Ian began to count just how many children Lady Yelena had praised as the smartest in the world—one name after another tumbled from his lips, almost covering every little one in the entire orphanage.
"Hahahahaha~"
Being exposed didn't leave Lady Yelena embarrassed—instead, she burst out laughing heartily. With laughter and chatter, the two finally walked back to the somewhat shabby old mansion.
Wu Orphanage.
The outside of the orphanage was still mottled, the gray-and-white walls covered in streaks left by rain; time had carved its indelible mark onto this historic orphanage.
"Welcome home, child."
Lady Yelena stepped forward and pushed open the door. The iron gate was long rusted, the hinges screeching sharply from years of disrepair. Some auspicious pattern had once been carved above the lintel, but it was now blurred beyond recognition, leaving behind only grooves of varying depth—silent records of curious children's touches over the years.
The gas lamp's dim yellow glow bled through the rainy curtain, as if signaling nightfall had arrived early.
Pushing open the heavy door, Ian was greeted by the tranquil sight of the slightly desolate courtyard. The mingled scent of food and disinfectant rushed toward him—a smell Ian knew all too well. It was like an invisible thread, linking him to every corner of this small world.
"As expected—cabbage and radish stew with meat!"
Ian dashed off toward the kitchen. He wasn't the only one waiting there for dinner: a good many little ones were already keeping watch, and when they saw Ian come in they instantly erupted in a cheer.
"It's him! It's him! The man who brings us cabbage and meat stew! Our king!"
"Ian, I missed you so much! With you gone, there was no one to kick my butt!"
"Oh my god! Ian, you've grown so tall! When you threaten me tomorrow to crawl between your legs if I don't behave, I think I won't feel your legs are too close together anymore!"
"I want a hug! Ian! I want a hug! Mia, hurry up and get out of the way!"
...
The kids all started chattering noisily.
They crowded around him, bombarding him with questions; some wanted stories from his trip, while others couldn't wait to know what treasures Ian had hidden in his little suitcase.
"Dangerous goods in here!"
Ian quickly stopped a few of the more curious little ones.
"Welcome home, Little Ian."
The kitchen cook—a kindly lady—was overjoyed as well. She sorely missed having Ian's help in the kitchen; that little fellow always managed to scrounge up some meat from somewhere.
"Aunt Marilyn, let's see if your cooking has gotten rusty!" Saying this, Ian reached to scoop some food from the pot with the iron ladle, but as expected, Lady Marilyn—who oversaw the kitchen—smacked his hand with her iron spoon. That familiar sting made Ian grimace and grin at the same time.
"Rules are rules, little one. Take your brothers and sisters out to wash your hands for dinner—remember, three times." Lady Marilyn gave Ian his orders.
"Okay."
Ian nodded obediently.
But—
Before leaving the kitchen with his bunch of little friends, he walked over to Lady Marilyn and stuffed a thick wad of cash—previously refused by Lady Yelena—into the pocket of her apron.
"This is from Professor Yelena. She told me to give it to you, so you can buy more milk for the kids." With that borrowed authority, Ian bolted out of the kitchen.
"Wait for me! Ian! You still haven't hugged me yet!"
"Annie said you might not come back—come with us to give her a mouth flick!"
"Ian! Ian! I'll give you all my meat tonight! Tell us stories about the outside world, please!" The little kids immediately chased after Ian as he ran out.
Ian brought them to Professor Yelena. Only then did the little gang rein themselves in a bit; Professor Yelena's face was alight with barely concealed laughter at the scene.
"Distribute your gifts after dinner. Don't let them stuff themselves with treats and skip supper," Lady Yelena said, handing Ian back his suitcase.
She had a pretty good idea what Ian wanted to do.
"If you don't give them out now, they'll eat even less tonight." Ian knew children's minds all too well. He opened his big suitcase and pulled out a huge backpack.
All the children fixed him with bright, eager eyes.
And then—
In the worshipful and ecstatic gaze of the children, Ian, their all-powerful magician, began emptying a huge pile of snacks onto the cobblestones beneath the eaves. The candies, as colorful as a rainbow, poured out in a dazzling arc, instantly catching every little eye.
Chocolate bars, potato chips, jellies, vibrant fruit candies... Ordinary enough for city kids, but rare treasures here.
"Come and get some, everyone has a share!" Ian called out with a grin. The children froze for a moment, then suddenly broke into gleeful cheers.
In front of the old house—
Tiny figures crowded close together.
But—
Unexpectedly, there was no chaotic scramble.
Though the hunger for treats sparkled in their eyes, the children didn't swarm forward like Ian imagined. Instead, they all turned to look at him.