Chapter 127: Mayor Martin Reed Pulled Out a Crumpled Stack of Bills

Mayor Martin Reed pulled out a crumpled stack of bills from his pocket and pressed them into Elena's hands. "The village pooled this together for your school travel expenses. It's not much, but it's from the heart."

Elena's eyes grew moist. Forty-eight dollars felt heavy in her palm.

"Uncle, I'll accept this," she said, gripping the money tightly. "I'll make our village proud!"

"Good girl!" Martin nodded approvingly. "There's more. The village is applying for poverty relief funds, and I've included your family. It won't be much, but it'll help with food supplies."

Upon hearing this, Elena's sister Rose burst into tears.

"Mayor, how... how can we ever thank you—"

"Silly girl!" Helen Reed pulled Rose into a hug. "Elena's my goddaughter, which makes you my niece. Family doesn't keep score!"

Martin sighed. "About Rose's land... well, that's lost to us now. We'll have to help you in other ways."

Warmth spread through Elena's chest. There were still good people in this world.

"Godfather, Godmother, if you ever need anything—"

"None of that!" Helen pretended to scold, producing a red cloth bundle from her bosom. "Your godfather and I saved this—two hundred dollars. You'll need proper supplies for the city."

Elena immediately refused. "Godmother, I have money! Rose can vouch for me!"

Rose nodded vigorously. After much back-and-forth, Helen finally relented.

"Then how about this," Elena said brightly. "I was just worrying about bedding. You're such a good seamstress—you must help me with that!"

Helen finally smiled. "That's more like it!"

With that settled, Elena brought up the pig-rearing plan. Martin slapped his thigh. "Walter Brooks's piglets are the best in the east end! I'll take you tomorrow."

At dawn, the trio arrived at the Brooks compound. Its blue-brick buildings and tiled roofs stood out conspicuously in the village.

"Walter!" Martin called out.

In the courtyard, Walter Brooks and a shirtless man were wrestling a fat hog. Spotting female visitors, the man hastily threw on a jacket.

"Mayor! What brings you here?" Walter wiped his hands and offered cigarettes.

Martin took a satisfied drag. "These are the Ward sisters. Want to raise some pigs—make sure you give them your best!"

Walter squinted at the girls. "Dr. Ward's daughters! Don't worry, I'll take care of you."

Rose nervously twisted her hem. Could they really make this pig business work?