The client snapped back to reality, striding toward me with excitement: “It’s you!”

I brightened, muttering under my breath: “One thousand yuan!”

Zhu Qing overheard and gave a heavy smile: “More than a thousand… I’ll explain later.”

I nodded timidly, suppressing my joy.
After too many disappointments, I knew better than to celebrate until the money was in my hands.

Otherwise, the fall would hurt more.

The staff, relieved the deal was safe, let out silent sighs.
I stood there, head tilted, clueless about what to do, waiting for Zhu Qing’s instructions.

The client’s face softened with a gentle smile.
He asked: “Have you eaten lunch?”

I thought for a moment—did he mean to treat me to a meal?
Free food? Of course I’d eat!

I shook my head with a smile: “Not yet.”

Zhu Qing’s expression shifted, and he quickly interjected: “Mr. Qi, our Disney Media not only strictly controls production quality but also manages our artists tightly.
Company rules forbid private interactions with sponsors. Please don’t put her in a difficult spot.”

So, he wasn’t called “Client”—his surname was Qi.
Did the rule against private interactions mean no lunch?

Mr. Qi’s lips curved slightly: “Not even to make friends?”

Zhu Qing hesitated, forcing a change of topic: “Mr. Qi, please prepare the shooting props quickly. We’re ready to start anytime.”

To avoid giving Mr. Qi a chance to argue, Zhu Qing turned: “Xiao Li!”

Xiao Li responded respectfully: “Director, I’m here.”

“Book a hotel for a week, somewhere nice. Get it reimbursed later.”

“I’m on it.”

Xiao Li stepped aside, pulling out her phone to check hotels.
Mr. Qi studied me with interest, a satisfied smile spreading: “I have high hopes for you.”

I nodded vaguely, as if entrusted with a great mission.
If things went smoothly, I could earn many thousands, right?

Mr. Qi glanced at his silver-white watch and pulled out his phone: “I have other matters. Let’s add each other on WeChat.”

Zhu Qing forced a smile: “I’m sorry, that’s not allowed either.”

Mr. Qi’s lips twitched: “I’m asking her, not you.”

His tone turned unfriendly, and I sensed something off about this man.
He was probably arrogant and overbearing in daily life.
I didn’t have WeChat anyway, so I followed Zhu Qing’s lead, bowing slightly: “Sorry.”

Mr. Qi, rebuffed, looked displeased but forced a smile, saying it was fine.
He left with a suave stride, glancing back at me as he pressed the elevator button, his gaze heavy with meaning.

Once the elevator doors closed, Zhu Qing exhaled in relief, whispering: “I’ll have Xiao Li take you to the hotel first.”

He rummaged through his wallet, pulling out a few hundred-yuan bills: “Make do with these for now.
Report to the company at 9 a.m. tomorrow.
After the ad shoot, you’ll get at least 300,000 yuan!”

“Three hundred thousand!” I gasped.
Happiness came too suddenly.
Recalling my bitter past, I wondered if this was my chance to rise above.

My eyes reddened instantly: “You’re not lying, right?”

Zhu Qing’s face grew serious, his tone firm: “I’m not lying.
Also, stay away from Mr. Qi—he’s dangerous for you.”

I nodded, committing his warning to memory.
With that money, I’d never have to wander the streets again.
But… what about my “home” with Grandma?
I stayed there to cling to our memories, the reason I endured no matter how tough life got.

Five years had passed.
Grandma must be playing a prank, testing my independence.
When the time came, she’d surely return.

No audition was needed—the sponsor had the right to choose the actress, saving everyone trouble.

I learned to remove makeup: simple, just wipe the made-up areas with a cotton pad soaked in makeup remover.
It left a faint smell of stale rice on my face—not too bad, I suppose.

Zhu Qing had Xiao Li get me new denim shorts and a T-shirt.
Clean clothes eased some of my inferiority around others, but not much.
I still felt lesser.

Wearing women’s clothes was hard to describe.
I wasn’t used to this female body, and the outfit exposed a bit of my chest, making me uncomfortable.

I didn’t dare voice this.
I couldn’t act like I rejected women’s clothing—my body was female now.
This secret had to stay buried, or I’d be seen as a freak and lose my chance to rise.

Xiao Li, the intern, led me out.
My pale, slender legs moved awkwardly, one step at a time.

In the parking lot, Xiao Li respectfully opened the back car door, inviting me in.
She drove me to the hotel.

Could I live like this someday?
A chauffeured car, no more worrying about food.
If I could tire of every dish, would my only worry be choosing the next delicacy?

