"Zev, stop looking around. Go pour water for your Jake brother and the guest," Director Alexon said to the oldest boy among them.
"Okay, Dad Alexon," Zev obediently ran inside to fetch water.
Jake and Mina carefully helped Director Alexon onto a chair while the other children sized up Mina.
"Dad Alexon, from now on, let Zev handle opening the door. You should just sit and rest," Jake said.
He casually found a stool for Sister Mina to sit on while he stood in front of Director Alexon. Just then, Zev returned with the water, which Jake handed to Sister Mina.
"It’s fine, it’s fine. I’m still young. No wonder my left eyelid was twitching so much today. Turns out Jake brought his girlfriend back."
The children nearby joined in teasing, "Jake brother brought his girlfriend back~"
Hearing this, Jake nearly spat out the water he was drinking and hurriedly defended himself, "Dad Alexon, she’s just a friend. Don’t talk nonsense."
"Zev, you’ve gotten bold after not seeing me for half a year," Jake said, making a fist with his right hand as if threatening playfully.
"I was wrong, Jake brother," Zev stuck out his tongue, acting innocent—he hadn’t been the one to start it.
It was no surprise. Jake only came back once a year, and some of the younger children didn’t even recognize him. But the older kids who went to school knew him well, as he always brought them gifts.
One little girl, about six or seven years old, timidly approached Mina, her head lowered as she whispered, "Sister, you’re so pretty, and your clothes are beautiful too."
Mina held her cup, amused by the sight of Jake bantering with the children. She didn’t mind Director Alexon’s unintentional remark. Instead, she found the atmosphere at Sunshine Orphanage, led by Director Alexon, warm and full of love.
She had noticed the little girl approaching earlier. The girl was adorable, with a ponytail and slightly messy bangs. Though her hair was thick, it was a bit dry and yellowish. She wasn’t very tall, with faint dimples and a shy demeanor.
"You’re very pretty too. When you grow up, I’ll buy you lots of beautiful clothes," Mina said.
"Really?" The little girl’s eyes widened, her dark pupils clear and innocent, instantly winning Mina’s heart.
"Of course. Let’s pinky promise." Mina held out her little finger, and the girl happily linked hers with it.
"We pinky promise, a hundred years, no changing." It was a phrase everyone seemed to have said as a child.
Unconsciously, everyone was drawn to the heartwarming interaction between Mina and the little girl. No one paid attention to Director Alexon’s earlier slip of the tongue, and Jake also sighed in relief.
Jokes were jokes, but some shouldn’t be made lightly. Jake wasn’t surprised by Director Alexon’s comment. In fact, Sister Mina was the first woman he had ever brought to the orphanage.
His first two girlfriends hadn’t wanted to come, and Mia hadn’t had the chance. After dating Jake, all her free time had been spent studying for the civil service exam. There had been no opportunity to visit Sunshine Orphanage, especially during the holidays when her mother still looked down on Jake. Mia had been strictly controlled, so despite dating for years, she had never been here.
Director Alexon leaned on his cane, his cloudy old eyes gazing at Jake and Mina with growing fondness. Any woman who could accept Jake’s background must be a good person. Seeing how quickly Jake had denied the relationship earlier, he figured things weren’t official yet. He decided to use this chance to nudge them closer.
"Zev, tell Ash to heat up the food."
"Dad Alexon, we’re not hungry. Don’t trouble yourself. Oh, I bought some things—they’re in the car trunk. Let me go get them." Jake stood up to leave.
"Go ahead, but you have to eat. You’re still growing."
Jake smiled fondly. Director Alexon always said that. He didn’t argue further and headed out.
"Sister Mina, stay here for a bit. I’ll be right back."
"Mm, no problem. I get along well with this little one," Mina said, holding the girl’s hand and smiling.
"All of you, go help Jake brother," Director Alexon said, his words like a decree. Except for the little girl, all the children rushed after Jake.
Soon, Jake drove the car into the courtyard, opened the trunk, and directed the kids to carry the things inside.
Jake had bought everyday necessities, keeping in mind the number of children. Most of the items were bulk purchases—health supplements and tonics for Director Alexon, and snacks and toys for the kids.
Sister Mina had gone all out, buying expensive chocolates and trendy cheese stick candies. If not for the limited space in the car, she might have emptied the entire supermarket.
Even so, the Audi’s trunk and back seat were packed full.
The unfamiliar children were especially excited. Many of the others were napping, otherwise, they would have recognized Jake, the king of kids.
Whenever Jake returned, the children felt like it was Christmas, because in their hearts, he was the Santa Claus who could fulfill all their wishes.
After moving all the gifts into the storage room, the food was ready.
When Jake returned, he saw Sister Mina and Director Alexon deep in conversation, with Mina occasionally bursting into laughter. He couldn’t help but think, "Who would’ve guessed? Sister Mina is so strict and efficient at work, yet she has such a warm, approachable side in private. It’s rare."
"Food’s ready." Jake led Sister Mina and Director Alexon to the dining hall.
Sunshine Orphanage was converted from an abandoned kindergarten, so it only had two floors, with the cafeteria on the first.
Judging by the size of the dining area, the orphanage didn’t house many people.
Ash was a country girl Director Alexon had hired. She was hardworking, honest, and efficient, so he had quietly given her a raise of a few hundred dollars.