CHAPTER 540: CHAPTER 540: DO YOU THINK IT’S BAD?

Crystal nodded, "Yes, it’s the first time out. The matron doesn’t let us go out casually, saying the outside is full of bad people."

"What else does the matron tell you?" Evelyn Clayton held her hand, slowly walking on the sidewalk, watching the falling leaves. She added, "What does she usually tell you?"

Crystal tried hard to think, and said slowly, "The matron also says we are unwanted children. If someone comes, we should be obedient and quiet. When we see guests, we should give them big smiles. Like this—"

Saying that, Crystal opened her lips, revealing a somewhat stiff and unnatural smile.

Evelyn was amused by her funny yet adorable expression, "Then why didn’t you smile when you saw me just now?"

Upon hearing this, Crystal lowered her head, her voice much quieter, mumbling, "I don’t like it... I feel uncomfortable."

Evelyn stopped walking, seriously bent down to look at her, "Why are you uncomfortable?"

"We’re not kittens or puppies..." Crystal’s voice grew softer, "If those adults don’t like us, they shouldn’t take us back. Why do we have to smile like that? I’ve seen begging dogs, wagging their tails, and it’s just like the smile the matron teaches us."

At this moment, Evelyn felt endless compassion and sorrow in her heart.

She crouched down, quietly gazing at Crystal.

Crystal pursed her lips, "What’s wrong? Do you think what I said wasn’t good?"

"No, what you said was great." Evelyn’s voice was gentle, "If you don’t like it, then don’t do it; it’s really just a small matter. It’s good you’re learning to say no; but you also need to learn to protect yourself, so you don’t get hurt by others because of refusing."

Crystal’s expression was briefly bewildered, and then she seemed to vaguely understand something, nodded vigorously.

Evelyn crouched down again, seriously looking at Crystal, "Can you tell me if there’s been any other visitors to your place recently? Not people adopting children, just regular folks."

Crystal’s face showed a moment of bewilderment, but after a while, she seemed to remember something, and said, "A few days ago, a sister came!"

*

Half an hour later, Evelyn brought Crystal back.

James Grant and Isabella Garrison were waiting at the gate. Seeing them return, Isabella hurriedly welcomed them as if relieved.

"Mrs. Grant." Isabella smiled as she took Crystal’s hand, "How did it go with Crystal?"

Saying that, Isabella turned to look at Crystal, "Crystal didn’t cause any trouble, right?"

Crystal shook her head obediently, "No."

"Crystal was really good," Evelyn grinned, "Today really troubled Director Garrison."

Isabella quickly said, "No trouble at all, it’s what we should do."

Saying that, Isabella glanced at James Grant beside her, her smile containing a slight sense of flattery.

It seemed James Grant had been asking Isabella all sorts of things, enough to make Isabella start feeling uneasy.

"Well, that’s all for today. Director Garrison, we’ll say goodbye for now. Once we’ve made a decision, we’ll come again."

Evelyn spoke unhurriedly, her serious demeanor didn’t seem fake at all.

"Alright, alright."

Isabella could only keep nodding in agreement, very diligently seeing them off through the gate.

Back in the car, both James and Evelyn were silent for a moment.

Suddenly making eye contact, they both burst into laughter.