Chapter 6: The Orphanage
"Alright, Laura." Summer nodded heavily, and soon after, she finally heard Amy's aged voice
"Such things should not happen to Mr. Xia's family. This neighborhood needs to be improved. If I had intervened earlier, perhaps this incident could have been avoided. I am sorry, I am truly sorry." Dale said before hurriedly leaving.
No, I have never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Xia. I only recently purchased that apartment building. In the television, a middle-aged white man with gold-rimmed glasses shook his head slightly, a hint of sorrow on his face
The wheel kept spinning, and in the summer, I listened to the sound of that wheel. Before long, it was indeed connected on the other end. However, it was a man's voice.
Under the pursuit of the female caregiver, summer arrived at her dormitory. This startled another sleeping female caregiver
Mr. Dell, how do you respond to some media reports regarding the claim that 'you have long been aware that the personal safety of these tenants is a significant risk'? A reporter interjected, almost shoving the microphone into the mouth of the bespectacled old man.
You ... ... '' The female nurse was momentarily at a loss for what to do, hurriedly getting out of bed, and behind her was Laura's figure walking in briskly.
Looking at Xia Tian's determined eyes, Laura stood up and sat beside him, saying: "Listen, child, we are not trying to separate you from your family, we are not bad people. Ms. Ai is already very old, she does not have a stable income and cannot raise you; she even needs assistance from the state. Here, at least you can have enough to eat and wear warmly. In the future, perhaps a loving couple will adopt you..." Ms. Ai is already very old, she does not have a stable income and cannot raise you; she even needs assistance from the state. Here, at least you can have enough to eat and wear warmly. In the future, perhaps a loving couple will adopt you..."
Thank you. Summer pressed her lips together and inserted her fingers into the old-fashioned rotary telephone. Although push-button phones have already been introduced in this era, the equipment in this orphanage seems somewhat outdated
The other end of the phone fell silent. Perhaps it was because they recognized Xia Tian's voice, or perhaps it was due to recalling Xia Tian's experiences. In the end, the duty officer said nothing, put down the receiver, stood up, and left the duty room, heading towards the second floor
On the other end of the phone, Amy was taken aback; she had expected a conversation filled with inquiries about each other's well-being and words of comfort. However, she did not anticipate that the five-year-old summer would say such a thing. This led her to believe that there was someone behind this, orchestrating it.
Yes, that is correct. Everyone living here knows that the security situation in Hell's Kitchen is quite chaotic. Therefore, I provided a substantial compensation to all the residents of the apartment to help these people find alternative housing. Dale continued to shake his head, and that sad expression appeared so contrived in the eyes of Summer.
"Hehe, child, I am old and cannot walk anymore. This place is very nice," Amy replied.
Laura opened her mouth but ultimately let go of summer, saying with a serious expression: "Just this once, after you finish the call, you will obediently go to sleep."
May I make a phone call to Miss Ai?" Summer suddenly raised her head and asked imploringly
"Do not be deceived, leave this place, I can only end up on the streets." Ai Mei smiled, that bitter smile made Xia Tian feel a bit cold inside, "Here are my memories, everything I have. My husband passed away here, if I could also leave this world here, it would not be a bad thing."
This is only the seventh day, give them some time, they will eventually bring the murderer to justice. Nurse Laura comforted Xia Tian, feeling quite confident in dealing with a 5-year-old child. This was her job and her means of livelihood; she had spent most of her life interacting with children and knew what those little minds wanted to hear
"I apologize, sir. I am Xia Tian from room 204A. I am sorry to disturb you so late. I was wondering if you could help me find Ai Mei?" Xia Tian inquired.
Snap
Laura sighed softly and reached out to ruffle Xia Tian's hair, but Xia Tian dodged away. Seeing Xia Tian's tightly furrowed brows, Laura abandoned the gesture and said, "It is already quite late, dear. It is now 9 PM. Listen, the entire building has fallen into slumber, and you are the only one who has sneaked out of your room to watch television here. I believe Miss Ai Mei has also gone to sleep, so please do not disturb her rest, alright?" It is now 9 PM. Listen, the entire building has fallen into slumber, and you are the only one who has sneaked out of your room to watch television here. I believe Miss Ai Mei has also gone to sleep, so please do not disturb her rest, alright?"
In the summer, she spoke softly, saying: "Yes, Amy. I think, I hope you can move out of that apartment."
Laura gazed at the distant solitary figure, silently sighing to herself. She was also quite concerned about this matter, as a friend at the police station had privately informed her that the surveillance camera on the street in front of the apartment had not recorded any information; that camera had been broken for quite some time.
A group of journalists attempted to approach but were stopped by a crowd of imposing bodyguards. Ultimately, in the footage captured by the cameras, the black luxury SUV sped away.
"You are still too young and should not be exposed to these things." The caregiver in the orphanage, regardless of the intentions of the director in admitting Xia Tian, treated Xia Tian very well. This caregiver, named Laura, had a kind heart and held no dissatisfaction towards Xia Tian's skin color
The caregiver Laura walked over to the sofa, crouched down, and looked at the silent little face of Xia Tian, softly saying: "Why not go back into the room? After washing up, I will tell you a bedtime story, how about that? You will like it."
"No, Aimee. They will compensate you a lot, I think, after you move out of that apartment, there won't be any danger. Perhaps, moving out of Hell's Kitchen is the best choice." Summer spoke, yet she could already feel the astonished gazes of the two caregivers beside her.
Unbeknownst to anyone, in the adjacent dormitory, a white boy lay with hollow eyes, seemingly listening to everything.
"No matter what you have heard, no matter who has deceived you, let me tell you, child, none of that is true." Aimee's gnarled, branch-like hand gripped the receiver tightly, "There is no such thing as 'a lot of compensation,' I am utterly powerless, I cannot move out of this house"
"Wait, stop, you child..."
Aimei
No, she will not fall asleep, Summer shook her head
The female caregiver had not finished speaking when Xia Tian had already run away
"Hehe, child, you are afraid of the dark, aren't you? Come here to Auntie." The female caregiver clearly misunderstood, thinking that Xia Tian had come here seeking comfort and shelter. However, she saw Xia Tian running to the table and picking up the telephone receiver.
"Listen, child. You are very smart, and you must learn to protect yourself... beep beep beep..." Accompanied by the busy tone in her ear, the phone in Xia Tian's hand gently slipped to the ground
Laura, what is this?" The female nurse looked at Xia Tian with confusion, then turned to Laura.
The television was turned off. Xia Tian turned her head and saw an old woman, who was looking at her with a reproachful expression.
The police station still has no news, right?" Summer turned her head, looking at the dark television screen, and asked.
The incident occurred on a rainy night close to midnight, with no eyewitnesses found in the vicinity. Only the somewhat confused old woman, Amy, witnessed the accident, but due to her age, she could not provide any clear clues. Like summer, she did not see the perpetrator and also failed to catch a glimpse of the license plate. The heavy rain not only washed everything clean but also obscured all evil behind the curtain of rain
"Is this my little summer?" The voice of the older woman carried a hint of surprise, causing a slight dullness in Xia Tian's gaze.
Xia Tian felt a bit anxious, but Laura came over, gently embraced Xia Tian, and sat down on the chair, comforting her: "Don't worry, I am a person who keeps my promises. I will let you finish this phone call. However, you are also a person who keeps promises. Soon, you will obediently go back to sleep with me, right?"