Chapter 5: Selfless Devotion is Always Foolish
1219 Words
The small fan creaked as it turned on a humid summer night. The house had poor insulation, making it easy to catch every rustle from all directions. Occasionally, the faint squeaks of rats running along the electrical wires outside the window could be heard.
Serena Lin had always been a light sleeper. She relied on noise-canceling earplugs to block out the scattered sounds, but the stifling heat, unfamiliar environment, and stiff mattress still made it impossible for her to get a good night’s rest.
When she finally opened her eyes the next morning and removed her earplugs, she immediately caught the voices coming from the living room.
"Serena isn’t up yet?"
"Not yet. I heard her tossing and turning all night. She’s probably not used to this bed. Why don’t we buy her a thicker mattress? There’s a ‘buy now, pay later’ option online. My scholarship will be credited next week—I can pay for it then."
"Elena, we have two daughters. We can’t favor one over the other. Keep your scholarship for yourself. Your father will handle the mattress."
"That’s right, Elena. Keep your monthly allowance, and here’s an extra three hundred pounds—buy yourself some new clothes."
"No need, Mom. You keep it. I have a part-time job at the university cafeteria, so I don’t have to pay for my own meals. I even earn a bit. It’s enough. Serena is still getting used to things here—try to improve the meals so she can eat better."
They kept their voices soft, but in such a small house with thin walls, Serena Lin heard everything crystal clear.
To be fair, the Lin family was classified as middle class. They owned a car and a house—certainly not eligible for financial aid.
However, with four children in school and Bianca Yu as a full-time housewife, Edward Lin had to support the entire family on his own. Naturally, their finances were stretched thin.
Serena sat on the bed, contemplating for over ten minutes. The fastest way to improve the Lin family’s situation was to inject capital and help Edward Lin restart his business.
But if she did that, then her being here would be meaningless.
By the time Serena had changed and stepped out, Elena Quinn and Edward Lin had already left.
"Mom, where did Dad and Elena go?"
Bianca Yu handed Serena a glass of warm water. "Term starts in a few days. Your sister studies at a university outside the city and wanted to go back early to clean her dorm. Your dad is driving for a rideshare service today and is dropping her off at the train station on the way."
Taking the train for long-distance travel was exhausting but cheaper, and morning tickets were the most affordable.
Elena Quinn was clearly trying to save money.
Someone so frugal, yet she didn’t hesitate to spend over a thousand pounds on a softer mattress just so Serena could sleep better.
Serena frowned slightly, an odd feeling creeping into her chest.
To her, selfless sacrifice had always been the mark of a fool.
Breakfast was a simple bowl of egg noodles made by Bianca Yu. The four of them sat around the small table, eating happily despite the modest meal.
Bianca hesitated for a moment before glancing at Serena and asking, "Serena, would you mind sharing a bed with your sister?"
Serena looked up from her bowl, confused. "Sharing a bed? What do you mean?"
Still feeling a bit awkward around the daughter she had been separated from for seventeen years, Bianca avoided Serena’s gaze and continued, "Your dad and I initially planned to buy new mattresses for both of you, but then we realized Elena is leaving for school and will probably live in hospital accommodation during her medical internship. So, we thought we’d push your two beds together and get one large mattress instead. It would be more comfortable for you, and we could set up a small desk for your studies. But when Elena comes home, you’d have to share the bed. How do you feel about that?"
Celeste Lancaster had always despised Elena Quinn. She wouldn’t even share a room with her, let alone a bed. She used to insist that Elena stay in university housing and leave the entire room for herself.
Serena Lin had also been raised as a pampered heiress in a wealthy family. She was likely just as particular about her living space. Bianca was worried she wouldn’t like sharing.
Serena, however, responded lightly, "That’s fine. We’re sisters—why would I mind? And with an extra desk, my sister will have more space for her skincare products too."
Relieved, Bianca smiled. It was a mother’s joy to see her daughters getting along.
"I’ll take Theo to check out mattresses later. I’ll compare prices online too and pick a comfortable one for you both."
"Alright. Thank you, Mom." Serena offered a sweet smile, then checked the time. "Why don’t you take Noah with you too? I have plans to visit the registry office with a friend."
Bianca suddenly remembered. "I should go with you. We can look at mattresses afterward."
"No need," Serena said, shaking her head with a polite smile. "My friend is familiar with these things. It’ll be faster if he helps me."
Besides, she had already made an appointment. If she canceled last minute, someone would definitely throw a fit.
Bianca didn’t push further. "Alright. Be safe. If there’s anything you want for dinner, message me. I’ll pick up groceries in the afternoon."
"Okay."
Once Bianca had left with the two boys, Serena tidied her bed. She waited for a familiar number to call before grabbing her bag and heading out.
At the street corner near the market, a black Maybach was parked.
Serena pulled open the rear door and slid inside.
The young man beside her was effortlessly elegant, his presence commanding. From the moment he spotted Serena in the distance, his gaze had never left her.
"You’re ruthless, aren’t you? Only telling me about this now?"
Serena smirked. "You were abroad. What difference would it have made if I told you earlier?"
The boy let out a meaningful hum, then teased, "Oh, I see. You missed me, so you’re throwing a tantrum."
Serena rolled her eyes, half amused, half exasperated. "Qin Mu, where do you even learn to say such narcissistic things?"
Qin Mu sighed dramatically. "I had no choice. You ignored me for so long—I had to comfort myself somehow."
"Alright, enough with the theatrics." Serena gave him an unimpressed look and poked his arm.
Qin Mu dropped the playful tone. "How are they treating you?"
"Not bad. At least from what I’ve observed, they seem like decent people."
"Can you get used to living there?"
"Of course not. I barely slept last night." Serena leaned against Qin Mu’s shoulder, closing her eyes. His familiar scent immediately soothed her, and her voice grew softer. "Bianca is buying me a new mattress today. It should arrive by tomorrow."
"That’s for tomorrow. If you can’t sleep tonight, just stay over at mine." Qin Mu glanced down at her, only to realize she had already dozed off.
He chuckled softly, then motioned for the driver to turn up the heat.
- Writer
