Chapter 322

“He didn’t bother me much. Your son is cute,” said Grace. “However, he seems to crave noodles. He keeps staring at them.”

“If you give him noodles, he may or may not eat them. He just likes to join in the fun,” the woman said, gesturing with both hands in front of the little boy.

Grace was stunned and immediately recognized the woman’s sign language.

“He…” she blurted.

The woman said, “He can’t hear, but he already knows some sign language, so he understands simple gestures.” She then slowly said, “Apologize to Aunty,” while signing.

The little boy bowed in Grace’s direction, offering an apology.

Grace couldn’t help rubbing the little boy’s head. He was so young, yet deaf. She wondered what the world of sound was like to him.

The woman carried her son away while Grace finished her noodles, a heavy heart settling within her. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a job posting on the door. They were looking for delivery riders.

Turning to the cashier desk, Grace asked the boss, “Are you looking for riders?”

“Yes,” the boss nodded.

“Can I apply?” Grace asked.

The boss looked at Grace, a little confused. “As a rider?”

“Yes.”

“No, it’s just that you’re still young. Women your age usually don’t want hard jobs like that,” said the boss.

“It’s hard enough for me to get a job,” Grace hesitated, then confessed, “I’ve been to prison and have a criminal record. It’s hard to find work after that car accident killed someone. If possible, I really want this job.”

The boss’s eyes flickered in surprise at Grace’s confession. “However, the salary is fixed at 4,000 dollars a month. You’ll deliver food during rush hours and help out in the restaurant otherwise. You’ll work 9:30 am to 9 pm, and I’ll provide two meals a day—lunch and dinner. The hours are long.”

For Grace, 4,000 dollars was almost double her previous sanitation worker salary. And hard work was nothing compared to the need to survive.

“Sure!” Grace said immediately.

The boss smiled. “Then you can start tomorrow. We have an electric bike for deliveries. You don’t need to buy one; just use ours.”

“Thank you!” Grace said gratefully. “I’ll be here on time.”

Her job hunt had taken an unexpected turn.