Back in prison, Grace was alone. If Lina hadn't visited her frequently for encouragement, Grace might not have survived. There were many days when she contemplated suicide. Lina had supported her throughout the past three difficult years.

"The life-saving straw?" Jason's eyes glittered. Lina seemed to hold a special place in Grace's heart. "Don't you find it funny to treat someone as a lifesaver? What if they abandon you?" Jason asked.

"Lina wouldn't do that," Grace replied confidently, her trust in Lina absolute. Jason felt uneasy, though he didn't know why.

Over the next few days, Grace's workload increased dramatically due to an upcoming inspection by the Sanitation Service Center's management staff. She worked overtime most days. Fortunately, Jay had dinner ready for her each night, providing a steady, calming presence that warmed her heart. She had told him to eat without her if she was late, but he insisted on waiting.

Early one morning, after cleaning her assigned streets, Grace returned to the Sanitation Service Center. After putting away her tools, she stood on the lawn in front of the entrance. The inspectors from the Urban Management Bureau arrived after a while. Everyone responsible for street sweeping stood on the lawn to greet them, making reporting easier. Grace's thin frame stood out among the middle-aged women.

"You're Grace!" a woman of about twenty-eight, in a light-blue suit and a bun, exclaimed upon seeing Grace. Her round face and narrow eyes were unremarkable, but her makeup enhanced her appearance.

Grace was stunned before recognizing her high school classmate, Mia Jenkins. "It's you!" Mia exclaimed. "Why are you here? Are youa sanitation worker?"

"Yes," Grace replied, meeting Mia's gaze. Facing old friends, even under embarrassing circumstances, was unavoidable.

"Mia, do you know each other?" Mia's colleague asked.

"Yes," Mia said. "Back then, Grace was the prettiest girl in class and our valedictorian! She always got top marks. Many guys liked her, but she was always focused on her studies." Mia lavishly praised Grace, highlighting the contrast to her current situation.

Her colleague frowned. "The prettiest girl? You're kidding!"

Mia smiled faintly, and Grace tensed, aware of the underlying tension. Many classmates had envied her back then.

"Oh yes," Mia said. "Our Grace was quite the swan." The implication—that the "ugly duckling" was now the supervisor while the "swan" swept streets—was clear.

Grace's colleagues reacted with surprise, sympathy, and laughter.

The following day, after Grace returned her tools, a girl from the Supply Department asked, "Grace, everyone heard Miss Perkins yesterday. Is it true you were the prettiest and smartest?"

Grace didn't reply. Farah Steele, another sanitation worker, snorted. "What good is being pretty or smart? Obviously, it didn't help her."

The girl looked embarrassed. Grace lowered her head, signed the logistics record book, and left. Claire caught up with her. "Don't take Farah's words to heart. She's angry because she likes Chase from the fleet."

Grace was puzzled. Claire explained that Chase, a driver, seemed interested in Grace and that he had a promising future at the Center, including a house bought by his parents. She suggested Grace consider him.

Grace refused. "I have no intention of getting into a relationship," she said. Since leaving prison, she had given up on love and marriage. Sean, her former partner, had made promises of love and protection, promises broken when he ordered her abuse, including the removal of her fingernails and the breaking of her hand bones.

"No, thank you," Grace said to Claire. "I'm fine."

Claire asked about Grace's ankle. Grace said it was better, even though it could have been amputated. Claire shook her head. Grace smiled. "Complaining doesn't change things."

Claire tugged Grace down a hallway. "Give yourself a chance, Grace. You've paid enough. You deserve happiness."

Grace patted her shoulder. "You're a good person." She had a few good people in her life—Lina, Claire, and Jay. Jay knew her past and didn't judge her. They were a family to each other, but the brotherly dynamic caused a pang of longing.

"I'm blessed," Grace said. "Wishing for more leads to discontent."

Claire rolled her eyes. "You're a disgustingly positive influence."

Grace laughed. "I'll take it."

On payday, Grace bought Jay a mobile phone. He protested, but Grace insisted it was necessary for job applications and communication. They went to a market stall, where Grace bought an older but functional model.

"They're not fancy," she blushed, "but when I earn more money, I will…"