Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Have We Fallen To This Level of Poverty?
Translator: 549690339
A twinge went through Qiao Yin’s heart as she listened. She wrapped her arm around her younger brother’s waist and leaned her head against his back. “Why won’t you listen? Why are you working part-time? Your first year is essential, the curriculum is substantial too. Don’t lose sight of what’s truly important.”
“I attend classes normally during the day and only work at night. As I’m under 18, most places won’t hire me. This new mall needed people and the pay is not bad.”
As he said this, he pulled out some money from his pocket and passed it back, “Here, you spend it!”
Looking at his dirty hands, and the money stained with his sweat, Qiao Yin’s tears started to fall again.
Never before had she resented herself as much as she did now, hated herself for being unable to earn money, causing her underage brother to bear the pressures of life.
He was just sixteen. Who knows how many times he encountered setbacks before securing this job.
“I don’t want this.”
As Qiao Jiasen rode his bike, he felt a warm dampness against his back.
He withdrew his hand, somewhat exasperated, “What are you crying about? What’s there to cry about? It’s just a part-time job. There are many students like me working there. I see their parents picking them up, all of them seem relieved and happy. Only you are so sensitive.”
Her tears wouldn’t stop flowing. She felt heartbroken.
Both of them had never really experienced hardship since childhood, especially Qiao Jiasen. Their father had strictly raised him following the standards typically reserved for the sons of the nobility. With numerous servants at home, there was no need for him to lift a finger, let alone work for others.
“You’re not allowed to work anymore. Your hands are meant for playing the piano, how can they do such rough and heavy tasks? Aren’t you going to participate in the international piano competition? What would you do if your hands got hurt?”
“Someone has already taken our piano at home. There’s none left to play. Moreover, the competition is in Poland; it’s too far. I won’t go.”
While he complained about the distance, Qiao Yin knew it was more likely because he found the cost of the round-trip flight and accommodation too expensive, so he gave up.
Qiao Yin held him tightly and sobbed, “You don’t have to spend that much at school. We still have some money at home. Why are you taking on so much at such a young age?”
“Our father has been unreliable for quite some time now. My mother doesn’t have a clue, thought she could relax once she became a full-time housewife. You’re soft-hearted and lovesick. If I don’t shoulder this, who will?”
“I’m no longer lovesick now, I’m not weak anymore!”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Really!”
“Let’s see how you do. First, divorce that Lu guy. You treat a scum like him as a treasure every day.”
“I’ll definitely divorce him!”
Upon hearing her determined reply, Qiao Jiasen was relieved. As long as she was not unwilling to leave that guy behind, that was good.
When they got home, Qiao Yin treated his injuries. After that, he left again to continue his part-time job. Despite Qiao Yin’s pleas to reconsider, he didn’t listen to her.
After he left, Qiao Yin stomped her feet in anger, “He’s grown up and has his own ideas. I can’t control him anymore!”
However, after her fit of anger, she couldn’t help feeling touched. Warmed by her brother’s actions, she even forgot about the embarrassment of being seen by Lu Lingche in her plight.
However, it seemed like some people just wouldn’t leave you alone. She had just managed to forget about him when he called.
Qiao Yin picked up the call, her tone harsh, “What is it?”
“Where’s the bruise-healing prescription?”
“I took it.”
Lu Lingche was stunned, “You even took a bottle of medicine? Are you that broke?”
By deliberately mentioning her poverty, Qiao Yin was instantly infuriated, “That was a unique prescription my grandmother specially prepared for me, made using many rare medicinal ingredients. It can’t be bought elsewhere! We’re about to divorce, why would I leave such a precious medicine for you? Aren’t you rich? Why don’t you buy it from a pharmacy? Why are you coveting a poor person’s medicine?”
Lu Lingche seemed quite impatient, “Enough with your nonsense, bring the medicine to me now! I’ve already seen the doctor, he said the bruise on my face won’t disappear by tomorrow and may even worsen.. I have an important meeting tomorrow, I can’t attend it looking like this!”
