Chapter 296: Chen Xi
Carrying a bag of snacks, Chen An walked up to the Big Iron Gate of the Sunflower Orphanage.
The iron gate was rusty and had six large characters hanging at the top.
Sunflower Orphanage.
Through the big iron gate, one could see some flowers and plants growing in the yard behind, vibrant and flourishing.
In the open space of the yard, several children were running around, playing and laughing, seemingly engaged in a game of eagle catches chicken.
Chen An stepped up and knocked on the door, which emitted a dull thud.
The sounds of children playing paused for a moment, and then a little chubby boy’s eyes brightened as he waddled over on his short legs.
As the gate creaked open, his rosy little face appeared.
Upon seeing Chen An, his mouth broke into a wide grin the moment he spotted the red plastic bag in Chen An’s hand.
The chubby boy first shouted heartily into the yard, “Brother Chen An is back!”
Then, he tried to give Chen An a friendly headbutt, but Chen An skillfully lifted him up, weighing him with a light chuckle.
“Little Watermelon, you’re getting fatter.”
The boy, nicknamed Little Watermelon, defiantly raised his head. “What do you know? This is called having a sense of security. When I grow up and eat more, I’ll be able to knock that brat from the next class flying with one punch!”
He waved his pudgy little fist as he declared this.
While being suspended in the air made for a slightly comical sight, his face still radiated confidence.
His shout attracted a crowd of other children, who, upon seeing Chen An, rushed over in a cheerful clamor, happily circling around the young man.
Chen An greeted each of them, then handed the red plastic bag over for them to distribute among themselves.
“Where’s Grandpa the Director?”
Upon hearing the question, Little Watermelon pointed towards the kitchen on the left side of the yard.
“He’s making us dinner!”
Chen An nodded and reminded them, “You guys can’t eat snacks now. Wait until dinner is over, then you can have some later if you’re still hungry.”
“Not a chance!”
Little Watermelon made a silly face and hugged his share protectively, dashing off to the large shared bedroom like the wind, fearful that Chen An would try to take it back from him.
The other children quickly followed suit, running as fast as they could.
What if Brother Chen An changed his mind?
Although he always brought snacks back and had never taken them away, this was just how the world of children worked.
Chen An didn’t chase after them.
He glanced at the steam rising from the chimney, pondered briefly, and instead of heading directly to the kitchen, he turned and walked toward the right side where the classroom was located.
The layout and facilities of the orphanage were quite simple.
There was one classroom for learning, a kitchen, a large shared sleeping area, and the small yard where he stood.
Apart from a bathroom in the corner and some exercise facilities in the open area, that was all there was in the Sunflower Orphanage.
The classroom was meant for the little kids in the orphanage to spark their curiosity, and there weren’t any subject teachers—only Grandpa the Director held classes on a schedule.
It was akin to a kindergarten.
When the children grew a little older, they would be sent to the town’s elementary school.
For instance, Little Watermelon, who had just opened the door for Chen An, was in first grade this year at the town’s elementary school.
As Chen An ascended the steps, he noticed a girl sitting in the corner of the classroom.
Her white dress was slightly yellowed, and her silky long hair cascaded down over her shoulders.
The girl had her hands clasped atop the desk, burying her head into them, and even as Chen An approached, she didn’t look up.
She had fallen asleep…
Chen An smiled gently and poked her exposed cheek.
It was plump, smooth, and soft.
Waking up, she lifted her head.
The other side of her face, hidden beneath her long hair, was revealed.
It was a face that stood in stark contrast to the left side.
A grotesque scar was twisted and contorted across the right side, the skin dark and coarse, covered in patches of burnt tissue.
If the left side represented the face of an angel, the right would be enough to startle anyone into shock.
The girl, eyes closed, spoke in a hoarse voice.
“Brother Chen An, is that you?”
The great fire took more than just the girl’s angelic features; it also robbed her of her ability to “see.”
Fortunately, she had survived.
Unfortunately, she was the only one who did.
“It’s me, Xiao Xi,” Chen An replied softly.
Upon hearing this, the girl broke into a smile.
Sadly, due to the burn scars on her facial half and her lack of eyebrows, the smile looked particularly eerie.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it terrifying.
Chen Xi extended her arms out to both sides.
Understanding the cue, Chen An stepped forward and gently scooped her off the chair.
The girl’s name was Chen Xi, fourteen years old—she had arrived at the orphanage ten years ago.
Though they shared the same surname, there was no blood relationship between them.
When she first came to the orphanage, due to her appearance and blindness, the other children her age would often avoid her.
Just like they would with a monster, terrified out of their minds.
While they never actively bullied Chen Xi, they also didn’t dare get too close, let alone play joyfully together.
They would secretly gossip, saying the orphanage had taken in a monster.
Fortunately, Chen An was particularly understanding at that time, and he kept a watchful eye on the new girl, often looking after her.
Sometimes, when Grandpa the Director was too busy, tasks such as feeding Chen Xi or helping her wash up would all fall to Chen An.
Slowly, Chen Xi adapted to life as a blind girl, learning to dress herself and eat.
She was indeed a pitiful child.
However, how many children born in an orphanage could truly find happiness?
Perhaps only those who were well-behaved and happened to be adopted by the wealthy could fill some of those gaps.
In fact, young Chen An had often caught the attention of wealthy ladies.
Those mature, sophisticated women would drive their luxury cars to the orphanage several times to show their intentions, even fighting over adopting Chen An, but none of them succeeded in the end.
He had flatly rejected them all.
Chen An squatted down, gently embracing the girl, then pulled a chocolate bar from his pocket.
He tore open the wrapper and made an “ah” sound.
Chen Xi obediently opened her mouth.
“Is it good?”
The girl ate slowly, savoring every bite.
When she heard Chen An’s question, she shook her head and said, “It’s too sweet. I don’t like it.”
Chen An was taken aback; this was the first time he had brought chocolate for Chen Xi, and he thought girls her age would like it.
He ruffled her hair, “If it’s not tasty, then forget it. I’ll give it to Little Watermelon later; he’ll definitely love it.”
As he spoke, Chen An attempted to put the chocolate away.
A frail little hand reached out, gripping his wrist.
“You can’t.”
Chen Xi shook her head again, “This is mine.”
“Okay, it’s yours.”
Chen An smiled and returned the chocolate to her.
(End of Chapter)
