Chapter 1284: The Fool’s Daughter (63)

“Lide, we have nowhere to go.”

Infinite desolation seeped through Song Jinghua's voice, causing Tang Lide's heart to ache unbearably. “It's all my fault.”

“It's my fault too. Lide, were we wrong?” Song Jinghua murmured in confusion. “Back then, we gave them our hearts and souls. And now we've ended up with nowhere to call home. Whenever anyone in the family was in trouble, didn't we always do our utmost to help? Look at us now, with nothing left to our names, and not a single person is willing to lend us a hand.”

“Jinghua, I was wrong too. I never should have done those things.”

He never should have emptied their savings and even borrowed from loan sharks just to help his elder brother pay off his debts, leaving no room for retreat.

Shaking her head, Song Jinghua finally burst into tears. “But it's too late, Lide. Everything we've worked so hard for over half our lives is gone.”

“Jinghua, they still owe us money. I…”

“Do you think they'll repay us? And when?”

Tang Lide fell silent.

Yes.

When?

Money borrowed ten years ago had never been returned. Sitting together in the park as the chilly wind swept over them, the couple huddled close to one another, yet even that could not stop the cold from sinking all the way into their hearts.

“We still need to find a place to stay first,” Song Jinghua finally said. “Since Mom won't let us move back home, I'll ask her to lend us two thousand yuan. We'll rent a cheap single room and hold out until next month. You've only taken two days off, and you have to return to work the day after tomorrow. We can't keep wandering like this. We need somewhere to settle down.”

Loaded with bags and luggage once more, the two returned to Old Madam Song's house.

Song Jinghua knocked twice, but no one answered.

A neighbor from next door came over and said, “Jinghua, your mother probably went to pick up Yuyu. School should be over by now.”

“Oh, that's right,” Song Jinghua replied.

“Hm? Jinghua, are you bringing your luggage back? Planning to move in again?”

“No, no.”

“Tch, I thought you'd heard about the demolition and came back to stay for a few days to see how things turn out. People have been talking about this demolition for years. This year it's finally happening. Everyone in the neighborhood has been waiting impatiently. The areas around us are full of brand-new high-rises, while our place is still this old run-down compound. Everyone's been looking forward to it.”

Song Jinghua froze. “Auntie Li, what did you say? They've been notifying people about the demolition for several years? How many years exactly?”

“Three or four years, maybe. I don't remember the exact date anymore. Anyway, it's been quite a while.”

The color drained from Song Jinghua's face in an instant.

Three or four years ago…

Thinking about the timeline, wasn't that right after Old Madam Song had told her to transfer her household registration away? Not long after she moved it out, Yuyu's registration had been moved in.

Her body went limp, collapsing against Tang Lide in fright.

Auntie Li became anxious immediately. “Jinghua, Jinghua, what's wrong with you?”

“N-Nothing.” Song Jinghua forced herself upright and squeezed out a smile. “I've just been feeling unwell lately.”

“If you're not feeling well, then go home and rest properly. Once your mother comes back, tell her to stew something nourishing for you. You need to take care of your health.”

After saying goodbye to Auntie Li, Song Jinghua maintained the smile on her face as she and Tang Lide returned to the park again.

They found a secluded bench and sat down. At last, Song Jinghua could no longer hold back and broke into sobs.

“Lide… is she really my biological mother?”

“Several years ago, when she told me to transfer my household registration away, I thought she genuinely had my best interests at heart. I thought she was worried that it might affect our marriage…”