But Hong Kong’s current security situation was a mess, with gangsters running rampant. Traveling far to sell garbage might mean the two of them—mere kids—could end up kidnapped and sold as laborers.

“Auntie Chen, 81 yuan it is,” Gu Xicao said with a forced smile, her expression free of any resentment.

She glanced at Old Chen, then turned to Auntie Chen and said, “But Auntie Chen, I have something to tell you.”

“What is it?” Auntie Chen, still smug about taking advantage of them, crossed her arms and looked at Gu Xicao dismissively.

Gu Xicao tugged lightly at Auntie Chen’s sleeve. “Let’s talk somewhere private. This isn’t something others should hear.”

Though puzzled, Auntie Chen didn’t think the honest siblings could pull any tricks. With some suspicion, she followed Gu Xicao to the side of the yard.

“Auntie Chen, there’s something I’ve been holding back for a long time but didn’t dare tell you,” Gu Xicao began, putting on a brave face, her cheeks flushing red. “I saw Uncle Chen giving money to Mrs. Zhang.”

“What?!”

Auntie Chen instantly let out a shriek, as if someone had stepped on her tail. Without a second thought, she spun around, ready to charge into the house and pummel Old Chen.

Gu Xicao hurriedly blocked her way, whispering urgently, “Auntie Chen, if you react like this, I won’t dare tell you anything else in the future.”

Auntie Chen glared daggers at Old Chen before reluctantly turning back to Gu Xicao. “Tell me everything. What’s going on?”

“It’s nothing much. I just noticed Uncle Chen being a little too friendly with Mrs. Zhang. He threatened me not to tell you and has been targeting me ever since. You saw how he acted today,” Gu Xicao sighed, shaking her head. “I know you’re a good person, Auntie Chen. You’ve never taken advantage of us poor folks, so I thought I should let you know to save you from being kept in the dark.”

She knew Auntie Chen’s personality well: petty but also vain. Complimenting her and showing loyalty would make Auntie Chen receptive.

Sure enough, Auntie Chen’s expression turned awkward, and she coughed a few times. “You’re right. I’m always fair and wouldn’t take advantage of anyone. Don’t worry, I’ll recalculate the payment and make it right.”

“Thank you, Auntie Chen.”

Gu Xicao’s face lit up with gratitude, looking at Auntie Chen with sincere appreciation.

Auntie Chen, feeling flattered, said, “No need to be so polite. I’m a good person, after all. But you’ll need to keep an eye on that husband of mine for me. If you catch him slipping Mrs. Zhang any more money, let me know immediately.”

“Of course, Auntie Chen. To be honest, I despise homewreckers!” Gu Xicao clenched her teeth, her expression filled with righteous indignation. “You’re so beautiful, capable, and virtuous, yet Uncle Chen dares to stray? He’s not being fair to you at all!”

“Ah, it’s always been the fate of beautiful women to suffer,” Auntie Chen sighed dramatically, her tone filled with grievance.

Gu Xicao glanced at her stocky, three-foot-wide figure, struggling to see where the “beautiful and delicate” part fit.

Still, for the sake of money, she nodded in agreement.

Auntie Chen not only paid the correct amount but even gave Gu Xicao an extra yuan, telling her to buy ice cream for the siblings.

On their way back, Lin Yuan chattered excitedly, his curiosity piqued. “Sister, how did you do that? Auntie Chen is usually so stingy; she wouldn’t normally give even an extra penny!”

“This isn’t something for kids to know,” Gu Xicao replied. She didn’t want to expose Lin Yuan to the dirty squabbles of adults.

She pulled out the one yuan from her pocket. “How about we buy Put chai ko. I remember it being one yuan per serving, just enough for both of us.”

Lin Yuan hesitated, his excitement dimming. “One yuan? But… maybe we shouldn’t buy it. We should save it for the rent we owe.”

Though tempted, Lin Yuan bit his lip and shook his head firmly.

Hearing the word “rent,” Gu Xicao sighed. Last month, Lin Yuan’s mother had passed away from a heart attack, and arranging her funeral had drained all their savings. Now they were behind on rent.

The monthly rent wasn’t much—900 yuan—but they barely made 700 or 800 yuan a month collecting garbage. Despite scrimping and saving for half a month, they had managed to gather only a little over 300 yuan.

Living costs in Hong Kong were sky-high. Even the cheapest vegetables, like cabbage, cost two Yuan per pound.

“Don’t worry, I’ll figure something out. For now, let’s just get some cake,” she said, patting his head as he frown with a sad look on his face. “Besides, I’ve been wanting to taste it myself.”

“Well… okay, let’s give it a try.”

Lin Yuan, still a child, was easily persuaded by her coaxing.

The two found the put chai ko stall they had seen before, but just as they were about to buy, Lin Yuan stopped abruptly and tugged at Gu Xicao’s hand to turn back.

“What’s wrong? Not buying it?” she asked, puzzled.

“No, Sis. The price went up. It’s now one yuan and fifty cents each,” Lin Yuan said dejectedly.

Gu Xicao: “…”

Damn inflation—it was rising faster than her blood pressure!

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Put chai ko is a popular snack in Hong Kong. It is a rice cake made from white or brown sugar, long-grain rice flour with a little wheat starch or cornstarch. Sometimes red beans are also added.