December. Winter had come to Jinshui.

The sky remained perpetually gray. For the first few days, a drizzly rain fell; later, at night, the raindrops turned to scattered snowflakes, dragging temperatures down to minus five degrees Celsius. But when the sun came out during the day, the temperature would rise back above ten, melting the thin layer of snow that had accumulated overnight and turning the streets into slush.

Chen Li parked his car, grabbed a thick folder, and walked through the fine snow and muddy streets into a hotel in the eastern district. Inside, he spotted Qiu Yiming sprawled on a sofa in the lobby—head tilted back, eyes closed, brow furrowed, one hand rubbing his temples and then massaging along his brow bone, letting out a sigh with each motion.

"What's with the long face?"

Qiu Yiming opened his eyes, saw Chen Li, sat up, and said: "You're here. What did the immigration office say?"

Chen Li shook his head. "Big problems."

Qiu Yiming ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "How did things end up like this?"

The aftermath of the Yanzhou affair was far more complicated than expected. The Newlander children were relatively fortunate—at least there was a chance of finding their families. But those families, more often than not, had problems of their own: poverty, single parenthood, rebellion, domestic violence, runaways—these were the common labels attached to these children. After they disappeared, their parents and relatives would search for them, but without connections or money, their efforts usually came to nothing. This mirrored Ma Jilan's "hunting" strategy—likely why Iwasaki's network had operated with impunity for so long.

The foreign children presented an even greater challenge, especially the Seven Islanders. Could they really be deported back to a war zone? Moreover, they were also witnesses to the Egoless Sect case. They'd been abducted and trafficked into Newland through illegal channels—it was hardly likely that Iwasaki had bothered to obtain proper documentation for them. In Newland's eyes, they were undocumented—"illegal immigrants." They couldn't be put through the adoption process, and if immigration policy tightened, they could be deported.

After discussion, the October Society agreed to seek refugee status for them, and then find adoptive families. In theory, this shouldn't have been too difficult—the grounds were compelling, and children generally elicited sympathy from immigration officials. Qiu Yiming had mobilized the Free Fleet Alliance's connections, contacted several Liberal Party politicians, used the media to build public support—a few families had even reached out to the October Society directly, expressing interest in adoption.

But the process had stalled at the immigration office.

"I met with the director of the Jinshui Immigration Bureau today." Chen Li sat down across from Qiu Yiming. "Back around September, there was that 'Phonegate' thing—do you remember?"

Qiu Yiming thought for a moment: "That was when Zhao Wenlong's phone call with the Kantoese Prime Minister got leaked?"

"Exactly. In the recording, Zhao promised increased military aid to Kanto in exchange for investigating former Vice President Li Shunshui's business activities in Kanto. Because of that, the South Chamber of Congress launched impeachment proceedings against Zhao."

"I don't quite understand. In Newland politics, is military aid to Kanto that unusual?"

"The aid itself isn't unusual. But using it as leverage to go after a political opponent—especially a former vice president—well, the Liberal Party wasn't going to just sit back and take it."

Qiu Yiming shook his head. "What does that have to do with us?"

"Because after the midterms, the Liberal Party became the majority in the South Chamber. They pushed the 'Phonegate' to bring Zhao down. Now the South Chamber has passed two articles of impeachment—abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. With the impeachment process underway, the two parties are at each other's throats, using every means to attack the other."

Qiu Yiming kept shaking his head. "I still don't see what that has to do with us."

"With ordinary children, maybe it wouldn't matter—but these children are tied to the Yanzhou controversy, and that makes it a big deal. At the time, the Liberal Party attacked the Civic Party for sending troops to make arrests—'lawlessness,' they said. The Civic Party insisted the Liberal Party was behind Master Huozhai and had silenced him. Now, with children involved, both sides have shifted their narratives. The Liberal Party emphasizes how innocent and pitiful these children are; the Civic Party accuses the Liberal Party of flouting immigration laws and trying to bypass Congress and Supreme Court to open the borders. With both parties locked in this struggle, how are we supposed to get anything done?"

