When My Father Won the Lottery, I Lost My Family

My dad won five million in the lottery.

My friend and I planned to open a shop, but we were short 30,000 dollars.

I asked my family for a loan, but they refused outright.

Youre an adult. Solve your own problems.

Our money doesnt grow on trees. Why should we let you waste it?

With no other choice, I took out a high-interest online loan.

Just after the money came through, my cousin posted a photo of his new iPhone 15 Pro on Social Media.

Thanks to Uncles help, I finally get to drive the car Ive always wanted.

That was when I learned Uncle William had casually said his son wanted a car, and my dad had transferred him 200,000 dollars.

When I heard there wasnt even an IOU, my heart went cold.

Ten days later, my mom called and scolded me harshly.

Ryan Chase, today is your dads birthday. Why didnt you come home?

Not even a phone call! What kind of son are you?

Even raising a dog would be better than raising you!

I replied calmly:

If thats the case, then just pretend you never raised me.

The moment I finished, my mother exploded.

Is that something a human would say?! Im furious! Over twenty years of hard work, and this is the ungrateful thing I raised!

We gave birth to you, raised you, fed you, clothed you, sent you to college, and now you think youre grown?

How dare you talk to us like that? Her voice was sharp, every word poisonous.

I know, its because we didnt lend you money for your shop, right?

What a joke! With how useless you are, you think you can do business?

With that little ability, youll lose everything after three days!

Thirty thousand dollars thrown into water might make a splash, but given to you? You wouldnt even leave a fart!

She grew more worked up, her words crueler.

The money is ours. We can spend it however we want. Its none of your business!

You good-for-nothing, cant earn money, and still want to take it from the family. Have you no shame?

Even if we burn the money or give it away, its still better than letting you waste it!

Youre not fit for business. Just work honestly and earn a few thousand a month.

You may be ambitious, but your life is as fragile as paper. Thats exactly what you are!

I held the phone, my fingertips freezing, and said nothing.

I heard her heavy breathing, like she might faint from anger, mixed with the sound of her pounding her chest and others trying to calm her.

After a while, someone else took the phone.

Ryan, this is your Aunt Margaret.

Dont be angry with your mother. Shes doing this for your own good.

You, how could you not come back for your fathers birthday?

As a family, what cant we get through?

Your parents raised you with great hardship. What will relatives and friends think if they know this?

You cant be so selfish

She spoke from her moral high ground, repeating those lofty words like a chant.

I listened quietly until she finally snapped, Why didnt you come back? You must have a reason!

I took a deep breath.

The reason is simple.

My dad casually gave you 200,000 dollars to buy a car, without even an IOU.

But I only needed 30,000 dollars to start my business, and he wouldnt lend me a single cent.

Is that reason enough?

The other end of the line fell silent at once.

A few seconds later, my aunts voice turned awkward.

This this was your fathers decision. We really cant say much

Besides, that money was lent to your cousin. Hell pay it back later

Pay it back? I cut her off. He didnt even write an IOU. How is he supposed to pay it back? Aunt, put your hand on your heartdo you really believe that?

She froze, unable to finish a full sentence.

At that moment, my mother grabbed the phone back, anger burning hotter after my words.

Yes! It was us! So what?

Its our money. We can give it to whoever we want!

Were happy to buy your cousin a car! What right do you have to question me? Who do you think you are?

Let me tell you, Ryan, with that attitude, dont expect a single cent from us ever again!

Open a shop? If you lose money later, go sell your blood or kidneys!

Just dont come crying to us!

We raised you all these years, and youve achieved nothing, yet youve learned to argue with your own family?

At least your cousin knows how to be grateful. He comes back to see us every holiday.

And you? You disappear for half a year, and every call is about money!

Do we owe you anything?

If I had known youd turn out like this, I shouldve aborted you back then!

Hearing this, I suddenly felt like laughing.

When her rant finally slowed, I spoke quietly.

Youre right.

The money is yours. You can give it to whoever you want.

I really dont have the right to interfere.

I paused, my throat tight, but forced myself to continue.

In that case, from now on, just pretend you never had me.

Ill disappear on my own. I wont ask you for a single cent again, and I wont trouble you anymore.

A few seconds later, my mothers furious scream came through the phone.

I didnt listen anymore and hung up.

The world finally fell silent.

I stared at my phone screen. The 30,000-dollar online loan had arrived.

The interest was high, and the repayment plan was crushing.

This should have been support from my parents, a warm beginning.

Now, it was only debt.

I opened my cousins Social Media.

The post showing off his iPhone 15 Pro was still there. In the photo, he sat in the brand-new drivers seat, hands on the wheel, smiling brightly.

Below were rows of likes and congratulations, with my parents accounts clearly visible.

Comments read things like, Were family, no need to be formal, and My nephew is doing great.

It was painfully ironic.

Since I was young, my parents have been extremely strict with me.

No talking at the table, proper posture, and always in the top ten in class.

As for pocket money? That didnt exist.

