Henry ran about, realizing that regardless of how far the Giraffe Publishing House was, he would need to find transportation to the city center. With his pockets empty, he couldn't afford a ticket. He also lacked funds for postage or even to make copies of his manuscript. As he walked the streets, deep in thought, he finally reached a conclusion: he needed to find a job first!
Working part-time would allow him to earn some money to copy his manuscripts and submit them to various publishing houses, hoping that one would deem his writing worthy.
But what kind of job could he find? Henry felt frustrated. After wandering around the train station that afternoon, he finally secured a position selling newspapers. He joined a small London tabloid called "London Entertainment News," which published daily gossip on celebrity scandals and sold thousands of copies.
Since taking up this job, Henry had been busy. After completing his chores during the day, he sold newspapers and dedicated his nights to writing. Ever since he had boldly spoken back to Mrs. Rosa, her demeanor had slightly shifted; she was a bit more restrained, granting Henry increased freedom. Peter's family was also aware of Henry's efforts at writing, as the editor in chief, Pulis, had relayed the news to Peter.
Of course, Pulis hadn't held back in expressing his disdain for the novel—labeling it as extremely naive and ridiculous!
Consequently, Mrs. Rosa often satirized Henry's writing in front of him, but he paid her no mind, intent on following his own path.
Every day, watching Henry leave for work with a small bag of newspapers slung over his shoulder, Mrs. Rosa would hurl harsh comments and mockery, "You broom star, nobody cares about your silly little novel!"
The bustle near the London train station was incessant, yet very few people purchased newspapers, especially not such an obscure tabloid. Henry ran around tirelessly, shouting at the top of his lungs, yet he managed to sell only about a hundred copies a day. For each newspaper sold, he earned a mere £0.01, totaling around £1 daily. After twenty days, he'd accumulated twenty or thirty pounds, just enough to make copies of his three manuscripts and submit them to three reputable publishing houses.
The waiting was agonizing.
Henry dutifully checked the mailbox outside each day, filled with hope only to be met with disappointment. The mailbox was either empty or filled with rejection letters. On one occasion, a publisher included a note with a rejection which read, "Please find a job; you aren't suited for writing to become rich in this life!" Henry's face flushed red from anger and humiliation. Despite facing rejections from eight publishers, he remained determined.
Mrs. Rosa also checked the mailbox daily, occasionally fantasizing that if a publisher were to appreciate Henry's novel, she could profit from it. So, even while she mocked him daily, a sliver of hope lingered. Whenever the mailman passed by, she would inquire, "Hi, sir! Do you have any mail for us today?"
But as time passed without any contracts showing up, Rosa's optimism waned, replaced by increasing resentment for Henry. One night, she vented to Peter, "Peter, let's get rid of Henry. I can't stand him anymore! He's arrogant, rude, and doesn't respect me. He's just a worthless brat!"
"Rosa, we signed an agreement…" Peter hesitated, uncertain.
Rosa shouted back, "What does that mean?! We can't afford to raise two kids, and the law won't let us starve! You should ask the lawyer if we can send him to live with someone else."
"Fine."
The next day, Peter consulted a lawyer while Henry remained blissfully ignorant, still anticipating a publisher's reply. A week later, unexpected guests arrived at their home.
"Mr. Will, please have a seat!" Rosa greeted excitedly, while Peter rushed to bring him a drink.
Will appeared well-dressed, exuding the confidence of a successful individual—around thirty, with sleek hair and bright eyes reflecting wisdom.
"Mr. and Mrs. Williams, hello! I'm an attorney from the Brothers Law Firm in the United States. I am here to finalize the custody transfer of Henry Williams on behalf of Mr. Roger Nicholas. Here's the agreement for you to review. Please sign it if there are no issues!" Will presented the document.
While Peter and Rosa huddled together to read the agreement, Henry quietly retreated upstairs to eavesdrop. His heart sank as he listened. It felt like his self-esteem was about to be crushed; he was being treated like a mere commodity. Clenching his fists, he bit into his flesh, nearly drawing blood. Anger surged within him, yet he felt powerless to express it.
He understood: he might be "sold away" tonight!
Moments later, Peter and Rosa laid down the document, giddy with excitement. "The agreement looks fine; we can sign it right now!" they exclaimed, and Peter frantically searched for a pen, eager to sign. Their urgency stemmed from the realization that Roger Nicholas was willing to pay them £5,000.
Initially, they had intended to rid themselves of their burden, but this unexpected windfall left them ecstatic!
After finalizing the requisite signatures and shaking hands, Peter hesitantly asked, "Mr. Will, when can we expect the payment?"
Will smiled slightly, retrieving a check from his coat.
Peter and Rosa's eyes widened with anticipation.
...
Henry tossed and turned in bed that night, unable to sleep. The thought of his uncle and aunt's greedy, delight-filled faces after the agreement had been signed revolted him. He pictured them wide awake, staring at the check and laughing at his expense. A sneer crept across Henry's face, tinged with disdain.
"Tomorrow… where will I go tomorrow?" he lamented, feeling lost.
