The cab rolled to a stop in front of the orphanage gate. Yuhan paid the fare with a grunt, muttering curses under his breath as he shoved the bills into the driver's hand.
Above the gate, words were etched in bold strokes: "Every child deserves happiness." Beneath, the name of the home glimmered in gold paint: Yángguāng Zhī Jiā (Sunshine Home).
"This is the biggest orphanage in the county," Li Hao explained as they stepped inside. His tone shifted into the cool, factual voice of a tour guide. "Since Chen Zixuan returned from abroad, he hasn't worked much. Mostly he volunteers here. Probably getting himself polished for the CEO takeover."
They walked across the wide path leading into the orphanage. Just then, Li Hao squinted and pointed toward the main hall.
"Uh-oh. Isn't that Chen Zixuan?"
Yuhan spun in panic. "Where?! Where?!" His head whipped left and right like a frantic meerkat.
"There," Li Hao said smoothly, pointing toward a sleek black car rolling out of the orphanage driveway.
Yuhan squeaked, darted behind Li Hao, and crouched low, using his friend as a shield. He peeked out with wide eyes as the car passed. His heart thudded.
When the car finally disappeared down the road, Yuhan straightened, still catching his breath. "That was close…"
Li Hao blinked, then burst out laughing. He doubled over, clutching his stomach.
"What?!" Yuhan demanded, looking more like a scolded puppy than an Alpha.
"I was kidding!" Li Hao wheezed, tears in his eyes. "I wasn't even wearing my glasses. And you...you actually believed me!"
Yuhan's face flushed red. "You!"
Before he could finish, Li Hao took off running into the courtyard, still laughing. Yuhan bolted after him, swearing under his breath as the kids giggled at the spectacle.
*****
"Have a seat, please," one of the orphanage workers said to Yuhan and Li Hao as they entered the director's office.
"The director is on his way and will join you shortly," he added before leaving.
Li Hao nudged Yuhan with his leg, and the two laughed quietly as they looked around the room. The walls were lined with awards and framed photographs of children from different events over the years with sponsors and important personalities. Soon, a tray of juice was brought in, and the two boys chugged their glasses down in one go. They quickly adjusted themselves when the door creaked open.
"You must be the director," Yuhan said, standing up and extending his hand toward the man who entered. The man only gave him a puzzled look. An older gentleman followed behind and made his way to the main seat.
"This is the director," the first man clarified.
Flustered, Yuhan forced a laugh and quickly offered his hand to the older man. "Director Mo Xiyan," he said, chuckling. "I've heard so much about you."
Director Mo shook his hand warmly, and then Li Hao stepped forward to do the same.
"I heard an important sponsor was waiting for me, so I hurried over," Director Mo said with a smile.
They all laughed politely before the director continued, "It's been a long time since we had a proper sponsor. Chen Fashion has been our biggest and only supporter. Others came and left, but none lasted."
"Yes, I understand," Yuhan said, his voice suddenly taking on a deeper, more serious tone that made Li Hao glance sideways at him in surprise.
"According to Confucius," Yuhan began, "teaching children virtue is more important than wealth or status. Every child deserves education and moral guidance, no matter their background. Mencius also said, 'Children's hearts are innocent, compassionate, and pure. Adults must nurture, not corrupt, this natural goodness.' And Xunzi reminded us that 'Children need education, ritual, and moral training, otherwise they fall into chaos.'"
"Who am I not to take great interest in the lives of the young ones in absence an presence of Monetary funds" yuhan completed.
He straightened his shirt and winked at the astonished Li Hao, who nearly choked.
"You sound so passionate and knowledgeable," Director Mo said with interest.
"I'm surprised," Li Hao muttered under his breath.
"Eh?" Director Mo asked.
"Nothing, sir," Li Hao replied quickly. "That's just how our young master is. He loves children and humanitarian causes. We all look up to him." He looked as surprised at his own words as Yuhan did.
"So," Director Mo asked, "how do you plan to begin?"
"Truthfully, my young master has invested in a business, and the profits will start coming in five months' time," Li Hao answered smoothly. "If you could wait until then…"
"It's alright," Director Mo said. "Most sponsors don't start immediately. If you'd like, there are weekly volunteer spots available, Tuesdays and Thursdays."
"Ho ho!" Li Hao said dramatically. "My master will select a date and appear during his free time."
"In that case, the receptionist will provide some forms for you to fill out," the director replied.
The two bowed slightly before leaving the office. At the reception desk, they collected their forms and sat down to complete them.
"New sponsors, eh," the earlier staff member said to the director.
Director Mo sighed. "Wei, that's how they all are. They come in full of promises and leave whenever they please. Let's just hope they last."
---
Outside the building, Yuhan turned to Li Hao. "What was that, "young master?" Why did you make me sound so important?"
"You should be thanking me, young master," Li Hao said, bowing mockingly.
"You know what? I command you to pay for our transport, Eunuch Li."
"You wish, young master," Li Hao laughed, bowing again as Yuhan cursed him under his breath.