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Chapter 55
Chapter 55
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And behind him followed a group of young men, dressed in flashy, slovenly clothes, with hair dyed in all sorts of bright colors.
Kayla’s mind instantly flashed back to the rumors Tania had mentioned earlier: Payton hung out with gangsters, drank, gambled, messed with hookers, and did all kinds of misconduct.
She thought, ‘Are those rumors true? Or has Payton strayed down the wrong path only to raise money for his mom’s medical bills?‘
But the next scene completely shattered her assumptions.
“It’s getting late. You guys should go home. Don’t just stand around here. Don’t worry about me,” Payton said, his tone carrying a faint note of authority.
Yet the group hesitated, none of them moving an inch.
“Payton, I’ve got some money. Just take it for Mrs. Lynch’s treatment.” A boy in ripped jeans with yellow hair stepped forward first, pulling a wad of cash from his bag.
The thick stack was a mix of ten–dollar, five–dollar, and even fifty–cent coins. It was clear the money had been scraped together bit by bit. Though the pile looked bulky, it was probably only a few hundred dollars total.
When Payton saw it, there was no sign of happiness on his face. Instead, his brows drew together, and his tone turned cold. “Where did you get this money?”
The yellow–haired boy named Yellow Spike was startled, realizing Payton had misunderstood. He hurried to explain, “Payton, don’t get me wrong. This isn’t… I didn’t steal it. I saved it up little by little. It’s honest money.”
He didn’t dare to steal other people’s money to cover Payton’s mother’s medical bills and would never do that.
Payton’s expression softened slightly after he heard that.
With one person taking the lead, the others quickly pulled money from their pockets and held it out to Payton.
“Payton, I heard Mrs. Lynch’s treatment will cost over 65,000 dollars, and this is just a drop in the bucket. But it’s my share. Don’t worry, I didn’t rob anyone. I saved it by picking up trash.”
“Payton, I’ve got some too. I’m giving it all to you. I earned it from a part–time job, not stealing. It’s clean.”
“Payton, this is mine. My parents told me to bring it to you. We hope Mrs. Lynch gets better soon.”
Without exception, each of them explained where their money came from, terrified Payton might misunderstand.
Payton’s eyes reddened slightly as he looked at them. He managed a smile, patting the boy in front of him, his voice softening to hide the tremor in his throat. “No, keep it. You all earned your money through hard work.
“I can’t take it. I’ll figure out my mom’s medical bills on my own. Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to her.”
It sounded like he was reassuring them, but also like he was comforting himself.
Payton thought, “These kids all come from poor families. They already struggle to make every dollar count. How could they ever have any extra cash to give?‘
Yellow Spike shook his head stubbornly. “Payton, take it, please. We know this is nothing compared to Mrs. Lynch’s medical
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Chapter 35
bills, but it’s all we can give.
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“If it weren’t for Mrs. Lynch and you, those gangsters would’ve beaten me to death. I really want to help you, but there’s only so much I can do. If you don’t take it, we’re not leaving.”
Another boy chimed in. “Yeah, Payton, we’re giving this to Mrs. Lynch, not you. You don’t get to say no. If Mrs. Lynch hadn’t stood up for me back then, I would’ve either been arrested or left to die in some alley.
“How could I just watch her lie in the hospital and do nothing? And we know you can make money, but that takes time. The problem is, Mrs. Lynch may not afford to wait for so long. Just take it.”
“Payton, accept it, please. And don’t worry, I didn’t steal this. I turned over a new leaf ages ago. My parents told me to make sure you accept this,” a third boy added, pushing his money forward.
“Payton, take it! If you don’t, you’re just looking down on me, like you think my money’s dirty…”
Payton looked at their stubborn, hopeful faces. One by one, their eyes shone with sincerity, no trace of malice or greed. It made him feel like crying.
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