Chapter 104: The Child

In the end, Lin Qihua decided to purchase these two smart terminals primarily because they were exceptionally beautiful, representing the latest models on the market with incredibly powerful features. Compared to other versions, these were in a league of their own.

The female model was naturally intended for Ma Xiaoqian—firstly, to thank her for accompanying him to buy the terminal, and secondly, as a gift for her quiet, steadfast support over the years.

Ma Xiaoqian instinctively wanted to refuse, but Lin Qihua smiled and said it should be considered compensation for their unsuccessful shopping trip in Xiangzhou. Moreover, since she truly liked this kind of smart terminal, she finally accepted the gift.

After activating the smart terminals, they input their personal identification information and scanned their irises. The devices became successfully bound to them. Each person’s ID was unique; even if someone else took the terminal, they wouldn’t be able to unlock or use it. This was the marvel of technology.

Exchanging virtual business cards, they could now initiate holographic calls with each other anytime.

Having finished these tasks, the two left the Future Technology store and gazed out into the sci-fi world beyond, momentarily unsure of what to do next.

“Let’s just wander around,” Lin Qihua suggested.

“Okay,” Ma Xiaoqian replied softly, her eyes downcast as she played with the smart terminal. She cherished the gift to her very core.

They strolled aimlessly along the street, surrounded by an array of shops and food stalls, but neither paid much attention. Ma Xiaoqian kept her head lowered, leaving Lin Qihua at a loss for words.

At a corner, Lin Qihua suddenly noticed a small child trailing behind them. The child’s gaze seemed fixed on his hand.

Looking down, Lin Qihua saw that the bag he carried held only the two old terminals they had just replaced—nothing else.

Curious, Lin Qihua stopped at the corner and turned to look at the child. Ma Xiaoqian followed suit, curiosity piqued.

The child was a boy of about seven or eight years old. Though his clothes were worn and old, they were neatly kept. His eyes were clear and bright, quite unlike what Lin Qihua had initially assumed.

Seeing them turn, a flicker of panic crossed the boy’s eyes, but he didn’t run. Instead, he straightened his clothes slightly and approached with quiet dignity, offering a polite bow. “Hello.”

“Hello,” Lin Qihua replied with curiosity. “I noticed you’ve been following us for a while. Is there something you need?”

Ma Xiaoqian’s expression paled, worried that something untoward might have happened.

“Yes,” the boy admitted candidly. “Ever since you left the Future Technology store, I’ve been behind you. I apologize if I caused any trouble.”

“It’s nothing, no need to apologize. But I’d like to know your purpose.”

“It’s simple,” the boy said frankly. “I’m interested in the terminals you have in your hands—not the newest ones, but the old ones you replaced. After you transfer your identity data, those terminals automatically reset and become ownerless. I figure you might throw them away as you go, and I can pick them up nearby to make a little money.”

“So that’s why you’ve been following us?” Ma Xiaoqian asked in surprise. To her, the two old smart terminals were useless and it was natural to discard them. But was old tech really worth the boy’s persistent attention?

“Maybe they’re worthless to you, easy to discard,” the boy said without shame. “But for us, it’s a significant source of income. After refurbishing them, they work perfectly. For some people around here, they’re still a good choice.”

Lin Qihua studied the boy thoughtfully. “So every day you watch nearby, hoping to catch customers tossing out old devices right after shopping, so you can get them quickly and make a bit of money?”

“Yes,” the boy admitted. “I have no other motives. I just watch for customers likely to discard their old devices. Once they throw them away, they’re ownerless. I treat it like collecting garbage to earn some living expenses. There’s nothing wrong with that. Every creature has its way—the snake has its path, the rat has its own. We do what we must to survive, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it.”

“I don’t think you’re wrong either,” Lin Qihua said, seeing Ma Xiaoqian visibly moved. Knowing her heart was softening, he handed over the bag. “Here, I’ve been unsure what to do with these. It felt wasteful to throw them away, but keeping them was pointless. If they can be of use to you, that’s best.”

“Thank you,” the boy said, a little surprised, glancing at them before quickly taking the bag. “You’re kind people.”

“Why do you have to do this at such a young age? Don’t you go to school? Where are your parents?” Ma Xiaoqian couldn’t help but ask.

