Chapter 10

After tailing Yi Chao for several days, I truly witnessed his hardships and struggles.

Since the school doesn’t have evening self-study sessions, every day after school he goes to a small restaurant to work, serving tea and water, pouring drinks and arranging dishes, wearing a mask and apron as he weaves through the tables filled with the bustle of daily life.

He works until ten thirty, and only after helping the boss tidy up the tables and chairs does he leave, carrying a bag of leftover food from the kitchen.

People come and go on the street, adults hustling late into the night for their livelihoods.

The tall, thin teenager drags the same exhaustion as them, walking forward the moment the green light flashes.

I found the restaurant owner and asked about his monthly salary.

“How much could it be? Around 1200,” the boss said, taking a drag from his cigarette. “He only comes in the evenings, so of course he doesn’t make as much as someone who works all day.”

He blew out a smoke ring, gazing at me through the swirling haze. “Life isn’t easy for anyone. He doesn’t talk much, never told me about his situation. Little girl, asking me won’t help.”

I thanked him and left.

Uncle Wang drove me to that old residential area, and Yi Chao happened to be walking back at the same time.

The bright moonlight shone on his face, adding a touch of coldness and pride to his features.

The windshield wiper switch was accidentally bumped, making a strange noise. Uncle Wang quickly turned it off and glanced back at me apologetically.

The teenager didn’t seem to notice the commotion on our side. He squatted at the entrance of the alley, took out two steamed buns and gave them to a dirty little stray dog by the roadside, patted its head, then got up and walked into the cramped, messy alley.

Thankfully, we weren’t discovered.