16 The Guardian

Lawyer Jiang followed Shi Ai inside with a little puzzlement.After entering the little house,Shi Ai guided him towards the small sofa and went to the kitchen. Placing her bag and arming herself with a small knife in her pocket,she filled a cup of water and offered it to lawyer Jiang who took it thankfully.Sitting opposite him,she then waited for him to begin.

Lawyer Jiang took out the file and after placing it on the table,observed the girl sitting in front of him calmly.There was no expression on her face or anything to indicate what she hoped that the will contained.

Clearing his throat he said,"Ms Shi,You are studying in No.1 High School?"

Shi Ai nodded a yes.

"If I am not mistaken,your studies are supported by a scholarship trust fund which was being manager by your guardian from Lance Inc. till you turn 18 years?"

"Yes."

The lawyer nodded his head in confirmation and said,"So all the facts are true and you are aware of them.You realize your schooling will not pose a problem due to the existence of the trust.

As you may know Mrs Wu had no living relative since her family had passed away long ago.She was your legal guardian here in this country.Since you are here on a study visa and not a permanent resident of this country and you are underage,the law here cannot offer you any aid and will in fact require you to go back to country C in the absence of a legal guardian.Both the trust and living inthis country require you to have a guardian.In case of the trust,there are provisions that should a problem incur,you can go back to country C and the head of the orphanage can act as your guardian.But that would mean leaving your studies here.Fortunately,when Mrs Wu fell sick,she was made aware of this and she was able to make provisions for a guardian as well as complete all legal formalities.The guardian also was unaware of Mrs Wu's death it seems and I have informed him of this fact and asked him to contact you."

Lawyer Jiang then passed her a small envelope and said,"These are the details of your guardian should you wish to contact him directly.Herein,there is also a letter from Mrs Wu but she asks you to read it when you turn 18 years."

Shi Ai took the envelope with trembling hands.There was only one thought in her mind,she had not been abandoned!When Mrs Wu had fallen ill,Shi Ai had thought they would have time but her sudden passing had made her feel abandoned and unloved.But the fact that Auntie Wu had thought about her and her safety during those last few weeks,gave her a feeling of being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold day.

Shi Ai placed the envelope with the details and the letter on the small rickety coffee table and knew that there wa more so waited for the lawyer to continue.Seeing how composed she was in spite of her trembling hands,the lawyer felt pity for the child once again.Fates,sometimes were not kind.No one could replace a mother figure..

Sighing,he continued,"Mrs Wu used to get a stipend from her late husband's estate which made it possible for her to choose whether to work or not.But she chose to work so she had a small savings account.The estate will now be handed over to the orphanage where she worked in the past.The small savings account had been transferred in your name.If you live frugally,the savings in there will tide you through at least 3 years so that means till you are a legal adult."

"If you have any questions,Ms Shi AI,you have my card and I will guide you in any way possible.These are the documents pertaining to your change in guardianship as well as the passbook for the bank account of Mrs Wu.Lastly,as a extreme option,there is another contact number in the letter from Mrs Wu.She says that should you ever feel unsafe under the care of your new guardian,or feel any danger around you,please contact that number and help will arrive immediately.Mrs Wu reminds you to not hesitate or let your pride come in the way when it concerns to your protection and safety."

He then handed her a file with all the relevant documents and once again reminding her to call him if she needed any explanation,left the house,closing the door behind him slowly.