Chapter 2

Everything was happening just like the plot in that online post.

A week later, Kevin came home, looking exhausted but with a hint of relief and joy on his face.

"Jennie, we've got news! We found a kidney match!" he said, grabbing my hand so tightly it felt like he might crush my bones.

He grabbed my hand so tightly it felt like he might crush my bones.

I widened my eyes in feigned surprise. 'Really? Already?'

"Yeah!"

He nodded vigorously, his eyes reddening. "It's a volunteer, a really kind girl. She's willing to donate her kidney without asking for anything in return!"

It was happening. The so-called "really kind girl" was finally about to show up.

That "really kind girl" was finally making her appearance.

"That's... that's amazing!" I stammered, so excited I could barely get the words out. "We really have to show her how grateful we are! What's her name? What kind of person is she?"

Kevin's eyes flickered for a moment before he replied, "Her name is Mandy Miller. She's a college student. Her family's struggling, but she's really sweet and genuine. She... she doesn't want us to feel guilty, so she prefers not to meet us for now."

"No way!" I shot back, my tone firm and unwavering.

"This is a life-saving favor, how could we not meet her? Kevin, you have to help me set up a meeting. I want to thank her face-to-face, and we're willing to pay any amount!"

My insistence made Kevin hesitate, but in the end, he couldn't resist and agreed to give it a try.

The next day, he told me Mandy had agreed to meet at a café near the hospital.

I did my makeup to look pale and frail, then threw on a loose white dress, so I'd look even more fragile and pitiful.

When I walked into the café, I spotted her right away.

She was sitting by the window in a pair of washed-out jeans and a plain T-shirt. Her long hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she didn't have a trace of makeup on, she looked so clean and a little naive.

Sunlight poured through the glass, and for a second, she almost seemed to shine.

Kevin really had good taste.

He was sitting across from her, and when he saw me, he immediately stood up and came over, thoughtfully pulling out a chair for me.

"Jennie, this is Mandy," Kevin said, introducing us.

Mandy stood up, looking a bit nervous as she smiled at me, showing her adorable little canine teeth.

"Jennie... hi," she said softly, her voice shy and hesitant.

Her voice was soft, with a timid undertone.

I grabbed her hand, and tears instantly streamed down my face.

"Mandy, thank you. Thank you so much. You saved my life," I said, my voice thick with emotion.

My words were genuine, my voice full of heartfelt sincerity.

Mandy was startled by my enthusiasm, her cheeks flushing as she quickly waved her hands. "Jennie, please, don't be like this. I... I just did what anyone would do. Kevin has helped me so much, this is just my way of giving back."

She snuck a glance at Kevin, and you could see the dependence and crush in her eyes, she couldn't hide it at all.

Kevin shot her a reassuring, approving look, then turned to me and said gently, "Jennie, you see? Mandy really is that kind-hearted. You're not feeling well, so try not to get too worked up."

That whole afternoon, I played the role of a tearfully grateful patient, acting like I owed my "savior" everything.

I asked about her studies and her life, promising to sponsor her college education and offering her a "compensation" she couldn't possibly turn down.

Mandy kept refusing at first, but after Kevin and I took turns persuading her, she finally accepted the bank card I'd prepared in advance, though it was clear she was reluctant.

There was 150,000 dollars on that card.

That was Kevin's idea. He said we couldn't let a kind girl like her suffer any loss.

Watching Mandy grip that card, her eyes shining with surprise and greed, I nearly laughed out loud.

Such a pure, kind-hearted girl!

After that, Mandy was practically always around our place.

She'd show up with fruit or homemade snacks, hang out with me, and keep me entertained.

She'd tell me funny stories from school and talk about her hopes for the future, calling me "Jennie" so sweetly, like we were closer than real sisters.

Kevin was always there, watching us with a pleased, contented smile.

He probably thought his plan was seamless.

The girl he adored would not only get the help she needed, but also walk away with a big chunk of cash. And his wife would be grateful to him, treating the "savior" he brought home like her own daughter.

Three birds with one stone, he must have been feeling pretty proud of himself for pulling it all off.

One time, Mandy was peeling an apple for me and accidentally nicked her finger.

Kevin jumped up before I could even react.