Chapter 50 The Gloomy Little Poor Girl of the 70s

The next morning, Su Wanqing woke up to a gentle call. Aunt Fan stood by the bedside with a kind smile on her face.

"Little girl, wake up, breakfast is ready."

Su Wanqing was startled. A dark shadow loomed over her face, and she almost thought she was at home, with her family urging her to get up and do chores.

Su Wanqing opened her eyes, momentarily dazed.

The bed beneath me was incredibly soft, my stomach felt a long-lost sense of fullness, the room was warm and cozy, and the air still held the pleasant fragrance of last night.

Everything that happened last night felt like a dream. It wasn't until she saw the unfamiliar yet incredibly warm environment before her that she truly realized it wasn't a dream; she had indeed been taken in by a kind lady.

After washing up, she mustered her courage and walked towards the dining room.

Shen Ci and Shen Huai were already seated at the table. She took a deep breath, stepped forward, and bowed deeply to Shen Ci.

Good morning, Auntie.

Yesterday... thank you so much! I will always remember your great kindness!

After washing up, Su Wanqing revealed her delicate features. Although there were still traces of frostbite on her cheeks and hands, and her clothes were still worn out, it was clear that she was a beauty in the making.

It's no wonder her family was eager to use her to get a good dowry. In those days, it was often not a good thing for a girl from a poor family to have outstanding looks.

Being beautiful alone is a difficult path.

Shen Ci smiled and handed over a delicate little round box.

"You're welcome. Here, take this and apply some after you wash your face."

The chilblains on your face and hands need proper care; avoid exposure to wind, and they will heal gradually.

Su Wanqing glanced at the moisturizing cream with its delicate fragrance and exquisite packaging, which clearly indicated its high value. She quickly waved her hand and stepped back.

"No, no, no, Auntie, this is too expensive! I already don't know how to repay you for letting me stay the night and giving me food. I really can't accept this!"

"Take it if I give it to you." Shen Ci's tone was gentle but brooked no refusal as she placed the box into her hand.

"Sit down and eat."

Shen Huai ate his breakfast quietly, without looking up or saying a word, as he always did. But after his mother's guidance last night, the inexplicable irritability and resistance in his heart had disappeared.

He realized that his mother was his mother, and she was herself.

My mother is kind and willing to help others, which is not wrong. Moreover... last night, my mother said that seeing Su Wanqing was like seeing him struggling in the mud. If only someone had been able to pull him up back then.

The dinner table was quiet. After finishing a simple breakfast, Shen Ci put down his chopsticks and looked at Su Wanqing.

"Child, what are your plans for the future?"

Su Wanqing's eyes dimmed for a moment, but hope quickly returned.

"I...I don't know."

But I definitely won't go back home, and I'd rather die than marry that person. I want to stay in the city and find some work to do. I can do laundry, cook, and clean!

"Let's find a place to settle down and survive first."

There was confusion in her tone, but more than that, there was a tenacity that refused to bow to fate. Shen Ci nodded to himself. It was this spirit of never giving up and striving for self-improvement that had attracted Shen Huai in their original destiny, and it had also attracted her.

Just then, Aunt Fan came over to clear the dishes and couldn't help but interject.

"You don't know, when I was looking for a change of clothes for this little girl yesterday, I saw her body... sigh, it was covered in bruises, all old wounds on top of new ones. Her family is really awful!"

Su Wanqing's body stiffened almost imperceptibly, but she did not lower her head to hide her inferiority complex.

She remained silent for a moment, then raised her head, her voice calm yet carrying a clarity beyond her years.

"Yes, it was my dad and my mom who hit me."

But it's okay, I won't go back.

She spoke as if it were a fact unrelated to herself, and that frankness was all the more heartbreaking—frankly facing her past pain and making a firm decision.

Shen Ci looked at her and suddenly understood.

This girl possesses a vitality and sunshine like wild grass, something that Shen Huai, who grew up in repression and gloom, lacked. Shen Huai can turn dark, hold grudges, and fall silent.

Perhaps in the original story, it was this very thing that allowed the two desperate boys to encourage each other and draw glimmers of light from the darkness.

“You are a good child.” Shen Ci looked at her.

"If you want to stay, I can help you."

Su Wanqing immediately shook her head, her eyes resolute.

"Auntie, you've already helped me so much."

You gave me food and shelter; I don't know how to repay you enough. I can't trouble you any further.

I'm afraid... I'm afraid that if I get used to your help, I'll become greedy.

These words moved both Shen Ci and Shen Huai, who was standing beside him.

Who says this child is bad? This child is too good. They haven't experienced love, hate, or the torment of fate yet, so they are all good children!

Shen Ci smiled and changed her approach.

"I didn't help you for nothing."

I have a donation project that specifically helps high-achieving children from impoverished families who cannot afford to attend school to complete their education.

You can apply. If you pass the assessment and prove you're worth training, the program will cover your tuition and living expenses.

Su Wanqing's grades were no lower than Shen Huai's, and she was just as intelligent. She also had more ambition than Shen Huai.

read? !

Su Wanqing's eyes lit up instantly, filled with hope! This was something she never dared to dream of!

"Really...really? I...I got into high school! I still have the acceptance letter hidden!" She was so excited that she couldn't speak coherently.

“Of course.” Shen Ci nodded firmly.

"But before that, we have to go to the Women's Federation first."

The way your family treated you, we can't just let it go like this. We need to sever ties and get proof, otherwise they can still use their status as your parents to control you, you won't be able to concentrate on your studies, and all my help will be wasted.

Do you have the courage?

Thinking to herself, Shen Ci felt that she had shown Shen Huai the kindness she had shown by supporting his studies with a meager salary under the bridge in their original fate, and she was determined to try to change the course of these two children's lives.

This time, there's no need for tangled love and hate; they can walk side by side, each going to pluck the stars they desire.

This time, you don't have to be mortal enemies anymore, but instead become each other's helpers and support.

Su Wanqing gritted her teeth, her body trembling slightly. Had she frozen or starved to death last night? Otherwise, how could she have met such a kind person?

"Aunt Chen, I have it!"

I know I might want too much, but I want to get rid of my family. They are leeches, they are not my family at all!

I want to have my own life, and I don't want to go back to that home anymore!

Please, please help me!

She is a brave child who dares to fight for what she wants, and Shen Ci admires that kind of person.