White walls, white tile floors, a white dome ceiling—no decoration whatsoever. There wasn't even a potted plant by the entrance. Rather than an office, it looked more like a hospital.
Every so often, there were entire glass walls along the corridor that offered a view inside. The darkened rooms contained toys, bookcases, and simple drawings on the walls.
After faintly hearing children's voices, Fang Ran finally couldn't help looking at Adeline and asking:
"What kind of charity is this?"
"This is a children's welfare institution specializing in the adoption and education of sick children. It is somewhat similar in nature to an orphanage."
An orphanage.
He paused slightly at her answer. Before he could ask anything else, he followed the female staff member on duty through a door and into a lit room.
Fang Ran saw a corner of a recreation room slightly larger than an indoor basketball court, where a small party was underway.
There was uneaten candy on two tables pushed together. A lively holiday program played on the television set on the shelf. Within a small area outlined with decorative garlands,
seven or eight children were gathered around a Christmas tree that had yet to be put away.
There was a quiet, introverted little boy, one or two sunny and lively troublemakers, a group of adorable, energetic little girls huddled together like a flock of sparrows, and a reserved little girl standing off to the side without saying much.
One of the little girls was especially eye-catching. She had blonde hair and wore a dress. Pretty and sensible, she was liked by everyone like an older sister.
It felt as though the protagonists of some story had yet to grow up. They had gathered as if celebrating something, laughter occasionally ringing out as they happily enjoyed themselves.