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Just a few days ago, Sister Talia had still been worrying about the future of the orphanage.
They were completely at a loss when a man claiming to be from Stark Industries showed up. He told Sister Talia that not only would the orphanage stay open, but Stark Industries would also help renovate it—and even throw a charity gala over the weekend to raise money from philanthropists and donors across society.
When Sister Talia and everyone at the orphanage heard the news, they thought they were dreaming. But reality proved otherwise—renovation teams arrived quickly, and the old, rundown orphanage was transformed into a brand-new place. The kids got new rooms, new toys… it all felt too good to be true.
The project leader told Sister Talia that this was all thanks to Dan. If anyone deserved their thanks, it was him. Which is how today's scene came to be.
As night fell, Dan finally walked out of the orphanage.
"How's it feel? Still think you're not fit to be a spokesperson?" Stark asked with a grin.
Dan gave a slow nod.
"There we go," Tony chuckled. "You're the only one fit for the role, buddy. Now come on, let's find a spot and grab a drink—to celebrate the charity gala this weekend, just a little pre-party."
He signaled for Happy to start the car, then turned and asked,
"By the way… you legal yet? Can you drink?"
In the following days, Dan's schedule was packed. School from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., then straight into public speaking training with Happy after class.
In Tony's words: "This gala is my event, with guests I personally invited. If you mess up the speech, you're embarrassing me."
So Dan had no choice but to cooperate and practice hard.
One day, Erik received a message. He grabbed a suitcase and left the base.
Outside the Valentin Orphanage, Frank stood at the gate, watching the children laughing and playing in the yard. He looked a little lost.
Among the kids, there was a little girl who reminded him of his own child.
Little Orange was playing with her friends when she noticed someone standing by the gate. She said something to her buddies and skipped over to the gate, tilting her head up to look at Frank.
"Hi, mister! Are you here looking for someone?"
Frank was surprised. He hadn't expected the little girl to come up to him. Usually, kids avoided him like the plague.
He softened his tone as much as possible and said, "No, sweetheart. I'm just here to have a look."
"Really? We've had a bunch of people visit lately. They're all super nice—they helped renovate the orphanage, brought us picture books and toys!"
Little Orange casually chatted with Frank about everything that had been going on lately.
Frank crouched down and listened intently.
As he looked at her, he found himself dazed. Time and again, he would unconsciously superimpose her face with a memory—his daughter's.
"If Lisa were still alive, she'd probably be just as sweet and innocent as you…"
"Uncle, who's Lisa? Your daughter?" Little Orange asked curiously.
Frank froze for a moment, then gave a soft smile. "Yeah. Lisa was my daughter."
"Really? Where is she? Did she come too? Can I play with her?"
Frank's smile turned a little bitter. "No… Lisa's gone."
Little Orange blinked. "Gone where? Will you bring her next time?"
Frank's voice dropped. "Lisa went to heaven."
Little Orange stared into Frank's sad eyes.
"Don't be sad, Uncle. Grandma told me only angels get to go to heaven. So Lisa must be an angel, right? That's amazing—your daughter's an angel! I've never met an angel before."
Frank looked at her and suddenly let out a real, heartfelt laugh. He hadn't laughed like this in so long.
He said gently, "You don't need to feel left out. You're an angel too."
"Really?" Little Orange's eyes lit up.
Frank nodded seriously. "Of course. To me, you're definitely an angel. What's your name?"
"I'm Mucheng. But everyone calls me Little Orange. What's your name, Uncle?"
She stuck out her little hand, trying to shake his like a grown-up.
Frank hesitated. He wanted to reach out… but didn't dare.
This little girl was so innocent, so pure—just like an angel from above. But him? He was filthy. His hands were stained with blood and sin. How could he possibly touch something so pure?
But Little Orange had no idea what was going on in his head. She simply reached her hand through the gate and grabbed his.
"Heehee! You're a good person, Uncle! My big brother says anyone willing to squat down and listen to a kid talk must be a good person."
Frank gently held her hand. She just called him… a good person.
After all these years, he'd been called many things—executioner, monster, demon—but never a good person.
"Thank you, Little Orange. Your brother must be an incredible person to say something like that."
Little Orange nodded proudly. "He is! Grandma says my brother is a gift from the heavens—his blessings help the whole world."
"A gift from the heavens… helps the whole world? There's really someone like that?"
"Kids! Reading time!"
A voice called from inside the orphanage.
Little Orange let go of Frank's hand.
"Bye-bye, Uncle! It was nice meeting you. I'm going to go read now!"
Frank waved. "Bye, Little Orange."
As he watched her walk away, Frank felt… lucky. Really lucky that he'd gotten to meet such a sweet little girl.
Just then, he noticed a shadow in a corner nearby. He pulled up his collar and walked toward it.
In a quiet alleyway, two figures met.
Erik handed over a suitcase. "Everything you asked for is in here."
Frank opened it. Inside were all kinds of silver weapons—the tools Erik had once used to hunt vampires. He didn't need them anymore, but Frank sure did.
"Thanks. This is a huge help."
"And this—" Erik pulled out a folder. "The list of names you wanted. These people have all confirmed turned into vampires. But be careful—they're not nobodies. You sure you want to go after them?"
Frank glanced at the list. Not only were they all powerful, influential people, but they were also all scum—every one of them on his kill list.
He tucked the folder away. "Don't worry. I've taken down plenty of big shots before. As long as they keep clinging to their corrupt empires, I've got a reason to go after them."
Erik nodded. He wasn't going to stop Frank—those people deserved it. If Frank didn't do it, Erik would've found a way himself.
"Good luck."
"Thanks."
"....."