I don't care anymore.
After the Xue couple left the orphanage, the director called me aside for a chat.
" Shanshan, why did you refuse Mr. Xue and Mrs. Xue?"
I looked down, kicking at the pebbles, and said softly, "Director, I don't want to leave the orphanage."
The director sighed. "I know you will miss everyone, but Mr. Xue and Mrs. Xue will treat you very well."
I kept my head down and remained silent.
I didn't tell the director the real reason; I didn't want to experience being adopted again.
That night, a fire broke out in the orphanage.
The flames spread quickly throughout the building, waking everyone up as they screamed and rushed outside.
I stood in the yard, watching everyone panic, and I couldn't help but laugh.
My carefully planned scheme had been interrupted by the sudden arrival of the Xue couple. Now, it could only end in mutual destruction.
I started the fire myself.
Originally, I had planned to act while everyone was asleep. I never expected the Xue couple's arrival would force my hand early.
In the hospital.
I looked coldly at Xue Ming. "Did you start the fire at the orphanage?"
Xue Ming's expression changed as he hurriedly denied it. "It wasn't me; it was caused by old wiring."
He forced a self-deprecating smile. " Shanshan, you think too badly of me."
I replied flatly, "Aren't you?"
Xue Ming's gaze dimmed, and after a few seconds of silence, he said, "I admit I really want to help you, but I don't want you to misunderstand my intentions."
"As long as you agree to come back to the the Xue Family with me, I will cover all of the director's medical expenses."
I furrowed my brow. "You're taking advantage of the situation."
Xue Ming didn't defend himself; he simply said, "If you don't want to be my sister, you can still just stay at my house."
"My mom has been wanting a daughter lately, and you look a lot like her. I can take you back to keep her company."
I couldn't help but scoff. "You must have some other reason for this unusual behavior."
Xue Ming lowered his gaze to the floor and softly asked, "Do you remember why you came to the orphanage?"
I had just entered the orphanage when I was four years old, and many things were unclear to me. I vaguely remembered the loud arguments between my parents, then my father throwing me to my mother, and finally, my mother leaving me at the orphanage.
At that time, I was too young to understand what was happening; I only knew that my parents didn't want me anymore. I cried bitterly, standing at the orphanage door every day, hoping my parents would come to take me home. But they never returned.
Xue Ming came in front of me, crouched down so our eyes were level, and asked, "Do you miss them?"
I pressed my lips together and didn't answer.
He reached out and pulled me into his embrace, gently saying, "From now on, I can be your brother."
The car had already stopped at the hospital entrance. The driver looked back at me and Xue Ming.
"Let's go," Xue Ming said softly.
I took a deep breath, holding back my tears, and then followed him into the car.
Mrs. Xue was already waiting at the villa entrance.
Xue Ming had informed her in advance that he would bring me home. So she had arranged for someone to prepare a room on the second floor.
But I didn't stay on the second floor; instead, I settled into a guest room downstairs.
Xue Ming's bedroom was right next door.
I wanted to avoid too much contact with him for fear of repeating past mistakes.
Mrs. Xue walked into the guest room holding a plate of fruit salad. " Shanshan, have some fruit," she said.
I politely picked up a piece of watermelon, took a bite, and then lowered my head without saying anything.
Mrs. Xue felt a bit awkward. "Do you not like this flavor? I can get you something else."
I softly replied, "No, it's fine. I like this."
She sat down beside me. "You can tell me what you like; I can have someone make it for you."
I shook my head. "There's nothing I dislike."
Mrs. Xue sighed. " Shanshan, I know you might not be used to this yet, but you can think of this place as your home in the future."
I smiled and said, "You've already done so much for me; I wouldn't want to impose further."
Mrs. Xue gently patted my hair. "Silly child, it's no trouble at all."
I turned my head away to avoid her hand.
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