I just entered the third year of high school this year, and would take the SAT next year. I had always been in the top three in my grade.

She actually wanted me to drop out of school now?

I immediately objected. "Mom! If I give up studying now, it would be a waste of all the years you supported me. Besides, Edward and Cathy only finished junior high school and can only do odd jobs. If I go to college, I will definitely earn more money for the family!"

My mother lowered her head and didn't say anything, and Cathy chimed in with a sarcastic tone.

"Although your brother and I may not be well-educated and earn a lot of money, at least we can continue the family line. Can you do that?"

I knew that none of them were worth my help.

At that moment, I stopped talking and sat aside, feeling upset. Anyway, I would leave when school started.

Cathy looked at me with her small eyes shining.

"Sophia, I heard that you received a 3,000 dollars scholarship from the school this semester, right? Your nephew is about to be born, and there will be some expenses. How about supporting us first?"

I was taken aback. I didn't expect Cathy to calculate my scholarship.

I was sure that my family would not be able to afford the tuition when the time came for me to go to college.

In order to avoid this incident, I had been secretly working and saving money for the past few years, but Cathy had her eyes on it.

I smiled discreetly.

"Cathy, did you hear this from Amy in the back alley? I did receive a bonus, but the school organized a fundraising event, and I donated it to the impoverished children."

Cathy looked disappointed after hearing this, but my mom was furious.

"What! You donated the whole 3,000 dollars! You wasteful thing! We are a poor family, why didn't you donate it to me!"

My mom picked up a stick and started hitting me. I was scared and ran out of the house.

I wandered outside for the whole afternoon before returning home.

I was scolded by my mom again for being lazy and losing money.

As soon as I entered the house, I smelled a disgusting odor.

I saw a small pot on the stove, boiling some unknown herbs.

I pinched my nose and asked my mom, "What is this?"

My mom showed off proudly, "This is a kind of soup, which can promote comprehensive intellectual development for my grandson. Come, Cathy, come and drink the soup!"

I clearly saw Cathy forcing herself to swallow this unknown medicinal soup.