At the City S Market, outside the hospital ward,
The door creaks open, and the pungent smell of disinfectant and medicine fills the air, causing anyone who walks in to frown. She sports two small braids and an overly washed, faded school uniform. Wild chrysanthemums are clutched in her hand, their petals still dewy.
She tossed the wilted flower next to the bedside into the trash bin and then turned around.
"Mom, how are you feeling today?" Taobao gently asked, her heart aching as she stared at her mother's pale face. The once jet-black hair now bore traces of time. She felt a pang of hatred towards herself; for her impotence when she witnessed her mother being beaten, unable to do anything.
On the bed, the middle-aged woman was bruised all over her face. It was heartbreaking to see. She slowly stirred, then opened her eyes, a hint of exhaustion visible.
"Taobao? Your mom is okay," Taobao's mom managed a weak smile, her voice raspy. She wanted to comfort her daughter, but she felt a pain in her own heart.
This child has been running around with her since she was ten, having never experienced a peaceful day. And now...
"Taobao, don't work those odd jobs anymore. Ask your boyfriend for help," she reluctantly suggested, knowing that they had to rely on him if they were to survive.
Taobao was silent for a moment before lifting her head and giving a gentle smile. "Alright, I will. You rest well. I'll take care of the debts and medical bills."
Closing the door, Taobao didn't know how she managed to make her way out of the hospital. She wandered about in the rain for some time before realizing she was standing at her boyfriend, Zhao Zihuan's front door.
Shrugging off her rain-soaked clothes, she stepped up and knocked the door.
"Zihuan, are you home? " she asked. The rain was heavy, but her voice was loud enough to cut through it if anyone was home.
But a minute went by without any response except for the rain. Looking at her wristwatch, it confirmed it was already ten o'clock.
In the pitch-black night, Taobao was reluctant to leave, so she chose a corner and squatted by the door.
Soon enough, from a distance, a few beams of light flashed, followed by the sound of car engines.
"Zihuan." Taobao bundled up her shivering body and walked out from the doorway, just in time to see a medium-sized car parked in front of her.
Her petite and fair-complexioned face was displaying a hint of blue from the cold. She reluctantly pulled herself together to put on a smile. As she took two steps forward, readying herself to greet the person, the car door opened, revealing a pair of peep-toe high heels in front of her.
In that brief moment, Taobao's eyes widened. Nailing her fingertips into her own hand, she mentally shook her head. No...No! What she saw was a mirage. This car couldn't possibly belong to Zihuan.
Her denial continued until the other car door opened, revealing a strikingly tall and handsome figure. Then, only then, she came to her senses.
Upon seeing Taobao, a flicker of panic crossed Zhao Zihuan's eyes, but it vanished in a flash, replaced by his usual expression.
"Little Bao, what are you doing here?" As he spoke, Zhao Zihuan who had gotten off the car, walked towards her, umbrella in hand.
The rain fell harder and harder, the dark night somehow made the two people standing in it seem perfectly matched. Taobao’s eyes became moist, to the point where it was hard to tell if it was rain or tears.
"Why are you with Sisi?" She asked as she nervously held her chest.
Zhao Zihuan opened his mouth, about to explain when Tang Sisi suddenly threw herself into his arms. Her captivating eyes were filled with scorn as she glared at Taobao.
"Taobao, I'm sorry, but the truth is, Zihuan and I have been together for many years. We no longer intend to hide it, especially not after you've seen us." Conceit tinted Tang Sisi's words as her hand shamelessly stroked Zhao Zihuan's face.