Chapter 2: Look Down On People
1056 Words
"Ring ring ring"
Gilbert's phone suddenly rang.
Gilbert abruptly opened his eyes and looked at the coins on the ground. There was no homeless person in sight. It was as if it had all been a hallucination. He couldn't help but scratch his head. "What's going on?"
His phone kept ringing. After looking at the caller ID, Gilbert couldn't think of anything else and hastily answered the call.
"Mr. Wilson, why did you take so long to pick up the phone?"
"We are a hospital, not a charity. If you can't raise the money for the surgery, we will move your mother out of the ward. The consequences will be on you."
The voice on the other end of the phone was sharp and harsh. It was a reminder from the hospital to pay up.
Gilbert quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, please give me a little more time. I'll pay soon."
He was polite and apologetic, but the person on the other end remained unyielding, "But who will give us time? Anyway, you should pay the fees as soon as possible!"
When the man hung up, Gilbert quickly hailed a taxi to the hospital. He was in too much of a hurry and even forgot to pay the fare.
Just as he was about to get out of the car, the driver grabbed him and spoke impatiently, "What's wrong with you? You haven't even paid!"
Gilbert smiled an embarrassed smile, "Sorry. I'm in a hurry to see my mother in the hospital. Keep the change."
Then he took out ten dollars from his pocket and handed it over, then hurriedly ran off.
The driver didn't look at the bill Gilbert handed him and spoke disdainfully, "Keep the change? Do you think you're a rich man?"
Glancing at the bill, he suddenly widened his eyes. "10… 10 dollars!"
"Oh my god, 10 dollars!"
The driver looked at the bill several times, thinking he made a mistake. The clear number on the bill made him feel like he was dreaming.
While watching Gilbert's back, the driver couldn't help but swallow. "Who is this guy? Giving away 10 dollars just like that. Even the richest person in the world wouldn't be so extravagant."
The driver was so excited about his unexpected good fortune and quickly called his wife.
"Darling, we can afford a house. I got a big customer today, guess how much he gave me?!"
"One dollar? Your expectations are too low, it's actually 10 dollars!"
"I'm not bragging. Wait till I get back and show you. This money is enough for us to live on for a lifetime."
At that moment, Gilbert had no idea that the 10 dollars he casually gave away would change the taxi driver's life.
Ella Wilson, Gilbert's mother, lay in the hospital bed with a pale face. However, after seeing Gilbert, she was very delighted. "Gilbert, why are you here?"
Ella glanced behind him, "Isn't Fiona with you?"
Thinking of Fiona, Gilbert's expression changed. After hesitating for a moment, he decided not to tell Ella the truth, so as not to upset her.
"Fiona is busy; she couldn't make it this time. Maybe next time."
Seeing Gilbert's unnatural expression, Ella quickly sensed that something was wrong. "What happened? Did you have a quarrel with Fiona? You're a man, you should give in to her."
Gilbert sighed, "Mom..."
But footsteps were heard at the door.
Alex Smith walked in. When he saw Gilbert, he looked at him in disdain. "Mr. Wilson, I'm glad you're here; I don't need to call you anymore. Hurry up and complete the discharge procedures for your mother."
Gilbert stood up abruptly from his chair. "What? Dr. Smith, I told you I would raise the money for the surgery. Why are you discharging my mother now?"
Alex looked him up and down contemptuously. "How are you going to raise the money? You can't afford it at all. Your mom is just occupying the bed. We're running out of space."
A coquettish voice came from outside.
"Dr. Smith, is everything ready? I'm waiting to complete the admission procedures."
Gilbert froze at the familiar voice and quickly turned towards the door.
The rich man and Fiona walked in.
Alex hurriedly greeted them with a warm smile. "Ms. Kelly, please wait a moment. Everything will be ready soon. As soon as the room is available, I'll perform the procedures for you."
He then looked at Gilbert and impatiently said, "What are you doing? My patients are waiting!"
Fiona had a cheerful and ruddy face, showing no signs of illness at all. Seeing this, Gilbert burned with anger.
Ella couldn't believe what she was witnessing. "Fiona, how could you..."
Fiona smiled, "Ella, I'm sorry. As you can see, I've broken up with your loser-son. Now, this guy is my boyfriend."
Ella was so angry that her face turned pale.
"How could you do this? Gilbert treats you so well."
Fiona rolled her eyes. "So what? This poor guy has done nothing for me. I've had enough!"
Ella was so angry that she could not speak.
Seeing this, Gilbert walked over and patted his mother's back, trying to calm her down. "Mom, it's not worth getting angry over her. Your health is more important."
He suppressed his anger and tried to persuade Fiona to be reasonable. "Your illness is nothing serious. There's no need to waste medical resources and stay in the hospital. Can you..."
Before he could finish, Fiona interrupted him.
"No!"
She toyed with her bright red nails, looking triumphant. "The lives of wealthy people like us are precious. Since you can't afford the treatment, just give up the bed to me."
Gilbert gritted his teeth, watching the two of them acting all high and mighty. "Why? Do poor people have to make way for you?!"
The rich man laughed arrogantly, "Of course, unless you can pay the bill, otherwise, just get out of here. Well, you can also go prepare for your mother's funeral!"
Alex immediately took out a bill and documents and threw them at Gilbert.
"See, you can't raise the money. Get out of here and give the bed to Ms. Kelly. Otherwise, I will call security to throw you out."
Gilbert looked at the number on the bill. He suddenly thought he was hallucinating.
It was only one dollar!
- Writer
