Night fell early in Rinzhou in winter.
The wind swept up the dead leaves on the ground, making them rustle.
Yuan Su had just returned from outside.
A stubborn chill clung to him, and flecks of mud stained the hem of his black coat. He looked both sharp-edged and exhausted.
Lately, he had visited almost every well-known law firm in Rinzhou.
The advice he received was more or less the same-
"The sum is too large, and the chain of evidence is against you."
"Either repay the money and sign a settlement."
"Or wait for the forensic results. But that takes time-a very long time. There are no shortcuts."
The nursing home had called that afternoon. The caregiver had tactfully reminded him that the fees he had paid in advance would last until the Lunar New Year at most. After that, if no new payment came in, his mother's medication would have to be stopped.
He neither wanted nor dared to think about what would happen if her medication stopped.
And right now, apart from the workers' wages and the factory's basic operating costs, every cent he earned was in that supervised account.
He could see it, but he couldn't use it.
He even had to think twice about whether he could afford a bottle of water.
What made him most anxious was that winter break was almost here.
Knowing Pu Yu, she would definitely come to Rinzhou.
Then there would be no hiding his wretched situation: barred from traveling, saddled with enormous debt, and nearly penniless.
How was he supposed to face her?
Let her see him struggling in this mire?
Or drag her down with him and make her help repay his debts?
Yuan Su pushed open the office door and rubbed between his brows wearily. He didn't