The store was silent.
Only the faint scratching of pen against paper echoed through the room.
Mei Lin didn't stop.
Not once.
---
The oil lamp burned low.
Outside, the town slowly fell asleep.
Inside—
She worked.
Page after page.
Line after line.
A full novel.
Dense. Long. Complex.
But to her—
It was nothing.
Her past life experience flowed naturally through her hands.
Language wasn't something she struggled with anymore—
It obeyed her.
---
Hours passed.
The night deepened.
Then slowly—
The first light of dawn appeared.
---
Mei Lin placed her pen down.
The final page.
Completed.
---
She stretched her fingers slightly.
Her body was tired.
But her eyes—
Clear.
Satisfied.
---
Before the shop opened—
She washed her face, straightened her clothes, and sat quietly, waiting.
---
Footsteps.
The door opened.
Lan Yue's husband entered.
He paused—
Seeing her already awake.
"You didn't sleep?" he asked.
Mei Lin stood.
"I finished it."
She placed the translated manuscript in front of him.
"I'll be leaving today."
A pause.
"Can you process the payment?"
---
He looked at the thick stack of papers.
Then at her.
Then back at the papers.
He opened it.
Read a few lines.
Then more.
His expression turned serious again.
Then—
Slowly—
He nodded.
"I'll submit this."
He reached into his drawer.
Took out money.
Counted it.
Placed it in front of her.
"1600 yuan."
Then—
Coupons.
"Five ration coupons."
---
Mei Lin's fingers paused slightly.
Even though she expected success—
This amount…
Was still significant.
---
"Once it's approved," he added,
"there will be more work."
---
Mei Lin nodded.
"Thank you."
Then she spoke again—
Calm.
Direct.
"You can send books and papers to me."
"I'll translate and post them back."
---
He looked at her carefully.
Then—
Agreed.
"…Alright."
He took out another document.
Stamped it.
"This is your Level 2 translator pass."
He handed it to her.
---
Mei Lin took it.
Her fingers tightened slightly.
A small piece of paper—
But it meant stability.
Identity.
Future.
---
For the first time—
A genuine smile appeared on her face.
---
"I'll come back for my things later," she said.
Then she left.
---
The county streets were already waking up.
Shops opening.
People moving.
Life continuing.
---
She went to the community store first.
Picked carefully.
A set of clothes for Lan Yue.
For her husband.
For their child.
And a packet of sugar and toffees.
---
At the translation store—
She handed them to Lan Yue's husband.
"Give these to her," she said.
"A treat."
---
He frowned slightly.
"That's not necessary."
---
Mei Lin shook her head.
"I got the job."
Her tone was calm.
"But it matters."
---
After a moment—
He accepted.
"…Alright."
---
Then—
Mei Lin walked toward the larger supply store.
---
This time—
She didn't hesitate.
She bought everything.
---
Three sets of ready-made clothes—for herself, her husband, her daughter.
Two night sets—for each of them.
One set each—for:
Mother-in-law
Father-in-law
Brother-in-law
Sister-in-law
Three nephews
---
Toiletries.
Towels. Toothbrush. Soap.
---
Grain:
40 kg wheat
40 kg rice
---
Meat:
20 pounds mixed pork and chicken
10 pounds seafood
For in-laws:
5 pounds pork
5 pounds chicken
---
Daily items:
5 kg sugar
5 kg salt
Soy sauce
Vinegar
Storage jars
---
And finally—
Toffees.
For her daughter.
For the children.
---
The staff watched in disbelief.
Whispers spread quietly.
"Who is she…?"
"How can she buy so much?"
"She must be from a wealthy family…"
---
Mei Lin remained calm.
She paid.
300 yuan.
Without hesitation.
---
The shopkeeper smiled widely.
"Come again next time!"
---
Mei Lin nodded slightly.
Then asked—
"Can you arrange delivery to the brigade?"
---
The shopkeeper immediately agreed.
"Yes, yes! We'll send it by transport."
---
Mei Lin stepped outside.
The sun had risen fully now.
