Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Grandma’s surgery went smoothly. But after she was discharged, we had nowhere to go.

We set up a tent under a bridge and made that our home.

Whether we rented a room or stayed in a small inn, it would cost quite a bit of money. Every cent we had needed to be spent where it mattered most.

I had no idea how much Grandma’s follow-up treatment would cost.

All I could do was cut expenses as much as possible. Many times, I did regret not accepting that fifty thousand yuan.

But I also knew clearly that if time went backward, I still would not take it.

If I had, my bent spine might never have straightened again for the rest of my life.

After two rounds of chemotherapy, Grandma’s body was visibly unable to bear it.

We moved into a cheap alley rental. She could no longer live under a bridge where wind came in from every side.

Winter arrived.

It was very cold.

I found a job delivering food.

While taking care of Grandma, I worked like a tireless machine.

Whenever I could squeeze out time, I also worked part-time at nightclubs. Drink promotion, atmosphere team, anything I could try, I tried.

As long as it made money.

That was the closest I ever came to the abyss of falling. I saw countless ways to earn quick money.

In the end, reason pulled me back.

If I truly fell, Grandma would probably refuse treatment even on her deathbed if she found out.

During that period, the factory manager and Aunt Li came to see us again.

I did not even know how he had gone to so much trouble to find out our address.

He said, “Mu Tang, actually, you can come back to the factory to work. I can transfer you to an easier position.”

My nails dug hard into my palms.

Stubborn and hostile, I said, “An easier position definitely pays less. Are you going to raise my wages out of kindness?”

He nodded without hesitation.

But I did not appreciate it. “I do not need that. Are you pitying us? I can take good care of Grandma on my own.”

The couple opened and closed their mouths, their faces full of heartache, but in the end they said nothing more.

Grandma seemed afraid of something. Clumsily, she kept waving her hands to refuse. “Our Tangtang will not go back to work. Thank you. Truly, thank you.”

She rubbed my broken fingers, her eyes full of terror.

In the end, the factory manager and his wife left with only a heavy sigh, looking back every few steps.

I watched their figures and murmured, “I am sorry. I really am sorry.”

Forgive my rudeness. Forgive this ugly, dark heart of mine.

All my strong disguises were supported by something despicable. I was not a good person.

At least, I did not think I was one then.

Grandma cried too. “It is Grandma who has burdened you, Tangtang. This useless old woman, how could I drag down a half-grown child like this?”

I turned around in fear and hugged Grandma tightly. “Do not say that. You are all I have, Grandma. Be well. We will definitely get better.”

But would things truly get better?

Looking at Grandma’s wax-yellow face, I felt a seed of helpless despair bury itself in my heart.

Grandma did not speak. The tears soaking silently into my sleeve seemed to be telling me something.

One tear after another, endless and unstoppable.

Her life had been too bitter. How could I let her leave without enjoying even a single day of happiness?

Absolutely not.

But that night, a plastic bag appeared mysteriously outside our door.

On top were two bags of milk powder for the elderly. Beneath them lay fifty thousand yuan, arranged neatly.

Five.

That was also a sensitive number. I immediately thought of who it was.

I called the factory manager, but no one answered.

Grandma touched my rough, frozen fingers. “Tangtang, stop calling. Accept it. Later… we will find a way to repay them.”

I stared at Grandma. Her cloudy eyes were filled with heart-shattering pity.

I nodded, turning my head so my tears could flow into the darkness.

That was the last restraint and stubbornness of my younger self.