Chapter 183 (1/2)

Chapter 183: Dig On, Dig On III

Since I did not know how to face my family, I agreed .

I found an agricultural bank nearby and made a codeless card . I then deposited 200,000 into it .

Back in my room, I went over the lines that I was going to recite, ”I'm a high-level engineer in a coal mining factory . I get tens of thousands a month . Here's 200,000 for you to do up the house a little . I'll only be here for three days since I have to get back to my job . ”

The best way to deceive others is to deceive yourself, so I continuously bore these lines into my head .

I dreamed that my parents found out about my lie, and woke up drenched in cold sweat . It was a horrible feeling .

I continued practicing the lines in the afternoon until my telephone rang and startled me .

It was the receptionist, calling to remind me to check out by two or to pay for another day's stay at the counter if I was interested in extending it .

I waited until 1:30 before heading back home .

After a few knocks on the door, my parents opened it and stared at me .

Mom was the first to recognize me . ”Gou Dan,” she greeted with a smile .

Dad stood by the door in shock . He was indescribably happy to see me .

I stammered, ”I'm a high-level… engineer in a coal… coal mining factory . Tens of thousands a month… here to visit . 200,000… do up the house . I'm leaving after three… um, I'm busy . I'll leave tomorrow . ”

”Come in and we'll talk . Where have you been all these years, Gou Dan?” Dad asked .

”It's been 10 years, hasn't it? I remember it,” Mom mused with a warm smile .

I wondered how I had done such a terrible job at that even after long hours of practice .

Luckily, judging from the way they were beaming at me, my parents didn't notice or care .

”What did you say at the door, Gou Dan? What engineer? 200,000?” Dad asked .

”Here's 200,000 . It's the money I've earned to give to you two . I earn 10,000 a month so it's more than enough for me to live on, don't worry,” I lied nervously .

”Good job, boy . You've done well,” Dad said proudly .

That night, he bought two bottles of sorghum liquor from a small store nearby .

Mom cooked a whole array of dishes for us .

I was asked many, many questions that day and while I was being evasive at first, the alcohol eventually gave me a courage boost .

I made use of that adrenaline to explain the standard work procedures to them and took credit for the operation of equipment and machinery .

Dad was utterly satisfied .

Mom walked over to her pillow and retrieved a photograph from underneath it .

It was my brother in the photograph, standing beside a white-haired man and holding his university degree .

Mom explained that my brother was working in an English company and that she felt apologetic toward me but was unable to locate me all these years .

I shook my head and told her that it was alright .

She took out a pen and paper and had me put down my name and contact number .

As I was writing, she took my hand and commented, ”Look at your rough hand . Must be tough on you…”

I looked down and thought about Teacher's blackened hand .

Dad drank a few gla.s.ses and cheered happily that both his children had done him proud .