"Is that so?" The director's narrowed eyes widened, and he looked genuinely pleased on the boy's behalf. "Xiao He has a bright future ahead of him. Don't forget to give back to the park when you make it."
Xiao He smiled modestly. "Don't worry. I'll come back to visit often."
The director signed the papers for them, then watched them leave with a genial smile. Only after a moment did he remark meaningfully, "They'll find out once they leave. There's nowhere better than the park."
"Do the children have to leave the park when they reach a certain age? Are they adopted?" Xu Huo asked.
"Not exactly." The director turned back, still wearing that cheerful smile. "They're children with very high scores on their genetic tests. Children like these are suited for Evolution, and there's a good chance they'll become Players one day. Especially that boy named Xiao He—his genetic test results were the best among children his age."
"Children this exceptional are gradually taken in by different people. Once they turn sixteen and graduate from the park, they can go live with the families who've accepted them and learn about being a Player. Then, once they become Players, they'll soar to great heights."
Xu Huo smiled at that.
The director smiled too.
Even if they became Players, that didn't mean they'd soar to great heights. Entering the game was only the beginning, and the hardships of survival came from more than just the game.
From what Xu Huo had learned so far, the orphans of Flower City probably had one of three fates. The first was to be raised as prospective Players after passing genetic tests, like the children they'd just met, then divided among Flower City's various factions as they grew up.
The second was what Chen Chou