The world felt brighter.
Lighter.
---
For the first time—
She wasn't just surviving.
She was building.
---
And when she returned—
Everything would change.
The road back to the brigade felt different.
Not long.
Not tiring.
But… full.
---
The cart creaked slowly as it moved along the dusty path.
Bags piled high—grain, cloth, jars, bundles of goods tied tightly with rope.
The cart driver kept glancing back.
Still unable to hide his shock.
"You bought all this?" he asked again.
Mei Lin sat calmly beside the goods.
"Yes."
He shook his head.
"…You really didn't leave?"
There was curiosity in his voice.
And disbelief.
Mei Lin smiled faintly.
"Why would I leave?"
"My husband is here."
---
The man didn't ask more.
But his eyes changed.
Respect.
---
When the brigade came into view—
Mei Lin's heart softened.
Home.
This time—
She was returning.
Not running away.
---
The cart stopped outside her house.
The driver helped unload everything.
One bundle after another.
The small yard quickly filled.
He stared at the pile, still stunned.
"You… really made money?"
Mei Lin handed him a small coin.
"Thank you."
He left, shaking his head in amazement.
---
Mei Lin stood in the yard.
Looking at everything.
A quiet satisfaction rose in her chest.
This is mine.
This is what I can give them.
---
She didn't waste time.
She went inside.
---
First—
Grain.
She poured wheat and rice into large jars.
Carefully.
Neatly.
---
Then—
Condiments.
Salt. Sugar. Soy sauce. Vinegar.
Each placed properly.
---
Clothes—
Folded and arranged in the wooden cabinet.
For herself.
For Ming Li.
For their daughter.
---
Toiletries—
Set beside the washing area.
Everything clean.
Everything prepared.
---
The house—
Slowly changed.
From empty—
To full.
From cold—
To lived.
---
When she finished—
She paused.
Looked around.
Then took a breath.
---
Next—
Her in-laws.
---
She picked up a bundle.
Clothes.
Meat.
Sugar.
Gifts.
Not too much—
But enough to show sincerity.
---
She walked next door.
---
Inside—
Her mother-in-law and sister-in-law were in the kitchen.
Preparing lunch.
The smell of cooking filled the air.
---
They turned—
And froze.
---
"…You're back?"
Her mother-in-law's voice held surprise.
And suspicion.
---
Her sister-in-law's eyes dropped immediately to the things in Mei Lin's hands.
Then widened.
"So much?"
---
Mei Lin stepped inside calmly.
Placed the bundle down.
"These are for you," she said.
---
Silence.
Neither woman moved.
---
Her mother-in-law slowly looked at the items.
Clothes.
Meat.
Sugar.
Things that were not easy to get.
---
Her sister-in-law's expression changed.
From shock—
To something else.
Uneasy.
---
"Why are you giving us this?" she asked slowly.
---
Mei Lin met her eyes.
"You've taken care of my daughter," she said simply.
"And… the family."
---
Her mother-in-law didn't speak.
But her expression grew complicated.
---
Because in their minds—
This didn't feel like gratitude.
---
It felt like—
A farewell.
---
Her sister-in-law's lips pressed tightly.
"…So you're really leaving," she said.
---
Mei Lin frowned slightly.
"No."
---
But they didn't hear it.
Or maybe—
They didn't believe it.
---
Her mother-in-law's face darkened slightly.
"So this is goodbye?"
Her voice was quieter now.
But heavier.
---
Mei Lin shook her head.
"I didn't come to say goodbye."
---
She straightened slightly.
"I came to invite you."
---
"Tonight."
"Dinner at my house."
---
Silence.
---
Her mother-in-law and sister-in-law looked at each other.
Confusion.
Doubt.
And something else—
Fear.
---
Because everything about this—
Felt like the calm before separation.
---
Her sister-in-law forced a smile.
"…Alright."
---
Her mother-in-law didn't respond immediately.
But after a moment—
She nodded once.
---
Mei Lin didn't explain more.
Didn't argue.
Didn't try to convince.