My heart surged with emotions.
The 300,000 wasn’t in my hands yet, but I couldn’t help dreaming of becoming someone important, like before.

My life was too dim, unlike others’ vibrant ones.
When they were unhappy, they had money to drown their sorrows in bars or vent at arcades.
For me, free daydreams were the best entertainment, bringing joy.
I could make my world fantastical, imagining love with pretty girls I passed by, sometimes laughing aloud on the street.

But reality always left me empty.
I had nothing—my food and shelter far below a normal person’s.

We arrived at the hotel, a grand building with a ten-meter-high lobby.
Pale yellow marble floors and pillars, paired with warm yellow lighting, looked incredibly elegant!

Another new place.
To hide my ignorance, I slowed my pace, trailing Xiao Li to check in.
The front desk’s request—“Please show your ID”—stumped me.

I answered honestly: “I don’t have one. I never have.”

Xiao Li thought for a moment, then said she’d be staying and I was just keeping her company.
The receptionist, used to such excuses, turned a blind eye and processed the check-in.

I was assigned to the 17th floor.
Entering the room, I gawked like a country bumpkin at the golden-yellow space.
The floor was so clean I could walk barefoot; the sheets gleamed white.
I’d never seen such a place.

I couldn’t help myself, touching the silky wall covering: “Wow…”

Xiao Li flashed a professional smile, her task done, and said she was heading back to the company, leaving me alone.

“Three hundred thousand…”
Lying on the soft, pristine bed, I flicked the 650 yuan Zhu Qing gave me, hearing a crisp snap.

Clutching the bills, I giggled, staring dazedly at the grand chandelier.
In such a clean place, I felt human…

Zhu Qing’s appearance was odd, but he gave me money and put me in an expensive hotel.
No fool would spend so much joking with a stranger, right?

I clenched my jaw, recalling my bitter days.
A flood of grievances poured out, hot tears streaming from my eyes.

It all felt so real.

I placed my hand on my chest, touching the jade pendant, sending my longing through it: ‘Grandma, come back soon.
We’ll live in a big house together, watch sheep on the hillside.’

The room was silent, no reply, not even a fly buzzing, leaving me profoundly alone.

Feeling low, I decided to shower again to distract myself.

I loved the sensation of warm water enveloping me.
Looking down at this pulse-quickening female body, I wondered what Grandma would think if she knew I’d become a girl.
Would I still have a chance to honor her?

This question haunted me, though I leaned toward believing she was testing my independence.

I feared she was truly gone.

While showering, I remembered the vegetables at home waiting to be cooked—they’d spoil soon.
And that sack of cans—had someone taken it?
There were plenty of scavengers nearby!

I desperately needed money; no one ever has enough.
Those cans, worth 3 yuan, were vital.
I hadn’t secured the 300,000 yet, leaving me anxious and insecure.

If I didn’t get the 300,000 and arrogantly stopped scavenging, I’d waste days for nothing.

I turned off the shower, dried off, and thought about cooking later.
Not wanting oil fumes to ruin Zhu Qing’s new clothes, I put on my beggar outfit.
Worried the 650 yuan might be stolen by those who often extorted me, I left it in the hotel and rushed out.

I dashed out under strangers’ odd gazes.
Taxis outside charged 8 yuan to start—too expensive.
Buses were 2 yuan, and I didn’t know the routes—also not worth it.

In the end, I jogged, no delicate flower.
Years of scavenging gave me stamina; walking ten kilometers a day was nothing, as long as I wasn’t carrying heavy loads.

Summer heat made me sweat, my long hair trailing behind, my chest bouncing subtly.
Without a bra, it’d be worse.

Passersby glanced at me.
After running and stopping for half an hour, I reached home.
Forget the cans—the sack was gone too!

I sighed deeply, consoling myself on the way back.
If Zhu Qing was truthful, I could earn millions a year!

Even if not, he gave me 650 yuan.

At home, opening the door sent two mosquitoes flying.
I clapped my hands, killing one; the other escaped.

I pursed my lips: “Come back, and I’ll crush you to dust.”

I washed my hands in the river, mixed the remaining vegetables with rice noodles, added salt, and made a steaming bowl of savory noodles.

I’d return to the hotel tonight, excited for my first night there.

It was Saturday, with plenty of afternoon left.
Fearing the ad shoot might fall through—like if they suddenly dropped me—I decided to keep working.
Money in my pocket was my only security.

I grabbed a sack and headed to the public basketball court, where I always felt deep inferiority.
My peers sweated, drank sweet beverages, and slapped basketballs in cool shoes, while I got pointed at for even looking.

