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Watch the full short drama with English subtitles. CEO, billionaire, revenge, betrayal — complete story in one video.
#FullMovie #MedievalAction #SwordFight #WarMovie #ActionMovie
#moviedrama #actiondrama #drama #revenge #fullmovie #englishsub #actionmovie #dramaaction #action #love #betrayal #drama2026 #movie #movies #bestmovie #newmovie #waraction #warmovie
#shortdrama #ceodrama #drama #revenge #fullmovie #englishsub #reelshort #dramabox #miniseries #love #betrayal #drama2026
#NOFAKE
#REALMOVIE
#shortdrama #bestdrama #actionmovie #Drama #Film #Show #Anime #Movie #cdrama #Movies #BILLIONAIRE #dramashort #shortfilmdrama #minidrama #shortstorydrama #webdrama #indiedrama #shortfilmseries #shortdramaseries #dramashorts #englishmovie #drama #movieshortfull
#BillionaireObsession #VirginAuction #MrDelaney #AlphaRomance #DarkDesire #SoldToHim #DailymotionDrama
#goodfilms romance #bestfilmromance #romance #filmromance #drama romance
#fullmovie2026 #Dramavideo #trending #short movie #full phim #short phim #hot drama #new drama #full drama #short drama #movie #action movie #earth #lighttv #super vip #FullMovie #action #newmovie #hotmovie #hot #hotfilm #Fullfilm
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Short filmTranscript
00:00I was my parents' third child.
00:02When mom was pregnant with me, a fortune teller said it had to be a boy.
00:05They were thrilled.
00:07She hid everywhere to avoid being seen.
00:09I was born in December.
00:11And I'm a girl.
00:12The moment I was born, everyone's face dropped.
00:15Grandma took away the eggs she'd brought to help my mother recover.
00:19My dad carried me outside.
00:20He meant to abandon me in a gully.
00:22But he ran into the village chief.
00:24The chief talked him out of it.
00:26He said, girls don't eat much.
00:28Raise her a few years and she can help with chores.
00:30He also said he'd return the confiscated tables and chairs.
00:33So, dad carried me back home.
00:34Two months later, mom got pregnant again.
00:37They hid away again to give birth.
00:39Relied on my big sister Beth.
00:40She fed me thin rice soup.
00:42Later she joked about it.
00:44Said I was tough as a kid.
00:46By six months I was eating half a bowl of rice.
00:48Was I trying to be tough?
00:50No.
00:50I just had no choice.
00:52Mom finally had a son.
00:54No more hiding.
00:55She walked with her head held high.
00:57Her voice got louder too.
00:58She carried James around the village.
01:00She made fun of the women who had no sons.
01:02No one took care of me.
01:03Most of the time I was tied to the bed.
01:06Honestly, it's a miracle I lived.
01:08At five, it was time for school.
01:10Nine years of school was already mandatory.
01:13But school cost money.
01:15My parents wouldn't pay.
01:16Then I got really sick.
01:17I kept running a fever.
01:19Coughed all night long.
01:20James started coughing too.
01:22Mom took us to see the local doctor.
01:24He said I might have pneumonia.
01:25I should go to a county hospital.
01:27We'd need about $300.
01:29And I should stay apart to avoid infecting other kids.
01:32It was almost dark on the way back.
01:34Mom held James and walked fast.
01:36I could barely catch my breath.
01:38No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't catch up.
01:40I kept calling mom.
01:42But she didn't even turn her head.
01:43That day, it was freezing.
01:45My hands and feet were numb.
01:47My stomach was empty.
01:48The world started spinning.
01:50Then I blacked out.
01:51When I woke up, I was lying on a soft bed.
01:54Some older boys stood around the bed,
01:56staring at me like I was a stray puppy.
01:59When they saw I was awake, they started chattering.
02:02Soon after, a chubby woman came in with a bowl of hot porridge with an egg in it.
02:06After I gobbled it down, Auntie Maeve said she'd take me home.
02:09This village isn't that big.
02:11Just a little asking around and you'd know whose child I am.
02:13She carried me on her back.
02:15The boys kept calling me sister.
02:16They never stopped talking.
02:18Halfway there, it snowed.
02:19The oldest boy took off his gloves for me.
02:21When we reached my house, I heard Beth ask,
02:24Where's Mindy?
02:24She didn't come back last night.
02:26My mom was feeding James.
02:27She was annoyed and said,
02:29Better if she just died out there, so she won't infect James.
02:32I started coughing hard.
02:34Mom pushed the door open.
02:35Her face fell when she saw me.
02:37My dad swore and growled, asking why I was still alive.
02:41After Auntie Maeve handed me over, she left with the boys.
02:43The snow got heavier.
02:45I stood in the yard, watching them walk away.
02:47The oldest boy gave me his gloves, but I was still so cold.
02:50Dad told me to go feed the pigs, but I didn't move.
02:53He came out with a broom to hit me.
02:56Then Auntie Maeve ran back and stopped him.
02:58She looked straight at me and let out a deep sigh.
03:00How about letting me raise Mindy?
03:03My family needs a girl.
03:10Auntie Maeve paid $50.
03:12With the village chief and several elders as witnesses, I became her daughter.
03:16When I was leaving, my birth mom sneered.
03:19She's sickly and bad luck.
03:20Take her if you want.
03:22But don't bring her back in the future.
03:24We won't take her.
03:25And don't expect the money back.
03:27My new mom gave me my brother's clothes, bought me thick socks and warm winter shoes.
03:31I got a steamed egg every day.
03:32At night she held me.
03:34She was soft and warm.
03:36At night I tried to hold back my coughs.
03:38She gently patted my back.
03:39My three brothers were kind.
03:41Any snacks or toys, they gave them to me first.
03:44Life felt so good.
03:45I could hardly believe it.
03:47It felt like a dream.
03:49The weather grew colder.
03:50My new dad came home one week before New Year.
03:52He worked at construction sites.
03:54He only came home for holidays or harvest season.
03:57He was tall and strong, rarely smiling.
03:59When mom pushed me forward, his brows tightened.
04:02He didn't like me.
04:03That night I pretended to sleep.
04:05I heard him say,
04:06Barely get by.
04:08How can we raise another kid?
04:10You were reckless.
04:11He barely eats anyway.
04:12That's not the point.
04:13If you raise her, it's for a lifetime.
04:16You-
04:16Mom said softly,
04:17I'm out of money.
04:18You still have some, right?
04:20Tomorrow I'll take her to the hospital.
04:21Her cough's getting worse.
04:23Dad let out a long sigh.
04:24Then I heard soft rustling,
04:26like someone handling clothes.
04:28Next day, mom woke me up before dawn.
04:30She'd take me to the hospital.
04:32Back then, rural folks had no medical insurance.
04:34People just endured illness.
04:35Few ever went to hospitals.
04:37Flung to the doorframe tightly.
04:38I didn't want them to spend money on me.
04:40I feared they'd see me as a burden
04:42and send me back to my birth parents.
04:43We stood there for a long time.
04:45Dad finally got up.
04:46He scooped me up and hoisted me onto his back,
04:48put on my shoes and headed out.
04:50Guess God took pity on me.
04:51Halfway there,
04:52we ran into a doctor visiting home.
04:54He checked my pulse,
04:56said it wasn't anything serious.
04:57It's just long-term weakness.
04:59I just needed rest.
05:01I'd get better slowly.
05:02He even wrote a prescription
05:03but didn't take any payment.
05:05Mom got the herbs for me.
05:06After three days,
05:07I felt much better.
05:08It was now December 28th.
05:10Every home was prepping for New Year.
05:12It was the last market day of the year.
05:14Mom learned I'd never been to one.
05:16So she took me and my brothers to see it.
05:18Dad didn't go.
05:19The contractor called him to fix their roof.
05:21Dad didn't want to do the work for nothing.
05:23But the contractor owed him wages.
05:25He figured he'd fix the roof
05:27and get his pay at the same time.
05:28Back then,
05:29delayed pay was common.
05:31Sometimes people worked hard for a whole year,
05:33only to never get paid.
05:34So not many people went out for work back then.
05:36During the holidays,
05:37the market was packed.
