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679words2026-01-26 09:16

At the end of the year, my roommate, Sarah Tate, spent all her living expenses on tipping a male livestreamer. She was so broke that she couldn't even afford the snacks for her journey home. Strangely, though, she didn't seem the least bit worried.
Sarah claimed that by" crying poor" to big data, she could score deals.
Through her efforts, a $300 plane ticket dropped to $25, and even a hostel stay cost just $0.01.

She was thrilled about traveling, but I sensed a scam and tried to warn her.
"This hostel's location is really sketchy and way out there. If you're traveling alone, you should pick someplace safer."
Sarah took my advice and booked a city hotel instead. But after seeing a news story about a" college student mastering deal-hunting", she lost it.
"It's your fault I spent more money! You owe me!"
In the scuffle, I fell from the balcony, losing my life.
When I opened my eyes, I was back to the day Sarah was packing and planning her trip.

…
"I'm broke, I'm broke, give me coupons, I want to travel!"
Sarah chanted at her phone, her muttering giving me a headache.
I opened my eyes, taking in the familiar dorm room, feeling like I'd just traveled through time. "Ahh! It's real! The ticket's only $25!"

"The hotel's one cent! I'm a deal-hunting genius!"
Sarah shrieked, her face flushed with excitement.
She grabbed my arm, shoving her phone screen in my face, the light stinging my eyes.
"Look, Jessica! I nailed it! The online trick actually works!"
"This ticket was$300 two days ago—now it's$25!"
"And this hotel—a new smart-home place—for one cent!"
She was ecstatic, yanking my arm and babbling."I can finally travel, haha!"
I struggled to stay calm, still reeling from the pain of falling to my death moments ago.
The person who caused it stood before me—Sarah Tate.
Seeing her face, I wanted to keep my distance, even felt a flicker of vengeful resentment.
"Got it. Congrats." I said, gently pushing her hand away and taking a step back.
Sarah, glowing, didn't notice my coldness, leaning closer." Jessica, come with me! We can split meals to save more.I'll find great food deals, and you just tag along."
I frowned, annoyed."You're inviting me just to split the costs?"
"Our tastes don't match, and I don't have your cheap deals. If I go, I'd pay full price."
Sarah froze at my words.
I'd always been kind to her, and she loved dragging me into group buys. But she'd secretly use coupons, making me pay half the original price.
When I caught on, I stopped joining her deals. She'd complained then, and now she was trying to rope me in again.
"Tch, you're seriously not going?"
My firm stance irritated her, and her face soured.
I ignored her, climbing into my bed and pulling the curtain to block her grating face."I'm not going. Have fun."
I had no interest in arguing, but Sarah wasn't done.
From behind the curtain, she sneered," Tch, no wonder you don't want to come, Miss Moneybags. With all your cash, you can afford full - price everything. Too good for us common folk and group deals, right?"
"Keep your money and enjoy full-price meals. Don't blame me when big data rips you off.I'll savor my cheap ticket and hotel—you can be jealous!"
Her venom ignited my anger."Sarah, I didn't want to make this ugly. Every group buy, you hid your coupons and made me pay half the full price, pocketing the difference. Dare to admit how much you made?"
"If that's how it is, pay me back the difference! I let it slide, but now you're acting entitled!"
Sarah came from a modest background and was obsessed with hunting down online deals. I get the appeal of saving money—I comparison - shop myself. But her habit of deceiving me to line her own pockets? That was a bridge too far.
She went silent.
After a moment, she huffed," Fine, don't come. Why so harsh?"
"I'll enjoy my trip alone—without you, it's quieter!"