Chapter 214

Morning sunlight filtered through the gap in the curtains, and I rubbed my bleary eyes. The screen of my phone on the nightstand lit up with a bank balance alert.

The number was lower than I'd expected.

I sat up abruptly, the silk nightgown slipping off one shoulder. My fingers swiped across the screen, double-checking the alarming figure.

"How could this be...?" I murmured.

Birds chirped outside, but their cheerful song did nothing to lift the gloom in my heart. Last month's failed investment, combined with unexpected medical expenses, had nearly drained my savings.

My phone buzzed—a message from my best friend: "Don’t forget the charity gala this weekend, babe~"

I stared at the text, my finger hovering over the screen. A gala meant a dress, jewelry, and a donation—each one a significant expense.

Ding. Another message popped up.

"I heard the young heir of the Lin Group will be there. Didn’t you want to meet him?"

I bit my lower lip. It was an opportunity—but also a risk. The Chanel couture gown in my closet still had an outstanding balance, and three credit card bills were already piling up.

Absently tracing the edge of my phone, I glanced at the framed photo on my vanity. It was taken last year in the Maldives, my smile carefree and bright.

Now, every penny I’d spent back then felt like a ticking time bomb.

I took a deep breath and replied: "I’ve been busy lately. Might have to skip this one."

Setting the phone down, I walked barefoot to the window and yanked the curtains open. The sunlight stung my eyes, but I needed the harsh clarity.

It was time to reassess.

The untouched passbooks in my drawer might finally be of use. I ran my fingers over their smooth covers, feeling the weight of the paper.

In this world, having extra funds tucked away was always the best safety net.

As my mother used to say: "A woman can live without love, but never without financial security."

I picked up my phone and dialed a number I hadn’t called in a long time.

"Hello, Manager Zhang? About that investment plan you mentioned—I’d like to discuss the details again."

"Achoo—" Michael Stone suddenly sneezed.

"Third Brother, catching a cold?" Daniel River asked with concern.

Michael rubbed his nose. "Not a cold." He glanced up at the sky, his lips curling into an unconscious smile. "Maybe Emily's thinking about me."

"Of course she is!" Samuel Bright chimed in, grinning. "Mrs. Stone must be missing you."

Warmth spread through Michael's chest. But the thought of fieldwork after the New Year reminded him they needed to earn as much as possible now. If he passed next year's college entrance exam, he'd have to take Emily and the kids to the city for school—expenses everywhere.

"Be careful with this batch," Michael reminded them. "Don’t forget last time’s lesson."

His brothers nodded solemnly. Traveling between cities had exposed them to many novelties. Each time Michael spotted something nice, he wanted to buy it for Emily. But remembering her frugal nature, he held back.

"Better save more money," Michael mused. "Housing prices keep rising. Buying outright beats renting later."

Back in Stone Village, the two little ones clung to Emily the moment they woke.

"Mommy, will you leave with Grandma?" David blurted after much hesitation. Tommy stared at her with wide, anxious eyes.

Emily’s heart ached as she pulled them close. "Mommy’s not going anywhere. I’ll always stay with you."

Those village gossips were to blame, teasing the kids with "Your mom’s going back to the city with Grandma." Emily gritted her teeth. How could anyone joke like that?

"Come on, let’s see what’s for dinner." She took their hands and led them outside.

Margaret Johnson was sunbathing in the yard. Spotting them, she waved. "David, Tommy, come to Grandma."

Reassured, the boys scampered over, their usual energy returning.

"Mom, I’ll take you to the station tomorrow," Emily said.

Margaret nodded. "Good. I’ll discuss that matter with your father when I get back."

Just then, Mary Stone arrived carrying a large bundle.

"Dear in-law, brought you some mountain goods," Mary said warmly. "Home-dried vegetables, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots."

Margaret thanked her politely. Mary bustled into the kitchen. "Emily, let’s make some buns?"

"Sure, Mom." Emily rolled up her sleeves. "How about dumplings too? So my mother can try them."

Soon, the kitchen buzzed with activity. The aroma of flour mingled with laughter, filling the yard.