“You’re here, director.” Said the orphanage staff member lady in a respectful manner.
“Mhm, hm? Isn’t this Miss Sha? Did you take some time off to visit us? We’re honored by your presence.” The kind and benevolent-looking elderly smiled.
“Oh, I’m sorry to trouble you, director.” Lil’ Sha hurriedly climbed down from Ji Bai’s body and took on a more dignified posture.
“Don’t worry, don’t worry. Haha, young people these days are very energetic after all. And this person is…?” The elderly’s beaming eyes turned towards the tin-helmeted Ji Bai.
“Oh, he’s Ji Bai, one of my friends.”
Ji Bai just remained silent.
“Oh, a friend?” The elderly revealed a meaningful smile as he stared at the pair.
“He’s just an ordinary friend! Don’t read too much into it, director!”
“Oh…Alright, alright… Are you here to look for Xiao’an today, Miss Sha? Unfortunately, that child has fallen ill.” A trace of regret aptly revealed itself on the elderly’s face.
“Can you let me in to see her?” Lil’ Sha continued with a somewhat pleading gaze in her eyes.
“Of course you can. Remember this, Lei. This lady is the biggest benefactor of our social service agency. It’s no problem if she occasionally visits for a meal and plays with the kids.”
“Yes, director.”
“Thank you, director! …Want to come along, obscene middle-aged man? It’s almost time to eat~ …Hmph! It’s not like I want you to accompany me or anything~! Just suit yourself.”
Ji Bai pondered for a moment before he followed Lil’ Sha.
After all, he had nothing else to do at this time, didn’t he?
“So… Why did you bring such a dangerous thing inside the orphanage! What if the kids see it?”
“I’ll hide it well.” Ji Bai took out a sack and wrapped it around his longsword in a safe manner.
“When will that wooden brain of yours become a bit more normal?”
“This is the duty of a knight.”
“You…”
“Hehe, the two of you seem to be pretty close.” The orphanage head gave a friendly smile as he walked ahead of them.
“No way!”
“More or less.”
Seeing the reaction of the two behind him, the orphanage head elder smiled and continued to lead the way.
“Awawawa~ …It’s Big Sister Sha!”
“Big Sister Sha~ Did you take time off today to visit us? I got something I wanna tell you! I’ve just beaten Big Zhuang in a running competition~”
“Big Sister Sha! I’ve been saving this piece of chocolate all this while…”
The eyes of the children in the courtyard lit up as they rushed forth towards Lil’ Sha like a tide wave, forming an impenetrable encirclement around her.
“Seems like she’s very popular.”
“Of course. Did Mr. Ji Bai not know? Whenever Miss’ Sha is free, she’ll always come to our social service agency, accompany these homeless children in their games, and even bring various presents with her. The kids in the orphanage love her a lot.” Benevolence was written all over the orphanage head’s face as he explained from the side.
“And that’s not all, Miss Sha is also the biggest contributor to our orphanage’s funds.
Hearing this, Ji Bai fell into a slight contemplation as he looked at Lil’ Sha, who wore a brilliant smile on her face while being surrounded by children.
…………
“This is the children’s dormitory. I’m going to call that child Xiao’an down. Please wait a moment, you two.” The elderly orphanage head gave an amicable smile as he entered the two storey high building.
“Hey— What did the director say to you earlier?” Lil’ Sha used a cat-toy stick to jab at Ji Bai’s helmet.
“He elaborated on some of your good deeds.”
“…Tch.”
“This is the reason why you’re doing your best to earn money. Am I right?”
“No, that’s not it. The way those brats chitter and chatter are just too annoying. There’s no way I’d like them…” Lil’ Sha pouted her small cheeks.
“Your smile just now was very blissful.”
“I will chop you to pieces if you say it again, alright!”
“This isn’t something to be ashamed of, is it?” Ji Bai patted her head.
“Tch…! I don’t want your praises. Also, take your dirty hands off. I just washed my hair this morning, seriously…”
“…Hmm, the fur of this cat isn’t as smooth as Ke’er’s.” Ji Bai tilted his head and looked at his palm.
“Go and die! If you don’t like it, then don’t touch it!”
“Hehe, sorry for the wait, you two.” The elderly orphanage head cheerfully walked out of the building as he held onto a girl with a pair of twin ponytails that seemed to be 6-7 years old.
The girl appeared to be very timid as her body continuously evaded the gazes that fell on her.
Inside the helmet, Ji Bai’s eyes suddenly narrowed into slits.
The girl suddenly threw herself at Lil’ Sha after seeing her standing in front of the door.
“Xiao’an, Xiao’an. Are you alright? Have you recovered from your illness somewhat?” With the height of a loli, Lil’ Sha hugged Xiao’an’s child-like body and gave a series of light pats on her back to console her.
“Big sister Sha…”
“Seems like it’d be best if I excuse myself for now.” The elderly orphanage head gave a tactful smile as he prepared to leave this area.
“Director, I have heard reports that a series of children going missing have recently happened in this orphanage. I wonder if any progress on that has been made.” However, just when he was about to do so, Ji Bai’s voice suddenly called out to the orphanage head.
“Oh, so Mr. Ji Bai is referring to that matter… We’ve already reported it to the public security bureau, I believe they’ll give us a fair explanation in time.” As he said this, the elderly’s expression darkened.
“Director, that boy seems to be quite a good runner. He should have a pretty good physique.” These cryptic words of Ji Bai caused Lil’ Sha to feel somewhat at a loss.
“Oh, you’re talking about him. He’s always been energetic, so his physique is naturally better than other kids’.”
“Mhm, he has the talent for becoming a knight.”
“Oh? Is that so? Hahaha, that’s truly extraordinary talent.”
“…” Ji Bai stared at the orphanage head’s back as he gradually departed.
“Obscene middle-aged man, your cringe-worthy conversation skills are truly second to none.” Ridiculed Lil’ Sha.
“Is that so?”
“That reminds me. Xiao’an, how’s your cold?? Are you feeling a bit better?”
“I…Mhm, sort of.” Xiao’an wanted to say something but hesitated. Her eyes were somewhat at a loss as she nodded.
“Are you really better? If you’re still feeling chilly, big sister will go out and get some medicine…”
“Uuu~ Big sister Sha, I-, I-…” A trace of helplessness flashed past Xiao’an’s eyes as she tightly hugged Lil’ Sha and refused to let go.
“It seems like you’ve something to say.” Ji Bai squatted down.
“I…”
“Obscene middle-aged man, your appearance is frightening Xiao’an.” Lil’ Sha rebuked him.
“…Big brother, a-are you a knight?” A hint of hope briefly showed itself in Xiao’an gaze as she shyly looked at the squatting Ji Bai.
“That’s right.”
“The heroes that specialize in getting rid of monsters and baddies??”
“You can think of it that way.”
“T-Then… No matter what type of monster there is, can you kill them?”
“As long as you’re able to point them out to me.”
Xiao’an lowered her head, seemingly in a struggle before she eventually made up her mind and raised it back up.
“Big brother knight, I-…”
“Sorry for interrupting you, it’s time for lunch. Will the two of you stay here to accompany the children in their meal?” The elderly orphanage head walked towards them with an amiable expression while beamingly looking at Lil’ Sha.
“Is that so? I’ll have to trouble you then, Director.”
“…Mhm.” After looking at Xiao’an for a moment, Ji Bai let out an unclear and muffled sound.
“That’s great! I guess Xiao’an and the other kids will be very happy.”