The boy looked at her calmly, knowing she wasn’t mocking him. “My parents passed away long ago.”

Ma Xiaoqian’s face flushed with emotion. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean it,” the boy replied indifferently, his maturity surprising Lin Qihua. “Maybe you’re wondering why I don’t live in an orphanage, where I could attend school and be placed with a good family.”

“Yes, that’s exactly what we wondered. In today’s society, I don’t think a child your age would be left without support,” Lin Qihua nodded.

“True, I could do that. The state wouldn’t ignore me. But entering an orphanage means I lose control over my life. Most importantly, I’d be separated from my grandmother and sister, and perhaps never see them again. So I’d rather support myself and my sister this way. School isn’t important to me—money is what matters most.” The boy spoke calmly, but Lin Qihua could see the lingering bitterness in his eyes.

“Thank you for your honesty,” Lin Qihua sighed. “You are a remarkably brave and responsible boy. To make such a choice for your family, I admire and understand you.”

“Thank you for understanding. I don’t want pity, but your empathy means a lot.” The boy lifted the bag and smiled. “These two terminals mean my sister and I won’t have to worry about food for a week. Maybe I can even buy her a little toy.”

At the mention of his sister, his gaze softened with tenderness. Perhaps it was that little girl who had made him bear such heavy burdens at such a young age.

“If I said I wanted to see your sister, would you mind?” Lin Qihua suddenly asked.

Ma Xiaoqian looked at Lin Qihua in surprise, then at the boy, a trace of concern in her eyes.

The boy studied Lin Qihua quietly for a long moment before replying, “You’re both kind, but I don’t think I need your help. Help that comes too suddenly isn’t always good. Living in this city, I’ve learned that nothing good falls from the sky.”

“You’re right,” Lin Qihua smiled gently. “Maybe you don’t yet understand what you’ve given me, but I can tell you that you’ve helped me greatly. In return, I feel I should offer you something. If you don’t believe me, I’d like to meet your grandmother first. Opportunities like this don’t come often. It could change your and your sister’s lives forever. If you don’t take it, you’ll continue living in the shadows of this city. Maybe you’ll do well, but what about your grandmother? Your sister? What will their futures be?”

The boy was silent for a long time before answering, “I think I can take you to our home. Not because I want your help, but because I sense your kindness. I have nothing for you to scheme after, and at least I won’t let any possible change disappear just like that.”

“Smart,” Lin Qihua said with a smile. “Please, lead the way.”

“Right this way,” the boy said without hesitation, leading them forward.

“Qihua, do you think this could be risky?” Ma Xiaoqian asked worriedly.

“It’s fine,” Lin Qihua reassured her with a confident smile. He trusted his ability to read people. This boy was truly worthy of help. Besides, the boy hadn’t lied, and the impact he had made on Lin Qihua was profound.

“What’s your name?” Lin Qihua asked.

“Liu Junxi.”

“I’m Lin Qihua, and this is Miss Ma Xiaoqian.”

“Oh,” Liu Junxi replied.

After walking for about twenty minutes, they arrived at a street. Surrounded by towering skyscrapers, this street was surprisingly filled with low, dilapidated houses—dirty, disorderly, and dimly lit. Entering felt strange.

Ma Xiaoqian instinctively clung to Lin Qihua, tugging at his sleeve.

Many people passed by here, all dressed in shabby clothes, but they seemed familiar with Liu Junxi and greeted him warmly, their eyes curious about his two companions.

Liu Junxi greeted them back with practiced ease and led the two to a small house at the corner of the street.

He knocked on the door with a unique rhythm.

“Morse code,” Lin Qihua muttered in disbelief. Such an ancient code—still not commonly known—was being used by a child as a secret knock.

The door creaked open, and a little girl rushed out, running into Liu Junxi’s arms. “Brother, welcome home.”

“Qingqing,” Liu Junxi hugged the girl. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes, Qingqing was just watching cartoons,” the little girl shook her head with a smile. Seeing the two visitors, she asked politely, “Guests?”

“Yes, these are my brother’s guests.”

“Hello, I’m Qingqing,” the girl said as she stepped out of Liu Junxi’s arms and bowed politely to Lin Qihua and Ma Xiaoqian.