CHAPTER 81: I AM NOT AFRAID, WHAT ARE YOU SCARED OF?

Unlike in the past, the orphanage now received regular donations from social organizations and kind-hearted individuals after being featured on TV. Government subsidies also arrived on time, which was why Jake felt at ease leaving Director Alexon here.

Volunteers came every month to help with cooking and cleaning. School-aged children had dedicated buses, and most importantly, Director Alexon refused to leave this place.

Jake and Mina sat across from each other, with Director Alexon beside Jake.

Saying they weren’t hungry had been a lie—Jake just didn’t want to trouble Director Alexon.

The food prepared for the children was nutritious, with meat and shrimp. Jake ate heartily.

To his surprise, Sister Mina didn’t hesitate either, eating even more than he did.

After the meal, Ash cleared the table without being asked. Mina thanked her softly, and Ash replied in her rural dialect, which was hard to decipher, but Mina could tell she was being complimented.

Tired of the office politics at work, experiencing this simple, genuine kindness felt incredibly soothing to Mina.

The three of them stayed at the table, chatting casually.

Jake hadn’t expected Director Alexon to be so talkative. Back in the orphanage days, Director Alexon would mostly sit in the sun, lost in thought, only speaking occasionally to the kids. Jake had only learned about his past after growing up.

Besides feeling heartbroken for Director Alexon, Jake deeply respected his selflessness and greatness.

This time, Director Alexon was noticeably more talkative and cheerful. Jake couldn’t figure out why, no matter how smart he was—because he wasn’t a father yet.

After so many years, Director Alexon had long regarded Jake as his own son. Today, his son had brought a girlfriend home. How could he not be happy?

Another reason Director Alexon adored Jake was his gratitude.

Human hearts were unpredictable. Since founding Sunshine Orphanage, Director Alexon had never expected the children to repay him. Many had left before Jake, initially visiting in groups, but as they started families and careers, their visits dwindled until they stopped altogether.

Director Alexon never said anything, but deep down, he felt a little disappointed.

However, these feelings of loss were gradually filled by Jake. Whether it was going to college or working, Jake would always return for Thanksgiving. Not only would he come back, but he would also bring various gifts. After the holiday, he would leave behind a sum of money. If he forgot, he would send it later. Such filial piety could move heaven and earth.

The three of them talked for a long time. Jake had been worried that Sister Mina might feel bored, but seeing how she was chatting more animatedly with Uncle Alexon than he was, he realized he had overthought it.

It was a cloudy day, and before long, the sky darkened.

During the afternoon nap, the children woke up, and the teachers in charge took them out to play. Jake took the opportunity to show Sister Mina around Sunshine Orphanage. Later, Sister Mina, caught up in the fun, joined the children in playing small games.

Jake had never seen Sister Mina so childlike and carefree. It seemed that people needed to understand each other more deeply. Thinking of this, Jake’s confidence in his ability to "hear inner voices" grew stronger.

Soon, he too immersed himself in the joyful atmosphere with the children.

Happy times were always fleeting. Unknowingly, the two stayed until nightfall.

Jake, worried that his aunt might be concerned, sent photos of the children to her. Mia, in turn, shared snippets of her conversation with Uncle Alexon.

Having seen enough and talked enough, Jake prepared to leave.

But Director Alexon wouldn’t let Jake go. The orphanage was built in a remote area with narrow, winding roads, and he was uneasy about them leaving. He insisted they stay.

Under normal circumstances, Jake wouldn’t refuse, but today, Sister Mina was with him.

He tentatively asked for Sister Mina’s opinion, never expecting her to agree immediately!

So, the two stayed overnight.

Director Alexon watched this unfold, delighted. The subtle dynamics between men and women were not lost on him.

He did, however, question Jake’s obliviousness. Miss Mina’s words and actions were so obvious, yet Jake remained as clueless as a block of wood. Well, it seemed the old man would have to step in.

But in this matter, Director Alexon was mistaken about Jake. Jake possessed supernatural abilities. Sister Mina’s unusual liveliness and the waves of excitement and joy she radiated today were clearer to him than anyone else. Precisely because of this, he was extra cautious, afraid of saying the wrong thing. After all, Sister Mina hadn’t explicitly confessed her feelings. Maybe Jake was just misreading the situation.

It was a rare opportunity to have dinner with the children of Sunshine Orphanage. The kids familiar with Jake crowded around him, especially the girls.

Sister Mina teased, "Being handsome has its perks. Even the kids adore you."

But the next moment, a slightly older boy, around sixth grade, "confessed his feelings" to Sister Mina.

Jake didn’t hold back in his retaliation.

The dinner ended in joy and laughter!

Director Alexon specially prepared a room for Jake.

When Jake finished washing up and sat on the edge of the bed, Sister Mina walked in without warning.

At that moment, she was holding her elastic stockings and knee-high boots, wearing the orphanage’s cotton slippers. Her black coat was wide open, revealing a tight gray bodycon dress underneath. Her ample chest strained against the dress, the neckline forming a shallow oval hollow filled with the swell of her creamy cleavage.

Her black coat was pushed aside by her full, round hips. Without the pointed boots, her long, straight legs were on full display, glowing faintly under the light—she was wearing sheer tights.

Her seductive curves moved toward Jake, her eyes meeting his.

"Sister Mina, did you get the wrong room? Didn’t Director Alexon arrange one for you?"

"No mistake, this is the one."

Suddenly remembering the meaningful look Director Alexon had given him when assigning the room, Jake realized his good intentions.

"Damn it, old man. Sister Mina really isn’t my girlfriend," he grumbled inwardly.

"Maybe Director Alexon got it wrong. Let me arrange another room for you," Jake said, about to stand up.

"No need. Director Alexon said this is the only one left," Sister Mina sat down beside Jake.

The scent of a mature woman drifted over, slowing Jake’s movements.

"What do you mean? There are no other rooms?"

"That’s what Director Alexon said."

"Let me ask." With that, Jake went out to find Director Alexon.

A while later, Jake returned apologetically. "Sister Mina, I’m really sorry. There really is only this one left. The orphanage has taken in many new children recently, and there aren’t enough beds. This room was previously used by volunteers, and it just so happens that this month, the usual volunteer is on break and didn’t come."

Scratching his head awkwardly, Jake wished he could disappear into a corner.

Sister Mina looked at the hesitant Jake and said casually, "Given the circumstances, we’ll have to make do. The bed is big enough anyway." With that, she took off her slippers, got into bed, and pulled up the covers.

"Huh?" Jake was sweating bullets.

"Sister Mina, I... isn’t this inappropriate?"

"Quit dawdling. If I, a woman, am not afraid, what are you scared of? Last time we drank, you were the same. Are you afraid I’ll eat you?" Sister Mina mocked mercilessly.

"This..." Jake hesitated inwardly.

"Turn off the lights, and lower the air conditioning. It’s a bit hot." Without waiting for Jake, she turned to face the wall.