Chapter 4

On a rare weekend off, I purchased full-body health checkups for my parents through a group deal. They weren’t happy about it. "Daughter, why waste money on this? Use that 500 yuan to buy yourself something nice to eat. "Living alone outside, you need to take care of yourself. Don’t skimp on food and drink. And if you’re short on money, don’t hesitate to ask us." Hearing their voices, my emotions suddenly unraveled. Covering my mouth, I sobbed uncontrollably. My parents are farmers who toil all year long, barely earning enough to get by. But they are incredibly frugal when it comes to themselves. In my previous life, when my mom was diagnosed with late-stage cancer, she refused treatment to avoid "wasting" money. After she passed, I found all their savings hidden beneath the bed in our old house. My aunt explained that they had been saving every penny throughout their lives to prepare a dowry for me. Even the money I sent them for living expenses and my mother’s eventual medical bills were untouched, every cent intact. "Dad, Mom, I’m doing so well out here. It’s you two who need to stop scrimping and saving all year round." "This health check is non-negotiable—the money’s already been paid, and it’s non-refundable." After chatting about life and ensuring they wouldn’t skip the checkup, I sent a payment to my aunt. "Auntie, could you please take my parents to the city for their health checks this weekend? "By the way, don’t let it slip that the checkups cost 1,600 yuan. It was actually just 500 for both of them. Don’t say a word about the real cost, okay?" Once I had arranged for their health checks, I finally felt a bit of relief. After all, aside from seeking vengeance, the most important goal in this second chance at life is ensuring my parents stay healthy.