Chapter 3

Chapter 3

[1] I was so terrified that my legs were trembling, but I had to get to him quickly. If I waited for him to come to me, the beating would be even worse.

As soon as I appeared in front of him, he struck my arm with a wooden stick, making a sharp "crack" sound. My entire left arm went numb instantly, followed by a burning pain a few seconds later.

I didn't have time to worry about my left arm. I raised my right hand to protect my head.

Then, pain started to spread to other parts of my body. When the stick hit my legs, I fell to the ground with a thud, biting my lip hard to stop myself from crying out, knowing that showing pain would only make the beating worse.

His curses rang in my ears: "That useless woman, giving birth to a worthless daughter like you." "She ate well while pregnant, and all she gave me was a worthless daughter. Should've gotten rid of you at birth." "You're the reason I have no sons."

When he finally finished, he grabbed me by the collar and threw me into the cellar.

Through my tear-blurred eyes, I saw my mother slowly crawling towards me from where she had been lying on the ground. When she reached me, she touched my head with her swollen hand, her fingers barely visible.

I couldn't hold back any longer. Tears flowed like a river as I collapsed into her arms, crying and calling out for my mother.

The cellar was cold, but my mother's embrace felt warm.

[2] I fell asleep feeling groggy, but the next morning, my dad dragged me out of bed. We had to go pick mulberry leaves for the silkworms.

Before we left, he made sure I wore long sleeves and pants, warning me not to let the reporter see the bruises on my body.

Despite the pain, I managed to pick a basketful of mulberry leaves. On my way back, I heard faint footsteps behind me.

It was Wilson, the reporter, following me.

I changed direction and led him to a secluded spot. "I know you're behind me. You should leave now."

Wilson stepped out from behind the trees. "I know you were beaten yesterday. I can help you escape from here."

I rejected him coldly. "This is my home. Why would I want to run away?"

He persisted, "Do you want to go to school? I can help you escape and even support you through college."

I went silent. I did want to go to school, but in our village, only boys were allowed to attend. The few words I could recognize were taught to me by my mom when I was little.

Mom always said, "Send my Sara to college..."

But if I left, who would take care of Mom now?

"Thanks, but I can't leave. I have to stay here." I paused and hinted, "I know you're here for more than just saving me, but this place isn't as simple as you think. You should go quickly."

When I finished picking the mulberry leaves and returned, Dad scolded me for being slow today.

I bowed my head and apologized, the pain from my injuries almost unbearable.

The village leader phoned, asking if Dad had come up with a solution yet. The reporter had visited his house again today.

Dad replied impatiently, "Not yet. Just stall him for now."

"Dad, why not let Ian wear that special outfit while taking the test? As long as he's working on the test, he won't be found out. Tell the reporter not to disturb Ian while he's taking the test, and Ian won't have to speak."

The clothes made from silk from the silkwormwoman could enable an ordinary person to complete a test, but they couldn't change the person's inherent mind.

And Ian was a fool. Apart from being able to complete the test, he was still a fool in every other aspect.

Dad slapped his forehead and said, "You useless girl, you actually had a good idea for once."