05:38Mom bought a sugar-coated hawthorn for me,
05:40but not for my brothers.
05:42I'd never seen such a crowd.
05:44My eyes couldn't take it all in.
05:45Then suddenly,
05:46I saw a little boy.
05:47Everyone on the street was happy.
05:49But he was held down by a middle-aged couple,
05:52tearful and struggling with all his strength.
05:54His mouth was wide open,
05:56but like a fish out of water,
05:57he couldn't make a sound.
05:58I tugged on Mom's sleeve.
05:59Auntie Maeve,
06:00look at that boy.
06:01He's acting strange.
06:07Mom took a quick glance at him.
06:09Nothing seemed unusual.
06:10He was well-dressed,
06:11but barefoot.
06:12Not just that,
06:14his feet were bleeding from rubbing on the ground.
06:16Mom frowned,
06:17staring at those people.
06:18The middle-aged couple panicked.
06:20They tried dragging the boy toward a tricycle.
06:22Mom pulled us along and rushed forward.
06:24She'd always been kind-hearted.
06:26The couple spoke with an accent,
06:28claimed the boy was their son.
06:30They told Mom to mind her own business.
06:32But when Mom asked the boy,
06:34he cried and shook his head hard.
06:36Crowd quickly gathered.
06:37When Mom asked to see their IDs
06:38and said she'd take them to the station,
06:40the couple panicked.
06:41In the chaos,
06:42they dropped the boy
06:43and sped off on the tricycle.
06:45Mom led us to the station.
06:47Just as we reached the entrance,
06:48fat woman from the village rushed over.
06:50You're still meddling in other people's business?
06:52Your husband fell off the roof.
06:54You should go check.
06:55Mom panicked.
06:56She was a substitute teacher,
06:58earning barely anything.
06:59The main income came from Dad.
07:01If something happened to him,
07:02we'd be in serious trouble.
07:04My brothers and I were terrified.
07:05But Mom quickly calmed down.
07:07She went to report to the station.
07:09Then she told my big brother to take us home.
07:11She went straight to see Dad.
07:13Before leaving,
07:14she patted Leo's shoulder.
07:15You're the oldest now.
07:16Your siblings count on you.
07:17I trust you'll do well.
07:19That day,
07:20the snow fell hard.
07:21Leo led us back through deep snow.
07:24No one could laugh anymore.
07:26The candied hawthorn in my hand froze solid.
07:28I licked it.
07:29It tasted so sour.
07:30Leo made porridge.
07:31But we had no appetite.
07:33Only George was starving.
07:34He had a whole bowl.
07:35After dinner,
07:36our neighbor Mrs. Wells came by to tuck us in.
07:39She patted our heads,
07:40sighing the whole time.
07:41The wind howled all night.
07:43I barely slept a wink.
07:44At first light,
07:45Mom came back.
07:47Her eyes red.
07:47She looked tired.
07:48She gathered the hens
07:49and the cured fish and meat on the wall.
07:51She packed them all up,
07:53wore her rain boots,
07:54and went borrowing money.
07:55Dad's condition was very serious.
07:57The doctor said to prepare $10,000 first.
08:00Given the economic conditions back then,
08:01$10,000 was a huge sum.
08:03Dad worked a whole day
08:04at the construction site for only $15.
08:06The foreman said
08:07he stepped off the ladder himself.
08:09He was only willing to pay $200 for medical fees.
08:12Taking advantage of my dad being unconscious,
08:14he didn't even want to pay the wages he owed.
08:16He said the money had already been settled.
08:19Mom borrowed money from everyone in the village.
08:21She only managed to gather a little over $1,000.
08:24She took the valuable things from home,
08:25then hurried off to the town.
08:27I took a dozen eggs from the kitchen
08:28and ran after her.
08:29Mom,
08:30these can be sold for money too.
08:31This was the first time I called her mom.
08:34Children are always sensitive.
08:35I was terrified.
08:37Mom touched my head,
08:38her eyes red.
08:39Keep these for you to eat.
08:40Mindy,
08:41you'll always be our daughter.
08:43She told Leo to take good care of me and George.
08:45She told us not to worry.
08:47She would take care of Dad.
08:48The wind and snow were so heavy,
08:50they blurred mom's figure in the distance.
08:52There was no water in the tank at home.
08:54Leo went to the pond to fetch water.
08:56I went along with him.
08:57We ran into several women.
08:59My birth mother was among them.
09:00Someone sighed when they saw me there.
09:02They said if something happened to the Watsons,
09:03they might not be able to raise me.
09:05They might send me back then.
09:07My birth mother spat fiercely.
09:09She's a jinx.
09:11Tom was perfectly fine,
09:12but he fell off the roof after she came.
09:14If she comes back,
09:16we don't want her.
09:17I won't let her harm James.
09:18She might as well die outside.
09:20Leo grabbed my hand.
09:21His words hit like a hammer.
09:23Mindy is my sister.
09:24As long as I have food,
09:25she won't go hungry.
09:26We won't send her back.
09:27My eyes filled with tears instantly.
09:29My birth mother rolled her eyes.
09:31You little brat.
09:32You can't decide.
09:33Leo's face turned red with anger.
09:35Then Mrs. Wells sighed.
09:37Cindy,
09:38watch your words.
09:38Mindy came from your belly,
09:40and you don't wish her well?
09:42Others nodded in agreement.
09:44My birth mother looked annoyed,
09:45her voice dripping with sarcasm.
09:47How could I not wish her well?
09:48I wish her a rich and noble life,
09:50but she's not destined for that.
09:59That day at noon,
10:00I only ate a tiny bit of rice.
10:02If I ate less,
10:03mom and dad would have less to worry about.
10:05But Leo filled my bowl again.
10:07He put the last spoonful of stewed egg
10:09right on top of my rice.
10:10Finish it.
10:11He added a spoonful to George's bowl too.
10:13Eat more.
10:14George opened his mouth,
10:16struggled to speak.
10:17So he could talk after all.
10:19But his voice sounded strange.
10:21Maybe he was sick.
10:23That evening,
10:23Beth came to me.
10:24She looked at my clothes and asked,
10:26Did Auntie Maeve buy you these clothes?
10:28Nodded.
10:29She bought them for me.
10:30Beth frowned and lint closer.
10:32She whispered,
10:33Mom said,
10:33If Auntie Maeve doesn't want you,
10:35she'll send you to Lee Village
10:36to be a child bride.
10:38I came to warn you
10:39because you're my sister.
10:40That night,
10:41mom didn't return from the hospital.
10:43Mrs. Wells came to stay with us again.
10:45I had a bad dream.
10:47I dreamed I was sent back
10:48to my birth parents' home.
10:49They locked me in an iron cage
10:50and whipped me.
10:51I woke up terrified.
10:53I heard loud knocking
10:54and the village chief's urgent voice.
10:57Could dad be in trouble?
11:02Leo woke up too.
11:04He hurried to open the door.
11:05It turned out to be George's parents.
11:07Their clothes and shoes looked expensive.
11:10They looked anxious.
11:11Seeing George still half asleep,
11:13the middle-aged woman rushed up
11:15and hugged him.
11:15She cried out.
11:17George struggled for a long time
11:18and called out,
11:19Mom.
11:20The woman cried even harder.
11:22George gestured to explain.
11:24The couple understood what had happened.
11:26The woman held George,
11:28tears streaming down her face.
11:30She held my hand,
11:31thanking me over and over.
11:32She asked me,
11:33Mindy, what do you want?
11:34I'll buy it for you.
11:35I whispered,
11:36I just want dad to be safe.
11:37The village chief sighed
11:39and talked about my parents' situation.
11:40They're both kind-hearted.
11:42Mindy was adopted.
11:43Good people don't always get what they deserve.
11:45The man who had barely spoken finally said,
11:48Good people deserve good things.
11:49He patted my head.
11:50Your dad will be fine.
11:52That night, they stayed with us.
11:54The next morning,
11:55Uncle David and Auntie Lucy drove us to the town.
11:57It was my first time riding in a small car.
11:59Back then, no one really cared about overloading.
12:02We huddled together in the back seat,
12:04curious and nervous.
