Born in the 1980s, she was remarried and became a stepmother; a cold, rough man doted on her, pinchi

Chapter 153 Lost Money

The sunlight of the 1990s always carried a touch of simplicity and warmth, shining on every corner of the campus.

During breaks, the classroom is bustling with activity as students laugh, play, and share their little secrets.

Shi Ning sat in her seat, clutching the seventy yuan in her pocket tightly. It was given to her by Jiang Man that morning, who told her to eat out with Shi An after school because Jiang Man and Qin Yishen were going to a banquet that evening.

Seventy yuan was no small sum at the time, and for Shi Ning, it carried a great deal of expectation.

She was thinking that after school, she and Shi An would have a big dinner together. Maybe they could try the new restaurant near the school gate. She heard that their braised pork rice was especially delicious.

Thinking of this, Shi Ning's lips unconsciously curled up, revealing a sweet smile.

However, fate always seems to love playing tricks. When the morning exercises ended and Shi Ning subconsciously reached for her pocket again, her smile instantly froze on her face.

Her pockets were empty; the seventy yuan had vanished! Shi Ning's heart sank, and her hands began to tremble uncontrollably.

She stood up in a panic, searching around her seat with wide eyes, not missing a single corner.

"How could this happen? How could the money be gone?"

Shi Ning kept muttering to herself, her voice trembling slightly.

She turned her schoolbag upside down; books and stationery were scattered all over the floor, but the seventy yuan seemed to have vanished into thin air and could not be found anywhere.

The students around Shi Ning noticed her unusual behavior and gathered around.

"Shi Ning, what's wrong?"

Xiaolin, Shi Ning's deskmate, asked with concern. Shi Ning looked up, her eyes filled with anxiety and helplessness. "I lost my money, seventy yuan. My mom gave it to me this morning, saying that my brother and I should eat out after school."

The students were all surprised when they heard this. In those days, seventy yuan was enough for a family to eat for several days.

Everyone started helping Shi Ning search. Some students lay on the ground, checking under the tables; others searched carefully in the aisle, afraid that the money might have been kicked into a corner.

"Could it have fallen on the playground? You went to the playground during your recess, right?"

The class's sports representative suggested. Shi Ning thought it made sense and immediately ran towards the playground. At this time, the playground was no longer as lively as it was during recess; only a few students were playing in the distance.

Shi Ning carefully searched the playground, step by step, following the route she had taken, her eyes fixed on the ground, not missing any suspicious spots.

Sweat beaded on her forehead, trickling down her cheeks and soaking her collar. But after searching the entire playground, Shi Ning still couldn't find the seventy yuan.

She returned to the classroom, dejected, and sat down in her seat, tears welling in her eyes. She couldn't imagine how she would explain it to Jiang Man when she got home; that was money her mother had worked so hard to save, and she had just lost it all.

"Shi Ning, don't worry, think about it again, maybe we'll find it soon."

Xiaolin comforted her from the side. Shi Ning forced a smile and nodded. But she knew in her heart that the money was most likely gone for good.

The school bell rang, but Shi Ning couldn't concentrate on the lesson at all. The teacher lectured at length, but her mind wandered far away. Jiang Man's disappointed expression and Shi An's reaction upon learning the money was missing kept replaying in her mind. The more she thought about it, the more frightened she became, feeling she had committed an unforgivable mistake. Finally, school ended. Shi Ning slowly packed her bag and dragged her heavy steps out of the classroom. She lingered at the school gate, too afraid to meet up with Shi An.

Shi An was waiting at the school gate early. When she saw Shi Ning come out, she immediately went to greet her. "Ning'er, why are you so slow? Let's go eat quickly, I'm starving."

Shi An said with a smile. Shi Ning lowered her head, not daring to look Shi An in the eye, and whispered, "Brother, I... I lost my money."

Upon hearing this, Shi An's smile vanished instantly. "What? The money's gone? How could it be gone?"

Shi Ning told Shi An everything that had happened, and as she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes. Seeing Shi Ning's distress, Shi An was a little anxious, but she still comforted her, "It's okay, Ning'er. It's okay if it's lost. Let's go home and explain it to Mom. Maybe Mom won't blame you."

Shi Ning nodded after hearing this, but she was still feeling uneasy.

When they got home, Jiang Man and Qin Yishen were still not back. Shi Ning and Shi An sat on the sofa, waiting anxiously.

Every minute and every second felt incredibly long. Shi Ning's heart was pounding faster and faster. Her hands were clenched tightly together, and her palms were covered in sweat.

Finally, Jiang Man and Qin Yishen returned. Seeing the children sitting on the sofa with serious expressions, Jiang Man immediately sensed that something was wrong.

"What's wrong? What happened?"

Jiang Man asked with concern.

Shi Ning stood up, head down, her voice barely audible, "Mom, I lost the seventy yuan you gave me."

After saying that, she closed her eyes, waiting for Jiang Man's reprimand.

However, Jiang Man was not angry. She walked over gently, patted Shi Ning's head, and said softly, "It's okay, Ning'er. It's okay if the money is lost. As long as you're alright, that's all that matters. Mom knows you didn't do it on purpose."

Shi Ning opened her eyes and looked at Jiang Man's kind smile, her sense of guilt intensifying.

"Mom, I was wrong. I will be more careful in the future."

"Shi Ning said, crying. Jiang Man hugged Shi Ning and comforted her, "Silly child, Mom doesn't blame you. Everyone is careless sometimes. Just be more careful next time."

Qin Yishen, who was standing nearby, also came over and said with a smile, "That's right, it's just seventy yuan, our family can afford to lose it. Come on, Mom and Dad will treat you to a meal today, as a way to comfort Ning'er."

Upon hearing this, Shi Ning and Shi An both smiled with delight. The family held hands, walked out of their house, and headed towards the restaurant.

In the afterglow of the setting sun, their shadows were stretched long, filled with warmth and happiness.

After this ordeal of losing money, Shi Ning became more sensible. She realized that family love is far more precious than money. No matter what difficulties she encounters, her family will always be her strongest support.

The lost seventy yuan became an unforgettable memory in her growth, constantly reminding her to be careful and cherish what she had.

Years later, when Shi Ning recalls this past event, her heart is still filled with warmth and emotion. She knows that it is the taste of home and the power of love.