Chapter 168: The Orphanage

“Thank you, my wife.” Ji Yan’s cold brows were filled with gentleness. His large palm under the table brazenly grabbed Shen Hanxing’s slender and fair hand. He softly said, “I also wish you a happy new year, and may you succeed in everything that you do.”

They were eating! This man was too daring! Shen Hanxing subconsciously wanted to withdraw her hand. However, not only did she fail to do so, but the grip on her hand also tightened.

Ji Qian and Ji Ning, who were sitting across from her, did not notice anything. Only Ji Mo’s eyes flashed with something. Then, he raised his cup of warm water and said, “I wish you a happy new year, Sister-in-law. Big Brother, Fourth Sister, and Fifth Sister, happy new year.”

With that, Ji Yan had no choice but to let go of his hand and raise his cup expressionlessly. His sharp gaze landed on Ji Mo, but Ji Mo did not avoid it. Instead, Ji Mo gave Ji Yan an obedient and gentle smile.

The next morning, after Ji Yan left for work, Ji Qian could no longer sit still. She jumped up and down, trying to figure out what else they had left behind.

“That’s enough,” Ji Mo said as he sat on the sofa. “Fourth Sister, don’t worry. Assistant Han Qi has already arranged everything.”

“I just want to confirm it one more time. Otherwise, it will be awkward later if we find out that there aren’t enough things,” Ji Qian grumbled unhappily. She then went over to look at Ji Ning, who was typing on her phone. Ji Qian curiously asked, “Xiao Ning, what are you busy with?”

“Sister-in-law said that she wants to set up a stall to cook dumplings at the entrance of the orphanage. She wants to let everyone have dumplings,” Ji Ning arched her eyebrows and said with a smile, “I’m making a final confirmation with the shop that sells dumplings.”

“Then what do I do?” Ji Qian sat down dejectedly. She counted with her fingers as she said, “Sister-in-law is going to give out dumplings. Xiao Ning, you’re going to bring the children to play the piano. Ji Mo, you will be teaching the children how to draw. What about me? What do I do?” As good-for-nothing trash, it was really difficult for her to live with this family!

“I didn’t arrange any work for you because I saw that you had been studying seriously recently. I did not want to disturb your studies.” After Shen Hanxing changed her clothes and came down, she heard Ji Qian’s self-belittling sigh. Then, Shen Hanxing shook her head. “When the time comes, you can help me distribute the dumplings. Don’t think that you will have nothing to do over there. When you get there, you’ll know just how busy it will get!”

Ji Qian was not afraid of being busy, but she was afraid that she would have nothing to do over there. Hearing Shen Hanxing’s words, she cheered and excitedly brought her things to the orphanage located on the west side of the city.

Angel Orphanage had a history of more than 50 years. On one hand, it relied on donations from the kind people in society. On the other hand, the orphanage director brought some older children to do some handicrafts to their best abilities, creating some independence.

The development of the west side of the city was relatively backward, so the prices were not high. The orphanage had been operating with difficulty for so many years.

When Shen Hanxing and Han Qi brought Ji Ning, Ji Qian, and Ji Mo to the orphanage, they were warmly welcomed by the Angel Orphanage. Ji Qian had a carefree personality, so she quickly gathered and played with the children.

Ji Ning had a quiet personality. She was a little shy in the face of so many children, but she was very patient with them. She coaxed a few physically handicapped children to play the piano at the side.

Ji Mo was surrounded by a large circle of children. Seeing him hold the drawing board and sketch out the children’s portraits on the paper in a short while, every portrait he drew a strong cheer.

Shen Hanxing brought Han Qi along and followed the director to tour the Angel Orphanage. After so many years, the building of the orphanage was already very dilapidated. Even after a few renovations, it still showed some signs of being old. However, it was this simple and shabby house that became the home of countless homeless children.

Shen Hanxing’s heart was touched, and she added another sum of money to donate to the orphanage. She said, “It’s been hard on you to support the orphanage all these years.”

The director of the orphanage was very old. Her hair was white, and her face was full of wrinkles. She smiled and shook her head as she replied, “It’s not hard. The children are very obedient and sensible. I don’t find it tough when I get to see them grow up healthily. The country’s policies have improved in recent years. Although life in the orphanage is a little tougher, we can still afford to eat. This is already very good for us.”

The director had gone through hard times and was exceptionally satisfied. She continued, “Moreover, with your donation, the children’s lives will be better. Thank you so much, Ms. Shen.”

“It’s what I should do.” Shen Hanxing shook her head and her gaze fell on the children. Most of them were wearing old clothes that did not fit them. Some of the clothes were filled with patches. Some of the children were disabled, and some were not mentally developed or had physical defects. However, they did not feel sorry for themselves. Everyone had a bright smile on their faces.