"Explain. What kind of thing happened?" After musing for a moment, Dexter asked.
Mickey had a headache and didn't want to explain. But on second thought, Dexter already knew about his relationship with Ian, so saying it wasn't a big deal. He answered, "Ian needs money. I don't have enough on hand."
As expected, Dexter thought. He smiled and continued, "Normally Ian doesn't need to borrow much money. Is it because of Lip?"
Mickey had a rough idea of how terrifying Dexter could be, so he didn't dare act tough with him. "Yeah. Lip racked up a lot of medical bills. Needs to pay them to get back."
Dexter guessed as much. He deliberately stayed silent for two seconds before speaking. "You know how much I hate Lip, right?"
Mickey vaguely knew and remained silent.
Dexter didn't provoke him further. "Come get the money. But, I'll give you a piece of advice. Business is business, personal is personal. Ian isn't using this money, so don't play the sugar daddy. Don't give it away. Make them pay it back."
Before this call, as a true romantic warrior, Mickey had genuinely planned to give the money to Ian without expecting repayment.
Now, Dexter said he hated Lip...
Mickey hesitated, weighing his options silently.
Offending Dexter wasn't appropriate. Not only would he lose his job, but he might also cost Mandy hers...
"Okay," Mickey gritted his teeth and agreed.
"Then that's it. Come over ASAP. I have to drive Bianca to work later," Dexter said.
"Be right there," Mickey didn't waste words. He hung up and called Ian. "Okay. I'll swing by the store around noon and give you the money."
"Thanks," Ian gave a very gay, sweet smile and thanked him.
"Thanks my ass!" Mickey threw back an arrogant line, click, ended the call. Then he moved quickly, grabbing his car keys and hurrying out.
Mandy saw this and smirked slyly. Even though she found the idea of Mickey being gay hilarious, she kept quiet and continued eating her breakfast leisurely.
Dexter's House.
Thump, thump, thump.
A knock at the door.
Dexter heard it and was surprised. He checked the clock on the wall.
Only two minutes had passed since he hung up with Mickey.
Was Mickey the romantic warrior really that fast?
"Daijiu, get the door," Dexter was too lazy to move. He called out to the dog lying on the floor gnawing on a big bone.
Hearing this, Daijiu gave Dexter a domineering side-eye, then picked up the bone, walked to the door, stood up, and skillfully pawed the handle.
The door opened.
Veronica and Kevin found themselves staring into Daijiu's wise eyes.
"Jesus! Scared me!" Kevin exclaimed, not expecting the dog to answer the door.
Daijiu gave Kevin a look of disdain, picked up his bone, and walked away.
Veronica and Kevin followed him in.
Moments later.
Dining Room.
"Eaten yet?" Dexter heard Kevin's voice and knew it was him. He smiled and invited them. "Join us?"
"We ate," Kevin smiled. "But your breakfast looks really good, so I'll have a bit more."
Haha. Kevin is so adorkable.
"Lavish, right? Bianca made it. Tastes super good," Dexter beamed.
Bianca felt like Dexter was being sarcastic. She retorted grumpily, "You mock me again, and you're making breakfast tomorrow."
Dexter laughed heartily. "What are you saying? I wasn't being sarcastic. It's the truth."
Bianca rolled her eyes at Dexter , ignored him, and turned to Kevin and Veronica. "I'll get you plates. Sit down."
Kevin and Veronica sat down chuckling, finding Dexter and Bianca's banter amusing.
They ate a bit and chatted for a while.
"You two have something up?" Dexter asked Kevin and V.
They did indeed.
Kevin's IQ was limited, so Veronica did the talking.
It was simple.
After days of hesitation, thinking, and discussion, Veronica and Kevin finally reached an agreement.
The Mercedes needed to be bought, but it could wait. No rush. Right now, the money on hand should be used to buy a house... because it killed two birds with one stone.
First, as Dexter said, property values here would likely rise in the future.
Second, they were married now. They'd have kids sooner or later. Once they had kids, their current dump might not be big enough.
"You bought so many houses around here, you must know that real estate agent well. Introduce us," Veronica said.
