"It costs 1,000 yuan to raise three children, the youngest of whom is still breastfeeding."
Even with just formula and diapers, Haiyan still manages to save money every month, supporting herself and her two children, so she can afford to enroll her daughter in dance classes.
"Can you believe it? Even though she's so poor, she still manages to enroll her two daughters in classes."
The eldest daughter, Su Tao, studied dance and came to Shanghai to participate in a competition. Because she missed the bus, she also missed the train and had to rebook the next one.
Sun Lifang rushed to the train station after receiving the message, and finally met Haiyan's daughter, Su Tao.
The sixteen-year-old girl was very thin, with dry, yellow hair and pale lips, looking malnourished.
Her smile was exactly like Haiyan's, delicate and charming. She didn't dare to get on the bus even after being called twice.
She had never ridden in such a nice car before, and shyly declined Sun Lifang's invitation, "I can't stay at Auntie's house, could you lend me... um, lend me fifty yuan, that'll be enough for a while."
Fifty yuan?
Even a one-night stay in a hotel wouldn't be enough, would it?
In 2017, a night in a small hotel near Shanghai Railway Station cost 60 or 70 yuan. What did she need that money for?
In a short while, Sun Lifang realized the cause and effect—
Changing the train ticket costs money. After spending that money, Su Tao didn't have enough money left in her pocket. How could she buy a ticket back?
Not wanting to spend a single extra penny, she stood at the train station wearing a blue and white school uniform and carrying a black backpack. Her fair and tall figure was particularly eye-catching.
Even when Sun Lifang was standing there, men would still stare at the young girl.
What will she do by herself if she's not here later?
After much persuasion, including Sun Lifang pretending to be angry, the girl finally followed her home.
After settling her into a guest room, since no one was home and the little girl was well-behaved, Sun Lifang sat with her for a while. Then she called Haiyan and said, "Your daughter has arrived in Shanghai safely. I'll take her to school tomorrow, so don't worry."
Knowing that her daughter was there, Haiyan on the other end was relieved and thanked her repeatedly, saying, "I will definitely treat you to a meal when you come back for the New Year."
Why should she treat us to a meal?
Haiyan has no money; she only earns a thousand yuan a month and has to support three children.
Not wanting to spoil the goddess's mood, Sun Lifang could only agree repeatedly, "Okay, okay, then you'll have to spend money."
Hearing this, Haiyan on the other end of the phone was extremely excited and insisted that she must come back for the New Year. "It's been so many years. When your husband comes back for the New Year, someone will be there to look after the children. I'll take you for a walk along the riverbank and let you see how our hometown has changed."
Sun Lifang always thought she could go back.
Until she received a call from Su Tao.
She said, "Auntie, could you lend me some more money?"
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