---
She simply said,
"I'll prepare."
---
Then she turned—
And left.
---
Behind her—
The two women stood still.
---
Her sister-in-law spoke first.
"…She's definitely leaving."
---
Her mother-in-law didn't answer.
But her expression had already changed.
---
Because deep down—
They were thinking the same thing.
---
This is her final meal.
---
And for the first time—
They felt uneasy.
The afternoon sun hung low over the brigade.
Children's laughter echoed from the open ground near the houses.
Mei Lin stepped out of her yard.
She knew exactly where to go.
Her daughter would be there—
Playing with her cousin and the other children.
---
As she walked closer—
The laughter didn't sound right.
It was sharper.
Mocking.
---
She stopped.
Her eyes narrowed.
---
A small group of children stood in a circle.
At the center—
Her daughter.
---
The little girl's head was lowered.
Her hands clenched tightly at her sides.
Her cousin stood beside her, trying to shield her.
"Stop saying that!" her nephew shouted.
But the other children only laughed.
---
"Your mother ran away!"
"She eloped with someone!"
"She took money and won't come back!"
"You don't even have a real mother anymore!"
---
Each word—
Like stones thrown at a child too small to defend herself.
---
Mei Lin's heart dropped.
Cold.
Sharp.
Painful.
---
In her past life—
This had happened.
And she had never known.
---
Her daughter—
Had endured this alone.
---
Something inside Mei Lin snapped.
---
She walked forward.
Fast.
Silent.
Until—
She reached them.
---
Without warning—
She grabbed one child by the ear.
Then another.
---
"Ow! Ow! What are you doing?!"
The children cried out in shock.
---
Mei Lin's voice was cold.
"Who taught you to bully others?"
---
The children froze.
They had never seen her like this.
---
"You think saying such things makes you strong?" she continued.
"Or just cruel?"
---
Her grip wasn't harsh—
But it was firm enough to make them understand.
---
"If I hear you say this again—"
She leaned slightly closer.
"I won't just pull your ears."
"I'll spank every one of you."
---
Her voice wasn't loud.
But it carried authority.
---
The children's faces turned pale.
They nodded quickly.
"Yes! Yes! We won't say it again!"
---
She released them.
They scattered instantly.
Running away without looking back.
---
Silence returned.
---
Then—
Small footsteps.
---
Her daughter ran toward her.
"Mother!"
She hugged Mei Lin tightly.
As if afraid she would disappear again.
---
"Look!" the little girl said, her voice full of excitement.
"My mother came back!"
She turned, shouting proudly toward the retreating children.
"You're wrong! My mother didn't leave me!"
---
Mei Lin's heart softened.
She knelt down.
Pulled her daughter into her arms.
"I'm here," she said softly.
"I won't go anywhere."
---
The child nodded quickly.
Completely believing her.
---
Mei Lin looked at her nephew.
"Are you alright?" she asked gently.
The boy nodded.
"I protected her," he said proudly.
---
Mei Lin smiled.
"You did well."
---
She reached into her pocket.
Took out toffees.
Placed them in his hand.
"This is for you."
---
His eyes lit up.
"Thank you, Aunt!"
---
She gave a few more to the children nearby.
Then stood up.
---
"Let's go home," she said.
---
Her daughter immediately held her hand.
Tightly.
As if she would never let go again.
---
And this time—
Mei Lin didn't pull away.
The kitchen was warm.
Steam rose gently from the pot as Mei Lin stirred the braised chicken.
The rich aroma filled the house.
Rice had already been cooked.
Side dishes arranged neatly.
Everything prepared with care.
---
Beside her—
Her daughter stood on a small stool.
"Mother, can I help?" she asked eagerly.
Mei Lin smiled.
"Yes. Bring those bowls."
The little girl carefully carried them, placing them on the table one by one.
Her face was full of pride.
---
The table was set.
Simple—
But abundant.
More than what this house usually saw.
---
Mei Lin wiped her hands.
Then glanced toward the door.
"They should be coming soon…"
---
Meanwhile—
At the main house—
Ming Li had just returned.
