Rebirth and making money first

When Zhang Jing returned, the first person she wanted to see was Ali. Even her mother was envious. She said Ali wasn't doing well. Her husband had been in a car accident, and the other party couldn't afford the compensation. Ali was borrowing money everywhere, and her children were in school. She got so angry that she lost her sight. Zhang Jing was anxious and asked, "What's the point of her job then?"

Mom said, "Yes, but you have to wear glasses while doing it. You're sweeping the streets anyway. How would you earn enough to eat if you don't work?" Zhang Jing asked again, "Mom, did Ali come to you to borrow money? Why didn't you tell me about this?"

My mom said, "You think she didn't come? I lent her money. Oh, it hurts to see her living so miserably! After all, you were classmates when you were little, so you should help if you can. You don't know, her mom is always looking for all kinds of old men outside since she divorced her dad. And they don't stay together for long. She has more than enough pension of her own, but she doesn't even bother to help Ali."

Zhang Jing learned that Ali's parents had divorced and were living on their own. Her mother angrily said, "The last time I saw her mother, I told her that you three children always say that Ali is having the worst time. Can't you help her? Do you insist on letting her live a life of hunger? Do you think you can feel good about having to borrow money from everyone? She's your own child after all!"

Zhang Jing knew that Ali's parents were divorced, and that Ali's mother had found several older men, but none of them lasted long. With their frequent breakups and reunions, Ali felt ashamed to face anyone. But as a child, she was too embarrassed to say anything about her parents.

Alas, her parents were having affairs outside, leaving their children with no face. They were rubbing their reputations in the dirt, and Ali was miserable. Zhang Jing planned to go see Ali.

When she arrived at Ali's house and started yelling, Ali responded from inside and called out to the frantic dog. Zhang Jing came out wearing sunglasses, and immediately asked, "What's wrong with you? Can't you see?" Ali said, "It's okay, come in." Once inside, Ali took off her sunglasses and said her eyes were burning.

You can't be stimulated by the sun. You have to wear sunglasses when you go out, and you also wear sunglasses when you work. It will be much better when you return to the room. Zhang Jing pulled Ali, tears streaming down her face, and said, "Sister, how did you get into this mess? Why didn't you tell me?"

Ali smiled and comforted her, letting Zhang Jing sit down. "We just didn't want to cause you any trouble. It's useless for you to know. We're far away, and we were afraid you'd get worried, so we didn't tell you. Besides, it's not easy for you to work!"

Zhang Jing asked about the details of the accident. It was assumed that Ali's husband was in a car with several other people when it collided with an oncoming car. The car flipped over, and everyone was injured, though none were seriously injured.

Ali's husband was the most seriously injured. He needed numerous stitches on his head and was bruised. Everyone thought he was doomed. The other party had no money to pay, so they borrowed money here and there, delaying his recovery. Later, Ali had to take care of her husband and send her children to school. It was truly difficult! Her eyesight was so bad when she got angry, but she said she was lucky she had help from others, borrowing from one place and another, and she ended up owing a lot of money.

"They said it wasn't urgent and asked me to pay it back slowly! My husband is slowly recovering, but he still can't do heavy work, so I have to take care of him. My children are also working, and life is much better now."

Zhang Jing said, "You really don't consider me a classmate? We are like sisters, growing up together, sleeping on the same kang, eating from the same pot. If you have any problems, you can't tell me! No matter what, we can help you!" Ali said with emotion, "Sister, we understand, thank you! Actually, your mother has already lent me money, but I was embarrassed to tell her, and we are working hard to pay it back. But I will give your mother the money later."

Zhang Jing said, "What's there to give? My mom doesn't need money! I came here to ask you, how much more money do you need? Just tell me the amount and I'll give it to you! Just pay back all the money you owe to others! You don't have to pay me back!"

Ali said, "Sister, now I know you're a real sister! You know what? So many of my classmates knew about my situation, but no one offered any help. Do you remember there was a male classmate of ours who was very close to my husband? Then he got in a car accident and was paralyzed in bed, and his wife didn't care. It was my husband who took care of him for three months, day and night. He stayed at his house and took care of him. After he recovered, he told my husband that he was his real brother from now on! If anything happened, he could come to him!"

"After my husband got into trouble, I went to him right away, hoping he could help us. Even if it was just to raise the money for the surgery and save my husband's life. But he wouldn't come to see me! He and his wife were out traveling. He didn't answer my calls or texts. How could we have met such a heartless person? Such a ruthless person!"

"So my husband has come to terms with it now. He doesn't trust any of his classmates anymore! He doesn't associate with them anymore. He said that only in a critical moment, when it's life or death, can one know what's true. He won't be so stupid again!"

