I thought I had kept my feelings well-hidden, but Natalie was always the first to notice whenever I was in a bad mood.

“This is about your family, isn’t it? I bet you gave in again, didn’t you?”

 

Natalie was so smart that she figured it out without me saying anything. After all, my family matters were the only things capable of stressing me out.

Seeing as she had already guessed it, I decided to not keep it from her and said helplessly, “Nat, I know it’s best if I just ignore it, but… they’re my family, and I can’t bring myself to be so heartless toward them. My parents would be so upset if anything happened to Steven.”

I sometimes hated myself for being so soft-hearted as Steven probably wouldn’t have turned out like this if I stood firm back then.

 

Natalie gave me a pitiful look and grumbled, “Your parents are taking advantage of your filial piety. That’s why they always count on you to solve every little problem. Honestly, I don’t understand them at all! You’re both their children, yet they treat you and your brother so differently. Is it really just because of your genders?”

“You know how it is, Nat. Patriarchy is a very serious problem in the village, and every family there practices it. If my brother would just get himself a proper job and work hard like he’s supposed to, I wouldn’t have to work my butt off like this!” I said with a helpless sigh.

Although I had gotten used to the patriarchal ways of my parents, Steven gambling away all the money I sent them took a huge toll on me over the past few years.

 

debts. It wasn’t that bad when he first started out, so I was still able to afford them. However, his gambling addiction worsened over time, and I found myself no longer able

to help you out, but… Well, you know how much a regular office worker makes, right?” Natalie

 

but Steven

okay, Nat. You’ve helped me out a lot

my aid whenever I found myself in trouble, so I was grateful to her even if she couldn’t do much

now. As for the remaining amount… Well, I’m sure we’ll figure

are your savings. I can’t

as I knew she didn’t have a lot of money left for herself,

let me know if you ever need it,

and not force

outside

us as it had been a few days since he last contacted me, so I was quite surprised to see him there. Feeling curious, I walked over to his

out of the car and opened the

he had come

and the atmosphere felt a little

him and asked, “Um… So, why did you come

the time. I’m sorry I haven’t had the time

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255