Yuan Shanshan felt a surge of frustration, marked by a figurative black line over her head.
But this also meant that she had indeed misunderstood Hao Jian—who would have thought he meant that? He wasn't clear at all at the beginning.
There's a place that's really big—wouldn't most people think of that first?
"I knew it, uncle doesn't look like that kind of person."
Che Xiaoxiao breathed a sigh of relief; she actually had a not-so-bad impression of Hao Jian, mainly because he seemed crazier than her and was rather nonchalant towards her, which made her quite concerned.
That's because Hao Jian had no interest in little lolitas; he was into busty, rounded-hip 'onee-sans' and mature women.
"What kind of person?" Hao Jian wore a face full of confusion; he had no idea about what Yuan Shanshan and Che Xiaoxiao were discussing before he arrived.
"Nothing, can I go back to work now?"
Yuan Shanshan quickly waved her hand, how could she dare tell Hao Jian about the previous conversation? The misunderstanding was clear now; this director wasn't a pervert.
However, the director was quite the joker— who shows off their biceps to employees upon first meeting? That's not how you show off, right?
"Your employment procedures have been completed, and you will start working in the design department tomorrow. Here is your work badge," Hao Jian said, handing a badge to Yuan Shanshan.
"You're not angry? The way I insulted you before?" Yuan Shanshan said, somewhat embarrassed.
Hao Jian had even prepared her work badge, yet she had insulted him like that before—it was totally inappropriate.
"Speaking of which, I want to ask why you called me shameless?" Hao Jian was utterly baffled, as he hadn't said anything offensive.
"Um, because you are indeed shameless..." Che Xiaoxiao seriously told Hao Jian.
"Nurse, could you give me a bit more time? I have found a job now and will get my salary next month. I promise I'll pay all the outstanding medical fees then," Yuan Shanshan pleaded with a nurse in the hospital.
She wanted to share the good news about her new job with her mother, but as soon as she entered, she was stopped by the nurse in charge of her mother.
"You've been delaying for a week already. I really can't help you any further. If you don't pay the hospitalization fee now, I will have no choice but to ask your mother to leave the hospital," the nurse said helplessly.
"Is there really no way to make an exception?" Yuan Shanshan begged.
The nurse shook her head, "No, there isn't. I know your family is in a difficult situation, but it's the hospital's policy. I'm just a nurse; I can't make these decisions."
"Alright, I'm sorry, I was being too presumptuous."
Yuan Shanshan lowered her head in defeat, a slight glimmer of tears in her eyes.
Her mother was suffering from a severe heart condition; if she were to leave the hospital, she could pass away at any moment during another attack.
Seeing her , the nurse also found it hard to bear and sighed,
"Here, I'll delay for another three days for you, but it's only three days. Hurry up and arrange the money. If you still can't pay the hospitalization fees by that time, then I won't be able to help you."
"Thank you, thank you so much nurse," Yuan Shanshan said tearfully and gratefully.
The nurse waved it off: "Go see the old lady. She's been missing you a lot lately, always talking about you."
Yuan Shanshan cried with joy, but quickly wiped away her tears and walked toward her mother's hospital room.
At the entrance to the room, she took a deep breath and a radiant smile squeezed its way onto her exhausted face as she pushed the door open and walked in.
"Mom, I'm here to see you."
In the room lay an old lady with white hair, but her complexion was as pale as paper, clearly looking unwell.
Next to the hospital bed sat a skinny young man holding a crutch, one leg of his pants empty and dangling, revealing his disability.
These were Yuan Shanshan's mother and younger brother.
Seeing Yuan Shanshan, the old lady was obviously happy, but frowning upon seeing Yuan Shanshan's complexion, she muttered two words:
Hearing this, Yuan Shanshan felt a bitter urge to cry but held it back and approached: "Mom, are you feeling any better?"
"Yes, the doctor said my condition is stable, there's no need to worry. Didn't I tell you not to come if you're busy?"
The old lady chided gently, missing her daughter yet not wanting her to visit.
"Mom, I've found a job, it's with a big company, I earn four thousand during the trial period, we won't have to suffer anymore," Yuan Shanshan said, holding the old lady's hand.
"Really? I knew our Shanshan would make something of herself," the old lady said, beaming with joy.
"So Mom, don't worry about money, just focus on getting better," Yuan Shanshan said encouragingly, choosing to tell a white lie at that moment.
Then, looking at her brother beside her, Yuan Shanshan asked curiously, "Today's Monday, shouldn't you be in school?"
At her words, Yuan Zhibang's gaze flickered and he said, "The school's closed today for renovations, so there weren't any classes."
Yuan Shanshan's brows knitted slightly in suspicion, but she pushed the thought aside.
After chatting with the old lady for a few hours, Yuan Shanshan got up to leave.
But Yuan Zhibang stood up at once, leaning on his crutch, he limped out after her, taking care to close the hospital room door behind him!
Outside the hospital room, Yuan Zhibang then said to Yuan Shanshan, "Sis, I don't want to study anymore, I want to find a job and contribute to the family expenses."
Yuan Shanshan's face darkened at once, "What nonsense are you talking? You're in your final year of high school now, once you're in university there will be plenty of time to work part-time. Why the rush? Your future is at stake, absolutely not!"
Yuan Shanshan also knew, with her brother's condition, who would offer him a job?
"But aren't we almost unable to afford the medical bills?" Yuan Zhibang said, hanging his head with tears shimmering in his determined eyes, avoiding Yuan Shanshan's gaze.
Yuan Shanshan's expression froze, at a loss for words.
"Don't try to hide it from me, the nurse has already spoken to me." Obviously, Yuan Zhibang knew everything.
Yuan Shanshan offered a smile and then gave her brother a big hug:
"Little brother, trust me! Money isn't a problem, I'll figure something out. All you need to do is focus on your studies, don't forget, you are the future pillar of our family."
"Sis... you've sacrificed too much for this family... I just don't want you to work so hard," Yuan Zhibang cried, overwhelmed by all his sister had done for their family.
Although she never mentioned it, Yuan Zhibang knew that after their father died, his sister would scavenge and sell scrap whenever she got the chance, all to earn a little money.
She never had a new piece of clothing all year round; to pay for his schooling, she worked multiple jobs while in university, slept only four hours a day, and still attended classes.
Yuan Zhibang was moved yet consumed with guilt.