Wang Yi opened the car door and paused.
He didn't walk over right away. He stood several meters away, quietly watching that familiar yet unfamiliar figure.
The setting sun stretched Akur's shadow long across the ground, making him look even thinner.
"Boss..."
After calling him that, Akur's eyes already seemed a little moist.
His face showed a weariness he could barely hide.
His build was still as straight and strong as ever, but he no longer had the confident, spirited air he'd once carried on the court.
Back then, he'd been so cheerful, the life of the group.
Now he seemed like a silent stone.
Wang Yi nodded. "Let's go inside and talk."
Once they were inside, Akur seemed very ill at ease.
Even as he sat on the sofa, he moved cautiously.
Wang Yi poured him a glass of water.
Akur took a small sip before speaking.
"Boss, I know I shouldn't have come and bothered you."
Akur lowered his head, his voice barely louder than a mosquito's buzz. "But I really... have nowhere else to turn."
Wang Yi frowned but said nothing, waiting for him to continue.
Akur went on.
"After I was suspended, I went back to South Sudan."
"You know how things are at home. My parents are getting old, and I have two younger brothers still in school. I'm the only one supporting them."
"I thought that once my suspension ended, I'd be able to come back and play, and earn some money to support my family."
"But... I haven't heard a word from the league. I asked a lot of people to look into it, and all I got was that I should wait."
Akur's voice grew quieter and quieter. His eyes were faintly red.
"I tried to play in other leagues, but once