The words sounded familiar.

  She vaguely recalled hearing his voice many times before when she was in a deep sleep.

  Little Moon laughed happily after finishing his sentence.

  He took a bite of the bun in his hand and beamed in contentment.

  She suddenly felt a lump in her throat and an urge to cry.

  Shen Luo’an seemed to have noticed Shen Manting’s sudden change in mood.

  He gazed at her tenderly and smiled.

  After breakfast, Shen Luo’an left the child under Qianqian’s care, briefed her on the specifics, and made sure she was capable of handling the child. Then, he led Shen Manting outside.

  Shen Manting settled in the front passenger seat. She was better prepared this time around and fastened the seat belt by herself. She turned to Shen Luo’an and asked, “Where are we going today, honey?”


  “The orphanage.” Shen Luo’an glanced at her. “We’re going to the orphanage.”


  Shen Manting’s eyes widened. “Are we going to the orphanage I used to live in?”


  “Yes.”


  Shen Manting felt a little scared after hearing his answer.

  She rubbed her palms anxiously against the seat belt strap. “Why are we going back to the orphanage?” she asked.

  “We’re going back to find your best friend.” Shen Luo’an glanced at her. “Do you remember what you told me your name was?”


  Shen Manting thought it was an odd question for him to ask. She answered after a contemplative pause, “He Yuncun.”


  “So you identified yourself by that name when you were in the orphanage?”


  Shen Manting nodded. She was slightly intimidated as she studied the expression on Shen Luo’an’s face. “What’s the matter?” she asked.

  “Who is Zhang Meifang?”


  “She’s my best friend,” Shen Manting answered with conviction. “You’ve asked me this question twice, honey.”


  He asked this question most recently when she was staying in the ward the other day.

  In fact, both Shen Luo’an and Shen Zhilie had asked her the same question.

  Neither of them looked pleased when the subject was brought up.

  Their faces seemed grim.

  Was there a problem with her answer?

  Shen Manting glanced at Shen Luo’an cautiously, but he didn’t explain further and simply said, “Settle in and buckle up.”


  “All right,” Shen Manting affirmed. “I’m ready.”


  Shen Luo’an glanced at her and started the engine. The car sped down the road.

  They arrived at the orphanage nearly an hour later.

  Throughout the hour-long drive, Shen Manting either stared out the window or glanced down to scroll through her phone from time to time.

  Shen Luo’an pulled over, turned off the navigation system, and announced, “Here we are.”


  Shen Manting looked up and asked, “Why does this place look so dilapidated, honey?”


  “Nineteen years have passed. Naturally, a lot has changed.” Shen Luo’an unfastened his seat belt. “Let’s go.”


  Shen Manting emerged from the car into the scorching heat outside.

  She squinted at the two children sitting by the entrance.

  The two children, who appeared to be only five or six years old, stared at Shen Luo’an’s car in astonishment.

  Shen Manting thought bitterly to herself, Finally, it’s time for them to admire my fancy car! My days of envying other people’s cars are over!

  She scoffed.

  Shen Manting turned her nose up haughtily. She caught up with Shen Luo’an and grabbed his arm. “Is the head warden still around, honey?”


  “Yes.” Shen Luo’an looked at her. “Do you still remember which room he’s in?”


  Shen Manting nodded and led Shen Luo’an to the yard.

  The children were running around joyfully and playing games.

  They couldn’t help glancing at the newly-arrived, well-dressed strangers a bit longer.

  “Warden!” Shen Manting shouted. “Is the head warden in?”


  “Yes, I am.” A man in his thirties appeared. “Who are you looking for?”