Carmen was slapped to the ground, a buzzing sound ringing in her ears. Gripping the small ball tightly, she endured Tom and Alyson's scolding, their insults—shameless, disgraceful, lowly—raining down on her.

Tom then turned to Calvin, but his anger was less forceful. "Leave. Don't let me see you again!" he said.

Calvin glanced at the fallen Carmen, licked his lips, and said, "Think it over before you come find me." He quickly ran off, avoiding her furious glare.

Tom's anger intensified. Pointing at Carmen, he exclaimed, "What? Did you make some kind of deal with that guy? How could I raise such a shameless daughter?"

Alyson intervened, sneering, "Alright, alright. It's not like this is the first time. She's grown up; we can't control her anymore. Just let it be." She added, "She'll always embarrass us. You'll get used to it."

He gave Carmen one last cold look. "You don't need to return. Your brother's teacher is coming for a home visit. Leave for a few days and come back when this blows over."

Picking herself up, Carmen gathered her scattered bags. Seeing her large salad ruined, she burst into tears. Tom and Alyson were gone; she was alone in the lobby.

After cleaning up, she returned to the market, only to find the stall being driven away by city enforcement officers. The owner apologized profusely, bowing and quickly pushing his cart away.

Carmen cried again. Why was survival so difficult for someone who simply wanted to live? She stood in the cold wind until the redness from the slap faded, then picked up her vegetables and began walking.

She didn't go home. Instead, she headed to the unit opposite her own.

Calvin entered, carrying two boxes of fried rice, several drinks, and two packs of cigarettes. "Baldy, I got the stuff."

Baldy remained on the balcony, his rifle aimed at Felicia's balcony, though his target was unseen. Calvin handed him a cigarette, lighting it with a fawning expression.

For days, Calvin had diligently served Baldy, avoiding punishment. He had been allowed to run errands, such as buying food and cigarettes. This newfound power emboldened him. Today, while running errands, he had confronted Carmen.

Baldy had witnessed it all through his scope. Exhaling smoke, he narrowed his eyes. "Brat, your woman's not bad looking."

Calvin quickly responded, "If you like her, she's all yours!"

Baldy's comment was casual; a woman held less value than money. The mission's reward—a large sum—would allow him to obtain any woman he desired. "Behave," he warned sternly. "If you mess this up, I'll be the first to kill you!"

Calvin nodded vigorously, eager to please. "Don't worry. I got it."

"Alright, go take out the trash. It stinks," Baldy said, discarding his takeout container. The floor was littered with cigarette butts and food wrappers.

Calvin eagerly began cleaning.