Dexter smiled.
After going around in circles, Veronica and Kevin still embarked on the path of becoming landlords.
That was good.
Dexter didn't waste time. He pulled out his phone, found the agent's number, and showed it to Veronica. "This guy gives me low fees. Remember to say I sent you."
Veronica grinned and noted the number. "Of course."
Just as she spoke.
Thump, thump, thump.
Another knock.
This time it should be Mickey.
"Door's open," Dexter shouted.
Mickey heard him, pushed the door open, and walked in. Seeing Veronica and Kevin there, he felt a bit awkward since he was essentially there to borrow money.
"Breakfast?" Dexter knew Mickey's arrogance too well. He didn't waste time, standing up to say a word before going upstairs to get the money.
Facing Dexter , after all this time, Mickey had basically developed a civilized posture, habitually putting away his thug side. "I ate. Thanks."
Look at that. Mickey Milkovich, so civilized, tone and attitude so good.
Even after knowing him for a long time, Veronica still found it incredible.
Kevin even more so.
"Wait a sec," Dexter started upstairs, took two steps, then had an idea and stopped. "Kevin and Veronica are planning to buy a house. You interested? You and Mandy save up a bit, shouldn't take long before you can afford one too."
Mandy made three thousand a month. Mickey made about five thousand now, plus occasional tips.
Together, the siblings made almost ten thousand dollars a month.
Houses in this slum weren't worth much at this time.
Mickey paused, looking at Kevin and Veronica in surprise. "You guys are buying a new house?"
Kevin and Veronica nodded in unison, smiling.
"You should think about it. More houses are always a good thing," Kevin grinned.
Hearing this.
Mickey's brain buzzed a little.
Milkovichs buying houses with earned money?
In the past, who could imagine that?
Milkovichs robbing houses, maybe.
Mickey didn't know what to say for a moment. He fell silent for a few seconds, then gave a slightly stiff smile. "Yeah, gotta think about it."
The three chatted briefly.
Then, Mickey even took the initiative to speak to Bianca with a good tone.
Bianca really had a good temper, and she was a good person. She had no prejudice against people like Mickey and chatted happily with him.
Not long after.
Dexter came downstairs and handed the envelope of money to Mickey.
Mickey said goodbye and left.
Shortly after, Dexter and the other three finished breakfast, tidied up a bit, and left together.
Those going to work went to work.
Life proceeded in an orderly fashion, distinctly out of sync with the chaotic slum of the South Side.
---
The Gallagher House.
Ian had already told Fiona about borrowing the money.
Fiona instinctively refused a few times, wanting to avoid paying the medical bill, wanting Ian to drop the idea.
Ian ignored her, finished his breakfast, and got up to go to work.
"Fiona, Lip's problem is basically solved. What... are you planning to do today?" Ian was actually very considerate of Fiona, knowing she had it tough, so he didn't speak too bluntly.
Fiona flinched slightly, understanding Ian's meaning. She took a deep breath. "I'll take a shower later, then go out and find a job. I promise I'll find work today!"
Fiona vowed solemnly.
Ian hesitated. "It's okay if you don't find work right away. But, don't get drunk like that again... When I saw you this morning, I thought I was looking at Frank."
Thump.
That last sentence hit Fiona like a bolt of lightning, terrifyingly real.
Becoming like Frank?
To Fiona, that was the most terrifying thing in the world!!
Fiona's face changed drastically. She felt a chill all over, trembling slightly. Then, purely on instinct, she spoke. "I will absolutely never be like that again. I promise you!"
Gallagher promises never meant much.
"I'm going," Ian didn't say more. Dropping the sentence, he walked straight out.
Leaving the Gallagher house.
Ian took a deep breath, looked at Dexter's house next door, and remembered Dexter offer from that day.
Work for Dexter?
As of today, because of his record, West Point was impossible.
As for college?
Forget having no money; even with money, with his abysmal grades, getting into any decent college was basically impossible.
Since that was the case.
West Point impossible, college nearly the same.
Working early to make money seemed like a very good choice.
The problem was...
Ian liked his current job. Relatively free, not much constraint.