He stepped inside and immediately noticed the atmosphere.
Heavy.
Quiet.
Unusual.
---
"Where's my daughter?" he asked.
His mother looked at him.
"Mei Lin came and took her."
---
Ming Li paused.
Then—
A small, almost invisible smile appeared.
"…She came back."
---
But before that feeling could settle—
His father spoke.
"She brought gifts."
Ming Li looked up.
"She invited us for dinner."
A pause.
"Wants to talk about divorce."
---
The smile disappeared.
His expression darkened slightly.
---
His father continued calmly,
"You'll divorce her."
"No need to keep contact."
"We'll go, listen to what she says."
"No need to eat."
---
His mother nodded.
"That's right. We don't want her sympathy."
---
His sister-in-law added,
"She's just trying to look good before leaving."
---
Everyone agreed.
---
Ming Li didn't argue.
He didn't speak.
He simply lowered his gaze.
And walked out with them.
---
When they reached—
They stopped.
---
The table.
Full.
Food arranged neatly.
Braised chicken.
Rice.
Side dishes.
---
But instead of warmth—
Their expressions grew colder.
---
"This really looks like a farewell meal," his sister-in-law muttered.
---
Before anyone could say more—
A small hand grabbed Ming Li's fingers.
---
"Father!"
His daughter looked up at him brightly.
"Let's wash hands! Mother said we should eat together!"
---
Her innocent smile—
Softened something.
---
No one refused.
---
One by one—
They washed their hands.
Sat down.
Not because they believed—
But because they didn't want to disappoint the child.
---
Mei Lin stood near the table.
Calm.
Composed.
"Please eat," she said.
---
But her father-in-law raised his hand.
"First—"
His voice was firm.
"Say what you want to say."
---
Silence fell.
---
Mei Lin nodded.
Then—
She reached into her sleeve.
And took out a paper.
---
She handed it to him.
---
He frowned slightly.
Took it.
Read.
---
His expression—
Changed.
---
From authority—
To shock.
---
"This…"
His voice lowered.
He read it again.
Carefully.
Then passed it to Ming Li.
---
Ming Li took it.
His eyes scanned the document.
Then—
He froze.
---
A translator pass.
Official.
Stamped.
Level 2.
---
He looked up at her.
Disbelief clear in his eyes.
---
"What is it?" his mother asked impatiently.
---
Mei Lin spoke calmly.
"I found work."
---
Silence.
---
"As a translator."
---
Her mother-in-law blinked.
"…What?"
---
Mei Lin continued,
"I translated books."
"I earned 1600 yuan."
---
The words fell like thunder.
---
"1600…?!" her sister-in-law almost stood up.
---
Her mother-in-law's voice turned sharp.
"Is this legal?"
---
Mei Lin nodded.
"Yes."
"It's official work."
---
Ming Li's fingers tightened slightly around the paper.
He understood.
More than anyone.
---
This wasn't ordinary.
This—
Was rare.
---
Her father-in-law looked at her again.
This time—
Not with suspicion.
But with seriousness.
---
After a long pause—
He nodded.
"…Good."
---
That one word—
Carried approval.
---
Her mother-in-law's expression softened.
"You really did this?"
---
Mei Lin nodded.
---
The tension—
Broke.
---
"Then why didn't you say earlier?" her sister-in-law said, half shocked, half relieved.
---
Her daughter clapped her hands.
"I told you! Mother won't leave!"
---
This time—
No one argued.
---
"Eat," Mei Lin said again softly.
---
And this time—
They did.
---
The atmosphere changed.
---
They tasted the food.
Surprised.
"It's good," her mother-in-law said unconsciously.
---
Her sister-in-law nodded.
"Better than usual."
---
Even Ming Li—
Ate quietly.
But didn't stop.
---
Conversation slowly returned.
Light.
Natural.
---
For the first time—
They weren't sitting at the table as people waiting for separation—
But as a family.
---
And Mei Lin—
Sat among them.
Not as someone leaving—
But as someone who had come back.