Qiu Yiming slumped in defeat, head hanging. "Party politics, and the ones who suffer most are innocent children. I thought I'd be well-suited to handle this part of the work—but I never expected it to be this hard. I'm starting to understand how Asha feels."

"It's too early to give up. Personally, I'd say we just keep them. My family wouldn't approve, but it's just money—no big deal."

"Don't make it sound like keeping a pet." Qiu Yiming shook his head. "You can afford it, sure—but this isn't your responsibility alone. Besides, we have to think about what's best for the children."

Chen Li chuckled lightly. "That doesn't sound like something a Seven Islander would say. Shouldn't you be used to this kind of situation?"

Qiu Yiming didn't laugh. He was deadly serious. "I am used to it. In Tamagusuku, orphans are everywhere. They sell themselves for a few meals—become servants, concubines, playthings. I've seen it with my own eyes—foreign organizations coming to select children for adoption, and people pushing their own kids forward like livestock. That's exactly why I know how important a stable environment is for these children."

Chen Li didn't know what to say. He clicked his tongue awkwardly, sighed, and said: "Sorry." After a pause, he clarified: "I didn't mean to treat them like pets. I brought them out of the Egoless Sect—I take this seriously."

"I'm not criticizing you, Chen. I'm just saying—not everything can be solved with money." Chen Li nodded, falling silent. Qiu Yiming continued: "At least in my view, giving them a normal family environment matters more than giving them cash."

"That's true." Chen Li nodded in agreement, but sighed again: "The problem is, things are changing faster than we expected. We don't have much time."

The reason he said this was that, two weeks earlier, Asha had spotted cult members watching her safe house. A very bad sign—it meant that even with Master Huozhai dead, the Egoless Sect still wielded considerable influence in Yanzhou. And Chen Li had learned from Yanzhou police that the sect had already canonized Huozhai as a martyr, claiming he'd been tortured and killed by the military—vowing revenge. Under these circumstances, Asha didn't dare keep the children in Yanzhou any longer. She'd moved them all to Jinshui, where Chen Li had arranged temporary shelter.

Qiu Yiming was still frowning, uncertain. After a long pause, he said: "I think we should discuss the next steps together."

---

The children were housed in the hotel, two or three to a room so they could look after one another. The only exception was Xiao Meng who had her own room. She was in poor health, coughing constantly; Xia Yu worried she might have tuberculosis or something contagious, so she'd insisted on isolating her from the others, also to allow her to rest. To keep her from feeling too lonely, Xia Yu spent as much time as possible with her.

When Chen Li entered Xiao Meng's room, Xia Yu was teaching her to write. Xia Yu was a patient teacher—she started by showing her how to hold the pencil, guiding her soft little hand across the paper, stroke by stroke. Xiao Meng was diligent, reading aloud as she wrote:

"One flake, two flakes, three, then four, 

Five, six, seven, eight, nine, and more—

Thousands, millions, countless fall, 

Vanishing among plum blossoms all."

"Xiao Meng, it's snowing today—shall we memorize this poem together?"

"Sister, it's easy—I already know it."

"Is that so? Then recite it for me, okay?"

Xiao Meng stood up and recited it effortlessly. Xia Yu praised her and sent her off to watch cartoons.

"I didn't know you were so good with children," Chen Li said.

Xia Yu's smile lingered. The soft lamplight caught the tips of her hair, making her look lovely. She tidied the desk as she spoke: "Xiao Meng is so bright—she learns poems instantly, and she's quick with numbers too. The only shame is that no one ever taught her to write." Her voice grew heavier. "What a sweet child—she should have been cherished by her parents. But instead..." She couldn't finish. Her eyes reddened; she turned away and dabbed the corner of her eye with the back of her hand.

"Yes," Chen Li said carefully. "Qiu Yiming just told me—he wants them to have a relatively normal upbringing. I agree."

Xia Yu nodded and composed herself. "Sorry—I got a bit emotional."

Anyone would be moved by the horrors of the Egoless Sect. But Chen Li suddenly remembered that Xia Yu was Shen Daoyu's adopted daughter. What about her biological parents? How much of her "emotional reaction" was personal? He realized, with a jolt, how little he actually knew about Xia Yu.