At dawn, Rosa knocked on the door to the storage room.
"Henry, get up!" Her voice had shifted—today it sounded oddly cheerful.
Henry opened the door to see Rosa staring at him, momentarily stunned by the sight of him tidying up his belongings.
"Wow, you seem quite responsible. Did you overhear us yesterday?!" she exclaimed.
"Uh-huh. Don't worry; we found you a wealthy family. Just remember us when you become rich!" Rosa grinned, mischief in her tone.
Henry remained silent as he followed her downstairs.
Attorney Will had arrived early and was already in the living room, enjoying some coffee. Upon seeing Henry and Rosa enter, he approached Henry with a smile, "Hello, Henry! I'm lawyer Will! Your uncle has signed over your custody to Mr. Roger Nicholas. I'm here to take you to America today!"
"America?!" Henry gasped, shock coursing through him. He hadn't anticipated being sold to a new country! "Well, America is America…"
With his gaze downwardcast, he complied and followed Will. Behind him, he could faintly hear the triumphant laughter of Peter and Rosa.
---
In San Francisco, after stepping off the plane, Henry and Will were greeted by a Ford car approaching. An old man with gray hair stepped out, visibly excited. His eyes brimmed with warmth upon seeing Henry, and he enveloped the boy in a strong embrace, tears cascading down his cheeks.
"Little Henry, my poor grandson! I've finally found you!!" the old man wept.
Henry stood frozen in shock. Why did he suddenly have a grandfather?
As his confusion subsided, the old man explained. He truly was Henry's biological grandfather. Long ago, he had vehemently opposed Henry's mother marrying his father, even declaring publicly that he would disown her if she proceeded with the marriage. After his daughter married and moved to the UK, he had remained estranged from her. Eventually, he regretted his harsh words.
Henry's grandmother was a Chinese woman. Now, it made sense why Henry had black hair and yellow skin but piercing blue eyes.
Recently, the old man had sent someone to inquire about Henry's parents, learning of their tragic deaths. The sudden realization that his grandson was being fostered in a cruel environment broke his heart; he could no longer bear the thought of Henry living with such greedy relatives and decided to take him in.
Finally meeting his grandson, the overjoyed grandfather could not contain his emotions!
Henry observed the old man's tears and felt a mixture of sadness and warmth. The unconditional love he was receiving was the most comforting feeling he had experienced since arriving in this new world. "Grandpa, don't cry. I know that Mom is gone, but you still have me. I promise to take care of you!" Henry comforted him.
The old man smiled through his tears, grasping Henry's small hand. "Yes, I have a wonderful grandson. It seems that God hasn't forgotten me just yet!"
They all climbed into the car, which drove for approximately half an hour to a European-style villa, spanning around five to six hundred square meters. A large garage housed three cars: an American Ford, a Japanese Honda, and a German Benz. The front yard displayed a charming garden filled with vibrant flowers and plants, while the back showcased a small swimming pool. Inside, the villa was elegantly decorated, devoid of excess luxury yet thoroughly tasteful.
"Henry, let grandpa show you your new room!" The old man smiled brightly, taking Henry's hand as they walked together.
When they entered the room, sunlight poured through bright glass windows, illuminating the leafy trees outside. A separate bathroom awaited, equipped with various household essentials. The old man had even purchased an Atari game console, placing it next to the TV—still in its unopened packaging.
"Henry, do you like this place?"
"I love it!" Henry's face shone with happiness. Though the living conditions were no better than the five-star hotel from his past life, nothing could compare to the warmth of his grandfather's heart.
"If you like it, you can live here in peace from now on."
Henry nodded, feeling a sense of belonging take root in America.
He later learned that his grandfather, Roger Nicholas, owned a small but well-known bookstore chain in California, with assets exceeding twenty million dollars across twenty-five stores.
On the third day following Henry's departure from the UK, a British publishing house expressed interest in publishing Henry's novel. When Rosa checked the mailbox that day, she was stunned to find a package inside. Upon opening it, she discovered it was a publishing contract. Overjoyed, Rosa quickly dialed Peter, and they excitedly discussed the implications of the contract that evening.
"I can't believe a publisher is genuinely interested in that broom star's novel!" Rosa scoffed, a hint of jealousy in her tone.
"Yes, that Pulis fellow insisted that it was naive and ridiculous, claiming no publisher wanted to touch it. Now, someone has sent a contract!" Peter expressed his disdain for Pulis.
"If they buy the rights outright, we could receive twenty thousand pounds and get eight percent royalties! Oh, Peter, we've lost so much—it's tragic we only pocketed five thousand pounds initially!" Rosa lamented, glancing at the contract as a regrettable expression crept across her face.
The couple exchanged dazed looks, feelings of regret hanging heavily in the air.
"Should we tell Henry that a publisher is willing to support his book?" Peter suggested.
"Why? So he can flaunt it in our faces? Tear it up! Tear the contract to shreds!!"
Rosa screamed, nearly going mad with frustration as she ripped the contract apart, scattering the pieces to the ground like fallen leaves.