I went to my mother's room at night.

Unusually, I heard my father's voice.

Since I can remember, they have slept in separate rooms.

I cautiously leaned against the window and heard my father, unusually gentle, say, "Qin Qin, consider it for the sake of our future happy life. I will always remember your kindness."

There was silence in the room for a long time.

After a while, impatiently, my father suddenly raised his voice, "Don't you even care about this family?"

"In that case, I think Xiao An doesn't need to go to school anymore. Why not marry her off to Old Li and get some money in return?"

"Are you crazy? Old Li is already sixty years old, and how old is An An?"

My father justified himself, "I don't have the money to support her anymore unless you're willing to go."

Although I didn't know what exactly was happening.

My mother's silence made me sense her hesitation.

As if making up her mind, she said, "Fine, I'm willing to go so that Xiao An can continue her education."

My father repeatedly agreed, happily confirming it to my mother over and over again.

Fearing being discovered, I returned to my room.

Early in the morning, I went to look for my mother, searching the whole house, but I couldn't find her.

"Dad, where's Mom? Why haven't I seen her this morning?"

My father remained calm, with a hint of joy in the corners of his eyes, saying, "She went to earn money for us."

I tentatively spoke, "But Mom has been pregnant for nine months already."

During this time, her body was so swollen that she could hardly walk. How could she suddenly go out to earn money?

I wanted to ask more, but my father's face visibly darkened.

"Don't ask so many questions. Just keep an eye on the snake farm."

"If you dare to ruin my plan, I'll break your legs."

He muttered to himself, his expression as if he was determined to succeed.

Trembling, I looked at my father's gleaming eyes.

My heart sank incessantly. Is it really as I expected?