Chapter 4

I saved all the records of my family's "amnesia" over the years, not just chat screenshots but also link screenshots and my parents' social media posts.

After finishing all this, I couldn't help but marvel.

So over these three years, I'd already bought so many things for the family.

Besides the monthly living expenses, I'd even put in quite a bit of money I earned from part-time jobs. Overall, these three years of college I not only self-funded my education but also had to earn money to subsidize the family.

Looking at the continuously accumulating numbers on the calculator, I received another text from Dad.

"Coming back tomorrow, right? Willow."

I raised the corners of my mouth, looked at the document I'd been preparing on my computer, and replied with one sentence.

"All prepared."

The next day after getting off the bus, I received a restaurant address from Dad.

They happened to be having a gathering with relatives at the restaurant.

I didn't need to think to know what they were planning—nothing more than wanting me to cover the bill again.

What a fine plan.

I walked in empty-handed. The conversation at the table stopped abruptly.

"Willow's back! Come sit!"

I smiled and took a seat, greeting everyone naturally. Mom kept glancing toward the door.

"Willow, the thing I asked you to buy..." Halfway through the meal, my mom suddenly spoke. Now everyone's eyes turned to me.

Dad, his face flushed from drinking, laughed heartily: "Right, right! Last time we asked this child to buy something for the family—she keeps forgetting!"

I exclaimed: "Oh my! Look at my memory!"

This display instantly changed their expressions. Dad frowned at me, anger barely concealed in his tone: "Child, your mom just reminded you the other day! How could you turn around and forget!"

My brother chimed in: "Exactly, Willow. Are you getting dementia at your age?"

I didn't take it seriously: "Probably family heredity. After all, Mom and Dad always forget things too."

One sentence shut them up. Mom could only wave at me: "Willow, go pay the bill. Mom will transfer it to you when we get home."

After speaking, Mom pulled my arm toward the server.

I shook off her hand in front of everyone: "I have no money."

Mom froze in place, looking at me incredulously: "What are you saying?"

"I said I have no money. I can't pay the bill."

The atmosphere became awkward. My brother jumped out at this moment: "Willow, can you not be so petty? Mom's just asking you to cover it temporarily, giving you a chance to show off in front of everyone. It's not like she won't reimburse you. Is it really necessary?"

After his words fell, relatives also started pointing fingers at me.

"That's right, Willow. You're in college now. Your tuition and living expenses are all from your parents. Don't be so stingy."

"It's just paying a bill. It's not like they won't pay you back. Besides, we're all family—don't be so calculating."

My dad pointed at my nose and scolded: "Your money all comes from me anyway, doesn't it? Now asking you to pay a bill—isn't it still spending my own money?"

Mom looked at me with teary eyes: "Willow, I never thought you were this kind of person. I'm just forgetful. How could I not give you money..."

For a moment, all the blame pointed at me.

I didn't offer any explanation. I just opened my phone and sent a document to the group chat.

"Is it really just forgetfulness?"