The Youngest Daughter of the Lin Family

I hesitated and said, “Fatty, I might have to go to Hudou. There’s something very important I need to handle, and I’m afraid I won’t have time to look after Ironhead. I’ll have to trouble you with it.”

As I spoke, I took out twenty thousand and handed it to Fatty. He grinned, “Now you’re rich and have beauties by your side. Your generosity is on a different level. Are you trying to insult me or yourself?”

I hurried to explain, “Don’t misunderstand, Fatty. I truly have urgent business. When I return, I’ll take over caring for Ironhead.”

Fatty said, “I know you’re destined for greatness, like a dragon about to soar. Take care of your business. But why are you giving me money?”

I replied, “Fatty, you’ll need expenses to look after Ironhead. Please, don’t be shy about it.”

Fatty listened and asked, “You really have this much money now?”

I said, “I have two hundred thousand in total. I paid a hundred thousand as a deposit, twenty thousand for you, and another eighty thousand for Ironhead’s mother, so she can have some peace of mind.”

Fatty joked with a mischievous smile, “Where did you get all this money? Tell me, I’d like to earn it the same way.”

I forced a smile, “I sold myself. Would you believe that?”

He cursed, “Which blind woman would pay so much for you? Looks like you’re worth quite a bit—two hundred thousand! When will I be able to fetch such a good price? Ah, Heaven has no eyes.” With that, he stuffed the twenty thousand into the suitcase, saying, “Give it all to Aunt Lin! Her family needs it more.”

Seeing us joke around, Sister Fang said, “It’s getting late. Let’s get lunch, shall we? Order whatever you like, my treat.”

Sister Fang was seven or eight years older than us, and always acted like the big sister in our group.

I smiled, “Normally, we should be the ones treating, but today I’ll give you all the chance. Who can resist us handsome brothers?”

She laughed, “Thank you for giving me the opportunity, ha ha.”

Fu Xiaomei added, “Don’t be so smug. Next time you’re in Mingzhou, it’ll be your turn to treat.”

I smiled, “Of course. As long as you invite me, I’ll come to Mingzhou and treat you all.”

Spending time with Sister Fang and Fu Xiaomei, chatting and laughing, my spirits lifted.

When Fatty saw Sister Fang’s BMW, his electric scooter suddenly lost its appeal; he felt it was a burden. Seeing his longing to ride in the BMW, I said, “Take the suitcase with you, and accompany the two beauties to find a restaurant. I’ll ride the electric scooter over.”

Upon hearing this, Fatty quickly put the suitcase in the BMW’s trunk and said, “Thanks.” He couldn’t wait any longer and hopped into the BMW, and off they went. I followed behind on the scooter.

A few minutes later, they stopped in front of a mid-range restaurant.

By the time I parked the scooter, they were already ordering. Fatty, being a chef, was quite skilled at picking dishes. The four of us ate well for around two hundred, and it wasn’t expensive.

In the afternoon, Sister Fang and Fu Xiaomei drove back to Mingzhou, while Fatty and I headed to the room Aunt Lin rented.

Ironhead’s sister had a heart condition and often needed medical attention, so the mother and daughter rented a shabby little tile-roofed house. It wasn’t far from the Third Hospital. Fatty rode the scooter, and I sat on the back, holding the suitcase, wobbling along. Luckily, we didn’t run into any traffic police, or we’d certainly have been scolded.

After about ten minutes, we arrived at Aunt Lin’s rented place. Since I’d called ahead, Aunt Lin was already waiting outside the alley.

The area was full of old, rundown houses. Aunt Lin led us through several narrow alleys before reaching the little tile-roofed house they rented.

Aunt Lin politely invited us inside. It was a small, dim room, about ten square meters. Inside, a pale-faced girl was doing her homework. She was delicate, with a hint of frailty—like Lin Daiyu from Dream of the Red Chamber. She looked shy when she saw us, lowering her head. I knew she was Ironhead’s sister.

Aunt Lin said, “Xiaoyu, pour some tea for the two brothers.” Lin Xiaoyu stood up, ready to fetch tea. Fatty, who was more familiar with her than I was, quickly stopped her, “Little sister, finish your homework. I’ll pour the tea myself, no need to trouble you.” He poured tea for himself, then for me.

Lin Xiaoyu smiled shyly at us and went back to her homework. Seeing that she could stand up to pour tea and do her own homework, I felt relieved—her daily life was manageable now.

I noticed her discomfort as I watched her. It had been over three years since I last saw her. Back then, walking was difficult for her, and Ironhead had to carry her to elementary school. Sometimes, when Ironhead wasn’t available, he’d ask Fatty or me to carry his sister home. Who would have thought that the sickly little duckling had grown into a graceful young beauty?

Aunt Lin saw this and said to her daughter, “This is Brother Xiaofeng. When you were little, he often carried you to school. Don’t you remember him?”

With Aunt Lin’s words, Lin Xiaoyu looked even more uneasy. I knew she recognized me; she was just grown up and shy now. More importantly, I’d been to prison, and for a crime as grave as rape. For a pure girl, seeing me naturally brought anxiety and discomfort.

Seeing her doing homework, I asked, “Auntie, what grade is your daughter in now?”

Aunt Lin sighed, “Xiaoyu is in her third year of middle school now. Her health has improved a lot, and she can mostly take care of herself. I thought the hard days were finally over, but then Ironhead got into trouble! Ah, our family’s fate is so bitter.” Aunt Lin began to choke up.

I hurried to comfort her, “Auntie, please don’t be sad. Fatty and I just visited the hospital; the doctor said Ironhead’s condition has improved a lot. Tomorrow he’ll be moved to a regular ward. He’s blessed—he’ll be all right!”

Hearing this, Aunt Lin patted her chest, “Thank heavens! Oh, what about the medical bills?”

I said, “Don’t worry, Auntie. I already paid a hundred thousand as a deposit at the hospital—it should cover most of the costs.”

Aunt Lin, moved, grasped my hand, “Xiaofeng, thank you so much!”

I replied, “Auntie, don’t mention it. Ironhead is my brother, and you’re like a mother to me.”

Lin Xiaoyu’s eyes were red, tears glistening. She looked at me with gratitude, then choked back her tears to comfort her mother.