Chapter 787 — Yu Xiaoke's Admirer
The Blossom Guardian · Page 1 of 2
It wasn't that Wei Zhao had let down his guard. In truth, there had been nothing to hide in his earlier conversation with the old director, and he simply hadn't bothered to watch for eavesdroppers. Besides, no strangers came and went around the orphanage, so he had paid the matter even less mind.
"You know about Xiaoke's business?" Wei Zhao was slightly taken aback, and looked at Xiaoken.
"Mm... I know a little. But Sister Xiaoke is a good person. She steals, yes, but she only steals from rich scoundrels who bleed people dry..." Xiaoken was the eldest of these children, around fifteen, and it was only natural that he understood such things. "I... can I ask you something?"
"What is it?" Wei Zhao felt no instinctive aversion to these orphans, so he did not mind talking with them a little longer.
"Are you Sister Xiaoke's boyfriend?" Xiaoken hesitated, then asked, still a little shy and awkward.
The boy's manner of asking rather surprised Wei Zhao—it seemed tinged with a faint, hidden jealousy and envy. And his expression gave away his true intent, which Wei Zhao found rather amusing. "You like Yu Xiaoke?"
Xiaoken was startled by Wei Zhao's sudden question, and at once his face flushed red. He clenched his fists, and his breathing grew rapid.
His eyes darted away, not daring to meet Wei Zhao's gaze. Only after a long while did he say, "In the orphanage, all the boys who understand these things worship Sister Xiaoke. When we grow up, we all want to marry her..."
Xiaoken's words were a roundabout admission of Wei Zhao's guess. Though he had not admitted it outright, there was scarcely any difference between the two.
"Heh..." Wei Zhao smiled faintly and looked Xiaoken up and down. Judging by his build alone, one would never guess he was only fifteen—he was already over one meter seventy—but his boyish face gave away his age.
At his age, it was only natural to feel drawn to the opposite sex. Yu Xiaoke was beautiful besides, and every day she was the idol these children worshipped. Like fans chasing a star, it was hardly blameworthy that these youngsters harbored such thoughts about Yu Xiaoke.
"You don't take Yu Xiaoke's photo and do something lewd with it, do you?" Wei Zhao found Xiaoken quite interesting and could not resist teasing him.
"How could I!" Xiaoken grew anxious at once, glaring at Wei Zhao with a face flushed crimson. "Sister Xiaoke is like a heavenly being in our eyes—how could I defile her?"
"Heh, I was only asking casually. Why so worked up?" Wei Zhao said with a smile. It seemed Xiaoken had not been lying; in his heart, what he felt for Yu Xiaoke was probably closer to reverence.
"Actually, we all know we're not worthy of Sister Xiaoke. She's so kind, so beautiful. We all hope she can find a boyfriend who will protect her and give her happiness, so she doesn't have to work so hard every day..." Xiaoken suddenly raised his head and looked at Wei Zhao. "And we can't do that... Can you?"
"Me?" Wei Zhao was slightly startled, and shook his head in some bewilderment. "This is only the second time she and I have met..."
"Huh? You're not Sister Xiaoke's boyfriend?" Xiaoken was stunned too. "Then you'd still save her?"
"Grown-up matters—children shouldn't ask so many questions..." Wei Zhao was caught between laughter and tears, and dismissed Xiaoken with a wave. "Go back and study properly. When the old director comes out in a bit, let's see if she doesn't scold you."
"Ah! Then I'm off..." The mere mention of the old director frightened Xiaoken. He made a face at Wei Zhao, turned, and ran back into the red-brick house.
Wei Zhao shook his head. A small body with a big mind—but still a child after all.
Still, Xiaoken's words had stirred something in Wei Zhao. If Yu Xiaoke kept stealing like this, it was no long-term solution. Could he perhaps secure some benefit for the orphanage?