12:08We got to the hospital.
12:09Mom was there,
12:10begging the doctor to save dad.
12:12But we didn't have enough money.
12:14Uncle David said nothing.
12:15He paid for dad's surgery at once.
12:17Then a hospital director came out.
12:19They arranged the best doctor for dad.
12:21That afternoon,
12:22a man with a beer belly and a briefcase showed up.
12:24He brought the foreman along.
12:25They bowed and scraped before Uncle David,
12:28calling him Mr. Vance.
12:29The foreman paid all the wages he owed dad.
12:32He even said he'd cover the surgery costs.
12:35It felt like a dream.
12:36Our whole family was stunned.
12:38Mom kept thanking them.
12:40Auntie Lucy held her hand.
12:41If not for you,
12:42George would have been taken.
12:44If I lost him,
12:45my life would mean nothing.
12:47Her eyes reddened as she spoke.
12:49They cried together.
12:50I slowly pieced it together.
12:52Uncle David and Auntie Lucy were officials.
12:54They came back for the new year.
12:56They were always very busy.
12:57They had George in their 30s.
12:59Nanny usually watched him.
13:01But the nanny didn't come this time to help.
13:02They slipped up while shopping.
13:04George was taken by traffickers.
13:06Luckily, Mom stepped in.
13:07She saved George.
13:08And somehow,
13:09his previous silence was cured.
13:13Dad came out of surgery.
13:15The doctor said his leg was saved.
13:17Only then did I realize it was New Year's Eve.
13:19That year's reunion dinner was hosted by Uncle David at a hotel.
13:23Turns out there are lots of foods way better than braised pork.
13:27After dinner,
13:28they had to leave.
13:29George held my hand tight,
13:31stammering.
13:32Mindy, come.
13:33Auntie Lucy talked with Mom.
13:35Then she asked me if I'd go with them.
13:37That way I could see George and eat braised pork every day.
13:40I looked at Mom, scared.
13:42Did she think I was bad luck?
13:43Mom touched my head.
13:44Her eyes were red.
13:45They really like you.
13:47You'll live better with them.
13:48I grabbed her hand and shook my head hard.
13:51Auntie Lucy hugged me.
13:52Good kids never look down on their poor families.
13:55You're a good kid.
13:56We'll meet again someday.
13:57I watched them leave.
13:59Then I realized she had slipped some cash into my pocket.
14:04Dad had the surgery too late.
14:06Even the best surgeon couldn't avoid issues.
14:08He limped if he ran too fast.
14:10But back then,
14:11saving his leg was a miracle.
14:16So many people can't afford treatment and end up crippled or dead.
14:19Mom told everyone that if I hadn't pointed out George's problem,
14:22this family might have fallen apart.
14:24Even Dad called me his lucky charm.
14:26Everyone praised me.
14:27Only my birth parents didn't seem to care.
14:28If it weren't for her,
14:30Tom probably wouldn't have fallen off the beam.
14:32They still didn't like me.
14:33But that didn't matter.
14:35As long as Dad, Mom, and my brothers loved me,
14:37that was enough.
14:38On January 10th,
14:39Uncle David and Auntie Lucy drove up with George to pay a visit.
14:42They brought coffee, juice, and milk.
14:45All fancy gifts.
14:46They also bought us new clothes.
14:48The visit wasn't the main reason.
14:50Auntie Lucy said she could help Dad get a job as a factory guard.
14:53It's a temporary post.
14:54500 a month, meals included.
14:56It's much easier than construction work.
14:57She asked if he wanted it.
14:59As for Mom,
14:59she could apply at a new school in the town as a substitute teacher.
15:03If hired, and the students did well,
15:05she could become a permanent teacher.
15:07As for us,
15:07she could help arrange our transfers.
15:09Mom and Dad feared troubling them.
15:11But Auntie Lucy said it was nothing.
15:13She just hoped we could play with George more often.
15:18George stopped speaking after he went home.
15:20Until Aunt Lucy said they'd come see us.
15:22Then he stammered out a few words.
15:24News like this spread fast through the village.
15:27Before Uncle David and Auntie Lucy left,
15:29my birth parents showed up.
15:31My birth mother wore a smile.
15:33One she'd never shown before.
15:34She grabbed my hand and said,
15:36I suffered so much giving birth to Mindy.
15:38I'm her real mom.
15:40She held my hand tight,
15:41staring at Auntie Lucy.
15:43You should repay us,
15:44not them.
15:45My birth dad grabbed my arm too.
15:47Tom, we thought it over.
15:48We can't part with Mindy.
15:50We'll raise her ourselves.
15:51Mom panicked and tried to pull their hands off.
15:53Easy.
15:54Don't hurt her.
15:55But my birth parents didn't loosen a bit.
15:57Uncle David frowned in silent.
15:59Auntie Lucy stepped forward.
16:01She squatted down and asked me,
16:02Are they really your birth parents?
16:03Pressed my lips tight in silence.
16:05My birth mom yelled,
16:06Of course we are.
16:07Everyone in the village knows it.
16:09Auntie Lucy looked troubled.
16:10My birth mom smiled wide.
16:12Don't want much else.
16:13I just want my son to go study in the city
16:16and get us steady jobs.
16:17That's all we ask.
16:21I heard you two are big shots.
16:23This should be easy for you.
16:25The whole village was watching.
16:27Auntie Lucy just stared at me.
16:28I gathered all my courage and pointed at mom and dad.
16:31Slowly, clearly, I said,
16:32They are my real parents.
16:34My birth mom's face went pale.
16:35She kept cursing.
16:37My birth dad raised his hand to hit me.
16:39At that moment, dad stepped in.
16:41He shoved him hard.
16:42Don't you dare hit my daughter.
16:43Then he lifted me up and handed me to mom.
16:46Stand back.
16:47Dad usually doesn't say much.
16:48Now he grabbed a hoe from the corner.
16:50Mindy chose us, so you won't take her away.
16:53Then chaos broke out.
16:55Then the village chief stepped in,
16:56scolded my birth parents.
16:58You were paid to give Mindy away.
17:00So many people were watching.
17:02There's no way to take her back.
17:03The villagers all agreed.
17:05They said it's wrong to do that.
17:06My birth mom was embarrassed.
17:08She shouted loudly,
17:09I gave birth to her.
17:11That's the truth.
17:12Auntie Lucy smiled.
17:13Mindy helped George,
17:14but it was mostly Beth's brave act.
17:16Don't get the wrong idea.
17:18We treat Mindy well because of Beth.
17:20She grabbed a box of milk for birth mom.
17:22Take this for the kids.
17:24Don't argue on New Year's Day.
17:32We're just ordinary folk.
17:34We're not that influential.
17:36We can't just fix everything.
17:37My birth parents left empty-handed.
17:39They walked away dejected.
17:41I felt like I'd caused trouble.
17:43Tears started rolling down.
17:45Auntie Lucy patted my head.
17:46Don't cry.
17:47You did the right thing.
17:48It took my parents a few days to pack up our things.
17:51After the Lantern Festival,
17:53our whole family got into the car,
17:54as Auntie Lucy had sent for us.
17:56We arrived in the city.
17:57Dad is big and tall,
17:59a real honest and simple guy.
18:00The security head liked him.
18:02Back in our village,
18:03mom could teach Chinese
18:04from first to sixth grade in primary school.
18:07She passed the interview too.
18:09Auntie Lucy helped us rent a place near her home.
18:11It was just for convenience,
18:13so George could visit often.
18:15George and I went to the same school.
18:17We were both in preschool.
18:18He's very bright.
18:19Kids teased him for his stutter.
18:21He was often left out.
18:22I was scared of city folks too,
18:24but I knew I had to protect him.
18:26So whenever kids bullied him,
18:27I would stand in front of him.
18:29We come from a big family,
18:31so I kept encouraging him to speak.
18:32His speech slowly improved.
18:34By the time we hit third grade,
18:35he was top of the class.
18:37No more stuttering in class.
18:38And whenever he helped me,
18:40he'd call me a dummy.
18:43I'm not that smart, honestly.
18:45My grades were always mediocre.
18:46But my brothers were amazing.
