Chapter 2

But Lester looked me up and down suspiciously.

"What if you go to college and run away after graduation? Who'll take care of us in our old age then? Back home, some college graduates' parents can't even find them now."

As soon as she spoke, suspicion also appeared on Johnson's face. He stared at me intently while smoking, as if trying to determine the truth of my words.

My heart sank, afraid my college plan would fall through. I quickly said:

"I can sign a guarantee letter, then choose a university close to home and come back to find work after graduation!"

Lester wanted to say something more, but Johnson stubbed out his cigarette, his face showing rare kindness.

"How can I not trust you? Colleen, you're my daughter. You and Julian share the same blood. We're family—we should be harmonious and support each other..."

Lester's expression soured.

"What's the use of a girl studying so much? Better to go work now. The money she earns can support the family, and when she gets married, we can collect more betrothal gifts."

"Lester!" Julian raised his voice in displeasure. "With just a high school diploma, how much can she earn working in a factory? In the future, she'll only marry poor guys. Forget buying me a house—she won't even afford a decent car."

Johnson glared hard at Lester before half-heartedly smoothing things over.

"Don't stoop to her level. She didn't study much—long hair, short insight."

He then made a show of scolding Julian.

"Why are you still playing games? That's too much. Your sister is good to you, willing to buy you a car and house. If you're not going to reciprocate, at least don't make your sister write the guarantee letter herself!"

Upon hearing this, Julian didn't throw a tantrum like before when criticized. Instead, he tossed his phone aside, shuffled over in his slippers to find paper and pen, then began writing the guarantee letter in front of everyone. After finishing, he thoughtfully dug out an ink pad from the corner.

I signed with a smile that didn't reach my eyes, pressed my fingerprint, then filled out my college application in front of them.

Father and son beamed with rare smiles.

Lester snorted heavily, then rolled her eyes.

"Let me say this upfront—you're the one who wants to go to college. You'll have to earn your own tuition and living expenses. All the family money belongs to Julian—don't expect a single cent. Also, since you've filled out the application, you'll start working at the factory tomorrow. You broke the door—you have to pay for it."

Faced with her harsh demands, I gritted my teeth and agreed to everything, then quietly changed my application late that night.

The next day I entered the factory and began working 14-hour days.

On my first day home, I was so exhausted my eyelids were fighting each other. No food had been left for me. I searched every cabinet but couldn't find any noodles, so I had to eat the steamed bun meant for tomorrow's breakfast, then collapsed into sleep.

While sleeping hazily, I suddenly felt lighter. A shrill female voice exploded in my ears.

"You bastard! Look what time it is and you're still sleeping like a pig! Get up and go to work!"

Lester yelled at me. I groggily grabbed my phone—it was only 4:30, still dark outside. I instantly felt aggrieved and desperate.

"Mom, work doesn't start until eight. Getting up at seven isn't late. Why get up now?"

"Smack!"

I'd barely finished speaking when I was slapped.

Lester stood with hands on hips, looking furious.

"I work as a housekeeper and have to go to the market at six to buy fresh meat and vegetables. Why should you get to sleep until seven? Get up and make breakfast!"

Seeing my pained expression, Lester finally looked satisfied. She looked down at me condescendingly, speaking in a lecturing tone.

"No pain, no gain. I'm doing this for your own good, letting you experience work hardships early and build your character."

I looked at the broken door, then at Lester poised to strike, and resignedly got up to make breakfast.

Hungry all night, my stomach was already touching my back, but Lester grabbed my bowl first and scooped most of my rice into Julian's bowl.

Julian rubbed his sleepy eyes, somewhat complaining.

"Mom, how can I finish this much?"

Lester shouted: "Why can't you finish it? You're about to be a senior—it's exhausting. You need to eat more to have energy!"

I looked at my bowl with only a small portion left and quickly ate.

Naturally, I didn't get enough breakfast. I went to work without them giving me a cent, so I had to walk to the factory. Lunch and dinner were provided free by the factory, but since I ate early in the afternoon and then worked over three more hours before walking home, my stomach was already growling.

The work was intense, I often didn't eat enough, and I was already malnourished. Within half a month, I felt dizzy and lightheaded.