They said, What do kids need money for? Just study.

But every time my cousin visited, my dad would smile and pull out a few bills, stuffing them into his hand.

Here, Kevin, buy yourself something tasty.

Then hed turn to me and say, Youre the older brother. You should give way to your younger cousin.

I was eight then. My cousin was six.

In sixth grade, I saved recyclables for three months and sold them to scrape together twenty dollars to buy a set of Curious Minds.

When my mom found out, she not only took the money but also scolded me.

Whats the use of reading useless books? Do more math problems instead.

The next day, I saw my cousin running around the living room with a new remote-controlled car, priced at exactly twenty dollars.

In junior high, the school organized a spring trip to an amusement park. The fee was one hundred fifty dollars.

When I got home, I carefully asked my dad. He didnt even look up.

Whats the point of going there? Its a waste of money. Stay home and study this weekend.

I locked myself in my room until I heard laughter from the living room.

My uncles family had arrived, and my dad happily said he would take my cousin to the amusement park next week.

The tickets are expensive, but thats fine. Your uncle will take you. Well have lots of fun!

Later, I hid under my blanket and cried.

That was the first time I doubted whether I was really his biological child.

The next day, my mother spoke to me seriously. Were strict with you because we expect a lot from you.

Your cousins family isnt doing well, so we help them when we can.

Youre the older brother. You need to understand.

She sounded so sincere, her eyes so earnest, that my doubts felt like a sin.

During three years of high school, my monthly allowance was 500 dollars.

At school, it was only enough for the cheapest cafeteria meals, and I was often hungry.

I didnt dare join any activities that cost money, and I even hesitated for a long time before buying a birthday card for a classmate.

Once, my dad came to visit me at school and saw me eating plain rice with free seaweed soup.

He frowned.

Why are you eating so badly? Youre growing. You need proper nutrition.

I thought he would feel sorry for me and give me more money, but instead he said, Its good to suffer a bit. It will make you tougher.

A few days later, I heard my cousin had signed up for piano lessons. The fee was 4,800 dollars.

My dad paid two-thirds of it.

I went to university in another province, thinking I could finally relax.

But my living expenses were still tightonly 800 dollars a month. After phone and internet bills, there was barely enough left for food.

My roommates went out on weekends for dinners, movies, and shopping, having fun together.

I could only make excuses and stay in the library.

Once, I couldnt refuse and went along. After that, I ate instant noodles for half a month.

During the winter break of my sophomore year, I went to the bathroom one night and heard voices from the bedroom.

Honey, are we giving Ryan too little for living expenses? Prices are higher now.

My dad frowned. Too little? Boys should live frugally.

Oh, right. Kevin said yesterday he wants a new phone, so I borrowed 3,000 dollars from you.

My mom laughed softly. Of course. That kid has such a sweet mouth. Last time, he even said hed support us when he earns money.

I stood outside the door, my hands and feet freezing cold.

After graduating, I was rejected again and again when job hunting.

I called home and carefully asked if they could help ask around.

My dad said flatly, We dont have that kind of ability. You have to find your own way.

And we wont spend another cent on you. Youre twenty-two. Its time to be independent.

That month, I lived in a tiny small rented room in an City suburb, eating only two steamed buns a day.

I sent out hundreds of resumes and got only three interviews, all of which I turned down.

At my worst, I had only seven dollars and thirty cents left in my account.

Just when I was completely desperate, my cousin updated his Social Media.

He had gotten a job at a local state-owned company with great benefits.

In the photo, he wore a brand-new suit, with a grand office building behind him.

My parents were the first to comment:

My nephew is amazing!

Work hard! Your aunt believes in you!

Later, I learned my dad had used many connections to get him that job.

An old classmate of his was a leader there. My dad treated him to three dinners, gave him two cartons of good cigarettes and a thick red envelope, and only then got my cousin hired.

I asked my mom why.

She replied casually, Your cousin didnt study as well as you. If we dont help him, who will?

Youre a graduate from a top university. Why would anyone need to worry about you?

Each thing alone sounded reasonable.

To toughen me up, to help relatives, to make me independent, to be fair

All these reasons, put together, shaped my life for more than twenty years.

I put down my phone and began to pack.

This rented room, less than ten square meters, was the only place I had after graduation.

A bed, a simple closet, a secondhand deskthat was everything I owned.

While packing the desk drawer, I found a small metal box.

I opened it. Inside were scattered keepsakes.

A primary school Three Good Student certificate, a middle school math contest award, a copy of my university admission letter, and several wrinkled family photos.

The newest photo was taken during the New Year holiday two years ago.

I stood at the edge, my face stiff.

My cousin stood between my parents, smiling brightly.

My dads hand rested on my cousins shoulder. My mom had her arm around him.

Anyone who didnt know us would think they were father and son.

I stared at the photo for a long time, then tore it in half, then into pieces, and threw it away.

The next day, I went to work as usual.

At lunch, I got a call from an unknown number.

Ryan, its meyour Uncle William.