Zhang Jing said, "I'm doing very well outside now, and my home is in good shape. My mom has also moved to an apartment, so I wanted to see you before I leave. I always miss you. After all, we played and slept together when we were young, and I often went to your house for dinner. Your parents were also very nice to me. Besides Ayan, you are my best sister, and now Ayan has gone to Xinjiang. Only you are not doing well. By the way, has Ayan come back to see you?"

Ali said: "Alas, we are poor now, and she is a rich person, why would she come to us?" Zhang Jing said, I feel very uncomfortable when I hear you say this, don't worry, I will definitely help you this time!

Ali asked, "Zhang Jing, don't talk about me for now. Let's talk about your own affairs. How are you doing now?" Zhang Jing replied, "I'm married and have two children, a boy and a girl. They're all doing well. I have a house and a shop over there. At least my life is worry-free."

"I was thinking, if you really can't make it, why not just come south with me?" Ali said, "Well, don't you see I have a family here? How can I leave? My son still needs to go to school, and my husband is still recovering from his illness. I get carsick so badly I can't walk far!"

Zhang Jing said, "I hope you are safe and sound. I'm most afraid that you might suddenly be gone one day! My heart would ache. Now that I see you like this, I really want to cry!"

Ali said, "Don't cry. Back then, our family was so poor, and you mailed me a lot of clothes from the south. Even though they were old clothes you didn't want anymore, they really helped me a lot, and I will always remember this kindness. You're so thoughtful, you're truly my sister!"

Zhang Jing agreed to visit Ali again tomorrow and told her to rest up. She also advised her to quit her job if she really couldn't do it. Ali said, "I have to do it, so I'll just work my way through it. I only sweep twice a day, so it's still okay. It's 1200 yuan a month, which is better than doing nothing. I haven't even paid my social security yet, and I still have to pay so much every year."

Now the couple decided to only pay for Ali's social security. They couldn't afford her husband's share. Zhang Jing secretly made up her mind to help Ali out of her predicament!

Zhang Jing withdrew 10 yuan from the bank and gave it to Ali. When Ali saw the money, she was completely shocked! She said, "Sister, don't scare me!" Zhang Jing said, "Why should I scare you? These are all for you!" Ali said, "I can't take it, and I dare not take it! How can I ask you for so much money?"

Zhang Jing said, "If you treat me as a sister, then accept this money! This money is not a loan, it's a gift to you! I want to make your life better! I don't believe what people say, every drink and every glass of wine is predetermined. If a person can't even survive, then what else do you care about? One hundred thousand may be a lot for you, but to me, it's just a drop in the bucket. I don't know if I can help you, but I hope you can pay off your foreign debt and live a good life! As long as you can live a good and healthy life, I will be very satisfied with what this 10 yuan can achieve."

"Don't refuse. This matter is known to you, me, and the heaven and the earth. You don't have to tell anyone, and I won't tell anyone! This is my money, I can decide for myself! If it's not enough, tell me again, I still have more." Ali cried and said, "Sister, thank you!" Then she knelt down to Zhang Jing. Zhang Jing hurriedly pulled her up and said, "Get up quickly."

Ali said, "No! If you don't let me kowtow several times, how can I have the nerve to ask you for this money? I can't afford it!"

Zhang Jing said, "Are you trying to embarrass me?" Ali said, "Then I'll write you an IOU." Zhang Jing said, "What IOU do I need from you? Do you want me to tell you exactly how much money I have so you can believe I'm truly wealthy? This 10 yuan is a drop in the bucket for me. If I sell any of my stocks, I'll get more than that. Stop pushing the issue back and forth with me. Get your husband medical treatment as soon as possible. Raise the child well, pay off all your debts, and pay for your husband's social security and medical insurance! Is 10 yuan enough now? If not, I'll get you more!"

Ali said hurriedly, "That's enough, thank you, sister, you really helped me a lot! My own mother didn't treat me like this. Some time ago, your mother persuaded her and gave me 5000 yuan."

Zhang Jing said she would be returning to Shenzhen in a few days. "My mother refuses to leave. She always says she has coworkers, good friends, and fellow villagers here, and she can't bear to leave. She's been here all by herself, and I'm always worried she'll be stuck. If you have time, please visit her more often. Keep an eye on her and help her if she needs any help. If anything serious happens, please call me right away. Don't keep it a secret so I can rest assured! This is all I ask of you, and I'd appreciate it if you can."

Ali said, "This is a small matter, no problem. Your mother is my mother, I will definitely help you take good care of her, don't worry!"

Zhang Jing emphasized to Ali again, "Don't tell anyone about the money. I don't want anyone else to know, not even my family. Don't tell anyone about this. It's between you and me. This is a matter between us! I'm happy to give it, and you can use it with confidence. It's a happy ending for both of us. We both want to live happily and healthily until we're old. That's my greatest wish. Can you do it?"

