Chapter 6: Chapter 6

541 words

<html><head></head><body>If those two dollars fell into Uncle Jack's hands, they wouldn't even buy a single fever-reducing pill. The rest would surely vanish into his pocket. Luna White saw right through it. Every time her siblings secretly slipped her pocket money, Maya White had sweet-talked or tricked her out of it. Now her pockets were emptier than her face. This was her own brother and sister's hard-earned money—why shouldn't she keep it? "Uncle Jack, I can go to the clinic by myself. It's not convenient for you to tag along for injections and IVs," Luna said flatly, cutting him off. Jack White frowned. Since when had this quiet niece suddenly grown a backbone? Her eyes were sharp as knives, her words quick and precise, and her tears came on command—as if she were a completely different person. Clara White panicked. "Luna, give the money to your uncle. What if a young girl like you wastes it? Two dollars is too much just for a doctor's visit!" She couldn't make a scene in front of the villagers, so she forced herself to speak gently. Luna smirked. If the money went to her uncle, how much would actually be left? "Grandma, this money is from my brother and sister, right?" She deliberately raised her voice. With so many witnesses, would the old woman dare deny it? Clara's face twisted before she managed a strained smile. "Of course... but your siblings worked hard for that money..." "Exactly!" Luna swiftly tucked the bills into her pocket. "Spending it on me is what they'd want, isn't it? I'm eighteen—it's not like I'm going to buy candy at the clinic!" Clara glared, but the money was already in Luna's possession. She couldn't snatch it back in public. "Fine... go and come back quickly," the old woman ground out between clenched teeth. Luna walked away without a backward glance. At least now she wouldn’t have to drag her feverish body to the clinic—she could finally relax. The villagers dispersed in small groups. Humiliated, Clara was about to unleash a string of curses when Jack yanked her inside. "Mom! Don’t embarrass us out here!" His face was dark with anger. If word of this got around, his reputation as the "kind uncle" would be ruined. The moment they entered the yard, Clara plopped onto the steps in a huff. Ethan brought her a basin of water. "Grandma, wash your face." "Dad, the water vat's almost empty," he added, lifting the lid with a frown. Just as Fanny Hao stepped inside, she heard this and flew into a rage. "Where the hell is Luna? Why hasn’t she fetched water yet?" "Mom, she went to the clinic," Ethan murmured. "What? Where’d she get money?" Fanny’s voice shot up an octave. "Mom! You can’t spoil her like this! We don’t have money for her to see a doctor—we still need dowries for Ethan and the others!" Clara, already fuming, exploded. "That was her own brother and sister’s money! If you want some, go ask your own family!" Fanny froze. Since when had the old woman ever defended Luna? Jack shot her a venomous look. "Get in the kitchen and cook! Stop gossiping!" Fanny scurried off, but a sudden scream erupted from the kitchen— </body></html>