Cannon Fodder in an Era Drama — I Survive with Acting-Chapter 194: Want to Turn Over a New Leaf

"Our Qingya is so accomplished! She’s been smart since she was a little girl, and now she’s just incredible! Come on, I’ll go with you! We’ll buy lots of good food and have a lively family dinner tonight!"

Mrs. Song said, pulling Liu Li by the hand.

The two women left, chatting and laughing as they planned the menu.

Just then, Father Song lowered his newspaper, his gentle gaze lifting to meet hers.

"Now that it’s settled, focus on doing a good job. The hospital is full of gossip and complicated relationships, so you need to be prepared for that."

"Dean Yuan was there for over a decade. He’s very experienced, and he’s the only one who truly knows the ins and outs of its secrets and unspoken rules."

"If there are things you don’t understand right away, don’t hesitate to ask for his guidance."

"Don’t be embarrassed to ask questions just because you’re young and new to the role. Seeking advice with humility isn’t shameful—on the contrary, it’s a shortcut to growth."

"And remember, you may be the director, but you’re still human. You’ll get tired. When you need help, ask for it."

Every word was practical and sincere. Listening to him, Song Qingya felt a warmth spread through her heart, a profound sense of comfort.

She looked down and smiled, her voice soft yet firm.

"Dad, I understand. I’ll take every word you’ve said to heart."

Meanwhile, Liu Li and Mrs. Song were walking side by side, their market baskets heavy with groceries.

"Our Qingya really makes us proud!"

Liu Li said with a smile as they walked, her voice filled with pride.

"Becoming a hospital director at such a young age... that’s a first for anyone in our residential compound!"

"Whose child could be as successful as she is? She excelled in her studies, she’s a diligent worker, and she’s so mature and dependable. You never have to worry about her, no matter where she is."

Mrs. Song nodded, her gaze gentle.

"Yes, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief."

"Her journey here hasn’t been easy. The hardships she endured, the sleepless nights she spent—others don’t see it, but a mother knows best."

They continued toward the supply co-op as they talked, planning to pick up some soap and spools of thread.

Just as they reached the entrance to the co-op, someone suddenly burst out of a side alley.

"Aunt Liu!"

The cry, choked with sobs, rang out abruptly.

Panting and pale, Yang Meiling threw herself in front of Liu Li.

"Aunt Liu, Aunt Song, I... I really have nowhere to go."

Liu Li was startled and took half a step back.

"Meiling? What’s going on? What happened?"

Tears streamed down Yang Meiling’s face as she spoke, her voice choked with sobs.

"My... My parents kicked me out. They said my past actions were a disgrace and brought shame upon our family."

She shook her head, wiping away tears as snot streamed from her nose.

"Aunt Liu, I know I was foolish and immature back then. I made mistakes, and I broke your heart and Brother Ajin’s."

"But I’ve truly changed. I really want to turn over a new leaf and live a proper life."

She lifted her tear-streaked face to Liu Li, her eyes pleading.

"But they won’t even let me back in the house."

Liu Li’s heart clenched.

’This girl might have done some foolish things in the past, but I’ve watched her grow up since she was a child.’

’Kicked out by her own parents with nowhere to go... It’s just so pitiful.’

She opened her mouth, about to say, "Why don’t you come home with me for now," but swallowed the words before they could escape.

’If I bring her home, what will the Fei Family think?’

’Will Ajin be upset?’

The situation was delicate, and she was paralyzed by indecision. All she could do was stand there, staring blankly at Yang Meiling.

Mrs. Song stood silently to the side, sizing up Yang Meiling.

’Her words were pitiful, but her eyes were constantly darting about. She kept sneaking glances at Liu Li’s reaction, her gaze even flicking over to me.’

’She doesn’t look the least bit repentant.’

Mrs. Song’s heart sank.

’Why did this girl have to show up now of all times?’

’Qingya was just promoted to director and is in the spotlight. And now *she* shows up, crying for shelter and sympathy?’

’The timing is far too convenient.’

Seeing Liu Li’s resolve waver, Mrs. Song immediately stepped forward.

"Meiling, what’s the real story with your family?"

"Go report this to the neighborhood committee and have an official mediate for you. Or do you have any other relatives you could stay with?"

The suggestion was perfectly reasonable.

Yang Meiling cursed inwardly, fuming, but kept the pitiful expression plastered on her face.

She bit her lip and turned back to Liu Li, fresh tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Aunt Liu! I really have nowhere else to go. My parents have disowned me, and all my relatives are avoiding me. No one will take me in."

"I don’t have a single cent on me. I can’t even afford to eat. I spent all of last night at a bus stop."

"Aunt Liu, please, have a heart. Can you just let me stay for a few days? Just a few days, I swear I’ll find another place to go!"

The crying was giving Liu Li a headache, and her initial resolve began to crumble.

Bystanders had started to stop and stare.

An older woman holding a child’s hand stood nearby, whispering as she eyed the scene.

"That poor girl. Do you think she was really kicked out of her home?"

Someone else agreed.

"Who knows? People are so cunning these days. She might just be putting on an act."

"Aunt Liu, I’m begging you."

Yang Meiling continued to plead, her voice growing hoarse from crying.

Liu Li heaved a long sigh.

She raised a hand to her temple, her voice tinged with resignation.

"All right, all right, stop crying. Crying won’t solve anything."

"Look, why don’t you come home with me and stay for a couple of days. But as soon as you find somewhere else, you have to move out. My place isn’t big enough for long-term guests."

The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted them.

"Thank you, Aunt Liu! Thank you so much! You’re a lifesaver! Without you, I don’t know where I’d sleep tonight."

She moved quickly, deftly reaching out to take Liu Li’s arm.

"Let me help you. It’s so hot out, and you must be tired from all this walking. Let me carry your basket so you don’t overexert yourself."

This time, Mrs. Song didn’t intervene.

’She knew it was no use trying to stop it now.’

’She knew Liu Li’s personality. Once she made up her mind out of pity, not even a team of wild horses could drag her back.’

Yang Meiling clung to Liu Li, her affection a little too cloying.

"Aunt Liu, you’re such a savvy shopper! These cucumbers look so crisp, and the tomatoes are perfectly ripe!"

"Let me carry that for you! You shouldn’t get tired. From now on, I’ll cook for you every day so you can rest!"

Mrs. Song watched with a cold expression, a wave of disgust washing over her.

’Just a moment ago, Yang Meiling was sobbing her heart out, a mess of tears and snot, looking as if her world had ended.’

’But not even a few minutes later, her tears were gone, and her expression had completely transformed.’

’A person like that, who can change her tune in the blink of an eye, would only bring trouble if you let her in your home.’

An idea suddenly sparked in her mind.

’The most important thing now is to put a stop to this farce.’

’And the best way to do that would be to feign weakness to gain an advantage: she’d have a ’sudden attack’ of her own.’

Just as Yang Meiling reached for the basket.

She suddenly cried out, "Oh!", clutching her chest as her body swayed and she leaned heavily against Liu Li.

"Oh, my chest hurts! It’s a sudden stabbing pain... it hurts so much I can’t breathe... oh!"

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Yang Meiling freeze in place and sneered inwardly.

’I have to make this convincing.’