If he worked for Dexter , he'd be managed. Not much freedom.
Ian was conflicted. He sighed, shook his head, stopped thinking about it for now, and walked toward the convenience store.
The Gallagher House.
Trembling all over, Fiona took a long time to recover. After several deep breaths, she calmed down a bit, forced herself to pull it together, then efficiently cleaned up the dishes and went upstairs to shower.
Under the showerhead, hot water poured over her.
Fiona scrubbed herself meticulously, as if trying to wash away Frank's shadow.
She washed for about twenty minutes.
Fiona returned to her room, picked through her clothes, chose an outfit that looked clean and fresh, and tidied herself up.
Done. Fiona forced herself to temporarily forget about Debbie, Lip, the debt, and all the other crappy things. She picked up Liam and went out with high energy, embarking on her journey to find a job.
---
Dressed very sharply, Svetlana was busy with a few Russian sisters in a newly rented storefront thirteen streets away from Dex Fruit Stand.
In one day, this storefront would become Dex Fruit Stand No. 2.
As of now.
Walls, floors, water, electricity—all done.
In a while, workers would come to install the sign.
Svetlana and the others were busy cleaning and arranging counters.
After working for a while.
Dusty and tired, Svetlana stopped working, lit a cigarette, and looked at everything.
Just a few months ago, she was a manual service artisan.
Now, she basically owned a second fruit store!
Maybe in a few months, a third, a fourth...
Svetlana smiled happily, feeling a beautiful future waving at her from not far away.
Beside her, a blonde woman watched Svetlana and frowned slightly.
After a few seconds.
Her brow smoothed. The blonde also lit a cigarette, took a drag, and approached Svetlana. "Svetlana, do you really think that Dexter will keep his promise and hand the business over to you?"
Svetlana paused slightly, turning to look at the blonde. "What do you mean?"
"He has a girlfriend now. Although she's not that pretty, he seems to like her," the blonde exhaled smoke and said. "Since he got a girlfriend, he hasn't slept with you, right?"
Svetlana was silent.
This silence was an affirmative answer.
The blonde smiled and continued, "Before, he slept with you, and through you, slept with us, promising to give you the business later."
"The situation has changed. He doesn't sleep with you anymore. What reason does he have to give you the business?"
"Even if he's willing, his girlfriend won't agree, right? This is all money."
Svetlana's smile vanished. She frowned. "What are you trying to say?"
The blonde said seriously, "You have to take the initiative. You can't wait for his charity. People like us can only rely on ourselves. Don't you think?"
The blonde spoke very sincerely, acting like she was truly thinking for Svetlana.
In reality.
Hope your brother does well, but fear your brother drives a Range Rover...
The blonde hoped Svetlana did well, but not too well. At least, not until she herself was doing great.
Human nature is just like that.
Especially living in the South Side, full of shameless people, for so long. Being unaffected was impossible.
Fortunately.
Svetlana was truly smart.
She saw through the blonde's little trick at a glance.
So, Svetlana grinned and nodded decisively. "I thought of that long ago. I'm just waiting for the right time to show my hand and fight for what belongs to me."
"Why should I do all the work while he just pays a little money and takes half the profit!"
Svetlana spoke with conviction, as if she were truly unwilling and angry.
The blonde listened with joy in her heart, nodding repeatedly in agreement. "Right! Why should he!"
Svetlana smiled, playing along with the blonde, and talked for a while.
Finished.
They threw away their cigarette butts and continued working.
---
Noon.
Inside the Convenience Store.
Ian sat behind the counter, glancing outside every now and then. His heart was beating a bit fast, eagerly anticipating Mickey's arrival, and even more eagerly anticipating fking Mickey.
In fact, to fk, Ian had already used a little trick to get Kash to leave. Currently, Ian was alone in the store.
Time passed slowly.
After glancing outside dozens of times, finally, Mickey's Mercedes appeared in Ian's view.
Instantly, Ian felt a burst of joy. Then, seeing Mickey get out of the car, he hurriedly took a deep breath, wiped the happy smile off his face, put on a cool, "nothing happened" look, and looked down at the counter instead of the entrance.