"By the way, Chen Li, thank you for finding that doctor. I took Xiao Meng this morning—the preliminary diagnosis is childhood asthma with anemia, not tuberculosis like I'd feared. I've already scheduled the tests—bloodwork this Friday, CT in two weeks."

Chen Li was surprised: "That long?"

"For ordinary patients—no VIP lane."

Chen Li's eyes widened. "What about emergencies?"

"Pay extra."

That answer didn't surprise him. He just nodded. "You know a lot about medicine."

She laughed. "You forget—I'm going to med school after my undergrad. My father was a doctor—I grew up with it. Besides, I've already signed up as a volunteer at Jinshui University Hospital. Who knows the hospital better than me—besides Qiu Yiming?"

Chen Li chuckled and nodded. "I feel like being with you all has opened up a whole new world."

"Isn't that a good thing? Besides, you joining us was like a visitor from another planet—the clouds weren't good enough for you, so you wanted to get your hands dirty in the mud."

Chen Li shook his head lightly, refusing to be drawn off topic. "Standing on solid ground and getting things done feels right. I went to the immigration office today—I saw the director." He repeated the immigration office's rejection to Xia Yu.

Xia Yu rested her chin on her hand, thinking for a long time. "If the problem is the two-party deadlock, could we contact the Liberal Party and put pressure on the Civic Party?"

"Become a pawn in the party struggle?" Chen Li shook his head. "I don't think that's a good idea. Even though Zhao took a hit in the midterms and lost the South Chamber, the North Chamber is still in Civic Party hands. This deadlock could last a long time. If we side with the Liberal Party, we won't resolve anything before Zhao leaves office."

"Then there's only one option. Solve the immediate problem—set aside the refugee status issue for now and find foster families for the children, even temporary ones."

Chen Li thought for a while, then finally nodded. "That plan does seem more practical. Given the realities, we should ask Qiu Yiming to reach out to the Seven Islands community."

---

Seven Islanders were predominantly Buddhist, so their communities had a distinct character—temples often served as the central hub, surrounded by commercial streets and administrative buildings. The community Qiu Yiming contacted was in the port district of southeastern Jinshui—a typical working-class neighborhood, home to dockworkers, sailors, and laborers.

The Free Fleet Alliance had considerable influence among the Seven Islanders, and Qiu Yiming was trusted by the community. The most respected leader, City Councilman Zheng Liangjin—a Seven Islander himself—agreed to meet with the October Society. The venue was the community's temple, Mingci Temple.

Mingci Temple was a classic Seven-Hall Chan temple. It served not only as a place of worship but also as a social hub; important community matters were discussed there. The main hall, the Hall of Universal Salvation, was exquisitely carved and painted, with crimson pillars and upturned eaves—an impressive sight. It enshrined a thousand-armed, thousand-eyed Guanyin—dignified, compassionate, imposing—flanked by Sudhana, Dragon Girl, Skanda—the Dharma Protector Weituo, Sangharama Bodhisattva, and the Sixteen Arhats. In Seven Islands Buddhism, Guanyin was especially venerated; the people believed that the Great Compassionate Guanyin could see their suffering and protect them from foreign invaders, restoring peace to their homeland.

After paying respects to the Guanyin statue, the group withdrew from the main hall and took their seats in the refectory for formal discussions on adoption. Those present included October Society members, community leaders, representatives of families interested in adoption, and monks from Mingci Temple as witnesses. Councilman Zheng presided. Xia Yu spoke first on behalf of the October Society. She briefly outlined the rescue of the children from the Egoless Sect, explained the difficulties they faced in obtaining refugee status due to the party deadlock, presented the plan to find foster families while setting aside the status issue temporarily, and then introduced each child in turn and outlined the requirements for foster families.

The October Society had expected finding foster families wouldn't be too difficult—many families had already expressed interest. But once the matter was put on the table, they discovered it wasn't as simple as anticipated.

The requirements themselves were modest: ensure the children's basic needs, provide access to education, and ensure they didn't enter the workforce before eighteen. Basic adoption conditions. The Seven Islanders weren't wealthy, so the October Society couldn't be too demanding. Yet after hearing Xia Yu's presentation, the enthusiastic families grew hesitant.

