Chapter 36: Dressed Up
Song Ran sat there groggily till sunset, feeling the pain in her butt. She lifted her head and quickly stood up when she saw the ticketing staff locking the door. She patted her butt before she rushed over.
The ticketing staff was walking very fast, and Song Ran had to trot to catch up to her. She tugged the hand of the staff. Before she could say anything, Song Ran willed a few tears to form in her eyes.
The ticketing staff fixed her eyes on her. “You don’t have to cry in front of me just so that I would break a few rules for you.”
Song Ran was upset as she pouted. Her voice was shaking as she prepared to speak. “Auntie, it’s not easy for my boyfriend. He’s only a team leader of a research institute in Songshan County, getting a low wage every month. To spend a day in the park will cost him half a month of his wage. I was not being understanding by splurging his money in the past. Now... now I only want to make it up to him. Can’t you give me this chance?”
Why does she feel bad? Why can’t she stop crying?
The ticketing staff intentionally put on a cold face. “Since he’s a poor lad, why is he dating? Just stay single and that would cost nothing.”
Song Ran had waited for an entire day for this, and she was anxious and frustrated. She grabbed the hand of the ticketing staff, and her tears flowed freely down her cheeks. “Yes, he has no money. He’s a poor chap. But he’s a kind-hearted person. He always gives up his seat for others on the bus. If he sees a bicycle going uphill, he will go out of his way to help give it a push. He’s not rich, but he will still give his money to the homeless. Where can I find such a righteous and kind-hearted man?” she cried as she said this.
The ticketing staff finally burst out laughing at her pitiful look. “Is he really all that great?”
Song Ran sniffled as she nodded. “Yes, he’s very good. Super good. He’s not only kind, but he’s also good-looking.”
The ticketing staff nodded after her. “Well, that’s rare. Okay, I’ll help you then.”
Happiness came too suddenly as Song Ran froze on the spot. The ticketing staff stroked her head and asked, “Why? Are you simply too happy?”
Before she could forget, she quickly fished out six dollars to give to the auntie. With eyes full of gratitude, she looked at the staff. “Thank you, Auntie. Thank you!”
As she said this, Song Ran passed the large jar of salted plums to her. “This is for you.”
The ticketing staff declined her offer as she waved her hands. “I’m not accepting any bribes. I can help you but on one condition.”
“What is it?”
“You have to clean the park for two days. Are you willing to do it?”
Song Ran swallowed her saliva with difficulty. Clean the park in the dog days of summer? But she’s a missy in the house who has never lifted a finger to help around the house. Can her body take it? Will she blackout after getting a heat stroke?
“Why? Perhaps your boyfriend is not good enough for you to do such a trivial thing.”
“I’ll do it. I will.” Song Ran made her promise. It’s just cleaning the park for two days. Picking up bottles, trimming the grass, and so on. They are just trivial tasks.
The lady chuckled as she waved. “Sure. See you tomorrow then.”
Song Ran held her hand. “Auntie, you must put on a good show tomorrow. My boyfriend cannot know. Okay?”
The lady deliberately put on a stern face. “You’re such a fussy girl. I can’t do it if you ask for too much.”
Song Ran immediately relaxed her grip on the situation. “Okay, just do whatever you can.”
The ticketing auntie rolled eyes before she rode off on her bicycle.
Song Ran hugged the large jar to her chest as she happily went home.
The moment she came home, she met Wen Huihui, who was in the living room waiting for her. As soon as Wen Huihui saw her, she went up to her with eagerness. “Ran, where did you go?”
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