New Years Eve.
The Qi familys reunion dinner always takes place at noon, leaving Qi Yun time in the evening to visit the orphanage.
By the time he arrived at the orphanage, it was already bustling.
This was Qi Yuns first time here, and he was naturally curious.
Red lanterns were hung under the eaves of the small building.
Several children, around three or four years old, were playing in the courtyard.
The older kids were all crammed in the kitchen.
The canteen on the first floor was busy, with people coming and going.
Everyone was preparing for the New Years Eve dinner.
After some searching, Qi Yun finally found Lian Qingxue in the kitchen.
Wearing an apron and pinching a dumpling in her hand, Lian Qingxue smiled unconsciously when she saw Qi Yun.
In that smile, Qi Yun noticed a white flour smudge next to her nose.
He couldnt help reaching out to wipe it off for her.
As soon as Qi Yun touched her, Lian Qingxues body instantly stiffened.
Despite their intimacy, this was the place where she had grown up.
Everyone here knew her and she knew them.
Qi Yun being so close made her feel unusually shy.
After Qi Yun withdrew his hand, Lian Qingxue immediately looked around carefully.
Sure enough, she saw a familiar figure looking at her with a smile.
Director Lian Qingxue introduced Qi Yun to Director Li, unable to meet her smiling eyes, This is Director Li, who we all regard as our mother.
Qi Yun understood, this must be the parent figure.
Director Li appeared to be in her fifties, her hair was graying, and her face always seemed to carry a smile.
It was clear that Lian Qingxue held her in high regard.
Perhaps, to Lian Qingxue, this woman really was like a mother.
No wonder Lian Qingxue was so shy.
You must be Qi Yun, right? Director Li seemed to know Qi Yun.
Do you know me?
Ive heard a lot about you, about how good you are. My ears are practically calloused from hearing about you so much.
Hearing this, Lian Qingxue lowered her head even further.
Actually, I should thank you. Qingxue has been much happier these days. I hope you will continue to treat her well in the future.
Director Li understood Lian Qingxues changes better than anyone.
She had a good impression of Qi Yun.
Qi Yun looked at Lian Qingxue, who was shyly avoiding his gaze.
Had he passed the test?
Director Li was busy that day and walked away after a brief chat with Qi Yun.
At this moment, someone their age jumped out.
So youre Qi Yun!
Qi Yun was a little stunned as he looked at the twin-tailed girl in front of him, And you are?
What are you doing, Xiao Yu? Lian Qingxue interjected from the side.
Who else could it be jumping out other than Lian Qingxues best friend, Xiao Yu?
Of course, Im here to test you! Xiao Yu confidently declared, If you want to take Qingxue away from us, it wont be that easy!
Thats right!
Sister Qingxue is ours!
No one can snatch her away!
A chorus of voices echoed behind Xiao Yu.
Qi Yun turned to look, and a group of young children from the orphanage had followed.
Qingxue, see? This is public opinion!
Xiao Yu waved her hand, addressing Lian Qingxue.
Xiao Yu, stop causing trouble! Lian Qingxue tried to calm the children.
It took a while, but Lian Qingxue eventually managed to soothe the children and send them on their way.
I didnt expect you to be so popular here, Qi Yun said to Lian Qingxue with a laugh. If I tried to take you away, theyd probably fight me tooth and nail, wouldnt they?
Nothing like that It wouldnt be that hard Lian Qingxue defended weakly.
By the time all the dumplings were ready, the canteen was serving dinner.
The canteen had a long wooden table, around which everyone was seated.
Qi Yun counted; there werent many children in the orphanage, perhaps only a dozen or so.
Qi Yun found a seat, with Xiao Yu right next to him.
Lian Qingxue seemed to be responsible for serving the dumplings. Seeing Qi Yun, she smiled and ladled a spoonful of dumplings for him.
Once the dumplings were all served, Lian Qingxue also came and sat next to Qi Yun.
Did you make any of these dumplings? Qi Yun asked curiously.
Maybe, Lian Qingxue replied with a grin.
Upon hearing this, Qi Yun picked up a dumpling and popped it into his mouth.
With a crunch, he felt as if he had bitten into something hard.
Upon inspection, he found a coin wrapped inside the dumpling.
Good luck for the coming year! Out of so many dumplings, theres only one coin. Qi Yun, youre sure to have a smooth year ahead! Lian Qingxue exclaimed.
This was a custom in many places. A coin was hidden in one of the New Years dumplings, and whoever found it was said to have good luck in the coming year.
Qi Yun hadnt expected to find the coin in his very first dumpling.
Quite the coincidence.
At this point, Xiao Yu piped up.
Thats cheating!
Huh? Qi Yun turned to look at Xiao Yu.
Xiao Yu grumbled, Every year, youre the one who wraps the coin, Qingxue! You must have marked it! You deliberately served him the dumpling!
Qi Yun looked back at Lian Qingxue, who turned her head away and giggled, avoiding his gaze.
It was as if she felt guilty for tricking Qi Yun.
Qingxue, dont you love me anymore! I was the one who got the coin in previous years! You only see the new, and forget the old!
Xiao Yu was utterly distraught.
Such blatant favoritism.
It was absolutely scandalous!