Jiang Chen had only meant it as a joke.
Uncle Wei's reaction was completely unexpected, though. His solemn expression showed no hint of joking. It was the first time Jiang Chen had ever seen him so serious.
"But Xiaohai's grandpa is already dead. Xiaohai doesn't have a grandpa anymore."
Xiaohai answered just as seriously.
Jiang Chen crouched down, patted his shoulder, and explained, "This old grandpa is asking whether you want to inherit his mantle and carry on his wishes."
Xiaohai froze for a moment. "What wishes?"
"He's an old security guard who's spent his whole life keeping this area safe. Do you want to become a little security guard?" Jiang Chen asked again.
He realized that Xiaohai's way forward might be right before his eyes.
Uncle Wei still sat ramrod straight, his manner solemn. At those words, he nodded. "Yes, that's what I mean."
This time, Xiaohai gave it serious thought.
A moment later, he nodded firmly. "Yes!"
"Xiaohai wants to keep this area safe too!"
Hearing that, Uncle Wei smiled, his old face crinkling like a chrysanthemum as he looked expectantly at Xiaohai.
"Grandpa!"
"Yes!" His answer brimmed with delight. He instinctively pulled out his cigarette pack, then stuffed it back into his pocket when he saw Xiaohai standing before him.
After fumbling about for a moment, he suddenly thought of something. "Food! Right, Grandpa still has plenty to eat. Come on, I'll treat you to a good meal!"
With that, he headed back into the Security Office.
Jiang Chen and Xiaohai followed.
Once inside, they found that the tiny space wasn't cluttered. There was a simple bamboo bed and a desk facing the window, with several ancient books on top.
Strangely, though, the space beneath the bamboo bed had been sealed off with wooden boards.
It looked