After returning to Smoky Town, Mom gets a precarious income from Granny Tsuna. However, she can always take Sha Ting with her and teach her a lot of things. The elder brother continued to work as an apprentice. Dad was in the business of reselling ore in the port.

When the winter is over, it is time for Sha Ting to go to school, and she takes out her little money bag, but retreats after being kissed and praised by her mother. Mom took out the accumulated salary, and Dad added some of it, which was enough for Sha Ting's tuition, and she happily went to school.

What seems like a hopeful life is shattered by sudden variables.

Dad sent a whole shipload of ore that was supposed to be paid for within 10 days, but the fleet has not been heard from. The ore was staked with all of Daddy's money. He waited every day in the harbor for news, then went home disappointed, pacing the antechamber almost all night, babbling and scolding everything he could think of—blind gods, changing weather, greedy mine owners, damned captains.

In late spring and early summer, news came. After the captain landed on Lingshen Island, he sold all his cargo and fleet and disappeared.

The father almost broke down. He drank a lot, and every two or three days he had a frightening drunken madness, which made the whole family uneasy.

He fell and smashed at home, roaring loudly: "It's cold, everyone else is resting, only I am collecting ore!" It's just me! Who am I for? The captain has a bad reputation, but who makes me need money? What do I need that money for, wife? Use that money to make my ordinary daughter as good as you, and then marry a husband who loses money like me, and sweep the dishes and bowls behind him? We could have had a pretty good time! Who got me where I am today? Who is it? ”

He strode impulsively back and forth in the house, and from time to time rushed to his mother and asked her, "Don't look like you're swallowing your anger!" I've heard enough stories about you! If it weren't for that unrealistic fantasy you gave Sha Ting! If it weren't for the drag you gave us from the four-fingered boy! If it weren't for the bad luck of your dirty work! We could have had a pretty good time! The gods bear witness! I could have had a good time! ”

Mom endured Dad's alcohol and crazy words, pursed her lips and didn't answer, and lowered her head to clean up the mess.

In the dark attic, the brother and sister huddled together and listened silently. Yaxun hid her right hand deep in her cuff, and Sha Ting prayed in her heart that her father would get drunk and stop talking.

The days still have to go on.

When she didn't go to work at Granny Dai's, her mother went to the mountains to pick some herbs to make and sell. Occasionally, she visits people in the town who are seriously ill, and her income is barely enough to feed and wear her family. Dad went to the port to look for some short-term errands, and soon found a new partner. The elder brother continued his apprenticeship, and Satine went to school with trepidation.

But soon, Sha Ting's life took a sharp turn for the worse.

One evening at the end of summer, my mother came home and said that she was a little dizzy, so she cooked some noodles for Satene and went to bed.

Mom contracted yellow fever. He died ten days later.

The home that lost its mom began to become a less reliable existence. At the age of seven, Sha Ting's childhood was completely over.

"What? You don't like to hear me talk anymore? Before you left the house, you put up a shelf? Serenin's sharp voice pulled Sha Ting out of her memory.

"Not Mother!" Sha Ting stirred the noodles in the basin, "I just want to make you and Dad a good breakfast before leaving." I keep the dedication of both of you in my heart! I will definitely repay you. ”

Serenin walked up to Satine, tilting her head and turning the thin gold ring on the middle finger of her left hand.

She must have done it on purpose, Sha Ting thought to herself.

It was her mother's ring, her mother's fingers were full and slender, and Sha Ting remembered that she had always worn the ring on her ring finger, and Seren's shriveled and thin fingers couldn't hold it up, so she had to change it to her middle finger, but she still insisted on wearing it.

"You should repay me." Seren snorted, "Don't forget, even your mother's and brother's graves were bought at my expense!" If I hadn't gotten your brother a job, would you have been able to study? If I hadn't interceded for you, would you have been able to study medicine with that witch? My own son didn't even let him go to school! The gods bear witness that in order for your petition to pass, I sincerely make a vow to the gods every day. If you can finally go to the Golden Crow-in Temple, my prayers will also be credited! ”

Sha Ting put down the basin in her hand and turned to face Serenin, "Mother." I know! Never forget! Do you want me to kneel down and kowtow to you? ”

Serenin took two steps back and shook her head with a wave of her hand, "Ahh I'm so kind, do you want me to get sick because of guilt? Besides, if your dad saw it, what would it be! ”

She stretched out her cold hand and patted Sha Ting's cheek gently, the thick smell of fat powder emanating from the lace sleeve, "Although I am not your biological mother, but for you, Sha Ting," she exaggeratedly tugged at the clothes in her heart, "I have a clear conscience about you!" ”

"Yes Mother, I know." Sha Ting replied in a low voice. She put down the basin and started to light a fire.

"Is breakfast a pancake? Please add me an egg, your dad wants eggs too! By the way, do you still have the bolognese we brought back? Let's warm it up later! "Ah, I'll go out first, and I won't be able to wear this dress anymore!" ”

She dragged her shoes out and closed the kitchen door.