18:48They were top of their class.
18:49Mom was always busy.
18:50She knew she had secured the job through connections.
18:53She gave it her all and never slacked.
18:55She even tutored on weekends to help with the bills.
18:58Her class always ranked high in the district exams.
19:01All her students loved her.
19:02When her first class graduated with honors,
19:05Mom passed her evaluation and became a staff teacher.
19:08We had a big meal that day,
19:10but she cried at night.
19:11Dad never slacked at work.
19:13Other guards slept on night duty, but not him.
19:15He stayed wide awake, patrolling all night long.
19:18He was too kind for his own good,
19:20always covering shifts for others.
19:21She was in seventh grade then.
19:22One day, he gave in again and covered a night shift.
19:25Two thieves broke in.
19:26The other guards stayed back, afraid of their knives.
19:29But Dad limped after them,
19:30refusing to give up even when stabbed.
19:33The police caught them later.
19:34They found some blueprints on one of the thieves.
19:36It was critical stuff.
19:38Losing it would have been a disaster.
19:44The thief confessed he was paid well to steal those plans.
19:47Auntie Lucy came to see Dad,
19:49telling him not to do it again.
19:50Life comes first.
19:52Dad just gave a silly grin.
19:53You got me this job.
19:54I can't let you down.
19:56And since I'm getting paid,
19:57I have to give it my all.
19:59Auntie Lucy was stunned and stayed silent for a while.
20:01The bosses came to visit.
20:03The head of security was retiring,
20:04so the manager promoted Dad.
20:07He had truly earned it.
20:08No one else could complain.
20:10Maybe it was also just luck.
20:11The factory assigned housing then.
20:13Dad wasn't even on the list,
20:15but since he was a hero and the new captain,
20:17they gave us a priority apartment.
20:19Auntie Lucy lent us some money,
20:20and with my parents' savings,
20:22our whole family moved into a three-bedroom apartment.
20:25One for Mom and Dad,
20:26one for my brothers,
20:27and one just for me.
20:29I never even dreamed I'd live in a real building,
20:32with a room of my own.
20:34Going back for New Year,
20:35everyone congratulated us.
20:36Only my birth mom whispered,
20:38You'll get married eventually.
20:39Even with a room now,
20:41the house won't be yours.
20:42She eyed my new shoes and asked,
20:44What size are those?
20:45James could probably wear them.
20:50That's a nice backpack.
20:52It'd be perfect for James.
20:53You got plenty of New Year money.
20:55Give some to James.
20:56So annoying.
20:57Since I was five,
20:58I no longer considered James my brother.
21:00The high school exams are coming.
21:02Mom hired me a private tutor.
21:04George helped me whenever he could.
21:05But I'm just not the academic type.
21:07No matter how hard I grind,
21:09my grades just won't improve.
21:11The night before the exam,
21:12Mom brought me some warm milk.
21:13Just relax and do your best.
21:15If it doesn't work out,
21:16I'll send you to nursing school.
21:18Being a nurse is a great career.
21:20Don't feel pressure.
21:21Grandma got sick after the exams.
21:23Mom took us home to visit her.
21:25Grandma has two sons and a daughter.
21:27Among all the grandchildren,
21:28I am the only girl.
21:29Even though I'm not her biological granddaughter,
21:31she has always been kind to me.
21:32Washed her face and hands.
21:34She pulled a pouch from her pillow
21:35to give me some pocket money.
21:37The day after we were back home,
21:39my birth mom showed up
21:40with a 200-pound mean-looking man.
21:43That was the husband she had arranged for me.
21:45What's the point of all that study?
21:47You won't pass anyway.
21:48Mr. Pierce owns a pig farm.
21:50He has hundreds of pigs.
21:52He's a bit older than you,
21:53but older men know how to provide.
21:55You'll be the boss's wife.
21:57It's a great deal.
22:00Mr. Pierce looked me up and down.
22:02He seemed very pleased.
22:04He held up two fingers,
22:05acting like a big shot.
22:06I'll pay $200,000 for the bride price.
22:08If you give birth to a son,
22:09I'll add another $100,000.
22:10My birth mom pulled mom aside.
22:12She whispered in her ear,
22:13I'll make it worth your while.
22:15Out of that 200K,
22:16I'll take 150,
22:17you take 50.
22:18You won't have raised her for nothing.
22:19Mom nearly fainted from rage.
22:21Mindy isn't even 16.
22:22My birth mom argued back.
22:24Youth is what makes her valuable.
22:26By 20,
22:26nobody will want her.
22:27Grandma sat straight up in bed.
22:29She shook as she reached for a broom.
22:31My uncles have short tempers.
22:33They grabbed hoes and axes.
22:35My brothers also armed themselves.
22:37Uncle Thomas raised his hoe at Mr. Pierce.
22:39Think you're special with some cash?
22:40Look in the mirror, you pig.
22:42You're not fit for my niece.
22:43My aunt was chopping in the kitchen.
22:45She ran at my birth mom with a knife.
22:47In this whole family,
22:48Mindy is our only girl.
22:50You don't get to treat her like dirt.
22:52If this fat pig of a man is so great,
22:54why don't you marry him yourself?
22:55You've got the build for it.
22:57You could pop out a dozen kids.
22:58Mom held me tightly.
22:59Mindy is my daughter.
23:00She's legally part of the Watson family.
23:02I'm responsible for her future.
23:04Don't you dare try this again.
23:11Mr. Pierce was scared to death,
23:13but my birth mom still talked back.
23:15She said I'd have to get married anyway,
23:16since I wouldn't pass.
23:18Who else would offer such a high bride price and all that?
23:21Just then, mom's Nokia rang.
23:23It was my homeroom teacher.
23:25The exam results were out.
23:27I actually did way better than expected.
23:29I scored 50 points higher than usual.
23:31Getting into high school was a lock.
23:32Mom was so happy she started crying.
23:34She stood tall and faced my birth mom.
23:37Who said Mindy wouldn't pass?
23:38She's very bright.
23:39She's not just going to high school.
23:41She's going to university.
23:42Everyone pushed them out.
23:43And my birth mom and Mr. Pierce were chased away in disgrace.
23:47That night, mom held my hand.
23:49Mindy, life is hard for us women.
23:52You have to work extra hard.
23:53George and I got into the same school.
23:55But he was ranked first while I was near the bottom.
23:58He was in the elite class.
23:59I wasn't.
24:00He was on the first floor.
24:01I was on the fourth.
24:02But every day after school,
24:03he would wait for me on the first floor.
24:04He was smart and handsome.
24:06A total standout.
24:07It made everyone curious about me, too.
24:09I felt a lot of pressure.
24:10On the way home, I couldn't help saying,
24:12George, maybe we should walk separately.
24:15Why?
24:19People say we're dating.
24:21Can you even do your homework?
24:23Huh?
24:23No.
24:24I can't.
24:25Then why waste time on gossip?
24:26Uh, anyway, he kept waiting for me.
24:29The dean eventually sat him down.
24:31He just said calmly,
24:32She's like a sister to me.
24:33The dean watched us for a while,
24:35found no signs of romance,
24:37and since George's grades held up,
24:39he eventually let it slide.
24:41But I had a new problem.
24:43Girls kept asking me to pass notes.
24:45After a few turns as a messenger,
24:47George told on me to my mom.
24:48I had to quit that cushy job,
24:50which offended quite a few people.
24:52My grades were still mediocre.
24:54Even mom had given up on me.
24:56Only George kept tutoring me,
24:58over and over and over.
24:59He was so persistent that I felt too guilty to slack off.
25:02I gave it my all just to stay in the middle of the pack.
25:06Time flew, and senior year came.
25:08Shortly after the term started,
25:10George's family hit a crisis.
25:12Uncle David was detained and placed under investigation.
25:14Auntie Lucy had to take leave.
25:16In just a few days, her hair turned gray.
25:18I couldn't understand it.
25:20They are such good people.
25:21Why was this happening?
25:23Mom told me,
25:24In the adult world,
25:25it's not always black and white.
25:27Sometimes, picking the wrong side is fatal.
25:35Actually, over the years,
25:36my parents hadn't seen much of Uncle David.
