As the summer days grew longer, Miss Shu's family found new ways to lift their spirits. Goo's ankle was healed, Yang was feeling stronger, and their father was no longer coughing through every night. Still, the struggle for enough money and a final solution for their health pressed at every edge of daily life.
One morning, Goo brought home a newspaper with news about a local contest—a business competition offering a large cash prize to the best idea for helping the community. The winner's story would be shared publicly, and local leaders would support their efforts with extra donations. Goo thought, "Maybe this is our chance."
Over breakfast, he showed the announcement to Miss Shu, Yang, and his father. The contest was not about running fast or painting the best picture—it was about showing creativity and solving problems. Goo explained, "They want a plan for making life better. If we win, it could pay for your surgeries and Dad's medicine."
Miss Shu was uncertain, afraid of failure and the attention such a contest could bring. Yang grinned, his hope renewed. "We can do this, Mom. Goo is good at organizing things, and you always find clever ways to save coins."
Their father agreed. "We could work together—a real family effort."
The next week, they spent every night at the kitchen table, brainstorming ideas. Goo wanted to create a service connecting neighbors who needed help with jobs—sharing food, fixing broken things, and offering simple lessons. Yang suggested an art program where kids could sell their drawings to help families in need. Miss Shu thought about her own experience, working so many simple jobs, and realized that offering a "helping hand" was something many in their community needed.
Slowly, their contest entry took shape: "Family Helpers." Their plan was a program where families like theirs could sign up to help others with chores, cooking, and child care in exchange for small fees. Everything earned would go to pay for health care or daily needs. Goo wrote the business plan, Yang designed the logo and flyers, and Miss Shu gathered testimonials from neighbors who had already benefitted from their kindness.
During this time, a secret about Miss Shu started to leak out among neighbors. People in the community began to learn that she had sold her own kidney to save her sons. Some whispered she was foolish; others admired her courage and strength. Goo was proud of his mother, but a little scared of what strangers might say. Yang was quiet, drawing pictures of hope instead of shame.
One neighbor, Mrs. Lin, defended Miss Shu against gossip. "She is the most caring woman I know," Mrs. Lin said. "Instead of judging, we should help her win this contest. She deserves every bit of happiness."
The family felt less alone with such support, and worked ever harder on their entry.
A week before the contest deadline, Goo learned that another team in the community was run by a large company. They had many workers and plenty of money—far more resources than Miss Shu's little family. Goo worried that all their effort could be for nothing.
Miss Shu saw his concern and spoke gently. "We are not only working for the prize, Goo. We are building something real. Even if we don't win, our program will help people."
Yang piped up, "Let's keep working. If we lose, at least we tried together."
On the day of the contest, Goo made a final presentation of their plan. Yang distributed flyers, and Miss Shu set up a small display with photos, testimonials, and samples of their work. Their father stood proudly nearby, ready to answer questions.
The judges visited every table, asked hard questions, and watched the families interact. Yang charmed them with his simple art, Goo explained how families could become stronger by working together, and Miss Shu's photos showed smiling neighbors with new hope.
But most surprising of all was the support from people passing by. Former customers from the watch shop, neighbors from the bakery, even parents from Family Day stopped to praise their plan and give little donations.
After hours of presenting and sharing their story, the contest ended. The judges prepared to announce the winner. Families gathered, hoping for a miracle.
Before the results, one judge stood up and spoke directly to Miss Shu. "You have faced great challenges with faith and hard work. No matter what the outcome, we wish to help your family."
Warm applause filled the room.
Announcing the winner took a long time. At last, a voice rang out: "The Family Helpers program wins second place!" Goo's heart sank, but Yang cheered. The cash prize was less than they hoped, but still enough to make a real difference. More importantly, the judges arranged for local media coverage and donations to continue flowing.
Miss Shu hugged both her boys. "We did it together. Kindness wins every day."
Their father smiled, holding each of them close.
Over the next weeks, neighbors and donors brought more food, money, and jobs. The Family Helpers program grew, helping other families and proving how much could be done with simple acts of love.
Goo learned that winning wasn't always about being first—it was about trying, about honor, and about making life better for everyone. Yang, inspired by the contest, started an art club at school, teaching other children how to draw and how to find beauty even in hard times.
Miss Shu, once afraid to ask for help, began speaking to groups about her experience. She shared her story of sacrifice, struggle, and the strength of working together. People listened, cried, and offered help in return.
The contest did not solve all their problems. The money wasn't enough for every bill, but it allowed Yang to receive another round of treatment and gave their father better medicine. More importantly, it brought the family hope and dignity. Even as secrets about pain and loss emerged, their courage inspired others.
The summer ended with a party on the lawn—a picnic with neighbors, friends, and new helpers. Goo and Yang served cake and tea, Miss Shu made dumplings and shared stories, and laughter mingled with music as the sun set.