The July sun was like a blazing fire, scorching the entire village and crop fields.
“Janet, someone is looking for you.”
When the neighbor, Mr. Wallace, found Janet Jackson, she was busy planting watermelon seedlings. The girl looked up and stared wide-eyed at the man. She had a cool temperament, and her skin was exceptionally fair. Despite doing farm work at her home all year long, her skin appeared so good that it was enviable.
Mr. Wallace spoke, “That person is in your house. They are from a large family, and they came in a car.” Janet nodded, and she followed him.
At that moment, a group of people was gathered in the Wallace residence. Ms. Cook looked at the girl with a cool temperament walking toward them. She was wearing a linen top and a pair of black trousers, which were splattered with mud and dirt. Even though she did not smell funny, she had an unapproachable and distant aura around her.
Ms. Cook did not bother to hide the disdain in her gaze when she asked her, “Are you Janet?”
Janet nodded while looking indifferent.
Ms. Cook added, “My name is Maya Cook, and I am the housekeeper of the Jackson family. I handle complicated and miscellaneous affairs within the Jackson Family.”
Coincidentally, Madam Wallace—Poppy Wallace—snorted in disdain. Ms. Cook burst out laughing because she knew what Poppy meant when she snorted. It’s just about money, isn’t it? After that, she took out a bankcard from her bag to slam it on the table. “There’s 5 million in here. You will never earn this amount even if you planted crops for the rest of your lives.”
The two middle-aged elderly villagers had their legs crossed while they stared unblinkingly at the bankcard. Hmph, I can’t believe this damned girl is worth so much money!
Poppy persisted, “Are you trying to get rid of us with only 5 million? We’ve raised her for eighteen years!”
“Poppy Wallace, you should take it. Don’t be too greedy!” advised Janet lazily.
The woman named Poppy glared at Janet viciously. “This is none of your business, you damned girl. You stink! Get lost and have a shower; don’t get involved in something unrelated to you!” I’ve never fancied this daughter since she was young. Her results were bad, and she has always been a loner; there is honestly nothing likable about her. Initially, I was hoping to receive some dowry after she got married, but that damned girl ran away after junior high. During that time, I heard from the village’s gossipmonger that a man from another province took the stupid girl away. Therefore, the villagers mocked me throughout the three years. Even if I were to take this money, should I ignore the grievances I’ve experienced throughout the years when the villagers mocked me?
The weather was hot, but there was no air-conditioning in the Wallace residence. Ms. Cook was already feeling annoyed and impatient, and so she threw the card firmly on the table. “It’s for you to decide whether you want the money, but I’m taking her away, without question.” After saying that, she turned around to face Janet. “Change your clothes! You’re filthy!”
Janet looked up at her slightly while giving her a cold and distant stare, but she did not comment further. After that, she walked into her room. All the while, Ms. Cook had a contemptuous look on her face.
In no time, Janet had a fresh change of clothes, and she was carrying a small bag. After she walked to the front of the car, Ms. Cook stated quietly, “Hop in!”
Janet did not reply to her; instead, she got into the car straight away, as if the place had no sentimental value to her. I’ve lived here for eighteen years, but it’s not where I belong after all. I’d like to know what my actual home looks like.
In the village, the villagers stared at that luxurious car as it sped off and started discussing in hushed tones, “Look, that girl is like a phoenix rising from the ashes!”
…
In the car, Janet leaned against her seat lazily while knocking the car window rhythmically. Suddenly, her phone rang, and she took her time to fish her phone out of her bag. Ms. Cook, who was in the front seat, noticed Janet’s large and brick-like phone, and a look of disgust flashed through her eyes. What era are we in now? Why is she still using such an ancient phone?
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