"To Quentin Chin, this amount of money is just pocket change—he doesn't even care about it," Yina Yin continued. "But for you, it's not a small sum at all."
"I know," Mason Ming fell silent for a moment before speaking. "Miss Yin, my mom left the industry back then because she didn't want to accept this kind of deal."
"But now you have to take care of a sick mother," Yina Yin said, unusually patient with Mason Ming. She always felt that Mason, with his pure heart, deserved to be protected.
"That's exactly what makes it so hard for me," Mason Ming lowered his head, looking dejected. "I don't want to accept Mr. Quinn's charity, but I know that on my own, I might not be able to give my mom the care she needs. Miss Yin, does that make me a hypocrite?"
Yina Yin laughed, "No, it just means you've grown up."
Mason Ming let out a bitter laugh, "I'd rather not grow up. When Mr. Quinn's people came, they said if I took the money, our grudges would be wiped clean. I really wanted to throw the check in their faces. That 'wiped clean' was what I'd spent months worrying about. If I hadn't been lucky enough to meet you, Miss Yin, I would've been ruined by him already. Now he comes to me talking about wiping the slate clean? It's ridiculous! But I didn't do it, because I know—even with your protection, Miss Yin—I'm still not in the same league as Mr. Quinn. I can't afford to offend him, or my mom and I will suffer for it."
Yina Yin nodded. Mason Ming was smart and calm.
That was a good thing.
It made her daily acts of kindness worthwhile.
"But everyone has their pride, and mine has been tormenting me. I keep wavering between reason and dignity, and I'm starting to hate myself for it," Mason Ming said, head bowed. "I don't know who else I can turn to for help. After thinking it over, you're the only one I could ask, Miss Yin. If Ji knew about this, he'd just tell me to take the money and wouldn't listen to how I really feel. I just think you're different, Miss Yin. Even though you're from a rich, powerful family, you're truly kind."
Yina Yin felt a bit embarrassed by Mason Ming’s praise. “I’m not as good as you say—I also think you should accept it.”
But it's different. Miss Yin understands my dignity." Mason Ming gave a self-deprecating smile. "For someone as poor as me, dignity is all I have."
Seeing Mason Ming's youthful self-mockery, Yina Yin reached out and patted his head. "Silly child. Fine, since you don’t want to accept it, I’ll take the check back and return it to Quentin Chin."
Mason Ming felt relieved. "Thank you, Miss Yin, for making this decision for me."
It's nothing, just a small thing," Yina Yin said. "So, what do you plan to do next?"
I don’t know," Mason Ming said, sounding downcast. "Ever since my accident, the company has been silent. It seems the resources that were meant for me have gone to someone else. I’m not sure if that’s Mr. Quinn’s doing."
Since you don’t have any work for now, just focus on recovering. Get better first," Yina Yin said, pulling out a card from her wallet and placing it on the table. "There’s a million on this card—it’s a loan, you’ll have to pay it back."
This card was actually slipped to her by Cherry Miller when she left the house.
Cherry Miller had already guessed Mason Ming’s attitude.
For a good kid like Mason Ming, Cherry Miller was willing to lend a helping hand.
A child with dignity is worth protecting.
I can't accept this!' Mason Ming panicked. 'I can't be so shameless. You've already helped me so much—I can't take any more.
Alright, don't refuse. This money is nothing to me—just the price of a dress. When you earn money, just remember to pay me back.' Yina Yin patted Mason Ming's head again. 'I've listened to your songs—they're full of spirit. You'll be famous someday. When that happens, I'll come collect interest from you.
With that, Yina Yin stood up and walked out.
Miss Yin!' Mason Ming called out, his voice excited. 'I promise I won't let you down!'
Yina Yin turned to look at Mason Ming, smiled, and left the hospital room.
Mason Ming clutched the bank card Yina Yin had given him, feeling a burning warmth in his heart—he was so moved he nearly cried.
Miss Yin really does care about him.
Otherwise, she wouldn’t have come all this way.
If she didn’t care, she could have ignored it or sent someone else.