25:38Mom used to say,
25:39That a true friendship is selfless.
25:41Since Uncle David and Auntie Lucy were fine,
25:43we didn't need to flatter them.
25:44Now that Uncle David is in trouble,
25:46everyone shunned them.
25:48But Mom took a bank card to go see her.
25:51It was all of our family's savings.
25:53They talked behind closed doors,
25:55and I don't know what was said.
25:56When the door finally opened,
25:57Auntie Lucy's eyes were red.
25:59She pushed the card back to Mom.
26:01Don't mind my bluntness,
26:02but this won't help much right now.
26:03You're better off keeping it.
26:05If anything happens to David or me,
26:07I hope you'll look after George.
26:09Mom made a solemn promise.
26:10Don't you worry.
26:11I'll treat him like my own son.
26:13On the surface,
26:14George seemed the same as always,
26:16but I knew he was struggling.
26:17He even dropped out of the top three.
26:19I was worried sick.
26:21I dragged him to eat,
26:22study, and commute together.
26:24On weekends and holidays,
26:25I stuck to him.
26:26One day, we had a half day off,
26:27so I took him for a walk by the river.
26:29The weather turned,
26:30and it got windy.
26:31The riverbank was deserted.
26:32The wind was making me dizzy,
26:34and I was just about to head back.
26:36When an old man fell into the water
26:37not far ahead,
26:38he splashed around a few times
26:40and was about to sink.
26:42I didn't think twice.
26:43I kicked off my shoes and jumped in.
26:50I grew up with a pond out front.
26:51I've been swimming since I was three.
26:53After we moved to the city,
26:54Mom saw how much I loved it
26:56and signed me up for lessons,
26:57but I had no experience saving lives.
26:59In a life-or-death moment,
27:00the old man grabbed my neck tightly.
27:02I swallowed a lot of water.
27:04Luckily, George found a long bamboo pole
27:06and pulled us both to shore.
27:07As soon as I was out,
27:09he started yelling at me.
27:10Are you crazy?
27:11Why play the hero?
27:13If I hadn't found that pole,
27:14you would have drowned with him.
27:16He was so scary.
27:17I hugged my arms, shivering.
27:19George, I'm so cold.
27:20His eyes were red.
27:21He wrapped his coat around me,
27:23looking so terrified.
27:24Indy, don't do that again, okay?
27:26The ambulance arrived
27:27and took us both to the hospital.
27:29I was actually fine,
27:30but George insisted that doctor
27:31give me a full checkup.
27:32A moment later,
27:33Mom and Auntie Lucy arrived.
27:35They were scared to death
27:36and lectured me about not being so impulsive.
27:38Just then,
27:39there was a knock at the door.
27:40A familiar-looking man
27:41in his 60s asked softly,
27:43Excuse me,
27:44is this Mindy Watson's room?
27:45Auntie Lucy turned and saw him.
27:47She looked stunned.
27:48She greeted him respectfully.
27:50Mr. Graves?
27:50What are you doing here?
27:55Mr. Graves was stunned too.
27:57He squinted his eyes.
27:58So you know Mindy Watson?
27:59In a flash,
28:00I remembered who he was.
28:02I'd seen him in the news
28:03just a few days ago.
28:04George said with a heavy look,
28:06I hope he's an honest official,
28:08one who'll give Dad justice.
28:09A secretary must be a big deal.
28:12Auntie Lucy nodded.
28:13I know her.
28:14I glanced at Mom.
28:16She gave me a reassuring look.
28:17So I spoke up playfully.
28:19Godmother?
28:20Just know me?
28:21Aren't I your favorite goddaughter?
28:23Auntie Lucy froze for a second,
28:24but she caught on quickly
28:26and patted my head.
28:27You silly child.
28:28Mr. Graves came to thank me.
28:29I shook my head.
28:30I didn't save him alone.
28:32Without George,
28:33he and I would have drowned.
28:34He saved us with a bamboo pole.
28:37George just can't swim.
28:38Otherwise,
28:38he would have jumped in.
28:39Mr. Graves looked at George.
28:41Lucy,
28:41you raised a fine son.
28:43Auntie Lucy gave a faint smile.
28:45You flatter me.
28:45After seeing Mr. Graves out,
28:47she came back to the room.
28:48Mindy,
28:48thank you for earlier.
28:49How did you think of that?
28:51I glanced at Mom.
28:58I felt a little embarrassed.
29:00Mom said,
29:00if there's ever a chance,
29:02we'll definitely help you.
29:03And besides,
29:04you're George's mom.
29:05Helping you means helping George.
29:07But Mr. Graves isn't easy to fool.
29:09Auntie Lucy said he called the police.
29:11The police checked the road cameras.
29:12They confirmed his dad fell by accident.
29:14George and I just passed by.
29:16Actually,
29:17this wasn't our first good deed together.
29:19Helping an old man cross the road,
29:21taking a lost kid home.
29:22We'd done that plenty before.
29:24Maybe we were just lucky.
29:26We never ran into scammers.
29:28People always thanked us sincerely.
29:29About a month after that,
29:31Uncle David passed the investigation check
29:32and was released.
29:34He really hadn't done anything
29:35seriously wrong or illegal.
29:37But his boss got exposed and removed.
29:39When one falls,
29:41others follow.
29:41A whole bunch went down.
29:43That's when Uncle David stepped up.
29:45So in the end,
29:45he wasn't fired.
29:46He actually got promoted.
29:48The Finch family grew lively again.
29:50Mom was really happy.
29:51But she didn't visit Auntie Lucy much.
29:53Seeing them doing well was enough.
29:55Caring isn't about words.
29:56Just keeping them in mind is enough.
29:58But Auntie Lucy thought differently.
30:00As New Year was coming,
30:01she asked Mom to bring me to dinner.
30:04At first,
30:05Mom thought it was a family meal.
30:07But when we got there,
30:08after Auntie Lucy introduced everyone,
30:10we learned the Education Bureau chief was there too.
30:12During dinner,
30:13we just ate and drank.
30:14Nothing important was discussed.
30:16When we were leaving,
30:17Mom said to Auntie Lucy,
30:18You really didn't have to do this.
30:21Auntie Lucy patted Mom's hand.
30:22You know what you're like.
30:23You deserve this.
30:24After the New Year,
30:25Mom was transferred to a key school.
30:27One week before New Year,
30:28Mr. Graves asked his driver
30:30to pick up George and me for dinner.
30:32His place wasn't very big.
30:33The furniture looked simple too.
30:35Mr. Graves' dad took out a rusty tin box.
30:38From it,
30:38he pulled two red envelopes.
30:40Here.
30:40Annie.
30:41Joe.
30:42These are your lucky New Year money.
30:44Hide them well.
30:44Don't let your mom see.
30:46Turns out,
30:46he had another set of twins
30:47apart from Mr. Graves.
30:49But because of an accident,
30:51they both drowned.
30:52Now he has dementia.
30:54He thought George and I were those twins.
30:56After the New Year,
30:57Dad's state factory was restructured.
30:59Many workers were laid off.
31:00But Dad kept his job.
31:02He stayed head of security.
31:03He even had more people under him.
31:05His pay went up a bit too.
31:07But I didn't care about that.
31:08Because my college entrance exam was coming up.
31:13With my lousy grades,
31:15I was barely scraping into college.
31:17Mom and Dad were nervous as hell.
31:19At home,
31:20they barely made a sound.
31:21Afraid they'd disturb my studying.
31:23George frowned like an old man.
31:25You can't even solve this?
31:26How will you pass the exam?
31:28Leo's about to finish grad school.
31:30Kevin got into grad school.
31:32Timmy's already in college.
31:33The three of them were chill about it.
31:35If you don't get in,
31:36just pick any school.
31:37You've got us anyway.
31:38We won't let you suffer.
31:40That's true.
31:41With George included,
31:42I've got four brothers.
31:44What do I have to fear?
31:45Even so,
31:46a few days before the exam,
31:48I still crammed last minute.
31:50Did a few practice tests
31:51just for peace of mind.
31:53After the exam,
31:53Mom took me to burn incense
31:54for our ancestors,
31:56hoping they'd bless me
31:57with a good college.
