As he spoke, he took out a silver ingot from his pocket and handed it over, "This is a small gift to treat you, gentlemen, to tea."
The yamen runner took the silver ingot and weighed it. When he heard that he was from the orphanage, he gave him some face and a smile immediately appeared on his face.
"Well, since you said so, we'll give this guy a chance. But let me be frank. If we catch him doing something sneaky again in the future, don't blame us for being rude."
Having said that, he waved his hand and turned away with the other yamen runners.
Only when the figures of the yamen runners completely disappeared at the entrance of the alley did Guan Yan straighten up and turn to look at Meng Liang.
Meng Liang was lowering his head and saying nothing at this moment, like a child who had done something wrong.
Guan Yan took Meng Liang to a secluded corner. After looking around to make sure no one was around, he asked seriously, "Meng Liang, tell me honestly, was it you who set the fire at the orphanage last night?"
Meng Liang lowered his eyes, and a sinister look flashed across his eyes, but Guan Yan did not catch it.
He looked up and said firmly, "Guan Yan, you know me. Although I may do some petty thefts, I, Meng Liang, would never do something as serious as arson."
He paused, then continued, "Back then, you were locked up in the woodshed, without a drop of water for two days and two nights. If I hadn't secretly brought you food, you would have collapsed long ago. How could you have the good life you have today? Although I, Meng Liang, am not talented, I know how to repay kindness. How could I possibly burn down the orphanage where you now live and work?"
After Meng Liang finished speaking, he looked directly into Guan Yan's eyes, his face full of grief, anger and injustice.
After hearing this, Guan Yan felt a trace of guilt in his heart. He pursed his lips and nodded: "Meng Liang, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have doubted you. Since it wasn't you, I'm relieved."
After saying this, he turned around and prepared to leave the narrow alley. However, the moment he turned around, he felt Meng Liang's movement behind him. He turned slightly, but did not look back at Meng Liang directly.
"Oh, by the way," Guanyan added, "I've already arranged with the manager to give you a job sweeping the yard at the orphanage. You'll get two hundred yuan a month, and you'll be provided with food and lodging at the orphanage. This will be better than the precarious life you lead outside."
Hearing this, Meng Liang quietly loosened the stone he had been holding tightly in his hand and hid it behind his back. A complex emotion flashed in his eyes, but he ultimately threw the stone into the shadows of the corner.
"Thank you." Meng Liang's voice trembled a little. "I will do my best and will not let you down."
Guan Yan smiled slightly, didn't look back, just waved his hand and walked out of the alley.
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