A middle-aged woman asked repeatedly about the children's refugee status, then said: "Miss Xia, if their refugee status isn't approved, would adopting them still qualify for tax exemptions? And what about government subsidies and compensation from Yanzhou—those would be gone too, right?"

Xia Yu had to nod: "The payment cycle for victim compensation is extremely lengthy. And without legal status, there are no subsidies. But we're working hard on this—I'm confident we can get it done within a few months, or half a year..."

The woman shook her head. "You think you can get it done in six months—but what if you can't? Do we raise them for nothing?"

Qiu Yiming grew agitated. "It's not 'for nothing'! In any case, compensation will be awarded after the trial concludes at the Yanzhou court. Moreover, The Liberal Party has agreed to help us raise funds. And these are our own children!"

Councilman Zheng stepped in to mediate. "Qiu, we're all friends here—I'll be blunt. Let me give you an example and run the numbers, and you'll understand.

"Take an ordinary family in this neighborhood—say the husband drives a forklift at the docks, the wife works checkout at a supermarket. Each earns less than 5,000 a month. On that 5,000, taxes take 1,000—350 in federal tax, 250 in Jinshui local tax, the rest in Medicare and Social Security. Then individual health insurance deducts another 800. Fixed costs: car loan 600 a month, car insurance, maintenance, and parking another 600. Utilities—water, electricity, gas—400. Phone and internet—400. If they don't have children, they can rent a one-bedroom for 1,000. But if they take in a child, because of legal minimum square footage requirements, they need a two-bedroom—at least 1,500. Now, how much do they have left?"

Chen Li had been tapping on his calculator as Zheng spoke. He answered: "2,900."

"And that's a childless family—which is why they'd consider adoption. But with a child, there's school. These children are mostly primary-school age. Public elementary school is tuition-free, but you still have to pay for meals and activities. School ends at three—parents are at work, can't pick them up, so there's after-school care fees. So even though the schools hardly teach anything and the teachers just keep the kids entertained, monthly costs still come to at least 800—without any tutoring. That leaves a disposable income of 2,100."

Chen Li had been tapping away, then frowned: "Wait—you haven't accounted for food!"

Zheng nodded. "Exactly. In reality, each family has about 2,000 a month for food and general expenses. According to Agriculture Department statistics, the average Newland family spends about 10 percent of its income on food—so 1,000 for this family. After that, subtract daily necessities, occasional clothes and furniture—saving 800 a month is doing well. And that's already a better-off family in this neighborhood—they can save nearly 10,000 a year for emergencies or the children's college. But at least half of the families here can't even save that 800."

Xia Yu understood: "So tax exemptions are crucial for foster families."

Zheng nodded. "With adoption benefits, federal and local taxes are exempt, and Medicare tax is greatly reduced—that frees up about 1,500. Add government subsidies and compensation, and life becomes a lot easier."

Qiu Yiming shifted uncomfortably. "This sounds like a business transaction."

"In Newland, this is how ordinary people survive. Moral judgment of those struggling to get by is pointless." Zheng shrugged helplessly. "Now that you say the refugee status can't be processed—no tax exemptions—the incentive to adopt drops significantly."

The group had hit another dead end. They exchanged glances, at a loss for words. After a long silence, the family representatives shook their heads and left, sighing. Those who knew Qiu Yiming came over to say: "It's not that we don't want to help—we simply can't afford it."

When most had gone, the October Society began packing up to leave. But Councilman Zheng spoke up: "Finding foster families for these children—you can't do it alone."

That was a painfully obvious statement. Qiu Yiming was annoyed: "Uncle Zheng, what do you suggest, then?"

"Qiu, you're in the Free Fleet Alliance. How can you not see—you need an organization for this!"

Qiu Yiming shook his head. "We've contacted several child welfare organizations. But with the two-party infighting, they're reluctant to get involved."

Zheng thought for a moment. "I do know one—the National Children's Welfare Foundation. They might step in."

Xia Yu was puzzled: "Why are you so sure they'd help?"

