Raising Orphans, Not Assassins

"If I leave, you can't stop me."

A young girl, dressed in a quaint blue dress, stood before Chen Ye, her lively demeanor contrasting against the solemn surroundings.

"And... and you'll have to give me some money every month," she added after a moment of contemplation.

"Alright, any other demands?" Chen Ye inquired, assessing the girl.

The girl, with her fair complexion and delicate features, exuded an aura of innocence and refinement.

"No other demands... for now," she replied after careful consideration, shaking her head.

"You've stated all your demands, but I have one of my own," Chen Ye said with a faint smile.

Upon hearing this, the girl became wary, her bright eyes darting towards Chen Ye. "What request?" she asked.

"Do you have anyone else at home? This place is an orphanage, only for homeless children," Chen Ye explained, his gaze fixed on the girl.

If the girl had run away from home, and her family reported it to the authorities, Chen Ye would be in trouble.

With her eyes downcast and her hands clasped tightly together, the girl's voice trembled as she spoke, "My family... they're all dead."

As she uttered these words, a hint of bitterness flashed in her eyes, revealing that things weren't as simple as she made them seem.

Chen Ye's expression softened, and he decided not to probe further into her past.

"Alright then, welcome to the orphanage..."

【Ding!】

【Task: Adoption of the Second Orphan Completed!】

【Congratulations on receiving task completion rewards: 200 points, 20 taels of silver, one chance to draw a new orphan trait, and unlocking the construction of a new building: the Study Room】

As the system's cold mechanical voice echoed in his ears, Chen Ye's smile widened.

Just a while ago, this bright and clever girl had appeared outside the courtyard while he was tending to Da Ming, the wounded soldier.

After expressing her intentions, they had engaged in the conversation just now.

Based on her request for money, Chen Ye inferred that she didn't see herself as an orphan but rather as a maid in need of temporary shelter and some funds.

"What's your name?"

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"Xiao Lian," the girl replied, her voice as crisp and clear as a mountain spring.

A blue holographic screen appeared before Chen Ye.

【Ding!】

【Name: Xiao Lian】

【ID: 0002】 {ED: Yup, definitely has Hitman vibes}

【Gender: Female】

【Age: 13】

【Skills: None】

Surprised by her age, Chen Ye's expression changed slightly.

Xiao Lian was even shorter than Da Ming, barely reaching a height of one meter and three centimeters.

He hadn't expected her to be thirteen years old.

In ancient times, a thirteen-year-old girl was considered eligible for marriage.

‘Could this girl have really run away from home?’

In an instant, Chen Ye's mind conjured up various scenarios of rebellion under the feudal system.

"How old are you this year?" Chen Ye suddenly asked.

Xiao Lian raised her head slightly, met Chen Ye's gaze for a moment, then quickly averted her eyes, whispering, "Thirteen."

‘Not bad, she wasn't lying.’

Chen Ye sighed inwardly.

He didn't dwell on it further; if her family came looking for her, he would deal with it then.

After all, his task was to foster orphans. Once they entered the orphanage, they were his responsibility!

"Alright, you'll sleep in the west room, me and Da Ming will sleep in the east room."

"All the bedding and necessities are provided," Chen Ye explained the facilities and arrangements of the orphanage to Xiao Lian.

Xiao Lian listened attentively, her expression becoming increasingly peculiar as Chen Ye continued.

With her arrival, the entire orphanage now housed only three people.

Back in Jianning Prefecture, Xiao Lian recalled, the local orphanage used to accommodate over a dozen children. However, most of them were either physically disabled or mentally challenged like Da Ming.

This small-scale orphanage was a first for her.

After arranging Xiao Lian's accommodation, Chen Ye sat on a reclining chair, basking in the sun, and began to process his task rewards.

After receiving the rewards, his points totaled 581, and he still had over 50 taels of silver, which was more than enough for his daily expenses.

"System, draw an Orphan Skill," Chen Ye murmured as he lay on the chair, soaking in the sunlight.

Instantly, a blue holographic roulette wheel appeared before his eyes, spinning rapidly.

After a moment, it stopped on four words.

【Great Wisdom Appears Foolish】

【Skill Effect: Slightly increases intelligence, significantly improves insight; however, outwardly appears more honest and simple-minded】

Upon seeing this label, Chen Ye sat up abruptly from his reclining chair.

Da Ming, who had been squatting on the ground, observing ants, was startled by his sudden movement. Sniffling, he looked up at Chen Ye, confusion evident in his eyes.

Chen Ye stared at the skill label, his eyes shining with excitement.

‘This skill was perfect for Da Ming!’ {ED: Not quite Idiot Savant but I’ll take it.}

Without hesitation, Chen Ye bestowed the trait upon Da Ming.

Da Ming, who had been sniffling, suddenly froze. His previously vacant gaze slowly transformed into one of further simplicity.

He rubbed his head, feeling an indescribable sensation.

Da Ming felt like his mind had cleared up a bit. Things he didn't understand before, he now understood.

After giving the skill, Chen Ye looked at Da Ming and his mouth twitched.

Why did he seem even more braindead now...?

Initially, Da Ming had appeared slow-witted and slow to react, but now, compared to before, he exuded an air of simplicity.

In summary, he looked foolish. {ED: Damn, Author. Do you have a grudge against Da Ming? xD}

Chen Ye observed Da Ming intently.

Da Ming stood up and gave Chen Ye a simple smile. "Dad."

"Hmm, it seems to have some effect," Chen Ye stroked his chin, pondering.

If one looked closely, they would notice that Da Ming's eyes seemed brighter than before.

Just like the description on the trait label: Great Wisdom Appears Foolish.

With this skill, at least it compensated for Da Ming's intellectual shortcomings. It was okay for him to look a bit foolish; after all, he was originally quite ordinary.

After drawing the skill, Chen Ye glanced at the newly unlocked Study Room function.

【Please select the binding location for the Study Room】

【After binding, the building will transform into a Study, gaining the Study Room buff】

【Study Room buff: Reading in the Study Room greatly enhances insight and memory】

Chen Ye examined the layout of the courtyard and decided to bind the Study to the west wing room.

The west wing room faced east, so when the sun rose, the first rays of sunlight would shine through the windows into the Study.

By then, the children in the orphanage would be seated neatly in the Study, with the sound of pages turning filling the air.

How wonderful that would be.

Chen Ye closed his eyes and imagined the scene, but then he felt something was amiss.

When there were more children later on, they would inevitably need to learn academic knowledge, right?

Who would teach them then?

With that thought, Chen Ye sighed lightly.

Raising orphans was indeed not as simple as it seemed...

There were many aspects to consider.

Meanwhile, Xiao Lian sat in her room, which was not large, with several empty beds inside.

It seemed that when there were more children in the orphanage, they would inevitably have to squeeze into one room.

However, Xiao Lian was not picky about it; this was typical for most ordinary households anyway.

She looked out through the window and saw Chen Ye occasionally sitting up from his reclining chair and Da Ming squatting beside him, watching the ants. She stared blankly for a moment.

Then, she took out the book she had obtained from the unkempt man.

The book had a purple cover that was somewhat yellowed, and the words "Jing Hua Techniques" on the cover were a bit worn, indicating that the original owner must have frequently perused it.

As her gaze moved inch by inch over the cover, Xiao Lian closed her eyes and silently vowed, "Mother, I will kill him.”