Weekends, I spent most of my time here.
The students from “North High” were mostly “acquaintances” who tossed their empty bottles to me.

I saw a business opportunity: picking up their stray balls, though only with my feet since they thought my hands were dirtier than their shoes.

Sometimes, they asked me to run errands for drinks.
Other beggars might take the money and run, but not me—I was trustworthy.

Grandma taught me about long-term gains.
Running off with their drink money would cost me this side gig, which wasn’t worth it in the long run.

At day’s end, they’d tip me based on their mood, usually 5 to 10 yuan—easier than scavenging.

Some deliberately gave me 10-cent coins to humiliate me, but free money was free money.

“Beggar, pick up the ball!”
A basketball bounced toward me.
I kicked it back: “Coming!”

The ball rolled, ignored by the players, who stared at me for a long time.

“Damn, am I single too long? Even a beggar looks prettier than our class beauty.”

“You’re not wrong.”

They stared, entranced.
A tall, handsome boy approached, scratching his head: “Hey, play with me, and I’ll give you all my empty bottles.”

He looked shy.
I calculated—he’d give me maybe two bottles a week, but playing would tire me out, costing me evening scavenging time.

A voice shouted from the next court: “Gao Yang, are you dumb? That’s not how you talk to her!”

Gao Yang quickly apologized.
I smiled self-consciously: “It’s fine. I’m just a beggar.”

If things went well, I wouldn’t be one much longer.

“You’re insulting her!”
Another boy let go of his basketball, impulsively grabbing Gao Yang’s collar.
A crowd of boys rushed to break it up.

“It’s okay, it’s okay…”
I was used to being called that my whole life and didn’t mind.
I just feared their fight would ruin my side gig.

A basketball rolled to my feet, round and cute.
I couldn’t resist picking it up, bouncing it a few times.
This was only my second time touching one—last time, I got scolded and never dared again.

Basketballs, youth—so wonderful.

Their arguing stopped abruptly.
I wondered why, then realized everyone was watching me.
The boy defending me approached, his face serious.
I thought he’d scold me for touching his ball and dropped it: “Sorry, I dirtied your basketball.”

I backed away as he kept coming, cornering me.
I shrank in fear: “Don’t hit me… I’m sorry… please don’t hit me!”

“You’re one to talk, scaring her like that!”
Gao Yang ran over.
The boy crouched, introducing himself politely: “I’m Xu Hui. I mean no harm.”

His words were like a calming pill, soothing my heart.
He extended his hand to help me up.

I glanced at him, standing on my own: “Sorry for touching your ball.”

Xu Hui didn’t care: “It’s fine. Want to play basketball?”

I nodded eagerly but then shook my head: “You guys play.”

I had to pick up balls to earn money—otherwise, I’d starve.

“Here, filthy beggar!”
A basketball flew at my face!

I screamed, raising my hands to shield myself.
The ball didn’t hit me—someone swatted it away.
Gao Yang shouted furiously: “Zhang Qiang, what’s your problem?”

Zhang Qiang sneered: “What are you all doing fawning over a filthy beggar? Stop wasting ti—”
He stopped mid-sentence, staring at my chest, his jaw dropping: “Holy… you’re a girl?”

Zhang Qiang was the one who’d scolded me for touching his ball before.
Others had humiliated me with 10-cent coins, but they weren’t here today.

I glared at the ball that nearly hit me, seething but too scared to speak.
Stifling tears of frustration, I grabbed my sack, tossed in a nearby empty can, and stormed off.

“Hey, don’t rush off.”
A student I recognized, Yu Hao, blocked my way.

I watched him warily, my hand reaching for the fruit knife in my pocket.

He pulled out a hundred-yuan bill: “Look, play basketball with us, and I’ll pay you. Just for today!”

My eyes lit up, locked on the vibrant red bill.
Playing basketball all day and getting paid?

Another stroke of luck!

I nodded decisively: “Deal!”

Fearing he’d trick me, I snatched the money, kissing it impulsively.
Yu Hao, shocked, told me not to: “Careful, you’ll get sick.”

Others watched from the court.
Xu Hui looked annoyed: “Yu Hao, she looks like she’s never seen money. Don’t get any bad ideas.”

Gao Yang ran up, waving two hundred yuan: “Little fairy, I’ll pay double. I’ll let you go afterward, no strings attached.”

“Wow…”
My jaw dropped.
Two hundred yuan challenged my integrity.
I glanced at Yu Hao, weighing my options.