31:58She's usually practical,
31:59yet doing stuff like that,
32:01my birth mom even laughed at her.
32:02You should burn incense
32:03at my family's graves.
32:04Those are her real ancestors.
32:06Mom actually considered it.
32:08Good thing I stopped her.
32:09You know how rural folks are.
32:11When people gather for holidays,
32:12they talk about jobs or income
32:13or about grades.
32:14So everyone in the village
32:16knew my grades were poor.
32:18Beth was already married.
32:19She even had two kids,
32:20both girls,
32:21and she was pregnant again.
32:29She looked at me with envy.
32:30You're really lucky.
32:31Even if you only get into
32:33a junior college,
32:34they'll probably still send you.
32:35I asked why she had so many kids.
32:37She said like it was obvious.
32:38Of course we need a son.
32:39I even had someone check already.
32:41This one's a boy.
32:42Just smiled and said nothing.
32:44I didn't know what else to say.
32:45While waiting for the results,
32:47Mom and Dad slept badly every day.
32:49They squinted at the tablet daily,
32:51scrolling through junior colleges
32:52and low-tier schools.
32:54I really wanted to tell them
32:55I might get into a good school,
32:57but I was afraid if I didn't,
32:59they'd be disappointed.
33:00After that long wait,
33:01results day finally came.
33:03George knocked early that morning.
33:04The scores are out today.
33:06I'll check them with you.
33:07I insisted we check his first.
33:09He was amazing as always.
33:10Steady performance.
33:11With that sky-tier score,
33:12getting into one of the top two schools
33:14should be easy.
33:15Now it's your turn.
33:16George was more nervous than me.
33:17He typed the number wrong twice.
33:19When my score came out,
33:20he rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
33:22A top university.
33:23He checked again.
33:24It really was a top university.
33:26Everyone was stunned.
33:28Because in mock exams,
33:29I'd never scored this high.
33:30I felt pretty embarrassed.
33:37Before the exam,
33:38I did a few mock tests.
33:40Luckily,
33:40some questions were close to the real exam.
33:42I had just randomly picked them
33:44from a stack of papers.
33:45Just for peace of mind.
33:47Mom and dad couldn't stop smiling.
33:48They said it was just my luck.
33:50Based on past score lines,
33:52my score could get into a top university.
33:54It was huge news.
33:55Mom went to thank every deity.
33:57Of course,
33:58she went to our ancestors' graves again
33:59to burn paper money
34:00and thank their blessings.
34:01So the whole village learned
34:03I got into a top university.
34:05Like it or not,
34:06really was lucky.
34:07By tradition,
34:07we hosted a big meal to celebrate.
34:10My birth mom came too.
34:12Unbelievable.
34:12She even brought two chickens
34:13and 30 eggs.
34:15Said they were for my health.
34:16She had aged a lot.
34:18Her face full of wrinkles.
34:19You're my daughter after all.
34:21Back then,
34:21our family was too poor.
34:23Otherwise,
34:23we wouldn't have given you away.
34:24The Watson family had no daughter.
34:26I knew they'd treat you well.
34:27That's why I let you go.
34:29All these years,
34:30I've always thought about you.
34:32Seeing you get into college
34:33makes me so happy.
34:35I always knew you'd make it.
34:36You're my daughter after all.
34:38You've got my smarts after all.
34:42Beth stood there with her big belly,
34:44forcing a polite smile.
34:45Indy,
34:46they are your real parents after all.
34:47Don't be so heartless.
34:49James failed to get into
34:50a regular high school.
34:51He went to a vocational school.
34:53Now he's graduated.
34:54He tried factory line work
34:55but quit in under a month.
34:56He couldn't handle the hardship.
34:58Now he's out with friends.
35:00Gaming at internet cafes.
35:01My birth mom grabbed my hand.
35:03James will rely on you now.
35:04As his sister,
35:05you've got to help him out.
35:07These days,
35:08you need an apartment to get married.
35:10I heard college students
35:11can take part-time jobs,
35:12work hard,
35:13and you could make thousands,
35:14even 10,000 a month.
35:16During these four years,
35:17you should save some money.
35:19Help James buy a place
35:20so he can get married.
35:21My head was buzzing
35:22and some people chimed in
35:23saying when I succeed,
35:25don't forget my birth parents.
35:26After all,
35:27they brought me here.
35:28That's just how villages are.
35:30If you make 10,000,
35:31some feel worse than losing it.
35:33When they see you doing well,
35:34they want to drag you down
35:35to their level.
35:37I stood up and said firmly,
35:38I only have one mom and dad.
35:40Back then,
35:41since you gave me away for $50,
35:43don't try to claim me now.
35:49If you really cared about me,
35:51why didn't you ever buy me food or clothes?
35:53Now that I've got into college,
35:55you suddenly show up just for the benefits,
35:57in your dreams.
35:58The whole room went silent.
36:00They didn't expect someone younger
36:02to speak so bluntly.
36:03But I wasn't scared.
36:05Once I graduate college,
36:06I'll move far away.
36:07I won't come back to this backwater valley.
36:10Let them think what they want.
36:11My birth mom cried loudly,
36:13saying she had a hard life,
36:15saying she truly loved me.
36:16I stared at her.
36:17Fine then.
36:19Pay my four years of college and living costs.
36:21She quickly changed the topic.
36:23I said it clearly.
36:24If I must support you then,
36:26what about my parents?
36:27They've treated me well for years.
36:29Was it all for nothing?
36:30My birth mom cursed at me.
36:31My birth dad grabbed a stool.
36:33Mom and Timmy stood in front of me.
36:35The whole banquet turned chaotic.
36:37Then the village secretary
36:38showed up with his cane.
36:39He stared at my birth parents.
36:41One should have some dignity in life.
36:43This mess is your own doing.
36:44Don't expect benefits now.
36:46Then he looked at me kindly.
36:48Good girl.
36:48You're blessed.
36:49They can't appreciate that blessing.
36:51My birth parents left without eating.
36:55When my birth mom left,
36:56she took the chickens and eggs.
36:58Beth frowned.
36:59Mindy, how can you be so heartless?
37:01We're family.
37:02Helping your brother is what you should do.
37:04She's about the same age as Leo,
37:05but looks at least 10 years older.
37:07She's starting to look exactly like
37:08my birth mom did when she was young.
37:10Like they were cut from the same mold.
37:12I looked at her belly and smiled.
37:14I hope you finally get your wish.
37:16A son, this time.
37:17After all this, mom was exhausted too.
37:19They say it's hard to leave your homeland,
37:21but I don't really want to return here.
37:23Dad didn't come this time because of work.
37:25After hearing everything,
37:26he put down his chopsticks.
37:27Let's just come back less often.
37:29I don't want to deal with these people.
37:30George actually wanted to apply to a university
37:32in the same city as me.
37:34Seriously?
37:35With his scores,
37:36he should be aiming for a top university.
37:38I gave him a serious scolding.
37:40After some back and forth,
37:41I applied for a school near the capital in the end.
37:45I thought about taking a loan for tuition,
37:47but mom and my brothers scolded me hard.
37:49Mom not only paid my tuition,
37:50but she also gives me $2,500 a month
37:53for living expenses.
37:54Don't let yourself suffer while away.
37:55And don't do anything wrong over money.
38:01Leo got a salary
38:02and often bought everything
38:03in my online shopping cart for me.
38:06Kevin got lab allowances
38:07and even bought me a tablet.
38:09George is busy with school,
38:10but comes to hang out every other week.
38:12Sometimes we watch movies or grab food.
38:14Then he rushes back again.
38:16I tell him not to run around,
38:17but he won't listen.
38:18His roommates say he likes me.
38:20What a joke.
38:21We grew up like siblings.
38:23In sophomore year,
38:24the student council president chased me.
38:26I looked plain.
38:27My grades were average,
38:28totally unremarkable.
38:30I thought he had the wrong idea about me,
38:32but he said he liked my personality.
38:34Being with me made him feel happy and relaxed.
38:36He's really outstanding
38:37and lots of people like him.
38:39Every day he waits downstairs with breakfast.
38:42Roommates teased me and I got confused.
