None of it could stop him from being the most dazzling presence in any crowd.
Because before he became the city's most outstanding young businessman, he had been a painting prodigy who'd stunned countless people with his talent.
One year, he nearly missed an important competition because he couldn't afford the entry fee. I gritted my teeth and paid it with my living expenses, then stretched what remained to feed us both.
Until my mother found out.
She humiliated him in front of everyone on the crowded school grounds, tearing him apart until there was nothing left of his dignity.
While I was still dreaming of the trophy he'd bring home—
He turned in a blank exam paper.
And never picked up a brush again.
He started skipping class, staying out overnight, launching a business with people I'd never met.
When I asked why, he only said he wanted to give me a better life.
He was still gentle. Still attentive. But sometimes it felt like I was living through a long, silent punishment.
Later, I learned the full truth and had a massive fight with my family.
Out of guilt, I threw myself into supporting every plan he had for the future.