The two groups started arguing.
Zhang Qiang sneered: “Tch, no matter how pretty, she’s still a beggar. You single dogs are so desperate you’re fighting over a beggar?”

“Like your girlfriend’s any prettier,” someone retorted, sparking laughter.

Zhang Qiang’s face darkened, pulling out five hundred yuan: “Spend a night with me, and this is yours.”

“You looking for a fight?”
Xu Hui clenched his fists, advancing.
Gao Yang and Yu Hao joined, outnumbering Zhang Qiang three to one.
He stepped back, intimidated.

I spoke up, drawing all eyes.
Clenching my fists, biting my lip, I recalled past lessons, tears falling: “Don’t think you can trample my dignity just because you have money! Money doesn’t make you superior!”

Experience taught me not to let money cloud my judgment.
I’d learned that the hard way once, nearly losing half my life.

Starving, I couldn’t get money for a bun from adults, so I turned to a student.
After chatting, he learned I was alone.
His gaze turned sinister, deciding a beggar’s life was worthless.
He thought he could do anything and get away with it, bringing others to bully me.

A memory too painful to revisit.

Zhang Qiang was like those people, disgusting me.
I couldn’t stay on the court any longer.
Returning the hundred yuan to Yu Hao, I grabbed my sack and ran, wiping tears when alone, feeling foolish.

I could’ve played with Yu Hao and Gao Yang despite the pressure, but Grandma taught me not to give anyone a chance to bully me.
Otherwise, their cruelty would grow, and human darkness would amplify.

When something felt wrong, I ran—that was my survival guide.
Begging for mercy usually made them let me go.

Losing three hundred yuan hurt deeply.
Money was endless, so I pinned my hopes on the ad shoot, praying the 300,000 would make me rich overnight.

I kept collecting bottles that afternoon.
Some gave me money, but it didn’t compare to the basketball gig.

I couldn’t expect much—strangers giving me money was already generous.
It was all because I’d become a girl; they pitied me.

I had no burden about my body’s change now, even enjoying it a bit.
The only worry was encountering bad people.

I didn’t dare spend freely, but a little splurge was fine.
I bought a 1.5-yuan pickled vegetable at the market and 2 yuan worth of minced dace from the fish stall for braised rice—deliciously fresh!

As the sun set and night fell, I ate from my bowl, planning to return to the hotel.
I craved another warm shower.

The university-educated shop owner appeared, calling softly: “Girl?”

“Huh? I’m here. What’s up?”

He brought me buns, raising my opinion of him.
I turned, smiling: “Something wrong?”

He jogged over, his chubby belly wobbling, his face flushed, breathing heavily, his foul breath hitting my face.

I sensed danger, my instincts screaming.
As I prepared to flee, he tackled me to the ground!

My head hit the ground, disorienting me: “What are you doing!”

Panting, he looked like a beast: “Be mine, and you’ll have buns every day.”

He didn’t let me respond, tearing at my clothes!

Panicked, I slapped him: “You’re insane! This is a crime! You’re a university student…”

He covered my mouth, his face more excited: “You, a filthy woman, talking law? I’ll take care of you. Is this how you treat your future husband?”

He ripped my shirt, exposing my bra-covered chest.
Swallowing hard, his eyes gleamed with greed: “Well, damn, top-tier!”

I froze, my small hands hitting him desperately, but he felt no pain, moving to pull off my pants!

I clung to my pants, refusing to let go.
Any further, and he’d succeed.
My heart ached, ready to pull out my knife to fight back!

A heavy footstep interrupted my thoughts—someone was coming!

The shop owner turned, his eyes rolling back suddenly.
He convulsed on top of me, then went still, like he was dead.

Gasping, I lay on the ground.
My savior kicked the shop owner off me.

Still in shock, I was dazed.
From this angle, he loomed like a towering tree connecting earth and sky.

As I came to, I looked closely—his eyes roared like a wolf’s!

His cold face and brutish muscles radiated lethal force, an oppressive shadow suffocating me!

I trembled.
Five years later, I hadn’t forgotten him.
This wolf-like man was even more imposing now, terrifying.

His presence confirmed it—Grandma was truly gone.

I could no longer lie to myself.
He must know Grandma raised me and came to kill me.

Recalling that powerless moment five years ago, rage consumed me.
The chance for revenge was here.
I leaped up, drew my knife, yanked off the sheath, and stabbed at him!

But it wasn’t that simple.
In a flash, my knife fell to the ground.

Terrified, he grabbed my wrist, pulled me forward, and struck the back of my neck.
I lost consciousness and blacked out.