But it was clear that Ji Yu still had other things to do. The source of this content ɪs NoveIꜰire.net
Granny Li’s passing this time made Ji Yu realize just how unpredictable life could be.
So, over this period, she made it a point to visit the orphanage almost every month.
"Brother, you don’t need to worry about these matters. I’ll handle everything. I’m already an adult."
As someone capable of resolving everything herself, she didn’t want to add more burdens to her family.
Ji Yuanzhou didn’t say anything more, just quietly watched Ji Yu as she left.
He had a foreboding feeling, as if he might lose Ji Yu completely someday.
Ji Yu wasn’t aware of his thoughts; instead, she was pondering what gifts to bring for the children.
In the end, she only brought some snacks and toys with her.
"You don’t need to visit every month, child. I know you have your own work to attend to,"
said the orphanage director when she saw Ji Yu, worried that these visits might disrupt her.
"It’s alright, Director Mom. These are things I genuinely want to do. I’m also concerned about these children’s growth, and doing something for them feels worthwhile."
She still had to teach the children how to paint.
Ji Yu had also noticed a few promising kids earlier and planned to nurture them properly.
"These children may be in an orphanage, but they deserve a bright future too."
This was the very purpose of the orphanage’s existence.
The director mom felt gratified. "It’s not easy for you, child. Even with your busy schedule, you still find the time to teach them painting."
She led Ji Yu to a small classroom nearby.
"Actually, recently, there have been several teachers who came here to teach them."
But it seemed the children were only genuinely interested in what Ji Yu brought to them.
"For now, they’re only learning some basic academic subjects."
The director mom had been worried about this in the beginning. Seeing now how well Ji Yu got along with the children, she realized they needed a down-to-earth teacher.
"A teacher?" Ji Yu was a little surprised, knowing that the orphanage likely couldn’t afford to hire teachers.
"It was Mr. Gu who arranged for the teachers before. I haven’t had a proper chance to thank him yet. He’s probably been too busy lately to visit,"
the director mom said with a tone of admiration when mentioning Gu Qixiao.
"Mr. Gu really is a good man."
Ji Yu raised her eyebrows, somewhat surprised by Gu Qixiao’s involvement, and curious about his motives.
"Did he come here for some kind of project?"
"It seems he came in response to the government’s earlier call. This time, he came on his own initiative to ." The director mom’s evaluation of him was exceedingly high.
Then she seemed to recall that Ji Yu and Gu Qixiao seemed to know each other from before. "Since you know Mr. Gu, why not take this with you on your return? It’s a thank-you gift from the children to him."
The children had a strong impression of Gu Qixiao as well.
But they clearly liked Ji Yu more.
Looking at the small drawing board in her hand, Ji Yu couldn’t help but feel a bit helpless. "Director Mom, there’s nothing particularly close about my relationship with Mr. Gu."
She certainly couldn’t bluntly say that Gu Qixiao was pursuing her and, on top of that, was her ex-brother-in-law. That would be utterly awkward.
The director mom was a little surprised. "You just need to deliver it, that’s all."
This was the first time she’d seen Ji Yu react so strongly regarding someone.
Ji Yu had no choice; knowing such things couldn’t be easily shirked, she reluctantly agreed.
"Alright then. I’ll deliver this to Gu Qixiao later."
She was already numb to matters involving Gu Qixiao—if need be, she’d just arrange for someone else to deliver it.
The director mom had no doubts. "Alright, why don’t you go see the children first? I still have to check on their lunch."
Even though the orphanage had more staff now, the director mom still liked to personally oversee everything.
When Ji Yu entered the small classroom, the children were visibly thrilled.
"Sister Yu, you came to see us again!"
They looked genuinely happy.
Ji Yu ruffled their heads. "I heard from the director mom that you’ve been slacking off in class lately. Is that true?"
Xiu looked a bit sheepish. "Sister Yu, we don’t like these teachers, and we don’t want to study."
"But you won’t always stay in the orphanage forever." Ji Yu gazed at them seriously.
She understood it was normal for young children to dislike studying sometimes.
But they couldn’t truly stay in the orphanage forever.
"In the future, neither the director mom nor I can be part of your lives. I know this might sound a bit deep for you now, but it’s the truth."
These children were born into hardship, but that didn’t mean their future had to stay that way.
"But is studying the only path to take?"
"Even if you don’t study, you should pursue things you’re interested in. I’m not forcing you to learn everything, but you must at least master the basics, like reading," Ji Yu said firmly.
She didn’t expect them to become outstanding elites.
But she also wouldn’t accept them being illiterate.
They might not understand now, but as they grew older, they would likely come to see the importance of these words.
"I know you want to play, but once you’ve learned, you can open up more opportunities for play in the future."
She gently advised them. Certain decisions still had to be made by the children themselves.
After all, no one could completely dictate another person’s life.
"You don’t have to follow everything I say, but the future might not turn out as you wish if you don’t."
Ji Yu’s tone wasn’t harsh; she simply used a calm voice to explain the realities of the future.
Xiu nodded thoughtfully. "I’ll listen to Sister Yu."
"Good girl." Ji Yu patted Xiu’s head, her eyes filled with warmth.
"Your morning classes are done for today. You can go and have lunch now."
After all, even studying required balancing effort with rest.
When she took Xiu to the dining hall, she saw the director mom patiently serving food to the children.
Ji Yu couldn’t help but remember her own time here. But all of it felt so distant now that she could hardly recall many of the memories.
"You little rascal, did you already bring something to the kitchen again?"
Ji Yu felt a bit embarrassed. "I brought some snacks for the kids. Don’t worry, Director Mom, they’re absolutely not junk food."
She looked at the director mom with innocent eyes, and the director couldn’t help but be amused.
"Fine. Since it’s from Sister Yu, let them all have a taste."
The director genuinely cared for these children.
Even with donations coming in, she was always cautious with spending, knowing there were many expenses ahead.
"By the way, Yu, your brother also d a sum to the orphanage recently. Be sure to thank him for me when you go back."
She was sincerely grateful to all the kind-hearted people helping them.
"My brother?" Ji Yu was taken aback.