38:44I asked George if I should start dating someone too.
38:47I thought he seemed nice,
38:48but George rushed over that night.
38:50He waited outside my dorm
38:51for over two hours until sunrise,
38:53then called me to go downstairs.
38:55He took me for breakfast and asked,
38:57You said you'd eat with me every day.
38:59Don't you remember?
39:00That was back in elementary school.
39:05Uncle David and Auntie Lucy were both career focused.
39:08George was really lonely as a kid.
39:10He didn't talk much back then.
39:11He barely socialized with anyone.
39:13Even at lunch, he ate alone.
39:15I was always the one by his side.
39:17His eyes were often red.
39:18But I always remembered,
39:19you've got to keep your word.
39:21Oh, we've all grown up.
39:22He looked at me.
39:23So you're ditching me to spend time with someone else?
39:25I felt nervous.
39:26His stare made me uneasy.
39:28Then he suddenly grabbed me,
39:30pulled me into his arms, holding me tight.
39:32Mindy, be my girlfriend.
39:34Let's be together forever.
39:35My mind went blank.
39:36Something felt off,
39:38but I felt sorry for him.
39:39I couldn't bring myself to say no.
39:41Somehow we ended up together.
39:43The student council president wasn't happy,
39:46but after meeting George, he gave up.
39:47In terms of brains, looks, family background,
39:50George clearly had the edge.
39:52And that's how I started dating him.
39:53Nothing really changed.
39:55Except he got clingier.
39:57And every time we went home for holidays,
39:59I felt extra guilty around Auntie Lucy,
40:01like I was stealing her treasure.
40:03We dated a whole year
40:04before we shared our first kiss at Christmas.
40:11My roommates were moved by the news.
40:13They even cried.
40:14They said we had finally come to our senses.
40:17After that kiss,
40:18my feelings for George really started to change.
40:21He was no longer like my other brothers.
40:23He became someone different.
40:25Only Timmy knew that George and I were dating.
40:27He was really worried.
40:29George is a good guy.
40:30I believe he truly loves you.
40:31But the difference in your family backgrounds
40:33is pretty big.
40:34We're all adults now.
40:35We think about things like adults.
40:38Uncle David holds a high position.
40:40Auntie Lucy runs her unit.
40:41George studies at the top university.
40:43My mom is just a primary teacher.
40:45My dad leads a security team.
40:47I'm just a regular student.
40:49Everything's different from childhood.
40:51I knew that too.
40:52But like an ostrich,
40:54I pretended not to see it.
40:55Still, what's coming will come.
40:58During the winter break of senior year,
40:59Auntie Lucy invited us to dinner.
41:01At the table,
41:02she mentioned the daughter of Uncle David's classmate.
41:04She'll be back from abroad soon.
41:05She's about George's age.
41:07Have her on WhatsApp.
41:08I'll send you her contact later.
41:10Talk with her properly.
41:12Uncle David's classmate holds a position similar to his.
41:19That girl graduated from a top university abroad.
41:21Auntie Lucy even showed her photo.
41:23She's prettier than me too.
41:24In terms of family education and looks,
41:26she suits George better than I do.
41:28At that moment,
41:29my heart went cold.
41:31In my mind,
41:32I had already imagined George dumping me
41:33and us never speaking again.
41:36I almost burst into tears.
41:38Then George spoke up.
41:39No need, Mom.
41:40I already have a girlfriend.
41:41He calmly took my hand.
41:43Mindy and I are together.
41:44We've dated over two years.
41:46I thought they'd be shocked.
41:47But Auntie Lucy suddenly laughed.
41:49She put her phone away.
41:50So, you finally decided to say it, huh?
41:52If I didn't push you,
41:53you'd keep hiding it forever.
41:54What?
41:55Did you think we'd object?
41:57Back then,
41:58you insisted on a school in Mindy's city.
42:00I knew exactly what you were up to.
42:02Auntie Lucy kept talking non-stop.
42:04I was completely stunned.
42:06My mom looked at me amused.
42:07We've known all along.
42:09You two kept making eyes at each other all day.
42:11Did you think we were blind?
42:12Turns out they knew all along.
42:14They just played along with us.
42:16I burst out crying.
42:18How am I this lucky?
42:20George got a direct admission to grad school.
42:22And I got into grad school too.
42:29Actually, it wasn't supposed to be me.
42:31But the student ahead of me
42:32passed the civil service exam.
42:34So they gave the spot to me.
42:35My advisor had just started supervising students.
42:38I was his very first one.
42:40He guided me through everything.
42:41Even edited my papers at midnight.
42:43Honestly, he was a dream advisor.
42:46Half a year later,
42:46he applied for a project.
42:48We had little hope at first.
42:50Then, a new national policy came out.
42:52Our field suddenly became hot.
42:54A big grant was approved.
42:55The two of us, along with a junior,
42:57who joined later,
42:58worked like crazy.
42:59By the time I was graduating,
43:00we actually had solid research results.
43:02That project led me to a PhD.
43:04Later, I even became a professor.
43:06Life is really strange.
43:08Back then,
43:08I got into college mostly by chance.
43:10I just happened to do great on the entrance exam.
43:13And now here I am,
43:14actually holding a textbook
43:15and teaching college students.
43:17Even I sometimes feel like this isn't real.
43:19During my PhD,
43:20George and I got married.
43:22The wedding was simple.
43:23My mother-in-law bought us a house and a car.
43:25My mom insisted on giving me a bank card.
43:27There was $800,000 in the account.
43:29I know George will treat you well.
43:31But this is mom and dad's love.
43:39No matter how elite his family is, Mindy,
43:41always remember this.
43:42You're a daughter of the Watson family.
43:44Mom stroked my head with tears.
43:46If anyone wrongs you someday,
43:47your dad, mom, and brothers
43:49will always stand up for you.
43:51A few days after the wedding,
43:52my birth parents showed up at my university.
43:54Who knows who tipped them off?
43:56They wailed outside my lab,
43:58calling me ungrateful and cruel,
44:00saying I looked down on them
44:01for being country folk,
44:02that after my PhD and marrying into wealth,
44:04I even denied my own parents.
44:06People started filming everywhere.
44:08They cried to passersby,
44:09making it sound miserable.
44:11Soon it blew up on short video platforms.
44:14My personal info got dug up too.
44:16My father-in-law wanted it suppressed,
44:17said there was no need.
44:18That would only fuel gossip.
44:20I did nothing wrong.
44:21I trust people online can tell right from wrong.
44:23I'm no longer that timid little girl I used to be.
44:26All these years,
44:28my birth parents kept trying to mend things with me.
44:30Saved all the evidence.
44:31Same old routine every time.
44:33First a little fake concern,
44:35then they start asking for money.
44:37This time it was about James too.
44:39His girlfriend got pregnant.
44:40Her family wants $300,000 as a bride price,
44:43plus an apartment,
44:44before they agreed to the marriage.
44:48They couldn't afford it,
44:50so they turned to me.
44:51I posted our message history
44:52and explained everything.
44:54Then I shared the document
44:55showing they had signed me over for $50.
44:58The village chief is nearly 90,
45:00but still sharp and strong.
45:01He even filmed a video to speak up for me.
45:03How do you repay kindness?
45:05If I supported them,
45:06then what about my parents
45:07who raised me all these years?
45:09And if they were truly right,
45:10why not sue me in court?
45:12Why post long complaints online?
45:13Public opinion quickly shifted.
45:15Many girls who were given away
45:16started speaking up.
45:17It wasn't just my tragedy.
45:19It was a tragedy for many girls.
45:21Netizens tore my birth family to shreds.
45:23People even warned James' girlfriend
45:25not to marry into that mess.
45:27His family couldn't afford the bride price.
45:28In the end,
45:29she ended the pregnancy
45:30and broke up with James.
45:31After that,
45:31my birth family finally quieted down.
45:34They never stirred trouble again.
45:35Five years into marriage,
45:36I still wasn't pregnant.
45:37My mother-in-law never said much,
45:39but every year she urged us
45:40to get medical checkups.
45:42She also took me to see
45:43a traditional medicine doctor.
