Xiong Mei hesitated, "But she would never accept—"
"Mei? Is everything alright? Hello?" Her mother's voice crackled with anxiety through the phone, prompting Xiong Mei to quickly respond.
"Y-Yeah, Mom, I can hear you," she stammered.
"Thank God, I was worried something terrible had happened to you," her mother exhaled in palpable relief.
Xiong Mei paused, gathering her thoughts before addressing the delicate subject. "Mom... about the money."
"What about it?" her mother's voice sharpened with curiosity.
"It was sent by Brother Zhang," Xiong Mei explained, her voice tinged with nervousness. "He wants you to treat yourself to some new clothes, maybe find a new house, and buy some gifts for Rui and yourself... He had to rush off last time because of work and couldn't give it to you in person." She crafted the last part on her own, hoping it would soften her mother's stance.
