Chapter 40: A Temporary Solution

“Officer, this is our job. Please don’t interfere, alright?” a younger man stated.

“What kind of job involves apprehending people?” Wang Jian asked sternly. “You two seem suspicious. How about you come to the station with me for an investigation?”

“Officer, we are staff members from the homeless relief station,” another man, who appeared more composed, quickly explained. He then hurriedly produced identification from his pocket.

Wang Jian accepted the documents and scrutinized them. They were undeniably legitimate, confirming the men’s affiliation with the relief station.

“Then why were you chasing that old man?” Wang Jian pressed. “He looked terrified of you. I thought you were involved in something illicit.”

“Recently, provincial leaders are scheduled to inspect our county,” the composed man slowly began to explain. “To improve the overall appearance of Yanxi County, we’ve been instructed to bring all homeless individuals, regardless of their reasons for wandering, back to the relief station.”

“Oh, I see,” Wang Jian murmured, a sudden understanding dawning on him. Indeed, the upcoming visit from the provincial leaders was of paramount importance, and the entire county was treating the inspection with utmost seriousness.

Homeless individuals sheltering in various corners of the town would undoubtedly detract from its overall image.

“Oh, alright then.” Wang Jian was about to leave when, in that very moment, Hao Yang flashed into his mind. He had suddenly conceived a potentially viable solution.

“Wait a moment, I have a question for you,” Wang Jian called out. His voice halted the two staff members, who had been poised to resume their pursuit of the old man.

“Can any homeless person be brought here?” Wang Jian asked the two staff members, a hint of nervousness in his tone.

Upon hearing the word “brought,” the two staff members exchanged a glance. They said nothing, simply nodding in agreement.

“That’s right. Technically speaking, any homeless person can be brought to our relief station.”

“I have a homeless person with me. Could I bring them to your relief station in a little while?” Wang Jian continued, pressing his inquiry.

“Yes, generally speaking, that’s fine.”

“Then could you tell me the address of your relief station?” Wang Jian pressed further, a faint glimmer of satisfaction appearing on his face.

“Alright, I’ll write the address down for you.” The man had initially hesitated, but upon seeing Wang Jian’s police uniform, he didn’t overthink it and readily agreed.

Wang Jian produced a piece of paper and a pen, handing them to the man. The man accepted them and began to write the address.

Once finished, he passed the paper back to Wang Jian. Wang Jian glanced at the address, noting that the relief station was located somewhere in the suburbs of the new district. After a brief review, he tucked it into his pocket.

“Thank you both,” Wang Jian said, expressing his gratitude. He then turned and walked toward his police car.

Reaching the police car, he swiftly got inside. Wang Jian pulled out his phone and searched for the address the two men had given him on Gaode Maps.

The map confirmed it was indeed a homeless relief station, and only then did a sense of relief wash over Wang Jian.

It seemed he genuinely could offload that “trouble” there. After all, the “trouble” was technically a homeless person, albeit a young one.

Delivering her there was the least he could do, a gesture of utmost benevolence. At the very least, the child wouldn’t starve or be without shelter in that place.

As Wang Jian pondered this, the burden on his heart instantly vanished. Now, his sole focus was on getting Hao Yang to the station.

****

Hao Yang sat on the metal chair, her eyes fixed on the corridor. Officer Wang, who had been called away by someone who seemed to be his superior, hadn’t returned for at least a few hours. Was he still being reprimanded by that leader?

Hao Yang glanced at the clock on the wall; it was already around 6 PM. Dusk was beginning to settle.

Suddenly, Hao Yang heard a rapid set of footsteps echoing from the corridor. Judging by the sound, whoever it was seemed to be practically running.

Hao Yang turned her head to see Wang Jian rushing toward her. He immediately grabbed her small hand and started pulling her outside. Before she could even react, Hao Yang’s hand was yanked several times, causing a sharp, painful ache.

Snapping back to reality, Hao Yang hastily snatched her backpack from beside her. She was then pulled along by Wang Jian towards the back door.

“Officer Wang, what’s happening?” Hao Yang couldn’t help but ask. “Where are you taking me?”

“Xiao Xiao, be good and follow me,” Wang Jian replied instantly upon hearing her. “Uncle won’t harm you.”

Hearing Wang Jian refer to himself as “Uncle” again, Hao Yang sensed a strange unfamiliarity in his tone. There was an inexplicable distance between them.

Hao Yang remained silent, instead following closely behind Wang Jian as they walked outside. She was careful to avoid having her hand yanked again.

Arriving at the police car, Wang Jian quickly opened the door and settled inside. He then motioned for Hao Yang to get in.

Hao Yang hesitated for a moment before climbing into the back seat. Wang Jian didn’t concern himself with her reluctance; he simply started the car and swiftly drove out of the police station, heading towards the designated address.

Outside, the cacophony of various car horns created a noisy din. Inside the vehicle, however, an unusual silence prevailed, broken only by the soft sounds of their breathing.

“Uncle Wang, where are we going so late?” Hao Yang couldn’t resist asking.

“I’ve found and arranged a place for you to live from now on,” Wang Jian stated, his tone rather cold. “You must be well-behaved and obedient there, understand?”

“Is it an orphanage?” Hao Yang asked cautiously, her expression etched with a hint of unease.

Wang Jian remained silent for a long moment, not uttering a word. Through the rearview mirror, he caught sight of the little girl’s distress in the back seat.

A pang of reluctance struck him. Was it truly right to abandon this child in such a place?

Although he had never been to such an establishment, he knew generally what kind of people resided there. They were mostly childless elders, or individuals with disabilities who had become homeless for various reasons.

Wang Jian felt a growing sense of guilt and compunction. Consequently, he decided he needed to offer some form of compensation.

Just then, he happened to glance outside and spotted a large children’s clothing store. An idea suddenly sparked in his mind. He pulled the car over to the side of the road and got out.

Hao Yang immediately opened her door as well. She hopped down from the seat, then trailed closely beside Wang Jian.

“Uncle Wang, are we there?” Hao Yang asked nervously, believing they had arrived at the orphanage.

“No…” Wang Jian paused for a moment, then uttered a single word.

“Then why did we get out?” Hao Yang inquired, her confusion evident. She didn’t understand why they had stopped if they hadn’t reached their destination.

“You don’t have any clothes,” Wang Jian explained, speaking quite quickly this time. “I’m buying you some.”

“Uncle Wang, you don’t need to buy me clothes, I…” Her words were cut short before she could finish.

“If I don’t buy you some clothes, you’ll have nothing to wear once you get there,” Wang Jian said. As he spoke, he took Hao Yang’s small hand and led her into the children’s clothing store.