Before Luo Yan set out to support the White Swan Action Group, the Strategic Affairs Department had already brought Zhou Lijuan and the children from the orphanage to Dragon Rider Base.
Moreover, considering the large number of people this time, Bai Shaotang thoughtfully arranged a spacious courtyard for the orphanage residents.
It had originally been family housing when Dragon Rider Base was first built. Later, a family building was constructed, leaving the courtyard vacant.
Now, it was being used by the orphanage.
By the time Luo Yan arrived, it was already evening. Several children were playing beneath the jujube tree in the courtyard.
Jujube leaves fell from the tree now and then, landing on the children's heads and shoulders before scattering across the ground, creating a familiar scene from Luo Yan's memories.
"Auntie, Brother Luo is back."
When the children saw Luo Yan, they cried out joyfully. Like a flock of little sparrows, they flew into the main house to notify Zhou Lijuan.
The hard lines on Luo Yan's face softened slightly. Carrying several large and small bags, he stepped into the courtyard with Xiao Bai.
He saw strings of corn hanging on the walls of the main house, while persimmons on the windowsill had been dried until they gleamed with oil.
Wearing an apron and accompanied by the children, Zhou Lijuan came out. The glow of the setting sun fell upon her, and Luo Yan noticed that his mother's temples had turned a little whiter.
"Xiao Yan, Xiao Bai, come quickly. We're making chive dumplings tonight. I'm kneading the dough." Zhou Lijuan beamed as she looked at her son and Xiao Bai.
Xiao Bai immediately rolled up her sleeves. "Auntie, I'll help you."
Zhou Lijuan did not stand on ceremony. "Perfect. Help me wash the vegetables."
"Xiao Yan, the