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Join the Server“But I…” Wang Jian’s face remained etched with worry, unsure how to articulate his thoughts. Nothing seemed to come to mind.
“Enough with the ‘buts’!” Captain Yan declared with utmost gravity. “This inspection by the higher-ups is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for you. If you seize this opportunity, you can directly climb the ranks. It’s truly a rare and invaluable opportunity!”
Wang Jian pondered these words for a moment. He then responded, his face equally solemn.
“I understand,” he said. “Thank you, Captain Yan, for explaining all of this to me.”
“Don’t celebrate just yet,” Captain Yan cautioned. “You still have one more troublesome matter to handle.”
“What trouble?” Wang Jian asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.
“The child,” Captain Yan stated directly.
“This…” Wang Jian was momentarily speechless. He had just promised the child he wouldn’t abandon her again, but now, was he going to break that promise?
“This situation is unique,” Captain Yan explained slowly. “I’m not telling you to ignore the child; quite the opposite, you *must* take care of her.”
Wang Jian found himself perplexed.
“When the provincial leaders arrive, you will be their primary focus,” Captain Yan elaborated. “Cameras will be trained on you during their visit. If that child’s situation comes to light, and it’s discovered you neglected her, leaving her to fend for herself, then based on my experience, the lightest punishment would be a disciplinary suspension. At its worst, you could even face imprisonment.”
“It’s that serious?” Wang Jian asked.
“Of course, it’s serious. If word gets out that you’ve done something like this, you’ll likely be trending online by tomorrow. Then, I estimate you’ll receive a suspension notice from the police’s higher-ups on the very same day.”
“What should I do then?” Wang Jian asked, his voice laced with anxiety. He felt completely lost, relying entirely on Captain Yan for guidance.
“You absolutely must handle that child properly,” Captain Yan said slowly. “You just need to settle her somewhere safe for these few days while the leaders are inspecting. Keep her out of their sight. Once the leaders leave, everything will be fine.”
“How should I arrange for the child then?” Wang Jian pressed further.
“Well, that’s no longer my problem,” Captain Yan replied slowly. “That’s *your* problem now.”
Wang Jian emerged from the office, a sense of vexation clouding his demeanor. Outside, Hao Yang was watching him intently with her large eyes.
This time, as their gazes met, the creeping guilt in his heart didn’t swell; instead, it evaporated, replaced by a strange sense of composure.
He now *had* to take care of this child; his future depended on it. Though he found it incredibly troublesome, in a way, it was a blessing. The guilt and moral conflict he’d felt about not wanting to care for her had now completely vanished.
“Xiaoxiao,” Wang Jian said, using her nickname. “Uncle is going out on patrol. Do you want to come with Uncle?”
He decided to patrol by car this time, ensuring the reporters wouldn’t be able to pester him.
“Okay!” Hao Yang didn’t overthink it. She nodded and agreed instantly.
Witnessing Hao Yang’s unhesitating trust, agreeing without a second thought, stirred an indescribable feeling within Wang Jian. To be trusted so completely by a small life felt profoundly beautiful.
“Come, hold Uncle’s hand.” Wang Jian extended his rough, strong hand, speaking to Hao Yang in a gentle tone.
Hao Yang hesitated for a moment before slowly reaching out her hand. Soon, her small hand was firmly clasped by his rough, large one, and a peculiar sensation bloomed within her chest.
How could she describe it? It was as if she felt an inexplicable attachment to that large hand, a boundless fondness akin to a child’s for their parents.
Hao Yang looked up at Wang Jian. Standing nearly 1.9 meters tall, his imposing figure, clad in the police uniform, exuded a powerful sense of security.
Perhaps because she was barely over 1.3 meters herself, Wang Jian deliberately stooped slightly as he held her hand, ensuring her small grip wasn’t strained.
Her gaze must have been too intense, for he seemed to sense it, and their eyes met.
“What’s wrong, Xiaoxiao? Are you feeling unwell?” Wang Jian whispered softly, his voice gentle. With the knot in his heart finally untangled, his mood was considerably lighter. He no longer minded offering this child an extra touch of tenderness, an additional measure of patience.
“Nothing.”
“Be a good girl, Xiaoxiao,” Wang Jian chuckled. “Uncle will buy you candy later.” His smile was like the warm, radiant morning sun of April.
As Hao Yang looked at that smile, she was suddenly reminded of her own father.
Her father’s work hadn’t been as demanding back then. Every weekend, he would often take her for walks in the park, her small hand held firmly in his.
He would always bend down a little, careful not to pull her arm. Whenever they were about to head home, he would flash that gentle, sunny smile, and softly say:
“Be a good girl, Yangyang. Listen to Daddy, and I’ll buy you candy later.”
Her father’s fading image now overlapped with the police officer before her. The police station corridor seemed to transform into the familiar path leading home, and for a moment, everything felt as if it had returned to the past.
Hao Yang couldn’t help but respond just as she had as a child.
She flashed a brilliant smile and hummed a vigorous ‘Mm-hmm’. The innate innocence of a child shone brightly on her face, and combined with her adorable small gestures, she looked utterly charming.
This was the first time Wang Jian had ever seen Hao Yang smile like this. He had never witnessed the child laugh before, and this single smile immediately sparked a fleeting thought: perhaps he should just forgo marriage, adopt her, and raise her as his own daughter.
However, this momentary impulse was quickly suppressed by reason.
Wang Jian couldn’t resist gently stroking Hao Yang’s slightly dirty head. Then he spoke.
“So you really love candy,” Wang Jian said gently. “But if you eat too much, you’ll get cavities, you know.”
At that moment, Hao Yang also snapped back to reality. Everything before her reverted to the familiar appearance of the police station. She then offered a small smile, said nothing, and the instant she lowered her head, her usual worried expression returned.
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