In this new life, facing the man sobbing before me, I slapped him.

My brother was stunned, looking at me.

"You slapped me..."

I cut him off.

"Do you want our mom to know she's dying? If you wish her gone sooner, keep crying louder!"

Steven recovered and nodded quickly, "You're right! Sister, how should we explain it to mom?"

"Let's act normal when we go in. Say too much, and she'll suspect. Once you're done, leave."

"You are always really thoughtful!"

Looking at the face before me that made me disgusted, I took a deep breath and followed him into the ward.

Our mother, feeling uneasy, rubbed her temples, "What's wrong with me, Steven. Why did I suddenly faint?"

Seeing Steven about to play the devoted son, I grabbed my mother's hand first. "Mom, the doctor found a tumor in your body."

My mother, dizzy, spoke with a sob, "A tumor? Like your father? All that money spent and still lost him, we might as well not treat it!"

In her previous life, when she said this, I thought she was just worried about the money, never considering she'd rather die to leave more for her son.

I stepped forward, helping her to lie down, comforting her, "Mom, no, the doctor said it's treatable. It's just money. What's more important, money or life? You haven't held your grandchild yet."

"How much will it cost?" my mother hesitated, her dream of spoiling grandchildren surfacing.

"Mom, we'll treat you!" Steven chimed in, wiping tears from his face, "No matter the cost, we won't neglect you!"

If it weren't for this second chance, I might have been moved by my brother again. Now, his words only made me want to laugh.

Hearing her son's promise, my mother was deeply comforted, the two embracing as she praised her beloved son.

The patient in the next bed, moved by this display, couldn't help but praise, "With such a devoted son, what can't be overcome? Unlike my son, who doesn't even visit..."

After settling my mother, Steven pulled me aside outside the room, his face showing trouble.

"Sister, what about mom's medical bills? You know I've only been working for two years. I really don't have savings, but we can't delay mom's treatment, how about you cover it first, and I'll pay you back when I get my salary."

In my past life, I was deceived by this facade, shouldering the medical costs alone, letting him live carefree.

I looked at him, "Sure, but let's keep clear accounts even among siblings. Make a note of the details, and you'll sign an IOU for me! After all, I can't deprive you of the right to support our mom."

He seemed a little surprised by my response, after all, I used to be blindly generous.

Just then, the neighboring aunt stepped out, having just hailed him a filial son, leaving him unable to say much, he hastily agreed and left.

Back in the room, my mother also probed.

"Gloria, how much will the surgery cost? Can you afford it? If not, mom won't treat it!"

Hearing this again, my heart felt nothing. Her favoritism was bone-deep.

All the signs were there before, but in my previous life, blinded by habit, I never realized.

"Mom, don't worry! The investment you had me manage just matured, the principal and interest total about two hundred thousand, enough for the initial treatment costs!"

My mom immediately sat upright, grabbing my arm with a slight force. "No, that's my coffin fund, how can we use it now? This is money saved for Ste... for you and your brother!"

"Mom! We can't possibly want money that costs you your life. At this time, what could be more important than treatment?!"

I looked at the aunt in the next bed, "Auntie, isn't that right?"

"Big sister, your daughter is right! What could be more important than life? If you're not here, the family falls apart. A mom makes a home!"

My mom said, "But..."

I interrupted her. "Mom, I know you're thinking of us. Let's focus on the treatment first. Once my financial product matures, I'll replenish the coffin fund for you!"

After saying this, I saw a light in my mom's eyes, and with the neighbor's flattering support, she didn't say much more.

I made a decisive move, went to the bank to withdraw the investment I had saved for her, and cashed it all out to a bank card.

Then I went to pay the deposit and hired a nurse.

Upon entering the hospital, money was spent like water. How could 200,000 dollars be enough?!

I hurriedly contacted a broker to list the property under my mom's name.

With the real estate market being down, the sooner it's sold, the better.

After arranging everything, I called Steven to remind him to come and keep vigil at night.

After all, Mom wasn't just my mother.

After a month, the attending doctor informed us, "The patient in Room 26 has improved, but further treatment is needed, and that requires more money. Here's the bill. If there are no issues, please pay early to avoid delaying treatment."

Improvement? How could someone with advanced cancer truly improve? It was merely keeping her alive, giving hope to the healthy.

I glanced at the bill, identical to the one when we first entered the hospital—200,000 dollars!

In my previous life, I spent all my savings on these repeated expenses.

But when I couldn't afford the medical bills, and I asked Mom to use her savings, she'd rather die than allow it, even leaving a will that gave everything to Steven.

Steven even accused me of not wanting to treat our mother for money, and the relatives were no different.

I calmed my emotions and dialed my uncle's number.

He answered with a hearty laugh, "Gloria, what made you think of calling me?"

"Uncle..." I continued with a choked voice, "Mom's sick, I... I don't know what to do. Can you help us?"

"What? Your mom's sick... Gloria, don't cry. We're family, and your mom is my sister. I'll definitely help, just tell me what illness does she have?"

"Breast cancer... advanced stage."

"It is cancer and advanced stage. Gloria, let's leave it at that for now. I'm a bit busy, but I'll come visit your mom tomorrow..."

Before I could respond, the line went dead.

They are indeed a family.

Then I called my aunt, and got a similar reaction. They showed feigned concern upon hearing about Mom's illness, but avoided involvement once they knew it was cancer.

I truly felt sad for my mom. With advanced cancer, her son only wanted her inheritance, and the relatives avoided any connection.

I did everything I could for her, yet she was blind to it.

This time, treating her was the greatest filial piety I could offer.