Chapter 82
248 Vouchers
Chapter 82
Like him, she was a child unwanted by her parents. She couldn’t bear her grandmother shouldering everything, so since turning sixteen, she’d secretly washed dishes during lunch and dinner rushes at a small diner near campus.
She earned her own money.
She fled after tossing the cash, completely unaware of Cedrick’s expression behind her.
Later that afternoon, Cedrick blocked her path on the steps leading to the girls‘ dormitory.
Back then, he stood under a phoenix tree, sunlight filtering through the leaves to cast dappled shadows on him.
She didn’t dare lift her head, trudging upward slowly.
His voice sounded above her, “Why won’t you look up?”
The sunset that day was scorching, flushing her face crimson. Standing before him, she was too flustered to utter a word.
He sneered coldly, “You were quite bold when you wanted to keep me!”
Her head sank lower. “I…I didn’t…‘
A five–yuan note appeared beneath her eyes. “Isn’t this it?
Five yuan to keep me?”
Well…he wasn’t wrong…
“I just meant…to keep you for…”
“What’s the difference?”
Before she could finish “to keep you for explaining problems,” he cut her off.
Then, the five yuan returned to her pocket as he swept past like the wind, tossing back: “I haven’t fallen that low yet!”
11:29
Chapter 82
288 Vouchers
That was what he called her asking him for academic help.
He probably only vaguely remembered the incident, forgetting all the context.
Only she remembered how they’d witnessed each other’s vulnerable corners during those bewildering yet resolute years.
But then again…that dark stroke in the memories of youth was better forgotten…
“Lucille…” Grandma’s call interrupted her thoughts. “Docs he…know?”
Grandma whispered.
Lucille glanced at Cedrick’s back in the kitchen, shaking her head softly. “Not yet, Grandma. But I’ll tell him.”
Grandma smiled, stroking her hair. “I’ll support whatever you decide, as long as you’re happy.”
“Grandma…” Lucille’s eyes grew warm as she leaned against Grandma’s shoulder.
When Cedrick brought out the steaming Savory Pork Noodle Bowls on a tray, Lucille was still nestled against Grandma.
He set down the noodles, gazing gently at them. “Lunch is ready.”
The noodles steamed hot, releasing an enticing aroma.
Lucille had only had coffee that morning–bought hastily while getting pastries for Grandma -then spent hours house–hunting. Now she was truly famished, helping Grandma to the table.
She had to admit, the noodles were delicious.
Cedrick mixed himself a dish of chili oil, asking Grandma, “Good, Grandma?”
Grandma beamed, declaring it wonderful.
Then Cedrick looked expectantly at Lucille.
She sipped the broth, a slight sheen of sweat on her forehead. “Not bad. If your company ever fails, you could open a noodle shop.”
Grandma: …
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Chapter 82
:
288 Vouchers
Cedrick sighed dramatically at Grandma. “See? She’s always hoping my company goes
under.
11
Was he tattling now?
“Cedrick!”
Her eyebrows shot up angrily.
“Look, Grandma,” he said, “how fierce Lucille is. I’ve been deceived–thought she was a little bunny all along.”
What could Grandma do but laugh?
“Grandma just wants you both happy.”
“Grandma, we are happy!”
Cedrick glanced at Lucille. “We even viewed our new place today. You’ll move there with us, Grandma.”
Granny glanced at Lucille. Clearly, Cedrick had no idea what Lucille was planning.
Lunch noodles vanished quickly. In under ten minutes, the meal was done, and Cedrick started clearing the bowls.
Granny tried to stop him, but he murmured, “Granny, you don’t understand. If only I could still help my own grandmother cook noodles or wash dishes… I’d give anything for that.”
The air froze.
He’d once had a grandmother who adored him. Yet the boy who swore to cherish her grew up only to find her gone…