Meng Yan's Transformation

Chapter 644 Zhan Mengyan's Predicament

Zhan Mengyan's knee slammed against the bicycle frame with a thud, the pain causing her to curl into a shrimp-like shape, her nails digging deep into her palms, leaving a mark. The bubbles in the soda sparkled in the sunlight, like countless tiny stars leaping. She stared at the distorted reflection in the broken aluminum bowl, her pupils trembling violently—it wasn't heatstroke, it was fear. The thirty-six yuan she earned from her part-time job burned in her pocket; it was her entire summer savings. Would it be enough to replace the bowl? Enough to buy medicine? Passersby hurried past, some casting curious glances, others quickening their pace as if avoiding the sudden chaos.

"Auntie, I'm so sorry... I... I... don't have that much money. I only have thirty-six yuan right now. Can I go home and get the rest?"

As Zhan Mengyan spoke, her voice trembled, her hand unconsciously scratching her neck, where tiny red rashes had appeared. Her face flushed instantly, and she pulled out the thirty-six yuan, handing it to the stall owner. A heavy blow struck her heart, a wave of helplessness and panic washing over her: "What should I do? I only have thirty-six yuan; it's not enough to compensate. What will my mother think? She always taught me to be honest, but now I can't even afford to compensate..." Her thoughts were a jumbled mess, self-reproach washing over her like a tidal wave; she felt stupid and unlucky. She could barely walk; fear gripped her throat like an invisible hand, making her breath quicken and her heart pound.

The stall owner, an older woman, took the money but wouldn't let it go. She started calculating the losses, scoffing, "The aluminum basin is at least fifty yuan, the broken drink is thirty yuan, and then there's the ice... 36 yuan? What can you possibly get with that little bit of money? It's far from enough!" She grabbed Zhan Mengyan's arm, her grip so strong it made Zhan Mengyan gasp in pain, "Don't even think about running away. Either you pay up, or you stay here!"

Tears welled in Zhan Mengyan's eyes as she pleaded, "I really only have this much money, please let me go... I'll go home and get the money and make it up to you." Her voice was barely audible, as if it had fallen into an icy abyss, her heart filled with humiliation: "Why me of all? I worked part-time during summer vacation to ease the burden on my family, and now I've become the source of that burden..."

The stall owner, an older woman, remained unmoved and instead shouted at the top of her lungs, "Everyone come and see! This brat is trying to renege on her debt after hitting something!"

The stall owner's harassment was like a dull knife, slowly tearing away at Zhan Mengyan's self-esteem.

Just then, a few onlookers approached, and a young man in a white shirt stepped forward to mediate: "Boss, this child didn't do it on purpose, let her go." The stall owner, an older woman, rolled her eyes. She retorted sharply, "What do you know? This bowl and drink are worth over a hundred! Can you pay for it?" The young man was speechless. Taking advantage of the situation, the stall owner shoved Zhan Mengyan, pinning her against the stall like a confiscated object. Some in the crowd shook their heads and sighed, others whispered, but no one dared to speak up. Zhan Mengyan huddled to one side, feeling utterly isolated. The discomfort from her UV allergy and the humiliation she felt intertwined, making her feel utterly helpless, as if abandoned by the whole world. Fear grew wildly in her heart, devouring her reason. She looked towards the road that should have led home, but now it was blocked by invisible chains. The road home seemed impossibly far away. The thirty-six yuan she earned was crumpled in the stall owner's hand, its weak light appearing so pale and powerless under the scorching sun of reality.

Zhan Mengyan bit her lip, trying hard not to let her tears fall, and silently prayed in her heart: "Dad, Mom, please help me..." Every second of waiting felt like a year. Her body trembled slightly with fear, as if she would be crushed by this sudden predicament at any moment.