The dim morning light shines through the mist onto the mottled red brick walls of the Angel Orphanage. The walls are covered with emerald green vines, adding a bit of vitality to the ancient building.
Chen Xiaoru stood in front of the iron gate of the orphanage and took a deep breath. The air was filled with the freshness of soil and the aroma of food wafting from the distant kitchen. This familiar smell made her feel inexplicably at ease.
She turned her head and her eyes fell gently on Chu Tianche beside her. He was carrying large and small bags of gifts, with a barely perceptible nervousness on his face.
"Are you ready?"
Chen Xiaoru gently held Chu Tianche's hand, and rubbed her fingertips lightly on his palm, trying to pass some strength to him.
Chu Tianche held her hand back, the warmth in his palm was firm and he smiled slightly, that smile was filled with a bit of doting and encouragement:
"Well, let's go in."
The two walked into the orphanage side by side. There was a cobblestone path under their feet and neatly trimmed flower beds on both sides. A few sparrows were jumping among the flowers, chirping.
The sunlight shines through the gaps in the leaves and falls on them, forming mottled light and shadows, as if covering their arrival with a layer of golden gauze.
Suddenly, a burst of cheerful laughter broke the silence, and a group of children came out from all directions. They were wearing simple but clean and tidy clothes, with bright smiles on their faces. They surrounded them chirping like a group of happy little birds.
"Sister Xiaoru! You're back!"
A little girl with pigtails was the first to throw herself into Chen Xiaoru's arms, hugging her waist tightly, raising her head, and her big black and white eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Yes, Xiaoyu, I'm back."
Chen Xiaoru squatted down and gently stroked the little girl's hair, her voice as gentle as a spring breeze blowing across the lake.
"Sister Xiaoru, we miss you so much!"
"Sister Xiaoru, what delicious food did you bring us?"
"Sister Xiaoru, are you still leaving?"
The children asked questions one after another, their voices filled with attachment and reluctance to part with Chen Xiaoru.
Chen Xiaoru answered every question patiently, always with a gentle smile on her face, as if these children were her whole world.
Chu Tianche stood aside, quietly watching this heartwarming scene, feeling inexplicably moved.
He could feel Chen Xiaoru's love for these children and their dependence on her. This love was so pure and so beautiful that it gave him a deeper understanding of Chen Xiaoru's past.
"Children, let me introduce you. This is..."
Chen Xiaoru took Chu Tianche's hand and prepared to introduce him to the children.
"I know! He's Sister Xiaoru's boyfriend!"
A clever little boy spoke first, pointing at Chu Tianche with a sly smile on his face.
The children immediately burst into laughter. Some covered their mouths and giggled, while others looked at Chu Tianche curiously, as if they were examining a new toy.
Chen Xiaoru's cheeks flushed slightly. She looked at Chu Tianche a little embarrassedly, but found that he was not angry. Instead, he looked at the children with interest, his eyes full of tenderness and curiosity.
"Yes, he is my boyfriend, Chu Tianche."
Chen Xiaoru admitted generously, with a hint of pride and sweetness in her voice.
"Hello, Brother Tianche!"
The children shouted in unison, their voices loud and clear, echoing over the orphanage.
Chu Tianche was slightly stunned, then he smiled brilliantly. He squatted down, looked at the children at eye level, and said in a gentle voice:
"Hello, I'm Chu Tianche, nice to meet you."
"Brother Tianche, what gifts did you bring us?"
A little girl blinked her big eyes and asked curiously.
Chu Tianche opened the bag in his hand, which was filled with various toys and snacks. He distributed the gifts to the children one by one. Every child got the gift they liked. They cheered and jumped around Chu Tianche. The orphanage was filled with laughter.
At this moment, a kind voice came from not far away: "Xiao Ru, you are back."
Chen Xiaoru looked up and saw Director Li standing not far away. Her hair had turned gray and her face was covered with wrinkles, but her eyes were still kind and warm, like a bright lamp, illuminating the hearts of every child.
"Dean Mom!"
Chen Xiaoru ran over excitedly and hugged Mother Li tightly, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Silly child, why are you crying? Just come back."
Mother Li patted Chen Xiaoru's back gently, her voice full of love and comfort.
Chen Xiaoru wiped her tears, pulled Chu Tianche to Mother Li, and introduced:
"Dean Mom, this is my boyfriend, Chu Tianche."
Chu Tianche bowed respectfully to Mother Li and said sincerely:
"Dean Mama, hello, I'm Chu Tianche, nice to meet you."
Mother Li looked at Chu Tianche carefully. Her eyes were sharp and deep, as if she could see through a person's soul.
Chu Tianche stood there, feeling somewhat uneasy. He didn't know how this old man, who was so important to Chen Xiaoru, would view him.
After a long while, Mother Li slowly spoke. Her voice was old but full of strength:
"Young man, you look good. You must treat our Xiaoru well. She is a good child."
Chu Tianche nodded quickly and said with a firm look in his eyes:
"Dean Mama, don't worry, I will definitely take good care of Xiaoru."
Mother Li nodded with satisfaction. She took Chen Xiaoru's hand and said earnestly:
"Xiaoru, you've grown up and have your own life. I'm happy for you. But no matter where you go, don't forget that this is your home and the children here are your brothers and sisters."
Chen Xiaoru nodded vigorously, tears welling up in her eyes again. She held Mother Li's hand tightly and said in a choked voice:
"Dean Mom, I will never forget this place. I will come back to see you often."
"Okay, okay, I'm glad you're back."
Mother Li smiled kindly and turned to the children, saying, "Children, Sister Xiaoru is back. Let's celebrate at noon today!"
The children cheered, holding Chen Xiaoru and Chu Tianche's hands, and skipping towards the restaurant. A sumptuous lunch had been set out in the restaurant, and the aroma was so fragrant that it made people salivate.
"These were all made by the dean's mother herself."
Chen Xiaoru pointed at the dishes on the table and said proudly, "The director's mother's cooking is amazing. You must eat more."
Chu Tianche looked at the dishes on the table. Although they were not delicacies from land and sea, each dish was full of the taste of home. He could feel Mother Li’s love for her children, and he could also feel Chen Xiaoru’s attachment to this place.
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