chapter 22 special farewell ceremony

"It's been three years, and every day, I dreamed of leaving this place. Now that I'm really leaving, I actually feel a bit reluctant," William Li said, standing at the door of his rental room, feeling hesitant to leave. Aiden Ye glanced at the window covered by a bedsheet next door, which belonged to the street girl Sheryl, and teased, "You're probably just reluctant to leave Sister Sheryl." William Li's face turned red immediately, "No, no." "Do you want five minutes to say goodbye?" Aiden Ye said, understanding William Li's feelings. "Damn, Aiden, you're underestimating me. I need at least half an hour!" William Li said, then checked his empty pockets and finally shook his head, "Never mind, why meet if we are to part?" William Li did have some feelings for Sheryl. After all, both he and Sheryl were looked down upon by others. Some even mocked them, a prostitute and a beggar, a perfect match. Aiden Ye knew William Li didn't want to say goodbye, probably because he was short on money. He went over and knocked on Sister Sheryl's door. "Who is it?" A pleasant voice answered. It was Sister Sheryl's voice, but she deliberately made it sound younger. Being a forty-year-old trying to sound youthful was indeed somewhat provocative. When Sheryl opened the door and saw it was Aiden Ye and William Li, she was annoyed. "William Li, are you kidding me? Don't you know I work late nights and need to sleep during the day? Why are you knocking on my door?" "Uh, Sister Sheryl, I'm leaving," William Li said quietly. "Just leave, don't disturb me!" Sheryl said and slammed the door shut. William Li felt somewhat disappointed watching this. After all, they had been neighbors for two years. During their lowest times, they comforted and helped each other. It seemed true; as the saying goes, actors are heartless, and prostitutes are ungrateful. Maybe in Sheryl's eyes, William Li was just a client, and a non-paying one at that. "Let's go, Aiden," William Li said after standing at Sheryl's door for a while, his face full of disappointment, then turned to leave. Just then, Sheryl's door suddenly opened again. Sheryl's head peeked out. She had applied makeup, and although simple, she looked much more attractive. "William Li," Sheryl called out. "Sister Sheryl, what is it?" William Li turned back, puzzled. "Come in," Sister Sheryl said to him. William Li seemed to understand something but shook his head, "I don’t have money…" "This time, it's free!" Hearing Sheryl's words, a look of joy instantly appeared on William Li's face, "Aiden, wait for me half an hour!" Then he excitedly rushed into Sheryl’s room. Bang! The door of the rental house was closed forcefully. Watching this scene, Aiden Ye also felt emotional. He thought of Elsa Shen. That woman, seemingly virtuous, had an extremely beautiful face. But her heart was so cold and ruthless, she could even kill her own husband. And Sheryl, just an aging prostitute. Yet she showed more compassion and loyalty than Elsa Shen. Perhaps, in her youth, she also had her moments of glory. William Li boasted about making Aiden Ye wait for half an hour. But he knew it would be at most five minutes. Ever since he was injured, his abilities had declined significantly. What he didn't know was that all his injuries had been healed. Time suddenly flew by. An hour later. "How come you were so impressive today?" Sheryl asked, out of breath. "When am I not impressive?" William Li bragged a bit. "You're just boasting, I know you. Also, I noticed your leg doesn't seem to be lame anymore," Sheryl curiously asked. "That's all thanks to my brother Aiden Ye," William Li replied with a simple smile. "Are you coming back?" Sister Sheryl asked. "I probably won't." Sheryl climbed out of the bed, revealing a rather smooth back. Her figure was quite good; she must have been quite a beauty when she was young. She took out an iron box from under the bed, opened it, and handed back the money she had taken from William Li. "How can I take this? You didn't even charge me today!" William Li felt awkward accepting the money. "Take it. Your brother, at first glance, is not an ordinary person. You'll surely do well following him. Consider this an investment. Just don't forget me when you get rich!" Sheryl kissed William Li on the face and said. Looking into Sheryl's eyes, which held a trace of affection, William Li felt moved and said, "Why don't you come with me, Sister Sheryl? I'll take care of you. My health is good now. I can work!" "Why would I go with you? You haven't even made a name for yourself," Sheryl chuckled, but there were tears in her eyes. "Sister Sheryl..." "Get out!" William Li wanted to say more but was kicked out of the bed by Sheryl. William Li silently got dressed and left. "My name is Sheryl Yan." As William Li closed the door, he heard Sheryl's voice. It was the first time he knew Sheryl's real name. "Sheryl Yan, once I make a name for myself, I'll definitely come back for you," William Li silently vowed in his heart. The two then left the run-down neighborhood. "If you can't bear to leave her, why not marry her?" Aiden Ye joked, seeing William Li's dejected face. "That's impossible," William Li shook his head. "Why? Do you look down on her? Some people might be physically clean, but their hearts are dirty. And some, their bodies might be dirty, but their hearts are clean," Aiden Ye said. "Aiden, it's not that I look down on her being a prostitute. It's just that our ages are too different. She could be my aunt..." William Li scratched his head. "Actually, her age isn't that much. She might have aged quickly due to some illness," Aiden Ye said. "Really?" William Li's face lit up. Aiden Ye replied, "You still have time to go back and get her." William Li was tempted but ultimately gave up. After all, he hadn't made a name for himself yet. Especially since Aiden Ye had crippled Brother Dylan's men, they still didn't know if they could get past the Four Notorious Ruffians. "Let's talk about it when I make it big," William Li sighed. Aiden Ye didn't say anything more. After all, matters of the heart were not for him to interfere in. Maybe William Li didn't really like Sheryl Yan and was just relying on her because they were both down on their luck. If William Li remembers Sheryl Yan after becoming successful, it would mean he truly liked her. Then, he would cure her illness and return her to her youthful appearance. As they left the neighborhood, Aiden Ye saw Maple waiting in the distance. "Aiden, run! It's too late if we don't hurry!" William Li suddenly grabbed him and started running.