Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 1212

In just a few years, going from nothing to hitting the stock market, it seemed like Randy was the only story out there.

Ben chuckled, "You got me, it's him."

Agnes was astoundingly surprised. Randy was one of the top five e-commerce giants in China, and notably, the youngest among them. His net worth had already skyrocketed into the billions, placing him among the legends in the clouds.

Agnes couldn't believe that Ben was actually neighbors with him. In excitement, Agnes exclaimed, "Oh my God, Ben, to think you're acquainted with such a big shot, that's just amazing! To imagine his rise from such humble beginnings, he must be the pride of your hometown. Going back now, he'd be the epitome of a triumphant return."

Ben replied, "He's impressive, alright, but he's never gone back. He's a philanthropy giant, donates a ton of money to charity every year, but that muddy path leading to his old house? It's never been fixed."

Agnes was puzzled, "Why not?"

Ben took a sip of his beer and continued, "At first, our village was proud to mention him, but as time passed, feelings changed. People started calling him a turncoat."

Ben went on, "I get where they're coming from. They feel like he's forgotten his roots, that he owes a debt of gratitude for the support he received growing up. With his capabilities, fixing that path would be a minor effort. Not getting anything back from him, people feel slighted. At first, I felt the same, but my mom said he didn't owe us anything."

Agnes was still a bit puzzled herself. She murmured, "Certainly, he's under no obligation. It's a personal choice. But I can't understand it. If it were me, I'd definitely help those who helped me."

Ben said, "I happened to run into him once, and I asked him about this. He told me that although he's successful now, he sees his past of relying on others' kindness as a lifelong shame. He felt it was charity, accepted out of necessity, not genuine gratitude. He didn't want to reconnect with people from his past or be reminded of his most humbling moments. Even as a billionaire, he felt inferior in front of those who'd seen him at his lowest."

Agnes pondered, "But why would he feel that way?"

Ben explained, "I think Jenny feels the same about you. Because you saw her at her lowest, she still feels inferior, and she tries to prove her worth by stepping over you. That's probably why she betrayed you."

Agnes questioned, "Does everyone feel this way?"

"Not everyone, but we all have our shadows. I'm telling you this to make you see, it's her inner demons at play, not your fault. You shouldn't burden yourself with her dark side."

Agnes felt much lighter. Right, why should she fret over Jenny's actions? Just roll with the punches.

Agnes shared, "Ben, I've been feeling stuck at the TV station. I kind of miss those days chasing stories with you at CHERRY."

Ben responded, "The TV station is a murky world, definitely not as free as working for a newspaper. I knew you wouldn't last there the moment you started mentoring Ramona."