"To be honest, quite a few Seven Islanders sneak into Newland, many with children. When parents get deported, they sometimes leave the children behind—no one wants to send them back to a war zone. These abandoned children face essentially the same situation as yours. The Foundation has helped many of them find adoptive homes. We're familiar with this."

"But how does the Foundation get them legal status?"

"Through Liberal Party politicians—they build political capital that way. The advantage is that the families the Foundation connects tend to be better off, less dependent on tax exemptions. And the Foundation itself provides subsidies."

"Sounds like the same idea we had," Chen Li said. "Why can't we just do it ourselves?"

"Same problem—raising children isn't just about money. It's about family environment." Qiu Yiming was starting to agree with Zheng. "Even if you've got the money, without reliable families, it's useless."

"If I'm paying, surely someone would be willing—"

"No, it's not that simple." Zheng cut off their debate. "For one or two children, maybe. But you have so many, and they're undocumented—there are significant legal risks. The Foundation does this professionally; they know all the details and have lawyers to handle the legal side. An organization's reach is something an individual can't match."

Chen Li said nothing further. Zheng's reasoning was sound. But a vague unease lingered—the Foundation's timing felt too convenient, like a gift from heaven arriving just when you needed it most.

---

Afterward, Xia Yu gathered the October Society members, recounted the experience at the Seven Islands community, and put it to a vote. The decision: contact the National Children's Welfare Foundation.

Finally, progress. Everyone was relieved. Foundation representatives arrived quickly; they conducted physical examinations for each child. After repeated negotiations, eight Seven Islands children were taken to a Foundation-run orphanage, where they would await placement with foster families. The October Society insisted on one condition: until the children came of age, the foster families' regular reports to the Foundation would be shared with the Society. Through these reports, they could monitor the children's well-being; if necessary, they could also visit the families directly.

The oversight mechanism seemed robust, alleviating most of their concerns. The only remaining issue was Xiao Meng—she was in poor health, and she was Kantoese. The Foundation had turned her down. But as Chen Li had said earlier, with just one child left, they could manage.

Chen Li volunteered to take charge. He first gave the girl a new name—since she didn't know her family name, he gave her his own: Chen Meng. She would call him "brother," and they would be siblings from now on. He couldn't take her home, of course, but he already had someone in mind.

The car drove out of Jinshui's city center, turned onto an inconspicuous side road, and eventually stopped at a classical courtyard estate northwest of the city, near Mount Shiyun. The estate was grand and imposing. A screen wall was carved with pear blossoms; beyond it, the main gate bore a plaque with the words "Pear Blossom Garden," flanked by a couplet:

White steed and frontier moon; Pear blossoms, fraternal boon.

Two soldiers stood guard at the gate, wearing Jinshui Corps armbands. They saluted Chen Li. One announced their arrival; another soldier emerged to escort Chen Li and Xiao Meng inside.

Through a moon gate, they reached the front courtyard's main hall—the "Pear Cloud Hall." Outside, a garden was laid out with flower beds, centered on a sturdy pear tree surrounded by ornamental rocks, pines, and bamboo. Chen Li sat Xiao Meng down on a rosewood bench and said: "When you see Sister Du Juan, call her 'big sister' and be sweet, okay?"

Xiao Meng nodded vigorously. "I know, Brother!"

Just then, rapid footsteps sounded, and a clear voice called out: "Li, you're here." Looking up, Chen Li saw a young woman approaching through the corridor—twenty-eight, with a stylish bob cut, large and delicate eyes, a small, doll-like face. She wore jeans and a sweater casually, waving as she walked.

"Sister Du Juan!" Chen Li stood up and waved back. "Are you busy?"

Du Juan was the daughter of Du Silin, commander of the Jinshui Corps. She was an Air Force major and an instructor in the Corps. She had grown up calling Chen Li's stepmother Shi Mulan her godmother, so she and Chen Li considered each other siblings.

"Not really." Du Juan smiled, looking him up and down. "You look thinner—have you been overworking yourself?"

Chen Li rubbed his head, said "not really," then pulled Xiao Meng forward. "Sis, this is the girl I told you about—Xiao Meng."

Xiao Meng smiled brightly and chirped: "Hello, Big Sister!"

