Chapter 32: The Provincial Visit and a Child’s Dream

Black Man, in his interview, mentioned how he was once excellent in his studies. However, due to his family’s limited understanding, they encouraged him to ride a classic ’28-inch’ bicycle, calling it a shortcut in life. Indeed, riding that bicycle might have been a shortcut for him, but it also became the dead end of his life. He further stated that if he had the chance to live his life over, he would certainly dedicate himself to studying. This way, he wouldn’t have to spend every day hauling bananas.

Witnessing this, Hao Yang couldn’t help but think of herself. By all accounts, she should currently be a high school freshman, savoring her student life within a vibrant campus.

Yet, she had inexplicably found herself in this body, that of a little girl who had never attended school—not even kindergarten, let alone primary school. She was, unequivocally, illiterate.

Logically, she believed the police would soon settle her, arranging for her to attend school.

The days of primary school life were truly unforgettable, even if she couldn’t recall most of her classmates.

Hao Yang found herself lost in fanciful thoughts, a glimmer of light and anticipation sparking in her eyes.

Unbeknownst to her, Wang Jian had observed her every expression. Combining this with the content from the short video he had just watched, he easily deduced that the light in her eyes was connected to the idea of studying.

‘She wants to study.’

Wang Jian instantly grasped Hao Yang’s unspoken desire.

‘That’s highly unlikely,’ he mused. ‘She’s undocumented; even orphanages won’t take her, let alone schools. Even if she did attend, she’d have no official student status, unable to participate in even the simplest exams later on. Moreover, she lacks parents willing to raise her. Where would she get the money for schooling? Who would be willing to pay for her education?’

Wang Jian suddenly felt a pang of pity for the child. For most children in Huaxia, attending school was a perfectly normal part of life, yet for her, it had become an unattainable dream.

But even if she was pitiful, what could he do? He was powerless to help.

As Wang Jian wrestled with these troubling thoughts, the door suddenly opened. Captain Yan, looking utterly exhausted, walked in and immediately sank into a leather chair.

“Captain Yan, what’s the situation outside? Have those reporters left?” Wang Jian quickly inquired.

“Ugh, don’t even get me started,” Captain Yan groaned. “It was ridiculous! Those reporters badgered me until my head ached. It took a massive effort to finally usher them out of the police station. I’ve never encountered such a pain in the ass before! I’ve solved so many cases, yet why has no one ever interviewed *me*?”

“I didn’t want to be interviewed by them either,” Wang Jian grumbled, looking quite vexed. “I have no idea which idiot filmed me and posted it online, only for it to go viral.”

He then made to open the door and leave.

“Hold on a minute, kid,” Captain Yan hastily interjected. “You can move freely within the station, but don’t be so quick to head outside right now.”

“Why?” Wang Jian asked, a touch of bewilderment in his voice.

“While the reporters were indeed forced out of the station, they’re currently loitering near the main entrance,” Captain Yan explained. “The moment you step outside, they’ll swarm you again.”

“Ah, so I can’t even leave?” Wang Jian exclaimed. “I thought I was supposed to be out on patrol today.”

“There’s nothing for it,” Captain Yan replied, his tone filled with resignation. “The reporters outside have already surrounded the place. Anyone who goes out will be mobbed.”

Feeling utterly deflated, Wang Jian slumped back onto the sofa, his eyes vacant as he stared up at the lightbulb on the ceiling.

****

*Ding-ding-ding…*

At that moment, the office landline rang. Captain Yan knew it was a call from his superiors, so he gestured for the two of them to leave quickly.

Wang Jian instantly understood. Taking Hao Yang’s small hand, he led her out of the office.

They stood in the corridor for several minutes. By now, quite a few colleagues had already punched in for work, many casting strange glances at Wang Jian. Under their scrutiny, Wang Jian began to feel rather uncomfortable.

“Little Wang, you’re a big star now, you know,” a colleague, quite familiar with Wang Jian, teased him. “There are loads of reporters waiting for you at the entrance!”

“Ha… haha.” Wang Jian’s face stiffened, and he forced a couple of bitter laughs.

“Little Wang!”

The office door swung open, and Captain Yan poked his head out. “Little Wang, come in for a moment. I have something to discuss with you.”

“Wait for me here,” Wang Jian told Hao Yang before stepping inside and closing the door behind him.

“Captain Yan, is there something you needed?” Wang Jian asked.

“Something important, actually—something major, and it concerns you,” Captain Yan said, remaining seated.

“Major? What could be so major about me? Captain Yan, please tell me quickly,” Wang Jian said, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

“In a few days, a leader from the provincial level will be visiting,” Captain Yan explained, rubbing his temples with a headache. “They’re coming specifically to see you and present you with a commendation banner. They’ll also take the opportunity to inspect our Yanxi County. Just now, even the County Head called me. Do you have any idea how big of a deal this is?”

Wang Jian immediately felt a surge of tension. While leaders had visited before, they were typically from the city level at most. He never expected a provincial leader to come directly. Normally, provincial leaders wouldn’t bother with a small county town like theirs. He wondered why they were making an exception this time.

“Don’t see it as a bother,” Captain Yan continued. “If our Yanxi County performs well this time, and you put in a little effort to leave a good impression on the leader, it will greatly benefit the development and construction of our entire county.”

“Captain Yan, I don’t understand,” Wang Jian confessed, voicing the question that had been bothering him. “Why would a provincial leader come to a small county town like ours? What’s the real reason?”

“Ai, you’re such a blockhead!” Captain Yan exclaimed, a hint of envy in his voice. “The provincial leader is coming all thanks to you! Your rescue video was seen by tens of millions nationwide, causing such a massive stir that even the province was alarmed. They’re coming to personally present you with an award.”

He paused, seeing Wang Jian’s oblivious expression, clearly unaware of his good fortune. He couldn’t help but continue.

“You truly are unaware of your good fortune,” Captain Yan said, frowning slightly. “Do you realize the magnitude of this opportunity? You could use this chance to climb several ranks, perhaps even become a police chief someday. At least, it would be a higher position than mine.”