Chapter 2637 - 1518:

The factory also issues some coal and other coupons, but many people find them insufficient, forcing them to buy firewood or collect it; some without jobs even work at the plastic factory to make artificial flowers for extra household income.

Despised Xiao Yuhuan, when she goes to collect firewood, has a bit of luck, often picking up rabbits or pheasants.

Or she finds wild fruits; the path travelled by many, yet it’s the despised Xiao Yuhuan who encounters small animals and wild things.

Greatly improving her family’s meals, this is why despite being an adopted daughter, the despised Xiao Yuhuan can attend high school and aspire for university.

Because of a touch of Koi Carp Luck, she naturally becomes pampered.

Even the male lead is drawn to her.

Despised Xiao Yuhuan, upon waking, is unaware she has lost her Koi Carp Luck.

She just feels fatigued and powerless.

Memories before she fainted still linger.

Even now, she is not willing to share secrets with Mrs. Xiao and Mr. Xiao.

Not daring to explain why she fainted, nor her actions thereafter.

"Dad, Mom"

"Mm, you’re awake."

Mr. Xiao doesn’t respond, his slight chauvinism intact. Today’s fainting incident by the despised Xiao Yuhuan cost him money, causing some resentment towards his adopted daughter.

The reply comes from Mrs. Xiao.

...

"I’m starving, I need some water."

The despised Xiao Yuhuan, weary and with a pallid face, pleadingly gazes at Mrs. Xiao.

Mrs. Xiao, despite the mishap, still cherishes her adopted daughter, pours her a cup of water. Unexpectedly, some drops splash onto her hand during the act.

Though the water isn’t very hot, won’t scald her.

Mrs. Xiao is startled.

Yet it was merely due to her carelessness.

Then she picks up the enamel mug to offer the despised Xiao Yuhuan water, before stumbling towards her.

Mrs. Xiao differs from typical women of the era, who might be frail; perhaps good fortune previously brought by the male and female leads and having a dutiful son rendered her plump.

Mr. Xiao flaunts a similar physique.

Lurching towards the despised Xiao Yuhuan, she shifts in surprise.

Mrs. Xiao falls onto the bed, spilling some water, not onto the floor, but on Mr. Xiao having his meal.

Though the weather isn’t chilly, nights are somewhat cool. Despite being the South, hot water doesn’t injure when spilled.

Yet when the temperature drops, it feels frigid.

"Why are you being so careless?" Mr. Xiao snarls at Mrs. Xiao.

Their room houses others; three beds, just the central one vacant.

Relatives lacking seating occupy this central bed.

They’re currently seated on another bed, with the despised Xiao Yuhuan awakened, and Mrs. Xiao collapsed onto her bed.

Nonetheless, the water isn’t entirely spilled.

After regaining composure, Mrs. Xiao hands the rest to the despised Xiao Yuhuan.

Criticized by her husband, Mrs. Xiao’s expression only changes slightly, without retort.

The despised Xiao Yuhuan accepts the enamel mug, sips water, wary of further food offerings from Mrs. Xiao.

Instead, she fetches a bun, consuming it while drinking water.

The despised Xiao Yuhuan merely fainted, received glucose drips, now complete.

Once they awaken, they can be discharged.

Earlier events attributed to Mrs. Xiao’s carelessness, oblivious that mishaps are only beginning.

Those nearing the despised Xiao Yuhuan gradually face misfortune.

The situation witnessed by another bed’s occupants, they merely glance without comment.

Strangers themselves, maybe troubled, avoiding conversation.

The other bed hosts an elderly man, his companion a middle-aged man.

"Finished eating, let’s go!"

Mr. Xiao instructs Mrs. Xiao to tidy up, returns the enamel mug.

Mr. Xiao heads to settle fees.

Mrs. Xiao and the despised Xiao Yuhuan slowly descend.

While descending, both nearly stumble.

Mrs. Xiao tenaciously grabs the wall, wincing from elbow pain.

"Ow, ow, it hurts!"

"Mom, what’s wrong?"

The despised Xiao Yuhuan, weak-legged, walks; earlier, they nearly fell, Mrs. Xiao valiantly grasping her, pained hand.

Presently, her concern for her adoptive mother is genuine.

"Ugh, why such bad luck?"

Mrs. Xiao mumbles softly, disregarding the despised Xiao Yuhuan, rubbing her hand as she descends.

Despised Xiao Yuhuan’s eyes flicker; hearing Mrs. Xiao’s words, she wonders why today misfortune befalls her when she’s usually lucky.

Generally healthy since childhood, merely pretending feebleness to elicit affection.

The despised Xiao Yuhuan’s mastered skill is feigning fragility, becoming a group favorite.

At school and home, regardless of elder or similar-age peers, they view her as an affectionate, diligent girl owing to her acting.

Despised Xiao Yuhuan long regarded Ding Ning as her imagined rival.

Yet under her maneuvers, others shunned Ding Ning, leaving her friendless, save for Xiao Yuhuan.

The hospital’s not far from their family quarters, they slowly walk back, where many households have retired.

Silently, they reach their floor.

The despised Xiao Yuhuan is gasping.

Previously such a display would draw Mr. and Mrs. Xiao’s attention and concern.

Today, Mr. Xiao’s exhaustion leaves him indifferent.

Mrs. Xiao’s aching elbow occupies her mind.

Ignoring or missing despised Xiao Yuhuan.

Arriving at the door, she glances next door, lights out assumed asleep, door shut.

Where have they gone, has Ding Ning returned today?

Due to fainting, she’s uncertain if Ding Ning returned.

At this moment, despised Xiao Yuhuan regrets, desiring to switch Ding Ning’s possessions back with hers.

Determined to seek Ding Ning tomorrow.

Entering their house, they close the door.

No heating nor hot water in the house.

They skip wash-up, not engaged, weary, promptly sleeping.

Despised Xiao Yuhuan in her room struggles to sleep.

Instincts sound off, something amiss.

What’s lost?

The answer remains elusive.

Her usual intuition suggests Ding Ning possesses her lost items, home or body.

Resolved to find Ding Ning tomorrow; recalling Medicine.

Mr. and Mrs. Xiao settle in bed, shoes off with an odor, wiping feet on worn cloth, whispering.

"Old Xiao, help me with this hand."

"How come it’s so bad?" Mr. Xiao retrieves oil from the cabinet, helps Mrs. Xiao. Her hand swollen in a chunk.

"Today’s misfortune is baffling, Yuhuan fainted first, then in the hospital I spilled water on you, hurt my hand; had I not clutched Yuhuan, both would’ve slipped down the stairs."

"Be cautious in the future." Mr. Xiao remarks, sneezing, dampening clothes, chilled by evening breeze.

Removing the dampened garment.

"Should we pray? I sense misfortune if someone died next door."

"Don’t talk nonsense, superstitions fail us, overheard we suffer."

"Am I wrong? Just telling you; the sickly girl next door might be due to this misfortune; now it’s our turn."

"No way, the couple were martyrs, perished at the plant, but we reside here nonetheless. Likely your imagination, adjacent aren’t solely us, other neighbors too, entire building shares this."

Mr. Xiao rebuffs the conclusion.