"So you didn't just show up today."
Qiao sat down on the other side of the bench, a dozen or so centimeters from Lorry, and chuckled slyly. "Actually, I wait here for you every evening."
Opportunity always favors the prepared. The saying inexplicably popped into Lorry's head, and he felt even more strongly that this former merchant possessed certain valuable qualities.
He gave the man's report a quick read.
There wasn't much additional detail, but it wasn't entirely worthless either. At least it had identified several more companies that transported laborers abroad.
All he had to do was pass it along, and he could exchange it for a considerable amount of merit.
Lorry folded the papers and put them in his pocket, then turned to look at the former merchant. "By the way, how's that friend of yours from last time?"
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Qiao paused before replying, "Last time? Do you mean Kohler?
"Thanks to the payment you gave me, I found him in time. Um... then I took him to a clinic for an IV drip. He's been recovering quite well since.
"Heh heh, he asked me to thank you for him.
"When I found him, he'd already collapsed beside a trash can and couldn't get up. A few fellows were discussing stripping him of his clothes later."
Didn't he meet any other kindhearted people? Lorry nodded thoughtfully.
Then he put Old Kohler's affairs aside for the moment and chuckled. "Qiao, working with you over this period has shown me what you're capable of."
"Would you be interested in trying a new job?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Qiao's eyes widened, an expression of disbelief appearing on his face.
He dug hard at his ears twice and stared blankly at the smiling Lorry,