The orphanage's small kitchen was tiny, and the stove was very simple, just the most ordinary liquefied gas.

But Shang Yu had never seen it before. He stood aside and watched with some curiosity as Lin Zhao squatted down and twisted a large jar.

Then he stood up, turned on the stove, and the flame immediately ignited.

Lin Zhao was clearly very familiar with the place. He skillfully picked up the dishes that had been prepared in advance, heated the oil in the wok, and completed the task in one smooth motion.

This was the first time Shang Yu had seen Lin Zhao cook up close. Despite looking so thin, she could easily lift such a heavy iron wok and even flip it.

She's definitely a very talented young chef.

Lin Zhao felt a little uneasy under the watchful gaze. With his boss watching him cook, he was somewhat nervous.

To show off, he even showed off his skills by flipping the wok and tossing the pan—completely unnecessary steps.

He glanced at Shang Yu's expensive-looking suit out of the corner of his eye and spoke softly.

"Sir, it's quite smoky here, why don't you wait outside?"

Shang Yu stood to the side without moving.

"It's alright, let me see if there's anything I can do to help you."

Dean Chen walked in from outside and happened to hear this, and spoke with a smile.

"Xiao Zhao is very capable; she can cook for dozens of tables by herself. Mr. Shang, please go out and wait a bit."

It's Lin Zhao's boss, after all. How can she let someone help in the kitchen?

Since Dean Chen had already said that, Shang Yu couldn't be of much help here, so he followed Dean Chen out.

Sitting in the small canteen, he noticed many children secretly watching him. He waved to the nearest little boy.

The little boy tugged at his clothes and walked over, slipped a lollipop into his hand, and then ran away shyly.

Shang Yu looked at the candy in his hand, smiled, and thanked him.

"Thanks."

When Lin Zhao returned after cooking, the small table in front of Shang Yu was already piled high with candy.

"I told you the kids really liked the teacher."

Shang Yu smiled. He hadn't expected that he was actually quite popular with children.

Those few brats from the shop wanted nothing more than to run far away when they saw him.

Knowing Shang Yu's eating habits, Lin Zhao specially prepared two side dishes for him.

"Sir, there's not much food here. I'll cook something nice for you when we get home tonight."

Shang Yu looked up at him, his gaze falling on Lin Zhao's slightly flushed cheeks.

He must have been busy in the stuffy little kitchen just now, because there were still some fine beads of sweat on his forehead.

She looked at him with a hint of expectation in her eyes.

He picked up his chopsticks, took a bite of food, and put it in his mouth. The taste was light but surprisingly delicious.

"It's delicious."

It was rare for Shang Yu to offer praise so readily; his tone was sincere, and a faint smile played in his eyes.

In the past, he would never have sat down to eat in such a simple place, much less accept the children's random candies.

But now, looking at the table full of colorful candies in front of him, and then at the obedient and well-behaved Lin Zhao sitting in front of him, he felt exceptionally at ease and at peace.

Lin Zhao's eyes crinkled with delight at his praise, and her unease vanished instantly. She spoke softly.

"I'm glad you like it, sir."

Shang Yu moved his chopsticks slowly and deliberately, his demeanor refined and elegant. Even sitting in the simple little canteen, his refined air was still undeniable.

Lin Zhao sat beside him, eating with him while occasionally glancing at him secretly.

Seeing that the gentleman was eating peacefully, I secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

After dinner, Lin Zhao accompanied Shang Yu for a walk in the yard. The children hadn't seen Lin Zhao for a long time, so they swarmed around him, chattering and tugging at his sleeves, insisting on playing games with him.

Lin Zhao couldn't bear to refuse the children's expectant eyes, so she turned back to Shang Yu somewhat embarrassed and asked for permission in a low voice.

"Sir, can I play with them for a little while, just a short while?"

Shang Yu glanced at the group of children surrounding Lin Zhao and nodded.

"Go ahead, but don't go too far."

He walked to the shade of a tree, leaned against the trunk, and quietly watched them.

Sunlight fell on the boys as Lin Zhao bent over to play and chase with them.

She patiently played "Eagle Catches Chicks" with them, her voice gentle, her laughter clean and bright.

Shang Yu stood quietly to the side, watching, and felt more and more that he had made the right decision to come here today.

At this moment, Dean Chen slowly walked over with his cane, stopped beside Shang Yu, followed his gaze to Lin Zhao who was playing around not far away, and spoke softly, chatting with him in a low voice.

"Xiao Zhao has always loved children. She has a soft heart and is most reluctant to part with these little ones in the yard."

Shang Yu withdrew his gaze and nodded slightly.

"He has a good personality and is sincere to people."

Dean Chen sighed, his tone tinged with reluctance yet also with relief.

"I have no other hope in this life but that Xiao Zhao will have a peaceful life, be loved by someone, and not suffer any grievances. He has been used to hardship since he was a child, and I am afraid that he will live a life of constant caution."

The two chatted in hushed tones, the atmosphere peaceful.

On the other side, the children, sweating profusely from playing, clung to Lin Zhao, refusing to let go. A young girl whispered something in Lin Zhao's ear.

"Brother Xiao Zhao, we're all moving away soon, and we don't know where we'll be staying. The headmistress told us not to tell you, but I'm afraid I'll never see you again. You have to come back to see me!"

Lin Zhao subconsciously looked at Dean Chen. Was he going to move out?

How come he didn't know anything about it?

After playing for a while, Dean Chen called the children to take a nap, and it was time for them to go home.

Dean Chen escorted them to the door, waving and smiling at them.

"Xiao Zhao, you have to work hard. Mr. Shang is a good person. Try not to come back too often and focus more on your work, okay?"

What was originally just a simple instruction was interpreted by Lin Zhao as Dean Chen deliberately trying to prevent him from returning.

Is it really time to move?

Lin Zhao had something on her mind, which she couldn't hide on her face. After getting into the car, she kept glancing at Dean Chen. Shang Yu quickly noticed this and spoke up.

"What's wrong?"

Lin Zhao hesitated for a moment, watching Dean Chen walk inside, and decided that he still had to find Dean Chen to ask him clearly.

"Sir, I suddenly remembered that I haven't told the headmistress something yet. Could you wait a moment?"

Shang Yu nodded.

"Go."

Lin Zhao quickly opened the car door and jogged to stop the person.

Dean Chen was somewhat surprised to see Lin Zhao return.

"Xiao Zhao? Why are you back again?"

Lin Zhao stepped forward and spoke with some concern.

"Yueyue just said she's moving out, what happened?"

Dean Chen sighed. After keeping it a secret for so long, they finally found out.

She took Lin Zhao's hand, speaking as calmly as possible.

"A developer is planning to build a building here, and the orphanage has been included in the area. It will be demolished soon."

The moment the words left his mouth, Lin Zhao froze on the spot.

Demolition?

The orphanage where he grew up, filled with all his childhood memories and longings, is going to be demolished?

Lin Zhao's throat tightened, and she looked at the dean in disbelief, her voice trembling slightly.

"Director, has it been decided?"

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