One second, two seconds, three seconds...
With the creak of the broken door opening, Mickey walked up to Ian with his arrogant swagger. No smile, no words. He just pulled the envelope of money from his pocket and tossed it onto the counter.
Ian glanced at the bulging envelope, then at Mickey. He picked it up, put it under the counter, and showed a small smile. "Thanks."
"Don't mention it. You have to pay it back," Mickey remained arrogant, speaking coldly.
Seeing Mickey like this, the smile on Ian's face grew. "Busy later?"
Mickey actually wanted to fk Ian too, and he had noticed Kash wasn't there and the store was empty. "Got some time."
Ian smiled, feeling understood. He decisively got up, walked quickly to the door, and locked it. "Something seems wrong in the stockroom. Help me check it out?"
Saying that, Ian walked straight toward the stockroom.
Mickey smirked and followed silently.
Moments later.
In the Stockroom.
Mickey stood, Ian knelt.
Ian began the oral service.
Done.
Mickey turned him around. Ian, missing this feeling, engaged in the activity.
Moving and moving...
Thinking they had reconciled, and more importantly, thinking Mickey had compromised on the issue from last time, love-struck Comrade Ian really wanted to kiss Mickey.
He hesitated again and again.
Ian temporarily suppressed the urge, deciding to kiss Mickey after they finished.
Minutes flew by.
Ian couldn't hold back anymore. Action followed thought. He leaned forward abruptly and kissed Mickey on the mouth.
Mickey didn't expect this. Instantly, like he'd been electrocuted, he freaked out. He shoved Ian hard, shouting angrily, "What the fk!! What the fk are you doing?"
Ian, shoved hard onto his butt, hadn't expected this either. Dumbfounded and hurt, his love-brain tried one last struggle. He forced a smile. "I'm kissing my boyfriend. Is there a problem?"
Boyfriend...
Mickey couldn't handle that word. Goosebumps erupted all over his body. He couldn't take it. He pulled up his pants hurriedly, ready to leave.
"Fxxk you! Why do you have to have so much fking drama!!!"
Cursing viciously, Mickey stomped out of the stockroom and rushed outside.
The last struggle failed.
Tears swirled in Ian's eyes.
Ian was heartbroken, feeling like his heart had shattered.
Because of the heartbreak, anger began to rise.
The next second, Ian jumped up, chased after him, and cried out to Mickey, "Mickey! Last chance! Come back! Or we break up right here!"
The cry reached Mickey's ears.
Mickey's steps faltered. Then, he stepped forward again, opened the door without looking back, walked out, got in his car, slammed the gas, and sped away.
Inside the store.
Ian froze in place, tears streaming down his face. It hurt so much. Heartbroken.
---
Canada.
Lip asked a nurse for crutches. Enduring the pain, he slowly moved to the stairwell, took out a cigarette, and lit it.
Tony had bought the cigarettes earlier.
Tony had also temporarily left his phone with Lip.
Taking a hard drag, savoring the nicotine, Lip took out Tony's phone and called Karen.
The call connected immediately.
"Yo," Lip greeted arrogantly.
Karen was eating lunch at Dex Restaurant. She really didn't want to deal with Lip, but she still needed him to make money. Helplessly, she played along, asking with concern, "How are you? Still hurt?"
Lip actually loved Karen. Hearing this, he smiled happily, dismissing it with his usual arrogance. "It's okay. The meds in this hospital are pretty good, got me high."
Karen sneered internally, finding Lip's pretentious act even more idiotic, but she kept playing along. "That's good. Get the hospital to give you more."
Lip smiled. "That's the plan. Actually, I thought about it this morning. I might even make some money out of this."
Hearing money, Karen perked up. "Oh? How?"
"Lots of drugs are way cheaper in Canada than in the US. I get some, bring them back, sell them... couple thousand bucks easy!" Lip said confidently.
Karen didn't know much about this and got excited. "That easy? But with your leg like that, how are you going to buy drugs?"
Lip smiled triumphantly. "I'll figure it out. Actually, my leg is an advantage. Hobbling in on crutches to buy meds... might be a hassle, but it's easier to score."
