Chapter 506: Preemptive Strike
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Gradually, the sun began to scorch, and only then did Su Jing let her hair down, making herself appear as if she had just woken up, before opening the door.
Upon seeing Li Li, who was drenched in sweat and wearing a pitiful expression, Su Jing feigned annoyance. In reality, she was taking the initiative to prevent any complaints about her tardiness. “Oh, I’m such a fool,” she lamented, “I worked late into the night again. I’m so exhausted. I just woke up, you won’t mind, will you?”
Li Li tried hard to suppress her emotions, her eyes fixated on the piece of paper Su Jing was clutching. It must be the formula.
All she wanted was to grab that paper and make a fortune. What did it matter if she had to endure the heat? She laughed, addressing Su Jing, “Of course I don’t mind. If I can’t understand you, can I still call myself your good friend? So, did you get it?”
Su Jing noticed that Li Li’s gaze never left the paper in her hand. She forced a smile and lifted her hand, “Of course I got it. I went through a lot of trouble for this, Li Li. You won’t let my efforts go to waste, will you?”
Li Li nodded repeatedly, promising fervently, “Of course not. Give me the formula first. It’s not convenient for you to conduct research at the Su residence. I’ll go and test it first. Once we have enough funds, we can set up a stall together, and eventually open a shop.”
Su Jing nodded, just about to hand it over. But as Li Li reached out, Su Jing pulled her hand back, “I had a hard time getting this formula. It doesn’t feel right to just hand it over. I feel like I’m at a loss.
“You know me, I don’t like to be at a disadvantage. Since you’re my friend, give me five dollars. I’ll give you the formula and trust you.”
Upon hearing this, Li Li felt deflated. How could she forget? Su Jing was indeed not one to be taken advantage of. Damn it, she was asking for five dollars!
She pulled out the money from her pocket and reluctantly handed it over. Su Jing snatched it up, handed over the paper, and said, “Deal. Now you should go. Gu Zi is about to come out. It won’t be easy to explain if she sees you.”
Watching Su Jing go back inside, Li Li turned and left, clutching her pocket. She felt a pang of regret. That ten dollars was a gift from her future in-laws during her last visit to the city. Now, half of it was gone, taken by Su Jing. It was infuriating.
But this formula could make her a lot of money. She needed to go to the city immediately and give it to her fiancé. They would be rich. Li Li quickened her pace.
In order to accommodate Su Jing, Gu Zi left home late. By the time she reached the town, it was almost noon.
Gu Zi handed over the rehabilitation methods written by the therapist to Aunt Yang, instructing her to gradually help Yuan Yuan overcome his trauma according to the procedures outlined. Aunt Yang was deeply grateful, remarking how An Yun had truly raised a wonderful daughter.
Aunt Yang held the piece of paper in her hand, her mind involuntarily drifting back. In her capable years, she had used her strength to assist many people in the first half of her life. Even when she knew she was being deceived, she would still help them out of kindness.
She had never received any gratitude or reciprocation for her efforts, but she had never expected any either. What she had not anticipated was that An Yun, who had initially struggled so much, would now become her savior.
Of course, An Yun was an exception. Most of those who had benefited from her kindness chose to avoid her when she fell on hard times.
What saddened Aunt Yang was that they even spread rumors and slandered her, claiming she was incompetent, mistreated her daughter-in-law, was inadequate as a mother, favored her daughter, hoarded her husband’s wealth, and was selfish. In short, all her troubles were of her own making, and she deserved her current suffering.
She had always been puzzled by this, but gradually, she began to understand. Perhaps, only by portraying her as such a terrible person could those who had once benefited from her kindness conveniently ignore her suffering. After all, if they did not acknowledge the favor, then there was no favor.
Moreover, most of the time, it was her who willingly helped others, even when they did not ask for her help. Her kindness knew no bounds.
If she had been like Gu Zi from the beginning, she wouldn’t have ended up where she was today. To say she had no regrets would be a lie, but as An Yun had said, living well in the present was what truly mattered.
She was uncertain how long Yuan Yuan would stay with her, but as long as the child was by her side, she would strive to help him overcome his trauma.
Gu Zi watched from the side as Aunt Yang carefully put away the piece of paper, feeling somewhat moved. Perhaps Aunt Yang did not realize whether this piece of paper would serve its purpose.