Grandpa Director gently placed his weathered hand on Xiang Ning’s hand. “It’s alright. As long as you’re safe. You have your own life and I cannot interfere in it. But remember this, you are not just living for yourself. Many others are waiting for you.…” His hand was already shaking, a far cry from the steady hands he’d had ten years ago.

The old man slowly placed his hand on his cheeks, but they were shaking. Ten years ago, when he had sent Xiang Ning out of the orphanage, the same hands had gently held him and given blessings as well. Xiang Ning still remembered how warm and solid they were. They filled him with strength. But now.…

The children saw the head of the orphanage crying and quieted down. Even the most naughty of them was silent. They hung their heads as if they had done something wrong.

The atmosphere was heavy. The old man quickly retracted his hands and wiped away his tears. “It’s alright. You’re back now—we should celebrate! Teacher Zhang, Teacher Ai, and Teacher Luo. Please add some extra food that the children love to eat.”

“Sure!”

“I’ll help!”

“Me too!”

Xiang Xiaoyu volunteered along with some of the older children.

“Me… me too.”

“Me! Me!”

Some of the younger girls wanted to help, too.

“Alright follow us. Don’t get left behind!” Teacher Ai held one of the children’s hands as they all walked into the back.

The other children were playing with Xiang Ning when they heard a car screech to a stop outside. Two minutes later, someone familiar appeared.

“Fatty Wang!” The children were happy to see him; he was none other than Wang Zhe.

“No wonder I couldn’t find you! You were here all along.” Fatty Wang ran up to him. He had yet to slim down, but his friendly appearance was still there. 

“Hmm? Where’s the rest?” Wang Zhe picked up one of the children.

“The rest of them are helping in the back.”

“Is that so? Looks like I’m lucky to be able to attend a party today. Free food, yeeeeeah!” Fatty Wang sheepishly smiled. He came to the orphanage three or four times a month and would always eat, play, and sleep with the children.

“Come see what I’ve brought for you all!” A van filled with cartoon stickers drove in. It was a custom-painted car that wouldn’t scare the children away. A normal black van would have made them all run away.

“Xiao Lu, An An, Zhao Xiaoxiao…” Fatty Wang called each of the children as another van came. A dozen or so ladies came out and helped the children change.

How would one know that Fatty Wang was fond of the children? He could call the names of every child, hobby, and even their body sizes! Each and every piece of clothing perfectly fit each child. There was no need to test.

Xiang Ning was flabbergasted.But what he didn’t know was that the price of all the clothes combined was more than enough to buy a small house.

It wasn’t just the children, everyone in the orphanage was given a new set of clothes. Of course, Fatty Wang didn’t intentionally memorize their sizes, but estimated them based on his observation.

“Wait, should we also build a school? The children are learning many things, but there’s no theme to them.”

Xiang Ning nodded. He had also thought about that issue. As the orphanage grew more famous after gaining the backing of Fatty Wang, many other people would send orphans there.

That was because they knew the children would not be mistreated.

While the space was sufficient, the classroom was too small. But there was a recently abandoned factory just beside the orphanage; it had been closed down due to being discovered making fake products.

“How about…?”

“Haha! Good idea. I already bought the factory. The construction and remodeling will start in a few days. I estimate that it’ll be finished in a month or so.”

“I look forward to it!” Xiang Ning was hopeful. “How much do you need?”

“No need. Many people are donating to us. If we pool our money, we’d even have enough to build two schools!” Fatty Wang was impressed by Xiang Ning’s charisma and influence.

Xiang Ning could only shake his head in exasperation. With Fatty Wang and his combined money, it was more than enough to build an entire school.

“I was thinking that we should merge both the orphanage and the school. I’m not sure if I’m brave enough to talk to him. I don’t want him to turn it down. Only you can do that for me.” Fatty Wang smiled sheepishly.

Xiang Ning laughed, as he knew the old man wouldn’t deny his request. He had always looked out for the children. He would sacrifice himself for their comfort.

It hadn’t already been done yet, not because he was stubborn, but because it would be a waste of money to merge the two buildings. The school and the orphanage were twenty meters apart. It would cost a little to merge them together.

“No worries, I’ll foot the bill. As for the excess donations, we should send them to the other cities for their restoration, especially Tranquil City.” Tranquil City had suffered major financial damages after the stampede a year and a half ago.

Fatty Wang nodded in agreement.

......

The food was soon ready. The table was filled with food that Xiang Ning and the other children loved. Xiang Ning ate three bowls of rice; it was the first time he had eaten so much ever since he’d returned to Marsh City. Usually, he would only eat half a bowl.

After finishing lunch, the children were reluctant to take a nap. Xiang Ning and Fatty Wang were sitting on a stone bench in the garden of the orphanage. “I heard you’re becoming a teacher.”

“I’m afraid I’m not that good at teaching.”

“Nonsense. I’m looking forward to it, especially the battle techniques. The other teachers always told me that your techniques are on par with secret training manuals.”

Xiang Ning chuckled. “Don’t be silly. I’ve never done anything like that. Maybe no one will even want to come to my class.”

As if no one would go to his class