Karen thought about it. True.
They chatted for a while about smuggling drugs from Canada.
Chatting done.
Karen had a brainwave and whispered maliciously, "That Steve... how are you planning to deal with him?"
Hearing Steve's name, Lip naturally ground his teeth in hatred. "I will destroy him! I swear!!"
Karen was very satisfied with this answer. "What are you going to do?"
"I've come up with some plans, haven't decided yet. When I figure out how to make Steve suffer the most, I'll tell you," Lip said through gritted teeth.
"Good," Karen was excited.
Of course, not excited about Steve's impending misery, but quite the opposite—excited about Lip's impending misery.
Reason being simple.
Karen decided without hesitation to be a mole, helping Steve screw Lip over.
Because of this plan...
Need Steve's number, Karen thought, glancing at the kitchen, planning to ask Dexter later.
Retracting her gaze, Karen lowered her voice and decisively seduced Lip. "I miss you. Want to fk you."
Hearing this.
Lip couldn't handle it. He got excited instantly, getting a reaction. "I'll be back soon..."
They flirted for a while.
Call ended.
Karen smiled happily, put the phone in her pocket, and continued eating lunch.
After eating, wiping her mouth, Karen got up and walked to the kitchen.
She came here for lunch today for a reason.
Karen wanted to talk to Dexter about business, get some ideas and advice.
As of today.
Karen had saved nearly seventy thousand dollars.
Leaving the money sitting there was meaningless. Karen wanted to make more money.
Kitchen.
While working, listening to Karen, Dexter couldn't help but be genuinely amused. It was wondrous.
South Side's "Must-Ride Attraction," Comrade Karen... after these few months of development, not only was she far surpassing the original show in the fking department... but she was also going into business...
If this Karen continued to develop like this, with his help, what would she become in the future?
Probably not long, just wait until eighteen... everything becomes legal...
Tsk, tsk.
South Side Chicago might see the rise of a Green Tea Bitch Tycoon.
Dexter imagined that scene and found it interesting. So, he smiled and offered support. "I think it's a great idea."
"How about this. Think it over carefully, do some research, decide what business you want to do, then we can discuss it in detail. I'll help where I can."
Karen was thrilled. She smiled sweetly. "Thanks! It's a deal then."
"Deal," Dexter nodded simply.
Karen didn't leave. Her eyes darted. "Mr. Dexter , by next summer, I'll be legal."
Dexter : "????"
Dexter paused, then realized what she meant. He laughed. "Then we'll talk next summer. Practice your technique first."
Karen heard this—Good guy, knew it! She got even more excited, nodding with a smile. "Okay!"
Dexter smiled but didn't speak.
As a South Side Must-Ride...
It had to be ridden eventually. Just not now...
After next summer, find a chance.
Seeing Dexter go silent, Karen was smart enough not to bring it up again. She switched to another topic. "By the way, Mr. Dexter , do you have Steve's number?"
"No. Why?" Dexter was curious. "Going to sleep with Steve?"
Karen hadn't thought of that before. Surprised. "He seems rich. Can I?"
Dexter chuckled.
Steve was still relatively normal. He probably wouldn't sleep with Karen. At least, not before... Now, because of Lip, maybe it was possible.
"You can try," Dexter replied.
"Okay, I'll try," Karen was interested.
"Why do you want Steve's number?" Dexter asked again.
Karen didn't waste words and explained.
Hearing it, Dexter gave a thumbs up immediately, praising sincerely. "Impressive! I'll find a way to get Steve's number and send it to you later."
"Thanks. I'm off then." Good news kept coming this noon. Karen didn't linger and left.
Dexter watched her go, continued working, and pondered.
What business suited Karen?
Thinking about it.
Investing in an apartment building, collecting rent? Like Fiona later in the original show?
Fact is.
In the original show, later on, if Fiona hadn't gotten lucky with two investments in a row, then gotten arrogant thinking she was hot shit and gambled on business...
She actually turned her life around with that apartment building.
Interesting.
If Karen transformed into the owner of an apartment building, how would Fiona deal with that?