I paused. Whats wrong?

What did you mean by what you said yesterday? Pretending we never raised you?

Do you know how angry your mother is? Her blood pressure shot up!

I replied calmly, Then you shouldve taken her to the hospital, not called me.

You my uncle choked. How did you become like this? Didnt your parents raise you with great effort?

Is it really worth causing all this trouble just because we didnt lend you money?

Its not only about the money. But it doesnt matter anymore.

Is there anything else? I need to rest.

Wait! he said quickly. I need to explain something. Your cousins caryour father offered that money. We never asked for it!

And well pay it back for sure. Were just short right now

Uncle William, I cut in, whether you repay it or not is between you and my dad. It has nothing to do with me.

Im going to take a nap. Im hanging up.

Ryan! Ryan!

I hung up and blocked the number.

That afternoon, during a short break, I secretly searched for shop rentals and contacted a few agents.

After work, I viewed two places, but neither worked.

Either the rent was too high, or the location was poor.

That night, back in my room, I cooked a bowl of instant noodles.

While eating, someone knocked on the door.

I opened it to see my parents and several relatives.

My Uncle William, Aunt Margaret, and Aunt Catherine.

They crowded into the small room, their faces serious.

Ryan, youve really grown up, my mother said first, her voice sharp.

Saying such outrageous things, threatening to cut ties with uswho taught you that?

Exactly. Completely outrageous, Aunt Margaret said, arms crossed, glancing around with a sneer.

Your parents came all this way, and youre just going to let your elders stand?

There was only one chair.

I didnt sit. I didnt speak.

My dads face darkened as he stared at me. Your mother was furious all night. Her chest still hurts.

Do you have any conscience? Aunt Catherine sighed, shaking her head. Ryan, its not that I want to criticize you

The debt of raising you is heavier than the sky. How can a little money tear your family apart?

Its truly heartbreaking.

A little money? I looked at her. Thirty thousand dollars is my only hope to start a business.

My dad won five million, yet he wouldnt lend me a cent.

But the very next day, because Uncle William said one sentence, he gave out two hundred thousand dollars to buy Kevin Chase a car, without hesitation.

So tell me, who should feel heartbroken?

Dont bring that up! Uncle William exploded at once. Thats a different matter! Your dad was willing to help my son. Thats kindness!

What kind of attitude is this? How dare you hold resentment toward your elders?

Exactly. Aunt Margaret joined in, her tone sharp. And its not like we wont repay it!

Your dad didnt say a word, yet you, a junior, are already counting every penny?

Whats the use of all your schooling? Dont you understand Respect for parents?

Respect for parents? I repeated.

Yes! Respect for parents! Aunt Margaret grew louder. You didnt come home for your dads birthday, didnt even call, and you said such hurtful things!

How did the Chase family raise such an unfilial child? Your parents raised you for nothing!

Look at your cousin. Every time he visits, he brings gifts and knows how to speak sweetly.

Unlike you. You vanish for half a year, and when you show up, its always to ask for money! Aunt Catherine added. Ryan, your parents are strict because they want whats best for you. They want you to succeed.

You were so obedient as a child. How did you turn out like this? Did you mix with bad people outside?

Your thinking has gone wrong. Uncle William sneered. You cant even earn money yourself, yet youre jealous of your cousin and still want to open a shop?

Do you even have the brains? When you lose everything, dont come crying to your parents!

Thats right! My mother pointed at me, scolding. Giving you money is like throwing it into a ditch! Why should we let you waste what we saved by being frugal?

At least your cousin has a steady job at a state-owned company! What do you have?

Your dreams are big, but your fate is as thin as paper! Youre not meant to get rich. Cant you just work honestly instead of fooling around?

Youre not fit for business, yet you insist on showing off, Aunt Margaret mocked. Youre quite bold when talking back to your mother.

Instead of arguing here, you should think about how to earn more money. My dad, who had stayed silent with a dark face, finally pulled out a square bundle wrapped in newspaper and slammed it onto the broken desk.

Here! Thirty thousand! His voice was rough, filled with impatience and disgust.

Consider it wasted! This is the last time!

Take it and do whatever you want. Just dont come bothering us again!

Well pretend we never had a son like you! The room went quiet.

Everyone stared at the bundle, then at me.

Their eyes were full of disdain, contempt, and a waiting thrill.

I didnt move.

My moms chest rose and fell as she glared at me. What are you waiting for? Take it! You made such a scene over this thirty thousand!

Here it is! Dont use no money as an excuse again! Oh, right, dont forget to write an IOU! Aunt Margaret sneered.

Take the money and apologize to your parents, Aunt Catherine urged. Were family. This is too ugly.

Hurry up, Ryan. Say sorry to your da,d and this will be over.

Under everyones eyes, I reached out and took the paper bundle.

It felt both light and heavy.

I didnt look at anyone. I walked straight to the window and shoved it open.

What are you doing?! my mother screamed.

Without any pause, I swung my arm.

I threw the 30,000 dollars straight out.