After Zhao Erhua had a good cry, she agreed to contribute eight yuan each month, not because she suddenly remembered Wu Guihua's kindness.
It would cost about the same to rent a place, plus utilities, and food, meaning she'd be spending even more.
However, she spoke very sweetly, "Mom, I was just confused earlier. It's my duty to help my younger siblings with their education."
This moved Wu Guihua immensely, making her think it was all worth the years of pampering.
"Good child, Mom was wrong today. Mom shouldn't have hit you."
"Mom, I don't blame you. You were just too anxious today."
Time flew by, and it was time for high school. Zhao Siming brought it up a few times, intentionally or unintentionally, but Wu Guihua pretended not to hear.
On enrollment day, she left for work early. Zhao Siming was so anxious he started crying, looking pleadingly at Jun Jiuli.
"I found some money, but it's only enough for my own enrollment fee. You're on your own."
Zhao Siming's emotions did a dramatic flip. "Third brother, can you help me figure something out? I'll definitely repay you in the future."
"I can't help you."
With that, Jun Jiuli slung his backpack over his shoulder and left. Zhao Erming, now wiser, didn't say any more of his usual magnanimous pronouncements and followed him.
Jun Jiuli attended the same high school. His senior year started even earlier than the junior year, and his entire focus was now on his studies.
Zhao Siming was in a panic. However, enrolling required tuition fees, and he didn't want to lose face in front of so many people.
Therefore, without money in hand, he didn't dare to enroll. He went to Wu Guihua's workplace, but she just said she had no money.
Zhao Siming was completely disheartened and gave up on school. He started looking for work, planning to leave this place once he saved enough money.
His physique wasn't suited for heavy labor, so he eventually applied for a waiter position, earning thirty yuan a month with room and board included.
He packed his things and moved into the staff dormitory. Although the living conditions weren't great and the food consisted of leftovers, he was quite happy.
That home made him feel suffocated. Apart from Jun Jiuli, no one paid him any attention, so he deliberately left a letter for Jun Jiuli when he left.
He said he hadn't given up on his studies and would find a way to return to school once he saved enough money.
As predicted, the incident with the painting unfolded. Zhao Erhua's artist boyfriend was extremely irresponsible and simply ran away.
Zhao Erhua cried inconsolably and went mad. She would run off if not watched and couldn't speak coherently. When anyone looked at her, she would start trembling.
Wu Guihua had to support the family, and with several children still in school, no one could afford to stay home and care for her.
So, every time Wu Guihua went out, she locked Zhao Erhua at home, where she would entertain herself in her deranged state.
"Pah, I think that girl is heartless. She didn't go mad when so many people talked about her and when the Tang family beat her. Maybe she's faking it now."
"You know, you might be right. Shameless thing. What's she even, so young? Even if they weren't married, it's indecent."
"Isn't she embarrassed? Even if the painter was her boyfriend, it's still inappropriate. Isn't it awkward to stare at someone like that all the time?"
"Tch, she probably doesn't care. They say... right, they call it art. We just don't understand it. Look at what happened now."
"Alas, that man is too irresponsible. If he had stayed and married Erhua, outsiders wouldn't have said anything once they were a couple. But he just ran off. How could she not go mad?"
"Her family's days will be hard."
Wu Guihua showed no disdain for Zhao Erhua. Even though this daughter caused her to be gossiped about, she only felt heartbroken.
Truly a maternal heart. After work, she wished she could stay by Zhao Erhua's side constantly, afraid she would suffer any further harm.
With the little money she had saved, she wanted to take Zhao Erhua to see a psychologist, which greatly displeased Zhao Erming.
After a year of torment, Zhao Erhua showed no signs of improvement, and Wu Guihua finally gave up.
Zhao Erming was accepted into university. He spent his entire holiday helping people carry goods to earn money, and with Wu Guihua's borrowed funds, Zhao Erming embarked on his university journey.
When the relatives heard that the money was borrowed for university, they all agreed to lend it, but Zhao Erming would have to repay it. As a future university graduate, they believed he would be capable of doing so.
Jun Jiuli enrolled in a local university and, after graduation, worked as an accountant in a state-owned enterprise. By this time, his salary had reached 2200 yuan.
Zhao Erming, after graduating, stayed and developed his career there and didn't return. He sent money to Wu Guihua on time every month.
Wu Guihua aged considerably. With Zhao Erming's filial contributions, she quit her strenuous job and stayed home to care for Zhao Erhua.
The younger two's schooling didn't cost much annually. Wu Guihua made their clothes and shoes herself, and the filial money was more than enough.
The ten-year period had passed. Wu Guihua locked Zhao Erhua at home and took the younger two to pick up Zhao Daming.
Looking at the thin and aged Zhao Daming, Wu Guihua almost didn't recognize him. Tears streamed down her face, and she excitedly rushed to embrace him.
"My child, you've suffered. I longed for you day and night, and finally, this day has come."
Zhao Daming's gaze was vacant, and he didn't say a word. Wu Guihua wiped her tears and took him home, chattering incessantly along the way.
Upon arriving home, Wu Guihua told him to rest and busied herself preparing meals. Zhao Daming went directly to Zhao Erhua's room.
Seeing her madly biting her hair, and just smiling foolishly at him, Zhao Daming laughed heartily and loudly.
Wu Guihua was startled by this scene. She explained how miserable Zhao Erhua had been over the years, but the more she spoke, the happier Zhao Daming became.
"Second sister suffered. If I hadn't been imprisoned back then, I would have certainly caught that scoundrel and made him marry you."
"Alas, let's not talk about sad things. Your second brother is working elsewhere, and the third and fourth are like ghosts. It's better they're not here than being like this. Today, we can consider ourselves reunited as a family."
"Mother is right. Mother, hurry and get busy; I'll stay here and talk with second sister."
"Alright."