---
After searching all morning and hitting walls everywhere, Fiona's face looked terrible.
Noon.
Fiona sat on a bench by the road, eating sandwiches brought from home with Liam.
Finished eating simply, Fiona rubbed her face, lit a cigarette, took a few hard drags, then—even though she really didn't want to—turned her head to look at the food bank across the street.
That food bank was run by the church. Desperate poor people could go in daily to get about a day's worth of food.
Of course, the food was basically inedible, disgusting stuff.
If she had a choice, Fiona wouldn't go in.
Unfortunately, the house was truly empty. No dinner for tonight. It had reached the point of no choice.
Staring blankly at the food bank for a long while.
Fiona sighed deeply, unable to stop thinking about all the food the Gallaghers had wasted in the past. Regret.
Wasted so much food every day...
If only we kept it...
Regretting silently, Fiona stood up, picked up Liam, steeled herself, crossed the street, and walked into the food bank. She lined up with the homeless people emitting various odors...
Dignity?
Gone.
Pride?
In the face of hunger, what use was it?
Queued for twenty minutes, finally her turn.
The middle-aged woman distributing food recognized Fiona as the child kidnapper from the news. Her brow twitched. She hesitated, but in the end, said nothing. She silently handed a box of food to Fiona.
According to church rules, criminals like Fiona who kidnapped children weren't eligible for aid.
But seeing Fiona on the verge of tears, and seeing Liam in her arms was so small, the woman couldn't be cruel.
"Thanks," Fiona squeezed the word through her teeth, took the food, and prepared to leave.
"Live a good life. Don't make mistakes again," the woman said with deep emotion.
Fiona bit her lip, nodded, and walked out silently.
The moment she stepped out of the food bank, her eyes moistened. Fiona sniffled, planning to take the food home first, then come out to continue job hunting.
Just then.
A brand new sign diagonally across the street suddenly appeared in Fiona's view.
Dex Fruit Stand!!
Gaze landing on the sign...
Thump.
Fiona's body jolted. Purely on instinct, she looked down at the storefront under the sign.
Looking there.
Svetlana, cigarette in mouth, face full of smiles, came into view!
Boom!
In that instant, Fiona felt her brain explode. She couldn't believe it. She suspected something was wrong with the world!!!
Svetlana, that Russian hooker!!!
Actually opened a second fruit store with Dexter's support?
Was this going to be a fruit store chain?
And managed by a hooker like Svetlana?
Why??
Fiona broke down completely. Tears flowed freely.
Unfair!!!
I work myself to death, working multiple jobs, yet I have nothing!
That hooker lives better than me so easily!!!
Fxxk!
Fxxk!!!
In a blink, Fiona stood motionless, face covered in tears, looking truly abandoned by the world.
People around reasonably cast glances at Fiona.
But there was almost no sympathy in those glances.
After all, sympathy for what?
Fiona had hands and feet, was young, yet clearly just came out of the food bank with handouts.
What's there to sympathize with?
Many shook their heads and went about their business.
Fiona cried silently for a while, then lifted her feet, heavy as lead. Like a zombie, she gritted her teeth and walked home.
---
Inside the Convenience Store.
Ian cried hard. Red-eyed, sitting behind the counter, drinking beer can after can.
By now, three cans down, Ian was a bit tipsy.
Phone rang again.
Ian picked it up. That strange number called several times before, calling again...
Ian was annoyed. He answered. "Who the fk keeps calling me!"
Lip heard this, surprised. "It's me. What's wrong with you?"
Hearing Lip's voice, Ian tried hard to suppress the surging annoyance in his chest. As calmly as possible, he said, "Something happened. What is it?"
"Tell me what happened," Lip put on his big brother airs.
"No need," Ian wasn't interested in confiding. "What do you want? Called me so many times."
Lip was smart. He heard the crying in Ian's voice. But since Ian said no need, he didn't ask. "I want you to do me a favor. After work, go to the Alibi. Ask the drunks if they need me to bring anything back from Canada..."
Lip explained his "brilliant" plan in one breath.
Finished, he added confidently with a smile, "We can make a lot of money on this!"
