My Scales Can Make Equivalent Exchange-Chapter 43 - Thoughts

Upon seeing Wang Zijia and Bai Qian alighting from the carriage, a look of astonishment spread across his face.

“Is this… little Bai Qian?” Although he had heard some information from the city guards, he was unable to associate the Bai Qian in front of him with the same girl who had been terrifyingly powerful just one month ago.

“It’s me, Uncle An!” Bai Qian timidly replied.

“Good, very good!” Hearing the familiar voice, Wang An shuddered. His face was filled with gratitude and excitement, and he even forgot to keep up his sycophantic demeanor.

“There are more things in the carriage. Call some people to carry them,” Wang Zijia said, pointing to the carriage behind him.

“Sir, your presence here is already an honor for the shelter. Why would you go to such an expense!” Wang An politely protested.

This was not false flattery. Regardless of his status in the Wanyu Sect, Wang Zijia was an influential figure in the city, especially in this outer ring. The connections to his name alone provided many conveniences.

Wang Zijia waved his hand dismissively and said, “These things aren’t for you, so why are you making a fuss?”

His words left Wang An speechless. He could only quickly call some obedient individuals from inside the shelter to start moving the items.

As the gifts started to appear, the children in the courtyard rushed forward.

“Don’t touch! Whoever tries to snatch something will lose their share, and won’t get any extra dinner!” Upon seeing this, Wang An immediately chided them. He then quickly turned to Wang Zijia and said, “These children are quite unruly, sir. I hope you can forgive them!”

Wang Zijia waved his hand, indicating that he didn’t mind. He watched the lively scene and then turned to look at Bai Qian, who was constantly peering inside. He said, “Go ahead, go say goodbye.”

“Okay!” Bai Qian, given permission, nodded and ran inside the building.

“It hasn’t been this lively here for a while!” After a moment, when all the gifts had been distributed, Wang An served Wang Zijia while strolling through the courtyard. He couldn’t help but exclaim.

Wang Zijia just smiled and didn’t say anything.

During their leisurely stroll, Wang An purposefully led Wang Zijia to the area of the disabled children again.

“This kid is the most sensible one. Despite being here only for a few days, he already knows how to help with the work, which is much better than those unruly kids who are physically complete.”

“This one is very polite and understanding, and even knows quite a few words. I heard he comes from a literary family, with many of his ancestors having given private lessons to the descendants of the scattered cultivators in the city…”

The two men strolled aimlessly, causing them to unknowingly enter the area of the disabled children, their pace considerably slowing. Wang An incessantly pointed to some of the disabled children, introducing them.

“Don’t judge these kids simply because they recently arrived and haven’t suffered much hardship. The ordinary people living in the city understand quite well the basic qualities of gratitude and loyalty.”

Wang Zijia, with a half-smile on his face, looked at Wang An. After a moment, he said, “Your ambitions are quite extensive, and your courage is growing.”

Wang An, who had been respectful all this while, trembled slightly. He forced a smile and said, “I was ignorant. Please punish me, sir!”

Wang Zijia shook his head and looked around. He finally said, “They can’t necessarily have a good life under me. Do you think the medicine used on Bai Qian is easy to come by? Even if it is used to treat ordinary people!”

What Wang Zijia didn’t say was that even if the conditions could be easily met, with his current capabilities, he could only assist a few individuals. If it were a large-scale matter… he wouldn’t dare!

Moreover, people at this shelter wouldn’t necessarily lead miserable lives. The majority of them would be sent to Luofan Town where they would be well looked after.

After they grew up, if they went to other cities in the world, they would generally be treated with respect, even becoming honored guests. If they continued to live in the town, they would also have peaceful lives.

Therefore, barely surviving here might not be better than going to Luofan Town.

When Wang An heard this, his expression faltered momentarily. He respectfully saluted Wang Zijia and said, “I understand.”

Afterward, he stopped deliberately guiding Wang Zijia to walk past some children and also ceased all introductions.

Half an hour later, they had strolled a whole round and finished distributing all the goods.

Suddenly, Wang Zijia said to Wang An, “Tomorrow, I am joining the Sect. Two people can accompany me to join the Sect and serve me as disciples doing miscellaneous duties, are you willing?”

Wang An abruptly looked up at Wang Zijia, dumbfounded. His face incredulous, he said, “Me?”

“Yes!” Wang Zijia responded affirmatively, nodding his head. “It’s you!”

“But I have no spiritual roots!” Wang An, puzzled, answered back.

“That’s not a problem. I am entering the outer sect directly, which allows for two additional disciples. Without claiming any welfare related to the Sect, there’s no check on qualifications. You will be a sort-of disciple with commendable status,” Wang Zijia replied calmly.

Wang An’s pupils contracted at the words ‘directly entering the outer sect’. As one of those lower-level workers associated with the Wanyu Sect, he was quite clear about what these four words signified.

He had assumed it was an ordinary disciple, but he never expected…

A genuine bigwig had indeed come to the shelter this time!

No wonder he could provide Bai Qian with such medicine!

While these thoughts flitted through Wang An’s mind, Wang Zijia asked again, “So? Will you accompany me to join the Sect?”

“Why me? I am not that familiar with you and even…” Wang An hesitated in his response. “…I may have harbored some ill intent towards you!”

“Hehe, perhaps it’s because of your ill intent, or maybe because of your name, which means ‘peace in heart’,” Wang Zijia laughed, observing the lively crowd in the courtyard. “Additionally, other than Bai Qian, I don’t have many people that I can take with me!”

His words carried a hint of loneliness and desolation, seeming out of place amidst the surrounding bustle.