Chapter 3

I signed to Andrew, "Claire said you're having some trouble with your startup."

Andrew frowned instantly and said, "This has nothing to do with you, and there's nothing you can do about it."

The impatience in his eyes stopped me in my tracks.

Yes, to him, I'd always been nothing but a burden.

But I was about to leave. If I could lend a hand, even just a bit, maybe I'd finally feel at ease.

I signed, "What if I could help? Is your project about animation or an animated series?"

Andrew froze for a second.

Claire couldn't understand our sign language, so she just turned to Andrew and said sweetly, "Think it over again about going to Havenwood. If you miss this chance, it won't be easy to find another one."

She added, "Didn't the doctor say she'll never get better? You can't waste your whole life on someone who's disabled."

Andrew used to hate it when people called me disabled. He'd even gotten into plenty of fights because of it.

But this time, he stayed silent for a while, then finally nodded at Claire.

I pretended I didn't hear, signing with genuine sincerity, "I'll go to your company to help tomorrow."

Maybe thinking about Havenwood made Andrew hesitate to refuse me, so he agreed.

I was not surprised to see Claire when I arrived at his company.

Claire said, "Andrew went to see a client, and I'm going to see an investor later. Remember to send me a message if you have anything."

I nodded.

Shortly after she left, two clients came in.

After I offered them some water, I texted Claire, but she didn't reply for a long time.

The two seemed pretty anxious, so I tried calling Claire again, but she still didn't pick up.

With no other options, I tried calling Andrew, but he didn't respond either.

I had to take out paper and a pen, write down a question, [May I help you?]

The two looked at each other, their tones angry. "Didn't you invite us to talk about cooperation at this time? Is this your sincerity?"

I instinctively tried to explain, but since I couldn't speak, I started signing without thinking.

One of them scoffed, "What? Are you mute? Andrew sent a mute to deal with us? If this is your idea of professionalism, forget the deal."

They stood up to leave, and I hurried to block their way.

I had just finished typing out a message on my phone, hoping to stall them, but one of the guys shoved me out of the way.

The man roared, "Get out! Tell Andrew not to contact me again!"

They had just left when Claire came back and asked, "I saw your message, where are they?"

I sighed and showed her a note on my phone, [they'd just left, but maybe if we hurry, we could still catch them.]

Claire's eyes widened, her tone full of frustration. "Do you even realize how much effort Andrew put into this deal?

"Three whole months. He's been working nonstop, barely getting any sleep, all for this moment. Why didn't you keep them here a little longer?"

I still wanted to explain when Andrew walked in from outside, a little out of breath.

Andrew said, "I just wrapped things up and came straight over. We've still got ten minutes. Those guys haven't arrived yet, have they?"

Claire sighed, sounding annoyed. "They're already gone.

"I just went to meet an investor and told Emily to call me if anything happened, but apparently even something this basic was too much for her."

I shook my head. It wasn't like that. We might still catch up if we went now.

I thought of the notes I had just shown Claire, so I held my phone up to Andrew, wanting him to hurry and chase them.

But he snatched the phone and threw it hard on the ground.

Andrew roared, "Enough! I knew you'd only make things worse!

"Even your own parents can't stand you. You're just a burden from the start. And me, the fool, has been by your side all these years, trying to shield you from everything."

The regret in his tone made me freeze in place.

I pushed him away, picked up the phone, and ran out.

They'd only just left. There was still a chance to catch up with them.

But just as I got downstairs and stood by the road looking around, a sharp car horn suddenly sounded in my ear.