Hearing this.
Ian's anger soared. Veins popped on his forehead one by one. His free hand clenched into a fist!!!
Smuggling?
Another crime!
And saying it so proudly, like he's doing something great!!!
Fxxk!!!
Ian was going crazy. He fought to keep from screaming immediately. With extreme restraint, he asked in a low voice, "Lip, do you know what I was doing this morning?"
Lip didn't care, tossing back casually, "How should I know."
"I was trying to borrow money to pay your medical bill. I got it. I was going to contact you this afternoon and send it to you," Ian was about to lose it.
Hearing this, Lip practically exploded with rage. "What did you do? Who did you borrow that much money from? I said I would escape!"
"I already figured out how to trick the cop away. This hospital's security is a joke!"
"Why did you borrow so much money? Return it immediately!!"
Hearing Lip's words clearly, Ian was a hair's breadth away from roaring.
"Lip, will you never learn a lesson?"
"Have you thought about the consequences if you get caught again this time?"
"Last time, breaking and entering was your bright idea. What was the result?"
"In the very beginning, you desperately blocked Fiona from working at Dex Restaurant. What was the consequence?"
"Debbie kidnapping a kid—really has nothing to do with you?"
"Carl and Peg moving out—wasn't that your doing?"
"What exactly do you want? Tell me!"
Ian questioned rapidly.
Lip heard this and truly exploded, roaring, "Ian, what the fk are you saying! Everything is fking my fault? Are you sick in the head!"
"..."
Lip screamed for over a minute.
Ian couldn't take it. He screamed back. Screamed longer.
Finished.
Not wanting to speak to Lip ever again, even contemplating moving out to live with Carl and Peg, Ian asked one last time, "I'm asking once more. This medical bill, are you paying it or not?"
"Fxxk you! You idiot! I'm not paying!" Lip roared back.
"Good," Ian smiled and hung up decisively.
---
Canada, Hospital Stairwell.
Lip's rage was not only boiling but intensifying. He screamed a dozen "fxxks," almost smashing Tony's phone. He looked like a rabid dog.
About fifteen minutes later.
Lip calmed down slightly, smoked a few puffs, and called Fiona.
Connected.
"It's me, Lip," before Fiona could say anything, Lip spoke angrily, then launched into a vicious tirade against Ian.
Finished cursing.
"Fiona, you must make Ian return the money immediately!! How are we going to pay back that much money!! I won't pay this bill. I've already figured out how to get back. Don't worry, guaranteed no problem."
Fiona, just home, listened to Lip dazedly...
In the current Gallagher house, because she felt Lip was very smart, a genius, Fiona actually always supported Lip...
So.
Combined with the fact that she truly didn't want to bear such an expensive medical bill, plus the Gallagher house was out of ammo and food, and she had to swallow her pride to go to the food bank earlier...
So fking poor we can't eat!
Noble Ian wants the family to take on huge debt, wants everyone to follow the law, be law-abiding citizens!
Following the law is useless!
Surviving is what matters!
Fiona got angry too. Annoyed at Ian's unrealistic attitude, she expressed her support for Lip decisively. "Okay. Do it your way. I'll handle Ian."
Team formed.
Lip felt relieved hearing this. "Also, I have a plan to make some money..."
Lip explained the smuggling idea to Fiona.
Fiona, who didn't really have a mind of her own, hesitated. "Doing this, how will you come back with Tony? Tony won't..."
"Tony is an idiot. I can fool him... Even if it really doesn't work, I'll find another way back. I know some people who can bring me back."
"Trust me," Lip said with certainty.
Fiona wasn't reassured. "Really?"
"Really!" Lip emphasized. Then he listed some names. "These guys have done this plenty of times. No problem at all. I already contacted them. Don't worry."
Smuggling things back from Canada wasn't rare in the South Side.
Fiona had heard of it, so her worry decreased a bit.
But only a bit.
"Let me think about it. I'll call you later," Fiona lacked guts, needed to think, and said with conflict.
"ASAP! We need this money," Lip replied.
"Yeah," Fiona replied, looking at the food bank food in front of her.