"Hehe... hello, Mr. Li. I've heard so much about you."
"Not at all, Director. You're too kind."
Looking at the enthusiastic old director, Fu Li chuckled and naturally extended his hand to shake hers.
As the director of the sanatorium, she had always been keenly aware that the reason these poor children could live the way they did today was all thanks to this boy, who was about the same age as them.
They were all just teenagers. While these children were still growing up happily, Fu Li had already done countless terrifying things, even becoming the greatest mastermind behind the Mu Continent.
"I heard you'll be staying here for a while. I've already prepared the two best rooms in the sanatorium. When would you like to move in?" The old director's attitude was exceptionally polite.
She knew very well that Fu Li's investment here was far from profitable; in fact, he probably lost hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. But even so, this young man tirelessly continued to pour money into this place without making any unreasonable demands.
He was simply an angel descended to earth.
It was precisely this selfless dedication from Fu Li that gave the old director a strange feeling, as if she were somehow coaxing a child.
However, Fu Li himself didn't feel much about it.
He didn't mind contributing something to these children he had once known so well.
"Well then, I'll have to trouble you, Director. We'll be imposing on you for the summer vacation. Also, this is Vill-V. Please take good care of her."
[After the pleasantries, you introduced Vill-V to everyone at the sanatorium. It was clear the children here had already heard stories about you, so they gave you an especially warm welcome.]
[You complimented the old director on her excellent guidance, but she said that the ability to manage so many children was mainly thanks to a girl named Aponia, who was an exceptionally gentle person.]
[You could deeply relate to this.]
[The old director then mentioned that Aponia had applied to be your and Vill-V's guide in Twilight Street, and she asked for your approval.]
[You agreed.]
It really has been a long time since I've seen Aponia.
Just as Fu Li was thinking this, a crisp knock came from the door.
"Hello, Mr. Li. May I come in?"
A voice as gentle as the flutter of a butterfly's wings came from outside, drawing the attention of the three people in the room. The old director chuckled and said:
"You see? Speak of the devil. That Aponia child has this strange talent. Alright, come in."
"Yes, Director."
The door was pushed open, and a young woman in a nun's habit with light brown hair walked in. After a brief glance at Vill-V, she focused her entire attention on Fu Li.
Immediately, the corners of Aponia's mouth curved upward, stopping at a perfect, subtle arc.
"Hello, Mr. Li. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Aponia. I will be responsible for taking care of you during your stay."
"Mm, then I'll be in your care."
Fu Li nodded, smiling as he looked at the current Aponia.
She looked to be about sixteen, much taller than other girls her age. Her chest, however, was beginning to blossom, not quite matching her slender waist, giving her the aura of a good wife and wise mother.
I wished to buy osmanthus flowers to share in wine with you... but alas, when old friends meet again, they have become strangers.
However, in contrast to Fu Li's inexplicable melancholy, both Vill-V and the old director simultaneously noticed the subtle emotion hanging between the two.
While Vill-V's cheeks puffed out in a pout, the old director first showed surprise, then smiled with knowing understanding.
To be honest, Aponia was the child she was fondest of and trusted the most, and Mr. Li was without a doubt a great benefactor.
They were of a similar age, and both were so kind.
If they were to fall in love at first sight, it would certainly make for a beautiful story.
"Hehe... Aponia, since you're here, why don't you show Mr. Li around? My old bones are simply too tired. I won't disturb you young people's world."
The old director left them with a kind smile, leaving the world to the youngsters.
"Mm, then we won't impose any longer."
Fu Li stood up knowingly, taking Vill-V's hand to help her up. He looked at Aponia and said, "Then we'll be in your hands."
"Not at all. Please, follow me."
With that, Aponia led Fu Li and Vill-V out of the reception room and began a detailed tour of the sanatorium's various facilities.
The sports field, the playground, the game room, the garden, the classrooms...
Under Fu Li's direction, his subordinates had, in their eagerness to please him, practically transformed this place into a paradise. Even the local mafia didn't dare to cause trouble here.
However, as the tour dragged on, Vill-V grew more and more impatient. Finally, after a full two hours, they arrived at the rooms prepared for them.
"Here are the residences prepared for you both. However, considering the difference between men and women, we've only prepared adjacent single rooms. What do you think?"
"Of course, that's..."
"I don't think so!"
Having felt ignored the entire time, Vill-V finally spoke up in discontent. Then, under Aponia's smiling gaze, she forcefully pushed Fu Li into one of the rooms.
The door slammed shut, and Vill-V looked at Fu Li with a wronged expression.
For some reason, she always felt that no matter where her Li went, he would be coveted by those wretched women!
---