Chapter 69:
The newsboys who intercepted Lin Qi only realized after eliminating the News Head that the days of hardship wouldn't change simply because an oppressor and exploiter disappeared.
Many people often describe the pain of life as having a stone over their heads, and they believe that removing the stone will make life better. Some even deliberately, with a seductive tone, tell others that those who pay their wages are the ones exploiting them, the ones providing them with the means to support their families.
Perhaps it is true to some extent, but not entirely.
With the News Head gone, the children's situation didn't improve because the News Head was not the true oppressor; it was the profit-centric society they lived in. In fact, the News Head's disappearance might have made things a bit more difficult for these children. Without the News Head's social connections and his intimidating presence to outsiders, the children couldn't enjoy the resources that the News Head could easily access.
They couldn't buy newspapers in this era where print media still dominated major media channels. The newspapers were selling well, and the absence of the News Head created a market vacuum. After the News Head's disappearance, other News Heads wanted to claim that share. In their ignorance of the tangled web of interests, newspapers were sold to other News Heads.
Unfamiliar newsboys also appeared in their vicinity, snatching rewards from others' pockets with freshly printed newspapers exuding a strong ink aroma. They took away the rewards that should have belonged to the local children.
Not only that, but the scrap collection station, having a good relationship with the News Head, began ruthlessly lowering scrap prices to maximize their profits. The children couldn't resist, and these adults could enjoy the money extracted from them without any worries.
The children always thought the News Head was the source of their nightmares, but at this moment, they realized how shallow their understanding of society was. The money left by the News Head was enough for them to sustain themselves for a while, but if they couldn't find new sources of income, this money would quickly run out.
Some older children believed they couldn't continue like this. If they couldn't provide money for their parents or the orphanage, they would be taken away, scattered, and sent to another place to continue enduring oppression and exploitation. So, they had to stand up, they needed income. They had already resisted their fate and overturned one stone; now, they had to keep going, hoping to one day dispel the thick clouds and see the blue sky.
They found Lin Qi; perhaps it was the simplest solution they could think of at the moment. Lin Qi looked at the two children and shook his head slightly, "I'm sorry, but I'm no longer involved in that kind of business."
With the closure of numerous financial companies and laundries, more people realized that coins might have been tampered with, and the coin exchange business, just reaching its peak, plummeted. Also, with the introduction of large cash withdrawal proofs by the banks, Mr. Fox no longer needed to make his money look more legal using such outdated methods.
Although the two children tried to appear nonchalant, their faces couldn't hide their disappointment. The older one couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Lin Qi, you are a good person. Is there any work we can do? We can accept less pay than regular workers, just enough for food and some pocket money; we don't have many requirements."
Reality is ironic like that. They moved one stone to realize the harsh reality and now were searching for another seemingly suitable stone to press down on themselves.
Lin Qi's mouth formed a slight smile. Whenever he smiled, it was his kindest moment. His smile transcended race, gender, age, education level, and understanding ability. It had an affinity that could alleviate restless emotions and act as a bridge between strangers.
"I do have some work that needs to be done, but..." His smile became even more benevolent. "...I know your boss, the News Head. If you need a job, have him come and talk to me. It would be better that way. I know you work for him, and if we go behind his back to discuss these things, he might not be pleased with you. I don't want to see anyone get hurt in this matter."
Kind-hearted Lin Qi was indeed a generous person. The negative opinions about him were merely due to a lack of understanding. His serious expression made the older child's expression somewhat stiff.
Everyone knew, including Lin Qi, that the News Head was already dead. He was killed by a few older children on the road outside the city that night. Yet, here he was, emphasizing something he clearly knew. His purpose was simple: to make these children realize that before they could interact with adults on an equal footing, they needed a bridge.
The News Head used to be that bridge, but now that he was gone, they needed to find a replacement unless they could take on that role themselves or sacrifice something.
The younger children didn't realize what was happening yet. Even though he seemed mature enough for most people, in the eyes of many, he was still a child. A child whose mind had been prematurely matured could never match the thinking and summarizing abilities of a mentally agile and thoughtful adult. Therefore, this child said something he shouldn't have said.
"The News Head? He's no longer here."
The older child's face instantly turned into shock and fear. He pulled the younger child away, bowed to Lin Qi while holding his hat, and said, "Mr. Lin Qi, we've taken up enough of your precious time. I'm sorry..."
As the younger one also realised that he had misspoken at this point, they wanted to leave as soon as possible.
The death of the News Head was known only to a few older children, not even the kids in the dormitory were aware. It was a secret, one belonging exclusively to these older children! While the federal government indeed had laws protecting minors, these laws focused on innocent, normal, and ordinary minors' legal rights.
For minors involved in criminal activities, especially those committing heinous crimes like murder, the legal system would not advocate for their protection. There may even be more considerations in sentencing.
A lenient sentence could instill in these children a misguided belief that taking someone's life would not have serious consequences. On the other hand, a harsh sentence might lead to resentment and a distorted psychology of hating society as a whole.
Thus, the incarceration of juvenile offenders was often a complex process that required the involvement of psychologists. It was more than just imprisonment; it was a... process.
People frequently lauded juvenile offenders who, in a robotic fashion, provided the anticipated responses that society desired. This sentiment often coincided with the prevailing notion that, once again, the formidable federal government proclaimed success in its ongoing humanitarian campaign.
Just as the two children were about to leave, Lin Qi grabbed them. "No longer here?" He raised an eyebrow. "Did he run away? Michael has already been sentenced; he shouldn't have run."
This unexpected turn of events left the two children stunned. Lin Qi even provided them with a way to cover up their mistake and an excuse. The children who knew the secret but thought Lin Qi was unaware suddenly had a new thought the man in front of him was not only kind, but also stupid.
However, it didn't prevent him from using this excuse. The younger child who realized his mistake remained silent, and the older child nodded and said, "Yes, Mr. Lin Qi, our boss has skipped town..."
Skipping town was street slang, fitting the environment these children were exposed to. Lin Qi nodded in satisfaction. "It seems like your days aren't going well right now."
The older child nodded repeatedly. "Yes, sir, our days are tough!"
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