CHAPTER 79: BACKSTORY

The more time he spent with Sister Mina, the less resistant he felt toward her as his superior. At that moment, the person sitting beside him didn’t seem like the Shigella Sales Department Manager but more like an old friend he hadn’t seen in years.

Perhaps this was Sister Mina’s charm.

Sunshine Orphanage was located in Savannah’s Eastern District, separated from Jake’s another District by two large districts, requiring a full three-hour drive.

It was said that long ago, Sunshine Orphanage had originally been an abandoned kindergarten.

Due to its remote location, most residents in the area chose more distant, upscale kindergartens. Later, Director Alexon applied to repurpose it as the new site for the orphanage.

Before that, Director Alexon had already taken in a large number of abandoned or homeless orphans with no parents or relatives. Using the old kindergarten as a base, he developed it into what it was today.

Director Alexon’s original name was Alexon Rakoff, from a poor town.

His wife had passed away early from illness, leaving behind a son who also died at the age of two. Heartbroken and devastated, he felt no attachment to the world and prepared to follow his wife and child in death.

Just as he found a secluded spot to hang himself, a ragged little girl, about two or three years old, appeared out of nowhere.

Her large, innocent eyes blinked at him, and though she didn’t understand what Alexon was doing, she miraculously burst into tears the next moment.

Alexon couldn’t stand children crying—it always reminded him of his own child. Seeing the little girl, who was around the same age as his deceased son, he felt a surge of compassion.

After an internal struggle, he decided to abandon his suicide attempt and comforted the little girl.

After finally calming her down, he followed the little girl’s guidance and discovered an older boy.

From him, Alexon learned that their mother had left because she despised their father’s poverty, and their father had disappeared after leaving to work elsewhere, leaving only the siblings to rely on each other.

Believing it was fate, Alexon took them in without hesitation.

Back then, the adoption process was simple, and since everyone in the village knew about Alexon’s family situation, they turned a blind eye.

At first, Alexon’s income was enough to support the two of them. But as gossip spread in the village, his reputation as a kind-hearted man solidified.

Over the next few years, more and more orphans came to Alexon. Gradually, his house became too small, so he expanded it. Later, even more children from the surrounding areas moved in.

Alexon didn’t find this particularly exhausting. Since heaven didn’t want him to enter the underworld early, he might as well live well and give back to society. These poor children also needed a home.

Not long after, a college student from the village suggested that Alexon could formally establish an orphanage, complete with proper procedures, to legally adopt these children.

And so, Sunshine Orphanage was born.

After finishing his story, Jake instinctively glanced at Sister Mina. He found her lying on her side, her head resting against the seat as she faced him quietly.

Her silky hair cascaded down, her beautiful eyes glistening like rippling water. Her long legs stretched out slightly, and her black coat had unknowingly opened a corner, subtly revealing a glimpse of full, creamy skin. She looked like a wild yet lazily stretched-out kitten—playful and cute, yet unintentionally seductive.

The sight made Jake’s heart skip a beat.

"That’s it," Jake said, wrapping up.

"Hmm... You’ve had a hard time all these years, haven’t you?" Mina’s voice carried a heavy, drawn-out tone, as if affected by Jake’s childhood.

"I’m used to it. Compared to me, Director Alexon is the one who truly suffered."

"Mmm, everything will get better." Mina seemed deeply moved. After a pause, she hesitantly added, "Do you want to hear about me?"

"Of course." Jake flashed a bright smile.

Those who listened and those who were listened to always shared a similar resonance.

Compared to Jake, Mina was much more fortunate. She had been cared for meticulously by her brother since childhood, and as she grew up, she met Sister Yana. Now, she had also achieved some success.

Of course, the two weren’t yet familiar enough to reveal their closest relationships to each other. They only briefly exchanged some basic understanding.

Mina’s account confirmed the unusual emotions Jake had sensed from her—emotions that didn’t match her status. This made him admire her even more.

Especially when Mina mentioned that her brother had also left her, her melancholic expression triggered Jake’s inner voices, amplifying the sorrow both inside and out, plunging his mood to rock bottom.

The atmosphere in the car grew somewhat tense, but fortunately, they soon arrived at their destination. Jake parked the car with practiced ease, and the two stepped out.

Though there was a slight chill in the air, the fresh breeze gradually eased their heavy hearts.

Standing on either side of the Audi A8, Jake and Mina stood by the car doors as a gentle breeze lifted the hems of their clothes. The next moment, as if sensing each other’s thoughts, they locked eyes.

After a long while, smiles finally reappeared on their faces.

"Let’s go. Sunshine Orphanage is right ahead," Jake said, pointing across the street to break the silence.

"Mmm. What about the stuff?" Mina asked.

"Let’s scout the way first. I didn’t tell Director Alexon I was coming this time, and besides, this isn’t my car—I’m worried he won’t recognize it!" Jake led the way.

Mina didn’t say much else. She slung her Prada bag over her shoulder and walked alongside Jake.

Thanks to government-funded renovations, Sunshine Orphanage looked much more formal now. Director Alexon had preserved the kindergarten’s vibrant color scheme—red, white, and yellow formed the orphanage’s exterior walls.

Clang, clang, clang... Jake knocked lightly on the iron gate.

"Director Alexon, Director Alexon! Someone’s at the door!" A boy’s voice called out from inside the gate, shouting for Director Alexon.

After over three hours of driving, Jake arrived at Sunshine Orphanage close to 1 p.m. Some of the younger children were likely napping.

After waiting five minutes, Director Alexon finally appeared, walking slowly. Jake explained to Sister Mina that Director Alexon was getting older and might not move as quickly as before.

Mina nodded in understanding.

The iron gate creaked open, revealing Director Alexon—a white-haired old man leaning on a cane, his frail body slightly hunched.

He wore thick glasses, and though his face was lined with wrinkles, they couldn’t hide his lively spirit. Though his legs weren’t as steady as before, his energy was still abundant. He was a blessed old man.

"Director Alexon, I’m here," Jake said, stepping forward to support him.

"Oh! It’s Jake! Why did you come all of a sudden today? You should’ve called ahead, child. The kids have already eaten lunch."

Director Alexon spoke warmly, then adjusted his crooked glasses, squinting slightly as he looked at Mina. "Jake, you brought a guest? This is..."

Before Jake could answer, Mina took the initiative, walking to Director Alexon’s other side just like Jake and supporting him with a smile. "Hello, Director Alexon. I’m Jake’s friend. I came to see you."

Sister Mina’s social skills were something Jake didn’t need to worry about.

"Oh! Jake’s friend! How rare! Come, come, let’s go inside." Director Alexon saw that the visitor was a young, beautiful woman who seemed well-matched with Jake, and his heart swelled with joy. The wrinkles on his face trembled with laughter.

The two supported the old man as they walked toward the house. The boy who had called out earlier had gathered three or four other children—boys and girls—who peeked curiously and excitedly from the doorway at Jake and Mina.