45:44Seeing me getting older,
45:45she suggested trying IVF.
45:52A few days after she said that,
45:54my period stopped.
45:56Went to the hospital.
45:57Turns out I was pregnant.
45:58And it was twins.
45:59A boy and a girl.
46:00The day the babies were born,
46:02my father-in-law got promoted again.
46:04It was the position he wanted most.
46:05He even retired from that position.
46:08Real double blessing.
46:09Though he adored the twins even more.
46:12Said they brought him luck.
46:13My mother-in-law was retiring then.
46:15She'd been too busy to raise George before.
46:17Now she had time for the two kids.
46:19With two nannies and her help,
46:21I had it pretty easy.
46:22Women who have kids late in life
46:24risk half their lives.
46:25But I looked healthier instead.
46:26After grad school,
46:28George joined a company doing R&D.
46:29My father-in-law actually hoped
46:31he'd enter politics.
46:32After all those years,
46:33he had many connections.
46:35But George isn't the smooth type.
46:36I supported him going into industry.
46:38It suits his strengths better.
46:40He's incredibly capable.
46:41Soon he stood out.
46:42His position and income kept rising.
46:44Over the years,
46:45he encountered plenty of temptresses.
46:47Honestly,
46:47they were all very beautiful.
46:49Some were very capable too.
46:50They were much more impressive than I was.
46:52But he was never tempted.
46:54Once asked him why.
46:55He said he's still my George.
46:57No matter how high he goes
46:58or how far he flies,
47:00deep down,
47:01there's still a frightened George.
47:02And he only feels safe
47:03when he sees me.
47:04Sometimes I think,
47:05I must be heaven's favorite girl.
47:08That's why life has been so kind to me.
47:15George and I have sponsored many children
47:17in the mountain areas,
47:18especially girls.
47:19I know that in this world,
47:21being a girl is often harder.
47:23Standing at the lectern
47:24in a university classroom,
47:26looking at those young faces below,
47:27I sometimes feel a little dazed.
47:29It's been 30 years
47:30since that snowy night
47:31when I was almost thrown into the ravine.
47:33After class,
47:34my phone lit up.
47:35A message from George.
47:37Mom wants us home for dinner tonight.
47:39The kids miss us.
47:40Okay.
47:40I replied.
47:41I had just put my phone away
47:43when someone knocked on my office door.
47:44It was a female student
47:45standing shyly in the doorway.
47:47Miss Watson,
47:48I...
47:49I have a question I'd like to ask.
47:50I recognized her.
47:52She was the girl
47:52who came from the mountains.
47:54Her name was Kala.
47:56Her aid record said
47:57both her parents had passed away.
47:58She grew up with her grandmother.
48:00She was also one of the first students
48:02supported by the Starlight Program.
48:03After I finished explaining,
48:05her eyes suddenly turned red.
48:06Miss Watson, thank you.
48:07If it weren't for your support,
48:09I might already be married by now.
48:10Padded her shoulder.
48:11Study hard.
48:12One day you can help someone else too.
48:14Those words were once said to me
48:16by Auntie Lucy.
48:17That evening,
48:18we took the twins home for dinner.
48:20Our son Logan was just like George,
48:22smart and quiet.
48:28Our daughter Heather is a little chatterbox.
48:31Mom, I did a good deed today.
48:33She threw herself into my arms.
48:34I gave the chicken leg from my lunch
48:36to the new kid in class.
48:37He said he'd never eaten anything
48:39that delicious before.
48:40My mother-in-law smiled from ear to ear.
48:42Heather is so kind,
48:44just like your mom.
48:44After dinner,
48:45the kids played in the living room.
48:47The four of us sat on the balcony
48:48drinking tea.
48:49Mindy.
48:50My mother-in-law suddenly said,
48:51Next month is the 10th anniversary
48:53of the Starlight program.
48:55Are you planning to give a speech?
48:56Shook my head.
48:57Let the kids who received help speak.
48:59Their stories are more powerful.
49:01My father-in-law set down his teacup.
49:03I visited the mountain area last week.
49:04The third Starlight primary school you built
49:06is already in use.
49:08The local education bureau said
49:09the enrollment rate for girls there
49:10has gone up by 40%.
49:12Still not enough.
49:12Said.
49:13There are still many girls
49:14who can't go to school.
49:15George took my hand.
49:16Don't worry,
49:17we still have time.
49:18That weekend,
49:19I went back to my parents' home.
49:20Mom had already retired.
49:22Her hair was gray now,
49:23but she looked in great spirits.
49:25Dad's legs weren't very good anymore,
49:26but he kept patrolling the neighborhood.
49:28He said he felt restless
49:29if he didn't keep busy.
49:30Mom,
49:31I'm going to the mountains next week.
49:33The scholarships is being distributed.
49:34Mom put some food on my plate.
49:36Bring more clothes.
49:37It's cold in the mountains.
49:44By the way,
49:45your birth mom passed away last week.
49:47My chopsticks paused.
49:48She had a brain hemorrhage.
49:50Mom sighed.
49:50Beth called,
49:51said it happened very suddenly.
49:52Your birth dad is alone now.
49:55James got locked up two years ago for fighting.
49:57He's still in prison.
49:58I lowered my head and kept eating,
49:59saying nothing.
50:00If you want to go pay your respects.
50:02Mom looked at me carefully.
50:04Won't.
50:04Said.
50:05Have nothing to do with them anymore.
50:06Even so,
50:07that afternoon,
50:08I still drove to the countryside.
50:10I didn't go into the village.
50:11I just parked by the roadside.
50:14Beth came out of the village.
50:15She froze when she saw me.
50:16Indy,
50:17why are you...
50:17I'm not going in.
50:19Handed her an envelope.
50:20There's some money in here.
50:21Use it however you see fit.
50:22She took the envelope.
50:23Her eyes reddened.
50:25Before mom passed,
50:26she actually mentioned you.
50:28What did she say?
50:28She said her biggest regret in life
50:30was selling you for $50.
50:32Beth wiped her tears.
50:34She said if she'd known you'd do so well,
50:36There's no ifs.
50:37Cut her off.
50:38I'm leaving.
50:38Take care.
50:39As my car drove away from the village,
50:41I saw in the rearview mirror
50:42Beth still standing by the road,
50:44her figure growing smaller and smaller.
50:46On the way,
50:47I got a call from Calla.
50:48Miss Watson,
50:49I got the scholarship.
50:50I was first place in the department.
50:52Her voice trembled with excitement.
51:00Miss Watson,
51:01I've made up my mind.
51:02I want to be like you someday,
51:04helping more girls in need.
51:05I smiled.
51:06All right,
51:06I'll be waiting for that day.
51:07After I hung up,
51:08I watched the scenery rush past.
51:10It reminded me of a winter long ago.
51:13Back then,
51:14I thought I'd freeze to death in the snow.
51:16I thought my life was only darkness.
51:18But now,
51:19my world is full of light,
51:21and that light will reach others too.
51:23When I got home,
51:24George was helping the kids with their homework.
51:26Logan frowned over a math problem.
51:28Heather wouldn't stop talking about school.
51:30Mom, you're home.
51:31Heather ran into my arms.
51:33We learned a poem today.
51:34Let me recite it for you.
51:36She started reciting happily.
51:37It was The Road Not Taken,
51:38by Robert Frost.
51:39Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
51:41and sorry I could not travel both,
51:43and be one traveler,
51:44long I stood,
51:45and looked down one as far as I could.
51:46Listening to her young voice,
51:47I suddenly understood.
51:49I'm not heaven's favorite girl.
51:51I'm just a small seedling,
51:52nurtured by that gentle rain.
51:55Because I was treated with kindness,
51:56I want to grow into a tree,
51:58to shelter other seedlings from storms.
51:59And the rain is still falling.
52:01It will keep falling,
52:02quietly nourishing the world,
52:04like tiny lights,
52:05faint alone,
52:06but together they can brighten the world.
52:09Kindness always echoes.
52:11Mom and dad were my light.
52:13Now it's my turn to be a small light
52:14for those children in hardship.
52:16May they, like me,
52:18always walk with light beside them,
52:20and find the road ahead growing wider and brighter.
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