Carrying a bag of snacks, Chen An arrived at the rust-stained iron gate of the orphanage. At the top of the gate hung a sign with six large characters: Sunflower Orphanage.
Through the gate, he could see the lush, thriving garden beyond, full of vibrant greenery. In the open courtyard, several children were running around, laughing and playing a game of tag that looked like eagle-and-chick.
Chen An stepped forward and knocked on the gate. A dull clang rang out. The noise silenced the children's chatter momentarily, until a chubby little boy spotted him and dashed over on his short legs.
With a creak, the iron gate opened, revealing the boy's rosy-cheeked face. When he saw it was Chen An—and caught sight of the red plastic bag in his hand—his face lit up instantly with joy.
The boy shouted at the top of his lungs toward the courtyard, "Brother Chen An is back!" Then he lunged at Chen An for a headbutt, only to be easily caught and lifted into the air.
"You're getting fatter, Xiaogua," Chen An said, weighing the boy with one hand.
"I'm not fat!" the boy retorted, puffing up his cheeks. "This is called having a sense of security! When I grow up, I'll eat even more so I can punch that brat from next door and send him flying!"
He swung his chubby little fists to emphasize the point. Even while dangling in the air, he was full of swagger.
His shout brought over the other children, who swarmed around Chen An in excitement. He greeted them all in turn and handed over the bag of snacks. "Share these among yourselves."
"Where's Grandpa Director?" he asked.
Xiaogua pointed toward the kitchen on the left side of the courtyard. "Making dinner for us!"
Chen An nodded and added, "No eating snacks before dinner. Wait until after you've eaten, or save them for later tonight."
"Bleh! I won't!" the boy teased, making a face before grabbing his share and dashing off like he was afraid Chen An might take it back.
The other kids followed suit, scattering in all directions with their loot. Even though Chen An always brought them snacks and never once took them back, children's minds didn't always work logically.
Chen An didn't chase after them. He looked at the smoke rising from the kitchen chimney but decided not to head there. Instead, he turned toward the classroom on the right.
The layout and facilities of the orphanage were simple: one classroom for basic education, a kitchen, a communal dormitory, and the courtyard.
Aside from a restroom tucked in the corner and a few makeshift sports areas, this was all that made up Sunflower Orphanage.
The classroom served as a place for young children to receive early education. There were no formal teachers—only the old director would occasionally give lessons.
It functioned more like a kindergarten. Once the kids were older, they would be sent to the town's elementary school. For example, Little Watermelon had just started first grade this year.
Chen An stepped up to the classroom. A girl sat quietly in a corner, her white dress slightly yellowed with age.
Her long, smooth hair draped over her shoulders. Her arms folded on the desk, she had her head buried between them. Even as Chen An approached, she didn't lift her head.
She's asleep... Chen An smiled and reached out to poke her exposed cheek. It was soft and smooth, full of elasticity.
The girl stirred, slowly raising her head. The part of her face hidden beneath her hair was revealed—covered in twisted, dark scars and rough, scorched skin. If the left side of her face was angelic, the right side was monstrous enough to startle anyone.
With her eyes closed, the girl rasped, "Brother Chen An, is that you?"
The fire had taken more than just her angelic looks—it had also stolen her sight. The only fortunate part was that she had survived. The unfortunate part was that she had been the only one to survive.
"It's me, Xiao Xi," Chen An replied gently.
The girl smiled at his voice. But with half her face burned and devoid of eyebrows, the expression looked eerie—even frightening.
Chen Xi reached out with her arms. Chen An understood, stepping forward to gently lift her from the chair by the waist.
Her name was Chen Xi. Fourteen years old. She arrived at the orphanage ten years ago. Although they shared the same surname, she and Chen An had no blood relation.
When she first came, her appearance and blindness made the other children avoid her like the plague. They didn't bully her outright, but they never dared get close or play with her either. Some even whispered behind her back, calling her a monster.
Fortunately, Chen An had matured early and often looked out for the new girl. When the director was too busy, he would help feed her or assist with her hygiene.
Over time, she gradually adapted to living as a blind person and learned to dress and eat on her own. She truly was a pitiful child.
Then again, how many children raised in an orphanage ever found true happiness? Perhaps only those lucky enough to be adopted by wealthy families could fill that gap.
Back then, Chen An himself had been favored by several affluent women. They drove sports cars to the orphanage more than once and even fought each other over the right to adopt him. But none of them succeeded. Every single one had been rejected by little Chen An.
He crouched down and gently embraced the girl, pulling out a chocolate bar from his pocket. Unwrapping it, he opened his mouth and said, "Ah—"
Chen Xi obediently opened her mouth.
"Is it good?"
She chewed slowly and thoughtfully. Hearing his question, she shook her head and said, "Too sweet. I don't like it."
Chen An was momentarily stunned. It was his first time giving her chocolate, and he had thought all girls her age loved it.
He patted her head and said, "If it's not good, then don't eat it. I'll give it to Xiao Gua later—he'll definitely love it."
He reached out to take the chocolate back, but a frail hand grabbed his wrist.
"No," Chen Xi said firmly, shaking her head. "It's mine."
"Alright, it's yours," Chen An replied with a smile, handing it back to her.