaking the graduate exams this year and takes issue with everyone. There was a girl who moved out because of her. If you want a peaceful life, don't offend her."

No wonder Penelope was silent when Anne set the rules. She was afraid of offending her.

But I was not scared. I'd been dealing with all sorts of pesky roommates since junior high school. I had plenty of ways to handle people like Anne.