American homeless people, surviving in the city

Lynch rarely gets up at this time, so he really didn't expect that Raul would also wake up at this time.

The Mexican youth who had just emerged from the tent had changed into a clean hoodie and looked quite energetic, but his face still seemed a bit naive and innocent, as if he hadn't woken up yet.

When he saw Lin Qi, his eyes flickered noticeably, and he subconsciously avoided Lin Qi's gaze.

"Good morning," Lin Qi greeted him.

"Good morning, boss." Raul scratched his head, his voice a little hoarse, clearly still feeling embarrassed by last night's conversation.

If he still felt confused as before, Lynch would definitely feel a bit embarrassed, and he could completely understand Raul's feelings.

But Lin Qi didn't care about that at the moment.

Seeing that Raul was hesitant and unsure of what to say, Lin Qi spoke first:

"Raul?"

"Hmm?" Raul looked at Lynch with some confusion.

Lin Qi stepped forward and patted the young man on the shoulder: "To be honest, I don't really know you very well yet. How old are you this year?"

Raul scratched his head: "I was born in rural Mexico. My mother passed away many years ago, and for all these years, no one has been able to tell me exactly what year and month I was born."

"Therefore, I can only make a rough estimate... I'm probably around seventeen years old?"

Lynch was slightly moved. In fact, he had only just noticed Raul's unintentional youthful expression and suddenly realized that this Mexican man who had spent many years on the streets of America was actually still very young.

But he really didn't expect that Raul was only seventeen years old.

"W-what...you're surprised? You think I'm just a little kid?"

Raul's expression grew increasingly insecure, and he began to stutter as he spoke.

"No," Lin Qi said solemnly, standing in front of Raul and placing his hands on Raul's shoulders. "I didn't think that way. I just felt that you actually have a maturity beyond your age."

"Boss..."

“I thought about it carefully last night,” Lynch said, staring into Raul’s eyes. “You’re right, I don’t really look like a proper homeless person.”

"No matter what, I will leave here someday. I will fight with all my might to achieve the success I desire, until I completely escape this hellhole!"

"Boss..." Raul's body stiffened, his eyelashes trembling slightly. He didn't know why Lynch had brought up this topic again, but he was afraid that this topic would lead their relationship in an unknown direction.

The two were not actually that close; in fact, they had only known each other for a few days.

Despite being just casual acquaintances and neighbors, Lynch's actions and abilities over the course of just a few days truly impressed Raul.

Therefore, when Lynch clearly stated that he was going to leave, Raul felt a little reluctant.

"—However, there's one thing you're wrong about."

Lin Qi gave a hearty laugh: "Even if I leave here, I won't abandon you all."

Raul suddenly raised his head.

"After all, whether it's you, Gleeson and his family, old James, Charlotte's family... we're all friends."

"Of course, that doesn't mean I'll keep helping you unconditionally like I did with Tang En. You were right last night; after all, I'm not a Buddha who feeds eagles with his own flesh, nor am I a god who can feed a large group of people with five loaves of bread and two fish."

"I'm just a person, one of your companions."

"If we only offer pity and charity, it may actually damage our dignity."

"But once I successfully escape the streets, reintegrate into society, and even climb to higher, higher places! I will give you, and all those who shouldn't have ended up here, the chance to escape!"

"I will never let your future be as predictable as it was before, I will never let you wander the streets day after day, helplessly watching one person after another die!"

"I mean what I say!"

Raul was stunned.

A cool morning breeze blew past the two of them, stirring up a few fallen leaves.

Having poured out all his thoughts, Lin Qi felt much better. Seeing that Raul still didn't react, Lin Qi couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed and quickly changed the subject:

"Alright, that's all I wanted to say. Now, shall we go find old James and get a relief meal for breakfast together?"

Raul pursed his lips, finally regaining his usual lightheartedness, and couldn't help but laugh:

"Hahaha, really... He's clearly a homeless man who survives on handouts, yet he's spouting such big talk! Saying he'll give everyone a chance to escape the streets..."

"Isn't this what you said last night about being able to leave the streets? I want to believe in myself too, okay? How can you live a life without dreaming..."

Lin Qi stubbornly refused to admit it, but eventually couldn't help but laugh.

The awkwardness had quietly dissipated, and the two chatted as they walked toward Third Avenue.

"...Speaking of which, are you really able to afford to spend so much money on Tang En's medical expenses?"

"If you need money, I can lend you some."

"That won't be necessary," Lynch said with a smile, showing Raul his temporary driver's license. "To be honest, I found a job that pays pretty well, and it even comes with a car! I can pick it up today!"

"Really?!"

Raul's voice had regained its usual energy, and he shouted exaggeratedly.

......

Ten minutes later, the two met up with the old James.

The three of them followed the familiar route, crossed Third Avenue, and headed towards Ninth Avenue.

Third Avenue remained unchanged, with dilapidated, low tents scattered everywhere and sewage flowing across street corners. Several municipal workers in orange vests were gathered around a wall, cleaning up graffiti whose meaning was incomprehensible.

However, the streets, which seemed as bustling as usual, appeared rather deserted upon closer inspection today.

Those addicted to performance-enhancing drugs are still lying unconscious in the streets, but those who always stand in the streets and alleys with their own ulterior motives have all disappeared today.

Normally, those people would scrutinize passersby with their eyes. Having walked back and forth on this street so often, Lin Qi had almost gotten used to their scrutiny.

But today, the sudden absence of those scrutinizing gazes made Lin Qi feel somewhat uneasy.

Did they all go to lay low after yesterday's fight?

Lin Qi was somewhat puzzled.

Raul realized something too, looked around, and then looked at old James with some confusion: "There seem to be fewer people today? What happened?"

"They did another street sweep last night," old James said casually. "They arrested quite a few people, supposedly to clear the area for some international conference next week."

"An international conference?"

"Whatever, it's none of our business anyway," old James waved his hand. "As long as they don't raid our camp."

Halloween is coming, and the coldest days are about to arrive. At the same time, as the year draws to a close, police are conducting more and more street sweeps... This is a tough time for everyone.

Is that how it is?

Old James's explanation seemed reasonable, but for some reason, Lynch had a vague feeling that something was wrong.

But since there was no sign of danger in the surroundings, he didn't intend to investigate the matter further and continued on his way.

As they were talking, the relief food truck came into view.