Maybe neither of them even realized it themselves, but their hearts were actually broad and simple. From beginning to end, they never thought about whether six thousand was too much, or if they could negotiate a bit—they just knew they were in the wrong, so even though it pained them deeply, they never considered playing tricks, nor did they wonder if the other side might not dare to make a fuss either.

So, of course, they never thought about how coincidental it was that the other side asked for six thousand, and it just so happened that their family had exactly six thousand, and only six thousand.

As for suspecting that Evan Ford might be deceiving them, that was even more out of the question. Parents know what kind of person their own child is—they’ve watched him grow up and are very sure.

……

……

That night, Evan Ford didn’t get any response. During that time, Mr. Ford came over once, hesitated several times as if wanting to say something, but in the end chose not to bring it up, and simply sent Evan Ford back to his room to sleep.

Parents these days still find it hard to talk to their children about matters between men and women.

With a thousand thoughts running through his mind, Evan Ford couldn’t fall asleep for a long time. When he woke up the next day, he found both his parents already in his room.

“Your mom has already sewn the six thousand yuan into the inside pocket of this jacket for you.”

It wasn’t until the moment he handed the jacket with the money sewn inside to Evan Ford that Mr. Ford truly felt the pain, so much so that even his hand trembled a little. This was six thousand yuan—when they built their house a few years ago, it only cost about this much.

In an instant, their entire savings were gone.

Mrs. Ford’s salary at the factory was just over a hundred yuan a month, and Mr. Ford was now doing odd jobs outside, which wasn’t easy money either… It’s easy to imagine how many years it took to save this money, how hard it was to put together, and now it was all gone in a flash.

“You really are so thoughtless… you little brat.”

Mr. Ford raised his hand, but in the end didn’t bring it down. Actually, when Evan Ford was little, he often got spanked, but since he turned sixteen, his father never laid a hand on him again.

He said, once a boy turns sixteen, he’s a man. And a man shouldn’t get used to lowering his head and taking a beating.

Mrs. Ford had no such scruples. With tears in her eyes, she stepped forward and pinched Evan Ford hard on the arm twice. “You little brat, you’re going to be the death of me.”

She was heartbroken over the money, so much it nearly killed her, but what hurt even more was her eldest grandson.

Evan Ford didn’t dare make a sound, nor did he dare dodge.

Finally, when the atmosphere eased a bit and Mrs. Ford stopped crying, Mr. Ford calmed himself and spoke:

“I won’t go with you for this. It would be awkward if I did. But you have to remember, don’t rip the stitches on the inside pocket until you meet them over there. Also, no matter how hot it gets on the way, don’t take off your jacket. And while you’re wearing it, you’ll naturally feel the money at your chest—don’t keep looking at it, and definitely don’t foolishly press on it, understand? Especially when you’re on the bus, pretend like nothing’s there, or you’ll attract thieves.”

This was passing on “street smarts,” and Evan Ford nodded seriously.

“How long will you be gone?” Mr. Ford changed the subject.

“You’ll be home for the New Year, right?” Mrs. Ford followed up. After worrying about the money, what they cared about most was still their son.

Evan Ford thought for a moment. He didn’t know the specifics, but he could guess that the purchase certificate couldn’t be sold right after buying it, and he’d probably have to stay there for a while to see how things went.

“I’m afraid I can’t say for sure. I’ll find a way to call you, don’t worry.”

After hearing this, Mr. Ford and Mrs. Ford exchanged a glance and thought to themselves, that’s true. The girl probably has to go through “postpartum confinement” this time, and in this situation, if the other family agrees, Evan Ford really should stay by her side and take good care of her—after all, it was his fault and he’d caused the girl such harm.

Putting themselves in the other family’s shoes, if it were their own daughter, Mr. Ford thought, he’d beat that brat to death.

It was precisely out of this simple mindset that they gritted their teeth and accepted the six thousand.

“It’s only right. Just be careful out there, don’t try to act tough, and call home if anything happens.”

After saying this, Mr. Ford fumbled in the jacket pocket for a while and pulled out a wad of money, all in small bills—twos, fives, tens…

“There’s two hundred sixty-seven yuan here, take it for your own use.”

When Mr. Ford handed over the money, Evan Ford almost didn’t have the courage to take it.

“If I’m giving it to you, just take it. You can’t go without eating or drinking, and you still have to take the bus.” Mr. Ford pressed the money onto the edge of the bed and continued, “Don’t put it all in one pocket. Spread it out in different pockets, inside and out, upper and lower. That way, if you lose some, you won’t lose it all at once.”

This was a simple father, using his not-so-broad life experience, giving his son who was about to leave home some detailed advice—advice Evan Ford had heard countless times in this life and the last.

“This is enough for me.” Evan Ford took about half from the wad, a little over a hundred yuan. Since even the two-yuan bills were brought out, he could imagine the family’s situation.

But it was exactly because of this that he had to go!

This society is very practical, and will only become more so. Money is just too important. This time, he had the chance to lay the foundation for his family’s lasting wealth and lifelong stability.

Mr. Ford glared at his son. “If I’m giving it to you, just take it.”

“For New Year’s at home…”

“When did the family ever need you to worry about that? You think your dad can’t even make enough for New Year’s? Stop fussing… I still have over two hundred yuan in wages outside that haven’t been paid yet, don’t worry.”