When Worlds Apart Collide

Back when I was 30, I became homeless, picking up trash for a living.That day, I was picking up trash on the streets with a woven sack as usual. It was only 10:00 AM, but that street was particularly lively. Yet, everyone who walked past me would cover their nose in disgust.I knew they despised me, but I had long been used to this sort of gaze.Slightly lowering my head, I continued picking up trash from a trash can in front of a hotel. The trash reeked, but I still rummaged through it, wearing rough gloves and straining on tiptoe.Suddenly, a commotion broke out at the hotel entrance. A luxury car slowly pulled up at the hotel entrance. The staff stood in a line, hands clasped before them, greeting the guests with utmost respect.The next second, a familiar figure got out of the car.I narrowed my eyes, and the moment I made out that face, a sharp jolt ran through my chest. I almost lost hold of the bag in my hands.It was Joey Taylor.Joey wore a custom-made wool coat

Joey didn't walk into the hotel as the little girl in her arms was attracted by the two potted plants by the entrance. Joey held the little girl patiently with a gentle smile on her face. I stared at her in silence, the wind carrying away the tears on my face.I suddenly remembered the first time I saw Joey. She was out under the blazing sun, wearing a heavy mascot costume. She sat in a corner of the mall, her hair soaked with sweat, gulping down bottle after bottle of water. Although she was exhausted, the light in her eyes shone like stars.I was captivated by the starlight in that girl's eyes. I watched her put her headpiece back on, then continued interacting with passing customers.As the mall was about to close, she suddenly walked up to me and gave me a lollipop.I took it anyway, and instinctively peeled away the brightly colored wrapper.The weather was hot, so the lollipop had melted a little, yet it still had the usual cheap taste as it hit my tongue. It was cloying

When I finally woke up, I found myself lying on a hospital bed.Seeing that I was awake, the doctor gave me a check-up and said sternly, "Due to your irregular diet and long-term consumption of unhealthy food, your digestive tract was bleeding, and your stomach was filled with pus. If you don't get proper treatment soon, it could develop into cancer. "Moreover, your legs haven't been properly treated. You might only be limping now, but in the future, you'd risk losing both legs!"I clenched my pocket, which still contained the two 100-dollar bills.I was well aware of what the doctor said. However, simply surviving was hard enough for me, let alone getting treatment.Perhaps in another year or two, I'd need to resort to begging on the streets.Looking at the doctor's stern expression, I couldn't help but recall what happened earlier when I ran into Joey and Marcus.My once numbed heart throbbed faintly with pain, and a long-lost sense of dignity suddenly welled up within me.M

Hearing my words, Joey went pale. She grabbed my hand urgently. "Henry… I didn't!"I looked at her with a deep gaze and remained silent.After the company collapsed, before my secretary, Daniel, resigned, he came to see me. His usually calm face was full of regret, and when he saw me, he apologized, "I'm sorry, Mr. Henry. I can't work for you any longer." I didn't get angry. If anyone had to apologize, it should've been me.After all, Daniel had a family to support. He had just gotten married, and his wife was pregnant. I had caused him to lose his job. Fortunately, I used the last of my connections to secure a path for him.Before leaving, Daniel gave me a file. Inside, it showed that Joey and Marcus had once entered my study. The next day, the company's secrets were leaked.I held that file quietly, saying nothing. That was until my nemesis had broken my legs, and I crawled to Joey's place. I saw her and Marcus gazing at each other tenderly, and I realized I couldn't be sure o

Joey took out her phone and made a call. Soon, my previous secretary, Daniel, appeared before me. The moment he saw me, a hint of sadness flashed in his eyes. He carefully walked around me and stood before Joy. Joey pointed at me and said, "Take him downstairs first. Get him a change of clothes, and then call a doctor to check his legs."Hearing her words, Daniel's eyes lit up with joy. On the other hand, Marcus was in disbelief. "Joey?"Joey didn't look at anyone, and her face was expressionless. "I'm soft-hearted. I can't stand seeing an innocent person being bullied."You all don't need to be angry for my sake. I chose to be with Henry back then. It was a relationship of mutual benefit."Seeing Marcus looking upset, Joey finally sighed. "Forget it… It's all in the past. There are still matters at the branch office. I'll be leaving now."After Joey left, Marcus cast a cold glance at me before leaving with the group of people.Once everyone was gone, tears welled up in Dan