"It's getting late, and I have to go to my part-time job at the nursing home. I'm almost out of time. Ben, you take Carly to kindergarten. Swann, I'm leaving Dolly to you..."
Ashley left in a hurry, clutching a ring of keys.
Qin Zheng called out to Little Ben, who was about to take Carly away without a word."Wait a second, Ben."
When Little Ben turned to look at him, Qin Zheng asked,"The car parked in the backyard—do you have the key for it?"
Little Ben nodded and pointed toward the TV stand."It's in the second drawer of the cabinet."
Qin Zheng quickly found the set of car keys with the AMC logo in the drawer, a faint smile appearing on his face.
When he turned around, he saw that Little Ben, who had been in a hurry to leave, was now standing still at the front door, looking at him with a meaningful expression.
"Are you still planning to go out and look for a job?"
"Yeah."
"Then what about little Dolly?"
"I'm about to take her to Mrs. Ann next door. I plan to give her some money to help look after Dolly for a few days."
Little Ben thought for a moment."That could work. Mrs. Ann already has to take care of Little Lisa anyway, so one more baby won't make much difference. But can you really find a proper job?"
"I don't know. I just know that opportunities don't come looking for people—people go looking for opportunities."
The second half was an American proverb, so Little Ben couldn't argue with it. He nodded, then suddenly added something unexpected.
"Walter has been at the Whirlwind Bar on 14th Street these past few days. At this hour, he's probably snoring in a booth."
Though it sounded random, Qin Zheng understood immediately. He nodded with a slight smile, turned, and carried little Dolly next door.
The neighboring building was also made of wood, but it had three floors and was shared by two families.
Mrs. Ann's family lived on the third floor, which had once been used for storage.
As Qin Zheng stepped onto the creaking wooden stairs, he could already hear voices coming from upstairs.
"Did you find out, Eddie? Is Michael going to be like before—locked up for two or three days and then released?"
It was Mrs. Ann's voice, rough and filled with anxiety and a hint of hope.
Then a man's voice shattered that hope.
"It's different this time. Michael was carrying too much..."
The room fell silent.
Qin Zheng had just raised his hand to knock.
"Did something happen at home? Based on the usual amount, he should've been fine."
"It's Little Lisa. She's been diagnosed with congenital heart disease."
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Qin Zheng knocked at that moment. He couldn't keep listening—Dolly in his arms was already starting to squirm and would cry any second.
"Who is it?"
Mrs. Ann's voice sounded cautious. A young Black man opened the door, staring at Qin Zheng with an unfriendly expression.
"Swann? What do you need?"
When Mrs. Ann saw that it was Qin Zheng, who was known in the neighborhood as an honest man, her expression immediately softened.
Then she noticed the baby in his arms, and her curiosity flared.
"Where did that baby come from? I've never seen her before..."
Qin Zheng first glanced at the young man—Eddie Iverson, Mrs. Ann's brother—whose hostility had not faded at all. Then he gave a bitter smile.
"Where else? Old Walter's latest child."
Having been neighbors for years, Mrs. Ann knew exactly what kind of man Walter was.
She laughed, momentarily forgetting her own troubles.
"This little one looks like she has Mexican blood. Did Walter find another Mexican woman?"
Qin Zheng didn't hide anything."Yes. The old man got involved with a Mexican woman who snuck over. She was deported a few days ago, but the baby was left behind."
"So he dumped her on you, just like he did with Carly years ago?"
"Exactly."
Mrs. Ann pointed at him."So… what do you want?"
Qin Zheng sighed."Ashley and I both have to work, and Ben has school. There's no one at home to take care of her. I was hoping you could help, Mrs. Ann."
Mrs. Ann hesitated."I'd like to, but…"
She glanced at Little Lisa sleeping nearby. Eddie's expression also darkened.
Then Qin Zheng took out a stack of cash.
"It's not for free. I'll pay you 20 dollars a day."
At the sight of the money, both Mrs. Ann and Eddie's eyes lit up.
Their family had just lost its only source of income, and things were becoming difficult.
This job seemed perfect.
Still, Mrs. Ann hesitated slightly."20 is too little. At least 30."
"30 is too much. If I could pay that, I might as well take care of her myself."
She lowered her demand."Then… 25?"
Qin Zheng thought for a moment."How about this—20 dollars a day for now. After a week, if Ashley is satisfied, I'll raise it to 25 and make up the difference."
"Deal!"
Mrs. Ann agreed immediately.
Qin Zheng handed over Dolly along with 140 dollars.
"Then it's settled."
As he left, even Eddie's attitude had softened.
Back home, Qin Zheng found the old AMC car parked in the backyard.
After some effort, the engine finally started.
He drove straight to the Whirlwind Bar.
Inside, the bar was quiet. A few drunks were scattered around, and a bartender was wiping glasses.
Qin Zheng found Old Walter snoring in a booth.
With a look of disgust, he took a Motorola phone from Walter's pocket, along with some cash—but hesitated and put the money back.
"Better not take it."
He left with only the phone.
Back in the car, Qin Zheng spread out a map of the United States.
He was in Hampton, Virginia.
His plan was clear:
He couldn't become a basketball player—but he could become a coach.
With knowledge from his past life and years of basketball insight, he aimed to become a coach or scout in the NCAA.
He had two routes to choose from.
After thinking for a moment, he made his decision.
"I only have one week… Should I start with the easy ones or the hard ones?"
He looked at Winston-Salem—and decided.
The car engine roared to life.
He drove toward the bridge, heading straight for his future.