Chapter 157: Xu Musen, oh, he is a good person. _3
"This is already very good; we don't know how to thank you enough..."
The woman listened and was touched. She had fewer doubts about the young man's words.
After all, given their family situation, such a wealthy person wouldn't bother to scheme against them.
Xu Musen chatted with Zhao Lianmai's mother, talking about some school matters.
Xu Musen even took the initiative to show her his student ID from his wallet, making the woman feel more at ease.
When speaking of Zhao Lianmai's hard work and achievements at school, a look of relief spread across the woman's face.
Zhao Lianmai had been silent the whole time, just watching Xu Musen and her mother laughing and talking, her emotions flickering in her eyes.
"You haven't had dinner yet, right? Why don't Xiaomai take you out for something to eat?"
It was already mealtime. The woman glanced at the boxed meals they had bought. They were good enough for them, but they seemed inadequate to offer to a guest.
"No need, Auntie, my family is also here for a hospital check-up, and I'll be heading back soon," Musen replied.
Xu Musen said, taking a lollipop out of the bag he brought and giving it to the little girl with a hint of social anxiety by his side.
"This is for you."
The lollipop Xu Musen bought was the same kind that the Pig Hero character always ate, bigger than a fist.
The little girl looked at the lollipop; it seemed like she hadn't had one for a long time. She swallowed, but still didn't reach out to take it.
"Take it."
Zhao Lianmai gently touched her sister's head.
She never took advantage of others, but when it came to her family, she still wished they could have it a little better.
"Oh... thank you, brother. My name is Zhao Xiaoshu."
The little girl took the lollipop, her thin face looking up at Xu Musen, shy but polite as she introduced herself.
Xu Musen nodded with a smile, glanced at the boxed meals beside him, and then said to the woman, "It's getting late; I should be going, Auntie. Take good care of yourself."
"Right, thank you so much. Xiaomai, you should walk him out," the woman said.
Zhao Lianmai nodded and walked out of the ward with Xu Musen.
They reached the corridor and came to a turn.
Xu Musen suddenly stopped, and Zhao Lianmai, lost in thought, bumped into him.
"What are you thinking about?" Xu Musen turned around.
Zhao Lianmai took a step back and looked at Xu Musen, "Thank you."
"No need to thank me, take this instead."
Xu Musen took out an envelope from his chest and handed it to her.
Zhao Lianmai immediately guessed what it was and subconsciously stepped back.
"I can't take this."
"Who said I was giving it to you? I'm lending it to you. You'll repay it each month out of your salary. If you like, you can pay me some interest too, at the bank's rate," Xu Musen said with a smile, firmly placing the envelope in her hand. "Everyone faces tough times. I've experienced what it's like to have a family brought down by a single penny.
Just get through this hard patch first."
Zhao Lianmai held the envelope, its thickness indicating it was just over twenty thousand.
She bit her lip but still shook her head.
"Don't make a fuss. I'm willing to lend you the money because I believe I can get more in return from you. Until you pay it back, you cannot jump ship from my employ, or else I'll call the police on you!" Xu Musen asserted, his tone adopting that of a capitalist.
But Zhao Lianmai knew he was saying this deliberately to make her feel comfortable accepting the money.
Clenching her fist, she knew her mother really needed the money.
She was silent for a moment, then suddenly bowed deeply to Xu Musen.
"I understand. I will repay you."
"We are equals; no need for such formality. Now go back to your family; I'm off," Xu Musen said, waving his hand and walking away.
Zhao Lianmai watched his figure disappear down the corridor for a long time.
Her usually cold face now showed traces of emotion, and eventually, her eyes lowered. The invisible pressure she carried seemed to be finally shared.
In the ward.
The woman watched her daughter licking the lollipop, still thinking about the young man who just left.
He seemed like a good person.
Moreover, to be so young and have started his own business, he was not only kind but capable too.
If Xiaomai could... Alas, her family situation had been hard on the children.
"Xiaoshu, what do you think of that boy?"
The little girl licked her lollipop and pondered seriously for a while before showing a smile, "He's a good person."
A good person.
Indeed, a remarkable evaluation.