Chapter 4

Zach hesitated.

My parents flew into a rage.

My mom was so furious that she slapped me across the face.

“Yale! How old are you? How could you stoop this low? You actually dared to take that stuff?!”

My dad’s face darkened.

“Since you’re so desperate for 2,000 dollars, fine. Here’s your final test.

“Earn 2,000 dollars within a week.

“If you pass, I’ll send you to rehab and make sure you kick this habit!”

Zach could not hold back his laughter.

I felt as if I had been thrown into an icy pit. My chest heaved.

I had nowhere to vent my anger.

My parents left without another word.

Zach stayed behind and looked around the rental apartment.

“I was actually pretty worried just now. I thought you were going to pass this test too. Luckily, Mom and Dad still don’t believe you, just like always.

“I don’t think you’re going to pass this final test. Why don’t you beg me? I might help you.

“It’s only 2,000 dollars. I can introduce you to a few rich women. If you keep them happy, you won’t just make 2,000 dollars. You could make 200,000 dollars!

“Besides, Mom and Dad already think you’ve gone down the wrong path, don’t they?”

The comments were furious. People cursed Zach for being such a terrible male lead. Others urged me to explain everything to my parents as soon as possible.

Was there any point in explaining?

They were always like this. They acted as if they cared deeply about Xander and me, but their concern never amounted to anything.

It was just like how they used to call me over and over to pressure me to pay my tuition. They insisted that I stay in school, or they would no longer consider me their son.

However, when I asked them to lend me money for tuition, they said, “Yale, your education is your own responsibility. You need to find a way to pay for your own tuition. Xander needs to pay for his own tuition too.

“There are plenty of opportunities out there. As long as you’re willing to work hard, you can easily earn enough to pay your tuition. You can’t expect us to provide everything for you.”

They said that when I was still a minor. Hiring underage workers was illegal.

I had no choice but to go to remote areas and pretend I was an adult. I made money by donating blood so I could pay my tuition.

If they really cared about Xander and me as much as they claimed, they would have sent someone to investigate as soon as they heard that Xander had died.

How could they still believe I was lying after I had told them the truth so many times?

After Zach finished mocking me, he left.

I collapsed onto the floor.

I felt completely lost.

However, I did not need the 2,000 dollars to pass the test.

I needed it to pay for Xander’s funeral.

After a long time, I finally made up my mind and headed to a bar.

It was just a matter of putting on a smile and entertaining customers.

As long as I could get Xander’s funeral taken care of as soon as possible, I was willing to do whatever it took.

Yet a place like that was no place for a rookie like me.

Night after night, I gritted my teeth and forced myself to endure the discomfort as I accepted drink after drink from customers.

I had to beg before two nouveau riche finally ordered bottles.

I kept going day after day.

On the fifth day, the owner, Peter Smith, finally could not bear to see me struggle anymore.

He sighed. “I heard you’re desperate for 2,000 dollars. How about this? I’ll add up the wages and tips you’ve earned over the past few days and make it 2,000 dollars. I’ll pay you tomorrow morning.

“Once you’ve taken care of everything, you can come back and work part-time here.

“Everyone goes through hard times. You’re still young. You have a long road ahead of you.”

That small act of kindness brought tears to my eyes.

I gratefully shook Peter’s hand and thanked him.

That night, I contacted the funeral home and arranged a time for Xander’s cremation.

However, when I arrived at the bar the next morning, I saw Peter at the entrance. He looked troubled.

My heart suddenly sank.

Peter looked guilty and heartbroken. In the end, he let out a long sigh.