Borrowing Money

Margaret Evans thought her daughter Lily was already asleep and didn't want to disturb her by talking outside. She hurried a few steps forward and said, "Third Brother, you don't look well. Has something happened?"

Sam Evans glanced at Margaret Evans and Dr. Rowan Lin’s family, opened his mouth, but looked troubled.

Seeing Sam Evans stammer and refuse to speak, Margaret Evans guessed it couldn't be anything good.

Margaret Evans glanced back at Lily's room, thinking her daughter was pregnant and shouldn't be bothered with bad news. She said to Sam, "Third Brother, Lily hasn't had a peaceful day all year, and now that she's expecting, she's even more tired. She's finally able to get some rest. If you have something to say, let's talk in my room instead."

Sam Evans looked at Lily's room with a guilty expression, rubbed his hands, and said, "Then... let's go, A-Li's mother. Let's talk in your room."

Margaret Evans led Sam Evans into her room and closed the door. She asked softly, "What's going on? Did something happen at home?"

Sam Evans's face fell, and his voice trembled: "My wife is crying every day, and Lana—she's about to be taken away as collateral for her husband's debts."

Margaret Evans was shocked. "How much does Jasper Cheng owe?"

Sam Evans sighed, "It's not just money. The creditors are ruthless—they said if we can't pay, they'll drag Lana away and lock her up!"

Margaret Evans frowned deeply. "How much do you need?"

Sam Evans lowered his head, his hands trembling. "Three hundred taels. If we can't pay up by tomorrow, they'll take Lana away."

Margaret Evans gasped. "Three hundred taels? That's an enormous sum!"

Sam Evans's voice cracked. "I know it's a lot, but it's a matter of life and death for my daughter. Please, A-Li's mother, help us!"

Margaret Evans pressed her hand to her chest, heart pounding. "Third Brother, you know our family's situation. We don't have that much cash on hand either."

Sam Evans's voice was hoarse. "I know, but you're the only one I can turn to. If you can't help, Lana... Lana will be ruined!"

Margaret Evans's eyes welled with tears. "Third Brother, repaying debts is a moral imperative. But three hundred taels... Where am I supposed to find that kind of money overnight?"

Sam Evans sobbed, "I know it's hard. But if we don't pay, Lana will be dragged away by those thugs tomorrow morning! Please, A-Li's mother, at least help us delay them!"

Margaret Evans wiped her tears, her voice trembling. "Let me think. If I pawn my jewelry and ask Dr. Rowan Lin for help, maybe I can scrape together something."

Sam Evans clung to hope. "Thank you, A-Li's mother. I'll go home and tell Lana not to worry for now."

Margaret Evans nodded. "Go on. I’ll do everything I can."

Sam Evans wiped his tears, bowed deeply, and left Margaret Evans's room, shoulders hunched with worry.

Margaret Evans watched him go, her heart heavy with anxiety, already planning how to help Lana Evans.