I had the night planned out

The orphanage wasn't far from the capital, but the ride stretched over twenty minutes.

Jiang Yue had to steer clear of the main highway because of the child strapped in front of her on the motorbike. Even so, she was riding fast, her silhouette a blur under the evening sky. Luo Zhelan, trailing behind in his car, struggled to keep up.

By the time they arrived, the sun had long dipped below the horizon, and the clock ticked close to 7 p.m.

Jiang Yue parked her bike and carried Xiao An inside the brightly lit orphanage. She spoke briefly with the staff, inquiring about his treatment progress and ensuring everything was in order before heading back outside.

She approached Luo Zhelan's car and tapped on the passenger-side window. When he rolled it down, Jiang Yue leaned in, placing the jacket she'd used to secure Xiao An on the empty seat.