Han Lin was only six years old when he came to the orphanage. This is precisely the age when one begins to perceive the world. But tragically, it is said that when Han Lin was six, his parents committed suicide because their business failed. This event had a huge psychological impact on young Han Lin, causing him to be completely withdrawn for a long time after arriving at the orphanage.
Later, Han Lin was able to overcome this trauma thanks to one person: Fu Ju, the director of the "Care for the Orphanage." Fu Ju poured her heart and soul into caring for this special child, providing meticulous care in every aspect of his life. Finally, Han Lin accepted reality. However, the impact of his parents' situation on his personality couldn't be erased overnight. As a child, Han Lin quickly became the leader of the orphanage's children, enjoying teasing other kids, especially the newcomers.
Dean Fu Ju also learned about the situation, but since Han Lin's pranks were always minor and did not cause any serious consequences, Dean Fu Ju turned a blind eye to it.
Han Lin's life at the orphanage lasted for two years. During this time, Zhao Zimo also arrived. Zhao Zimo was about the same age as Han Lin when she arrived, meaning she was two years younger. As for how Zhao Zimo became an orphan, Director Fu Ju didn't elaborate. However, Zhao Zimo became Han Lin's new target for teasing.
Zhao Ziming was gentle by nature but very sociable, and after arriving at the orphanage, she desperately wanted to fit in with her friends. To achieve this, she generally accepted any requests made by the other children in the orphanage. One rainy afternoon, Han Lin decided to play a prank on Zhao Ziming. Although it was raining heavily, such weather was perfect for children without parents to play outside.
Han Lin, along with two friends, waded through the puddles and ran all the way to Zhao Zimo's side.
"Zhao Zimo, I have two yuan here. If you go and buy me two bottles of orange juice, I'll give you one, okay?" Han Lin spread out his palm and showed the money in his hand to Zhao Zimo.
Zhao Ziming had been feeling down because Han Lin had always been hostile towards her, and she was looking for an opportunity to improve her relationships with her friends. Now that Han Lin had taken the initiative to come to her, Zhao Ziming was naturally happy.
Zhao Ziming glanced at the money in Han Lin's hand, thought about his request, and then nodded in agreement. After nodding, she tilted her head and said, "Really? I'll buy you orange juice, and you'll become my best friend? You'll even give me a bottle of orange juice?"
"Of course, a man's word is his bond." Han Lin patted his chest and answered with his head held high after hearing Zhao Ziming's words.
"Okay!" Zhao Ziming responded emphatically, reaching out to take the money from Han Lin's hand.
At this moment, Han Lin suddenly clenched his fist and then quickly pulled his hand back.
Seeing Han Lin's action, Zhao Ziming looked at him suspiciously and asked, "Have you changed your mind?"
Han Lin shook his head abruptly and replied, "How could that be? I'm a grown man. But, have you ever bought orange juice before?" Han Lin's eyes darted around as he asked this question.
After hearing Han Lin's question, Zhao Ziming hesitated for a moment, then shook her head and replied, "No."
"That's right." Han Lin clapped his hands happily.
"What's right?" A puzzled expression reappeared on Zhao Ziming's face.
"It's okay, you know what? That place that sells orange juice is really far away, you wouldn't be able to find it by yourself, so I'll take you there." Han Lin looked at Zhao Ziming with a mischievous smile.
"Huh?" Zhao Zimo tilted her head again, looking at Han Lin with a puzzled expression.
"No, let's go quickly." After saying that, Han Lin grabbed Zhao Zimo's hand and rushed into the rain.
Behind the village where the orphanage was located lay a range of rolling hills. These hills weren't high, but they were densely wooded and a favorite playground for the children. Han Lin led Zhao Zimo on a winding path, eventually reaching the middle of the hills.
"Is there anywhere around here that sells orange juice?" Zhao Ziming turned to look at Han Lin, gazing at the muddy road in front of him.
"Yeah, look, it's raining heavily today, all the shops in this village are closed, only this shop on the mountain is still open." Han Lin made up a lie without any rhyme or reason.
"But, Brother Han Lin, I didn't see any shops?" Zhao Zimo stared at Han Lin with her big, watery eyes wide open.
“If you walk a little further up, you’ll see it halfway up the mountain. If you still can’t see it, it means you haven’t reached the end yet,” Han Lin said, pointing to the muddy mountain path in front of him, trying to coax Zhao Zimo.
Zhao Ziming looked at Han Lin and nodded firmly. Then, she took a few steps in the direction Han Lin was pointing. After a few steps, she turned back to look at Han Lin, who was still standing there, and asked, "Brother Han Lin, why aren't you leaving?"
"I've already shown you the directions, so now you go and buy me the orange juice. Otherwise, why would I agree to be friends with you? And why would I offer you orange juice?" Han Lin put his hands on his hips, looking sullen.
After listening to Han Lin's words, Zhao Ziming thought for a moment, then nodded firmly and turned to walk towards the muddy mountain path in front of her. "Brother Han Lin, wait for me here, don't go ahead first." After taking a few steps, Zhao Ziming turned back again, smiled at Han Lin, and gave him this instruction.
"Okay, stop dawdling and go on." Han Lin waved impatiently at Zhao Ziming. After Zhao Ziming's figure disappeared around the corner, Han Lin looked at the two yuan still clutched in his hand, muttered "idiot," and ran back to the orphanage.
Although it was raining heavily all over the city, and the rain was getting heavier, the children in the orphanage were still happily playing around the big tree.
Dean Fu Ju came out of the house and waved to Han Lin. Han Lin saw Dean Fu Ju, smiled, and ran to her side.
"Xiao Linzi, have you seen Zimo?" Dean Fu Ju squatted down, touched Han Lin's face, and asked gently.
Han Lin's expression suddenly changed upon hearing Dean Fu Ju's words. He finally remembered asking Zhao Ziming to buy orange juice. However, Han Lin and Zhao Ziming had parted ways around 2 PM, and it was already getting dark. Several hours had passed. Han Lin looked around the orphanage but couldn't find Zhao Ziming anywhere.
Standing before Dean Fu Ju, Han Lin felt a growing sense of fear, but he forced himself to remain calm and shook his head. "I haven't seen her all afternoon," Han Lin replied.
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