Ali: "Don't worry, Xiaojing, I will take good care of myself and live with you until we grow old. We will be good sisters for life!"

Ali asked again, "Zhang Jing, do you remember when a female classmate named A-Qing borrowed money from you? Didn't you come back to ask her for the money a few years ago? Didn't she get upset? Did you guys still keep in touch?" Zhang Jing replied, "No, actually, it's my fault. I really didn't have any money back then! If I were like this, I wouldn't want that money!"

Ali said, "It's not your fault. She was wrong to borrow money and never pay it back for years. You didn't know that later I heard from other classmates that she had facial paralysis."

Zhang Jing said, "Don't mention her. The past is the past. Now I see that it's people like us who help each other! But I still want to tell you, this money is for you! It's not a loan! You don't have to pay me back. I hope to help you change your life, do you understand? Just remember that we are good friends, good girlfriends, good classmates, and lifelong sisters!"

Ali said tearfully, "Okay! We'll be good sisters forever! What do you want to eat? I'll make it for you! If you want dumplings, I'll make them for you; if you want spicy cabbage or garlic eggplant, I'll make them for you!" Zhang Jing said, "Okay, I like your cooking the most. But you have to buy some good ingredients, and don't fool me with rotten vegetable leaves!"

Ali said, "Don't worry, I remember exactly what you like to eat! Others can't make it, but you, as long as you want to eat it, I will be the first one to make it for you!" The two smiled at each other, as if they were back in their childhood.

When Ali's husband came back, he saw the two of them laughing and asked, "What are you two sisters talking about?" Ali said she didn't say anything, just some private conversation. Zhang Jing declined Ali and her husband's offer of dinner and went back.

When Ali's husband found out about the money, he couldn't help but say to her, "You know what? This friend you've made in your life is worth it! You have better vision than I do!"

Later, Ali and her husband used the money to pay off all their foreign debts and also contribute to her husband's social security and medical insurance. Ali's health gradually improved, and after discussing it, they decided to save a fixed amount each month. When they had enough, they would pay it back to Zhang Jing in one lump sum.

Zhang Jing was delighted to be able to help Ali. She suddenly felt she had found the meaning of her hard work. She could help those she cared about, those with whom she had connections, live a good life and do what she could. The joy of being able to help others was truly something that nothing else could bring.

When Zhang Jing left, Ali brought her a lunch box filled with homemade kimchi and garlic eggplant. Zhang Jing thought Ali was too polite. Ali said, "If you don't take it, I'll feel bad." Zhang Jing said, "Okay, then I'll take it. You must live a good life, and remember to tell me if you need money!" Ali said to Zhang Jing with tears in her eyes, "I can't believe that after all these years of being classmates, you are the one who really helped me. I will always remember your kindness to me!"

Zhang Jing watched Zhang Xiaobing book a ticket and told him to hurry back to Shenzhen. Zhang Xiaobing asked if they wanted to fly. Zhang Jing said, "If we do, I probably won't be able to fly." Zhang Xiaohui said, "How can we know if we don't try?"

Zhang Jing said that since they didn't believe in superstition, they would book a flight. The three of them would take a train to Harbin and then rush to the airport. They would fly directly from Harbin to Shenzhen, and if there were no unexpected problems, it should be possible to fly.

Zhang Jing persuaded her mother, "Why don't you just come with us to Shenzhen and lock up this room. At worst, you can ask a neighbor to look at it and come back when the time comes." Her mother said, "I won't go. I have a house here and I can live there well. Why should I go there? We'll wait until I can't move." Zhang Jing said, you are too persistent.

My mother said, "I can't go with you. It would cause you so much trouble. Think about it, you have a mother-in-law back home. There won't be room for two elderly people in one house. You're still too rare. Look how good it is for me to be here. I have food and shelter, and I have good friends and co-workers who visit me often. You don't have to worry! When the day comes that I can't move, I'll come and find you."

Finally, the day of her passing arrived. Zhang Jing thought about it and had no regrets. She packed her simple luggage and handed the keys to her mother. After repeating her instructions over and over again, the old lady got anxious and asked if she would ever stop. "I'm not in my seventies or eighties. Do I have Alzheimer's? You have to nag me about everything." Zhang Jing said with a wry smile, "I'm just worried about you. If you don't have enough money, you should have told me earlier."

The mother said, "I know, I know. You don't have to worry about me so much, just take good care of your brother." Zhang Jing said, "What is there for your son to take care of? He's a grown man! The man of the family, do you still need to take so much care of him?" The mother said, "He's my son! How can I, as his mother, feel at ease if my son is in trouble? If you want to be filial to me, take good care of your brother first!" Zhang Jing once again felt her mother's preference for boys over girls.