Xu Cuifen's worried and anxious voice came from the other end:

"How can that be? You're too weak to do any work. Mom won't let you go to work. Come back right now. Did your brother say something to make you think like this?"

If Wen Jiaojiao had only felt a slight sense of loneliness and bitterness before, hearing these words of concern and worry now filled her with a heart-wrenching, overwhelming pain.

She didn't like living a lonely life and longed for a home and parents, but she had already spent two springs and autumns alone.

During every festive season of family reunion, she would always watch with red eyes as other people's homes were filled with joy and light.

The bustling streets during the Spring Festival are places she doesn't want to go, because when everyone else is going home in groups, she always feels abandoned by the world.

And the huge and empty villa always seems desolate and cold at such times.

But the excitement will eventually come to an end, and once the truth is revealed, even the maternal love that is kept hidden by selfish motives will only turn into harsh words.

Wen Jiaojiao bit her lip lightly, her bright eyes brimming with tears and a deep red. She gasped for breath to ease the tightness in her throat, and said in a forcedly relaxed tone:

"No, Mom, don't blame my brother. He's really a good person. It's my fault. I want to prove that I'm capable so that I can earn money to support you in your old age."

Xu Cuifen glanced at the person standing at the door, covered the microphone, and lowered her voice to say:

"Why would I need you to support me? I've squeezed a lot of money out of your brother over the years, which is more than enough for my retirement. As soon as your father kicks the bucket, we can move to another place and live a very comfortable life."

Wen Jiaojiao's face was streaked with tears. She covered the receiver, lowered her head, and sobbed softly for a couple of seconds. After a few seconds, she leaned closer to the phone again, suppressing her sobs, and said:

"Mom, thank you. Anyway, we've already said all that. Don't cause trouble for my brother. I'll try my luck here first, and if it doesn't work out, I'll go home."

Upon hearing this, Xu Cuifen panicked and said:

“Daughter, where do you live? If you don’t want me to, I’ll pack some clothes and wash them for you. Otherwise, you work all day and then have to do all this when you get home. It’s so tiring, and I’ll be heartbroken.”

"Mom, the job I found is great, very easy. All I have to do is help the factory staff try on clothes."

Just wait for my good news. I'll make something of myself for you and my brother someday. Don't you want me to succeed?

Xu Cuifen's heart wavered slightly. She knew her daughter had a bad reputation and was often talked about in the village. Although no one dared to say it openly now, it was still discussed in private.

So she also hoped her daughter would make something of herself and give those people a good slap in the face, but when faced with Wen Jiaojiao's words, she was skeptical:

"Really? Then Mom will come to see you another day, okay? Mom has never been on a long trip before, and besides, it's been several days since I last saw you, I miss you terribly."

Wen Jiaojiao felt even more distressed, but she still had to suppress the sobs in her voice and pretend to be relaxed as she said:

"You don't need to come. This job is unstable; the boss owns several factories, so you'll have to travel back and forth. Therefore, you'd better not come."

I will send you money and letters from time to time, so what do you have to worry about?

"Seriously, your daughter is famous for her ability to read the room and read people's expressions. She'll definitely be successful. But don't tell my brother about this, or he might not let me do it."

Seeing that she couldn't persuade her, Xu Cuifen could only sigh and compromise:

"Okay, but if you can't make it here, just come home. Don't hide it and refuse to tell me, or Mom won't feel at ease."

Wen Jiaojiao hung up the phone without saying anything more. She wiped away her tears, paid the bill, and ran out.

On the other end, Xu Cuifen had just hung up the phone when suddenly, the phone rang again.

Xu Cuifen thought Wen Jiaojiao had changed her mind and was calling again. Her worried face brightened with joy again, and she eagerly answered the phone.

"Honey, you've changed your mind? Mom was just a little hesitant to agree. Perfect, if you don't want to do it, come back right away."

"Did she really go to look for a job?" Wen Zhaoye's deep voice came from the other end of the line.

He had originally planned to call back to explain the situation, but upon hearing that the person was safe and sound, although he felt some resentment, he was finally at ease.

Xu Cuifen recognized his voice. She instantly disregarded Wen Jiaojiao's instructions and couldn't help but smugly say:

"Let me tell you, my daughter has found a great job now, so don't bother her."

That boss owns factories all over the country; all my daughter needs to do is have some tea and help me try on clothes.

I earn about the same as your factory's profits every month. When my daughter comes home, you'll have to bow down to me.

My daughter even said she'd earn money to support me. Look at her, whose daughter is as capable as mine? You'd better be more respectful to me from now on.

"Your sister might even lend you a hand when she comes back wearing those little sunglasses."

When Wen Zhaoye returned after helping the police arrest Wang Jufang and her family, he discovered that Wen Jiaojiao's clothes and belongings were missing from her suitcase.

After speaking with the boss and waiters several times, it seems I really should go out and look for a job.

But listening to Xu Cuifen's outrageously biased words, he suddenly felt as if Wen Jiaojiao had been tricked into a pyramid scheme.

He didn't listen anymore, hung up the phone, packed his clothes and belongings with unease, checked out of the hotel, and headed towards the places the clerk had mentioned that were short of jobs.

Xu Cuifen listened to the dial tone and hung up the phone with a smug look on her face.

"That brat, he's just jealous that my daughter is doing better than him. My daughter will surpass you sooner or later."

The man at the door finished his cigarette and, seeing Xu Cuifen walking out, greeted her:

"Her aunt left?"

Xu Cuifen paused, her eyes filled with a rosy view of Wen Jiaojiao. Hearing her talk about finding a good job, she felt Wen Jiaojiao was destined for great success and couldn't help but boast about it in advance.

"Shuanzi, you know my daughter, right? She went out with her brother, and a factory owner from all over the country took a liking to my Jiaojiao's abilities and insisted on getting her a job. She couldn't refuse."

All you have to do is manage people and try on clothes; from then on, your monthly salary will be at least a thousand.

They even said they'd support me and let me enjoy a life of leisure. But I'm perfectly capable; even if my darling becomes the world's richest person someday, I'd still have to work hard.

The man didn't understand how she dared to say such a bold thing, but he knew her character—if she didn't like what she said, she would immediately change her expression and start making a scene. He nodded awkwardly and said perfunctorily:

"You have to admit, Jiaojiao is really capable."

Xu Cuifen was overjoyed to hear what she wanted to hear. She walked out with her head held high and chest puffed out, comforting him:

"Don't be too envious. Although your Qiaoqiao is not as good as my Jiaojiao, she's still alright."

The man glanced at her with a hint of disdain: she must be being kept by a sugar daddy.