After exchanging a few pleasantries with Li Li, Ye Chen hailed a cab and took Zheng Jun back to the Orphanage.
Zheng Jun gripped Ye Chen's hand. "Little brother, thank you so much this time. Honestly, dying wouldn't matter—I already miss my old army buddies—but I can't stop worrying about these kids."
Ye Chen shook his head. "Dean Zheng, if anyone should be thankful, it's me—thank you for always looking after Yingluo."
Beside them, Xia Yingluo's best friend Song Yuyu whispered, "Yingluo, is this your Boyfriend? So handsome!"
Xia Yingluo's pretty face flushed. "What Boyfriend? We're classmates."
"Classmates? Listen to him thanking the dean for taking care of you—does that sound like something a mere classmate would say?" Song Yuyu teased.
Ye Chen glanced at the Orphanage and frowned.
"Your facilities are rather basic."
Dean Zheng gave a bitter smile. "Can't be helped. The funds from above barely cover daily expenses. I keep trying, but a company that used to sponsor us recently canceled because business is bad. Things are even tougher now."
Xia Yingluo comforted him, "Dean, don't worry. Once I get into University and start working, I'll make sure our Orphanage has a library and a Basketball court."
Dean Zheng smiled and nodded. "Yingluo, you already do so much—working late every night to earn money for the Orphanage. It's really too hard on you."
"Dean, the Orphanage is my home; it's what I should do." Xia Yingluo lowered her head.
Ye Chen's eyes lit up.
Helping Xia Yingluo fulfill her dream should count as an investment too!
Dean Zheng chuckled. "All right, Yingluo, show Ye Chen around. I ought to entertain him properly, but as you can see, we're too shabby."
Ye Chen smiled. "It's fine—having Yingluo with me is enough."
"Big Brother Ye Chen, I'll tour the Orphanage with Sister Yingluo!" Song Yuyu said excitedly.
Xia Yingluo grabbed a broom. "You're on duty today—sweep the yard first."
Then she smiled at Ye Chen. "Come on, let me show you around."
Watching Ye Chen and Xia Yingluo walk away, Song Yuyu pouted.
"Choosing a guy over friends!"
"Hmph, now that she has a Boyfriend she won't play with me."
"Mean girl."
Ye Chen followed Xia Yingluo to the Orphanage attic.
She pointed to a bed in the loft. "There, that's my bedroom."
Ye Chen stepped inside Xia Yingluo's bedroom.
It was tiny—just space for a bed and a desk.
Textbooks and test papers covered the desk; a desk lamp stood nearby.
Ye Chen never imagined Xia Yingluo had maintained top-three grades in such conditions.
Xia Yingluo said mysteriously, "Let me take you somewhere."
They reached the attic's far end—there was a skylight.
Xia Yingluo set up a ladder and climbed.
Ye Chen followed.
Through the skylight they emerged onto the rooftop.
From there they could see Jiangzhou's glittering lights and, not far off, rolling mountains.
Xia Yingluo sat on the eaves, chin in her hands.
"Ye Chen, did you know? The view of the city from here is gorgeous."
"Yeah, I never knew such a great spot existed." Ye Chen smiled.
Xia Yingluo blushed. "Ye Chen, thank you for today."
"You've said it countless times—no need to be so polite with me!"
"No, you're so good to me; I could never say it enough."
Ye Chen teased, "Really? Words alone, no action?"
"Action?" Xia Yingluo blinked.
Ye Chen looked at her flushed face. "Just kidding."
Xia Yingluo bit her lip. "Then close your eyes."
Close my eyes?
Going by the usual script, this girl must be planning to kiss me.
Nice—such beautiful scenery, a pretty girl offering a sweet kiss.
Ye Chen eagerly shut his eyes. "I'm ready."
His heart pounded.
What would a beauty's kiss feel like?
Probably like an electric shock!
So exciting!
Yet after waiting ages, no kiss came.
He turned—she was gone.
Ye Chen: "…"
Was I just given the slip?
Was this girl pranking me?
Just then, a figure appeared on the Playground below.
Music started playing.
Xia Yingluo began to dance with the music.
Ye Chen's gaze was instantly drawn to the girl dancing in the breeze.
Her posture was like a celestial maiden; every movement brimmed with captivating beauty.
Ye Chen knew nothing about dance, yet he could feel the beauty within Xia Yingluo's movements.
A poem surfaced in his mind.
A southern land holds a beauty, gliding with supple green waist.
In late autumn feasts, her flying sleeves brush clouds and rain.
Graceful as orchids, lithe as wandering dragons.
Yue beauties yield before her, Wu maids halt their white linen songs.
Only now did Ye Chen realize Xia Yingluo was a treasure trove; there was so much he didn't know.
Suddenly a voice sounded beside him.
"Ye Chen, do you know? Yingluo loves dancing, but she only ever dances in secret—never for anyone."
Song Yuyu, who had somehow climbed onto the roof, sat next to Ye Chen and spoke.
"Why?" Ye Chen was startled.
"Yingluo's mother was a dancer. She learned from her since childhood. After winning a dance competition, on a stormy day while hurrying home, they crashed—her parents were gone."
For the first time Ye Chen learned of Xia Yingluo's past.
Song Yuyu went on, "She's never danced in front of others—only under cover of night in the yard. I couldn't sleep once and happened to see, then asked the dean and found out."
"Actually, Yingluo's bright and clever; many wanted to adopt her, but she refused. To her, once her parents were gone, the Orphanage's Dean Zheng and the kids became her only family. She won't leave because she won't abandon them."
Song Yuyu turned to Ye Chen. "Do you know what it means that she danced for you?"
Ye Chen's heart quivered.
Song Yuyu took a deep breath, watching the dancing Xia Yingluo. "Because she already sees you as family. Ye Chen, she's changed so much for you—I hope you treasure her. She cares about you, down to her bones."
Ye Chen fell silent.
Song Yuyu stared at him. "Ye Chen, Yingluo is a pure girl. I hope you cherish her, protect her—don't hurt her again."
Ye Chen looked at Song Yuyu and said earnestly, "Don't worry, I'll guard her with all my heart."