By the time the sun began to set, Anxin had driven the truck to the designated parking spot under Kaizi’s instructions. As soon as she stepped out of the truck, she noticed Kaizi standing not far away, his sharp eyes fixed on her.

Walking over, she said, “Well, today’s work is done. Isn’t it time to pay me?”

Driving a truck all day was no small feat. Anxin felt like her entire body was falling apart now that the tension had eased.

Kaizi’s gaze lingered on her tired but still charming face, his lips curling into a faint, amused smile. He reached into his pocket and said, “Ah, little girl, you’re really impatient, huh? Don’t worry. Do you think someone like me, Kaizi, who’s been in this line of work for years, would ever withhold your wages?”

With that, he pulled out a wallet and took out four 100-yuan foreign exchange coupons, handing them to her.

“Here, this is your payment for today’s work.”

Anxin didn’t hesitate, and took the four foreign exchange coupons. Her exhaustion seemed to melt away as she grinned at Kaizi.

“Thanks a lot, boss!”

Kaizi’s smile froze for a moment before he said in a lazy tone, “Stop calling me boss. Just call me ‘Brother Kaizi’ like Sanmao and the others do.”

Being called “boss” made him feel like some greasy, big-bellied middle-aged man. Just imagining it made him uncomfortable. Being called “Brother Kaizi” sounded much better—especially in her soft, sweet voice.

Anxin glanced at him, noticing the goosebumps on his arms. She smirked and replied in a deliberately sweet tone, “Alright, brother Kaizi. Thanks a lot, then.”

If life had taught her anything, it was that good acting was an essential survival skill.

She slipped the foreign exchange coupons into her pocket with practiced ease. Though the money wasn’t much compared to what she usually earned running a taxi and selling goods, it was still better than sitting idle at home.

Thinking about home, Anxin suddenly remembered her mother, still in the hospital, and her young siblings. A pang of urgency hit her. She had been so focused on work that she’d almost forgotten the time.

“I’m off now,” she said, already walking toward the exit. “And don’t forget to save me a taxi for tomorrow!”

Driving a truck was too much effort compared to running a taxi, which was not only easier but also let her sell her goods and earn more.

Kaizi watched her retreating figure and called after her, “Hey, wait a sec! I was going to ask if you’d…”

But his voice trailed off as Anxin didn’t even glance back, her pace quick as if she was afraid someone might stop her.

Kaizi stood there for a moment, watching her disappear into the distance, and shook his head.

“This girl really is in a hurry,” he muttered. She hadn’t even waited for him to finish his sentence before bolting.

Just then, two trucks rolled into the lot, and Sanmao and Xiaozhong jumped out, walking up to Kaizi.

“Brother Kaizi, what are you doing here?” asked Sanmao. Looking around and not seeing Anxin, he added, “Where’s that girl you hired? She’s not here?”

Sanmao still couldn’t get over how this seemingly delicate girl had proven herself on the road. Her driving skills were sharp and confident, and she’d even managed to outpace the two of them.

“She left. What, you expected her to stay and celebrate New Year’s with you two?” Kaizi replied coolly, giving them a sharp look.

The truth was, despite their experience, Sanmao and Xiaozhong had been left in the dust by Anxin’s performance today. After a few trips, she quickly surpassed them in speed and efficiency, even running two extra trips compared to them.

“Brother Kaizi, we were just wondering if she could come back tomorrow. With her on the team, we might actually finish this job ahead of schedule,” Sanmao said sheepishly, trying to justify himself.

The girl’s driving skills had lit a fire under the two of them, and they were eager to compete with her tomorrow. Who knew, maybe the friendly rivalry would help them finish faster.

Kaizi didn’t respond immediately. He started walking away, leaving Sanmao and Xiaozhong standing there. Just when they thought he wasn’t going to answer, his voice drifted back to them.

“I don’t know if she’ll come tomorrow. We’ll see when the time comes.”

By the time Anxin rushed back to the hospital, she found her younger sister Anyang and their twin siblings sitting quietly in the ward, keeping their mother company as she slept. Relief washed over her, and she entered the room silently.

“Anyang, have you all eaten yet? Did the doctor say anything today?” she asked in a soft voice.

Anyang shook her head and pulled her outside the ward, her tone low and serious.

“Sister, I cooked, but we waited for you to eat. The doctor came by earlier and said to let him know as soon as you were back.”

Even at her young age, Anyang could sense that something wasn’t right. The doctor’s hesitant demeanor had made her worry about their mother’s condition.

Noticing the concern on her face, Anxin patted her head gently.

“Don’t worry. The doctor probably just wants to update me on Mom’s condition. Stay here with your brothers. I’ll go see what he has to say.”

“Okay,” Anyang replied, nodding obediently before returning to the ward.

Anxin made her way to the doctor’s office. When she came out a while later, her expression was unexpectedly calm, even lighter than before.