Du Juan seemed to take an immediate liking to her. She patted her head and said, "How adorable." Then she asked Chen Li: "What's your plan?"

"The refugee status is stuck. The other children were taken by a foundation. But Xiao Meng—she's in poor health and she's Kantoese—the Foundation said clearly she'd never find a foster family. I'd said raising one child wouldn't cost much, but I can't take her home. And honestly, I'd rather Father not know about this. So... I came to you."

"So you only come to me when you need something?" Du Juan scolded playfully, but she agreed readily: "Xiao Meng can stay with me—don't worry about her."

Chen Li thanked her, but noticed Xiao Meng's face had fallen. "What's wrong?"

"Sister Du Juan is so beautiful—Xiao Meng likes Sister." The flattery was clearly forced. She then asked: "But will I never see you and Sister Xia Yu again?"

"Of course you will. We'll visit often. You have to listen to Sister Du Juan, okay?"

"Okay—Xiao Meng is a good girl!" She puffed out her chest, then a stream of questions followed: "Brother, can you marry Sister Xia Yu?"

Chen Li nearly choked on his own saliva. He stared at her. "Where did you learn that?"

"Xiao Meng likes Brother and Sister Xia Yu. If you marry her, the two people I like most can stay together forever."

"What are you talking about!" Chen Li wanted to argue but didn't know where to start. He flicked her forehead lightly. "Say any more nonsense, and no cartoons for you."

"You two are so close." Du Juan was amused. She looked at Chen Li with interest. "Li, who's Xia Yu?"

"A classmate from Jinshui—biology major. We're in the October Society together. She's Shen Daoyu's adopted daughter."

"Oh..." Du Juan's face lit up with a meaningful smile. "Bring her over sometime?"

"We'll see—she'll definitely come to visit Xiao Meng." Chen Li was flustered. He forced a change of subject: "Sis, how are your wedding plans with Brother Shi?"

"We're thinking next spring, but we haven't picked a date. Shi Zhenji's been swamped—he's working for Zhao Wenlong, and you know what that's like—there aren't many reliable people in that administration. Next year's an election year, and by autumn he'll be completely buried, so we want to have the wedding in spring. Keep it simple, no fuss."

"That's only a few months away—and you haven't set a date?"

"Exactly. He was supposed to handle it, but he got caught up in the Jianxin Institute business."

"Jianxin Institute?"

"The Jianxin Institute Lab—you don't know about it?" Du Juan was surprised by his ignorance. "There's a military infectious disease research facility near Peace Town, on the shores of Jianxin Lake—called Jianxin Institute Lab. It's been having problems."

Peace Town was located 150 kilometers northeast of Jinshui—a small town of a few tens of thousands, previously known only for its peaches, which were sold under the name "Peace Peach."

"Starting in August, the lab was flagged for safety issues. Several research projects were suspended, and multiple labs were shut down for inspection. The more they investigated, the more serious it got. Eventually, the CDC decided to shut Jianxin Institute down completely. But over the past few months, the Peace Town hospital has been reporting a strange type of pneumonia. The CDC thinks it's caused by vaping—they're calling it 'EVALI', e-cigarette or vaping associated lung injury. The military leadership has discussed this several times—some suspect a link between EVALI and Jianxin Institute, but there's no hard evidence. So it's just been left hanging."

Chen Li thought for a moment. "If it's really caused by vaping, it shouldn't be a big deal—just don't vape, right?"

"Logically, yes. But it still makes me uneasy. Peace Town is only two hours from Jinshui. If something goes wrong, the consequences would be unthinkable."

"What I really want to know is—who thought it was a good idea to put a bioweapons lab right next to Jinshui?"

"Historical reasons, I guess. I don't know the details."

"So why worry about it?" Chen Li stretched carelessly. "If the military brass doesn't care, don't borrow trouble. As far as I'm concerned, at least this mess is over—I can finally take a break."

But Du Juan didn't respond. She stood up and walked into the courtyard. Snow had started falling again—this time heavily, in thick, unhurried flakes, like pear blossoms drifting in the wind.

"Am I just borrowing trouble?"