Chapter 4

After a long while, Grandma finally gathered the courage to speak, saying, "If you two won't contact Nina, then I will. If you won't let her come home, then I will!"

With that, she gripped her cane and started toward the door.

The moment Mom saw Grandma trying to leave, she flew into a rage. She pointed at Grandma's back and shouted, "See? Nina turned out this way because you spoiled her! When she enters the workforce someday, she'll just be a weakling who can't survive in the real world. She'll never accomplish anything!"

The more she spoke, the angrier she became. She suddenly turned and stormed into the bedroom Grandma had specially cleaned for me.

My heart skipped a beat, and I hurried after her.

I saw Mom yank the brand-new quilt off my bed and throw it hard onto the floor. Then, she stomped on it twice and snapped, "How dare she defy me and give me attitude? Fine! She's not touching this quilt ever again!"

Right after that, her gaze fell on the wall plastered with certificates, neatly arranged from elementary school all the way through high school. Each one represented years of my hard work and was a source of pride for Grandma. Without a second thought, Mom yanked them down and tore them into pieces.

"What good are these worthless certificates?" she spat. "Can they feed her or teach her discipline? She doesn't know gratitude or how to give back! Even a thousand of these won't change the fact she's an ungrateful brat!"

I stared at the shredded pieces scattered across the floor and shouted anxiously, "Mom, I wasn't spoiled. I've always been responsible. When I was five years old, I could already carry two buckets of water to help Grandma water the fields.

"I know how to cook, wash clothes, and take care of Grandma when she's sick."

My voice trembled as I continued, "I know it's not easy for you and Dad to earn money. I've never complained about anything. Grandma and I have been living off the village subsidy all these years. I've always been careful with money. I never wasted a single cent."

I pointed to my closet, silently urging her to open it and see for herself. Every single piece of clothing inside was patched and mended.

If she still doubted me, she could ask the elders in the village or any of my former teachers. Every one of them had praised me for being responsible, respectful, and diligent in my studies.

Grandma had always told me that my parents loved me very much. They were just too busy with work to spend time with me. That was why I had always tried my hardest, putting in all my effort at school and at home, afraid of causing trouble or losing their approval.

Just then, a chaotic sound of footsteps came from outside the door.

Dad immediately relaxed and smiled at Mom. "See? The kid finally gave in to you. She's already at the door."

When Mom heard that, she straightened her back at once.

The door suddenly swung open, and the village chief, Rudy Miller, stumbled inside.

The moment Mom saw it was Mr. Miller, she assumed I had asked him to come plead on my behalf. She crossed her arms and put on a cold expression.

"Mr. Miller, you're here to speak up for Nina, aren't you? Let me make this clear. No one's pleading will work today. She made a mistake, so she needs to face the consequences.

"Tell her she must write a five-thousand-word self-reflection today and read it out loud at the village entrance. Otherwise, she's not stepping back into this house."

Mr. Miller tried to interject, but Mom wouldn't let him get a word out. He waved his hands anxiously, looking flustered.

Grandma leaned forward and looked past him. "Where's Nina? Where is she?" she asked worriedly.

Mr. Miller fixed his eyes on Mom's stubborn face. He clenched his teeth, stamped his foot, and yelled, "Something terrible has happened! You fools, how could you push your child to this extreme?"