Calix and his small entourage reached Frostwich Town at a little over nine. The helicopter landed at an open field surrounded by forest. Edward arranged for Calix to et with the rest of the team there.
Two executive vans were parked near the landing area of the helicopter. Both vehicles were loaded with huge boxes containing supplies for the orphanage.
Multiple types of hygiene products, school supplies, non-perishable food items including cans of formula, books and toys.
Aside from the ones requested by Director Margaret, Edward also added a few more necessary items.
"Second Young Master Xu, everyone is ready."
"Good. Let’s not waste ti," Calix simply nodded at the group of bodyguards waiting for him there. He deftly unbuttoned his suit jacket, "How long will it take to reach the orphanage?"
"In twenty minutes," reported one of the bodyguards called Zane. He followed right beside Calix, "The director is expecting our arrival as scheduled."
Calix asked nothing anymore, simply reminding all of the bodyguards, "Don’t forget to change your clothes. Do you want to frighten the kids with your getup? Smile more when you guys et the kids. Don’t look so scary ah."
"..."
Boss Xu, faces were not sothing they could easily change ah.
Having no choice, the bodyguards carried the order. All of them switched into casual outfits, using the helipad as their changing area. A few of them stored their sunglasses back in the cases.
Calix also did the sa. He changed his navy blue suit to a mint-colored round-collared shirt, beige cargo pants and a jacket in the color cream. His new appearance made him look more approachable.
To avoid suspicions, Calix didn’t dare leave ho in this casual outfit. Leslie and Aunt Wendy would surely ask him about the inappropriate choice to head to the one-day business trip.
"Wait, Logan."
Calix’s sudden call prompted the bodyguard nad Logan to halt walking. The latter wore a navy blue collared T-shirt paired with the black long pants.
"Yes, Second Young Master."
Tilting his head, Calix sized Logan from head to toe. His action raised questions in Logan and the others. They couldn’t help but wonder what their boss had in mind.
Calix locked his gaze on Logan’s face. To be more specific, he was staring at the thin yet long scar marred the left side of the latter’s forehead.
Logan gained the mark during his service as Calix’s private bodyguard. It happened a few years ago when the latter was dealing with a rival company.
Logan’s facial features were sharp. He looked nacing even when he was relaxing and doing nothing. Adding the scar to the mix, he exuded a more threatening aura.
"That scar," Calix pointed to his own forehead, his eyes narrowing, "What will you answer if the kids ask about it?"
Logan blinked. He didn’t expect to be questioned like that from his boss. His colleagues were also tensed upon hearing the weird inquiry.
Well, Logan’s face was quite terrifying ah. He had encountered many kids who ran away from him at first sight.
But...
Squaring his shoulders, Logan exclaid with a determined face, his voice blaring in the air, "Tell them this is my dal of honor!"
"Yes! That’s it!"
Calix clapped his hands once, garnering attention from the other bodyguards before they awkwardly did the sa. Stepping closer to Logan, Calix patted the taller and robust man’s right arm.
"Wow~ You know the right answer ah. Yes, yes, answer the kids like that," said Calix, looking like a proud father despite being several years younger than Logan.
Laughing awkwardly, Logan replied, "...thank you, Boss Xu."
The rest of the bodyguards, "..."
Boss Xu, wouldn’t the kids be scared away if they imagined the bloody fight?
"Okay! Let’s get going!"
Calix’s declaration was t with a collective of loud "Yes!" from the bodyguards. All of them snapped out of the short scene that happened between their boss with Logan.
Soon, the two vans left the forest, heading to their destination.
The ride to the orphanage was smooth but, no one knew how nervous Calix was on the inside. It was different from how casual he acted just a mont ago.
Throwing his gaze out of the window, Calix tried to soothe his feelings. The unfamiliar yet calming scenery of the small town piqued his interest.
’I’ve never co here. If not for this search, I might not step foot here at all.’
Frostwich Town was a particularly rural town in Bridgeland City. Calix had heard about this place before but, this was his first ti visiting it.
The vans rode past the buildings of the quaint town. The residents were going through their daily lives. Despite being a small settlent, the place was still bustling with myriads of activities.
After a few minutes, the vehicles left the comrcial districts of the town. Densely packed leaves of small forests surrounded the roads, letting dappled sunlight beam through the swaying leaves.
According to Edward, Harmony Haven Orphanage was located in one of the few villages in Frostwich Town. Less than thirty children lived there, aged five months to thirteen years old.
’She... is she doing her rebab sessions now?’
Calix was inadvertently reminded of Leslie. She was supposed to have her usual sessions with Ms. Chen and Ms. Yao. It would be another arduous day for her.
Caught in a trance, Calix unconsciously clasped his hands together. His countenance was reflected in the car window, showing the lingering worry between his brows.
Despite having a firm resolve, Calix was still concerned about conducting a separate and secret investigation without Leslie’s knowledge. He had a feeling that doing so might be akin to opening the Pandora’s box.
’Whether my guesses are true or not, I still need to apologize to her. A long overdue... apology.’
For investigating behind her back and... for the pain he caused her years ago.
While Calix was drowned in his pool of thoughts, the two vans were closely approaching their destination. A two-story building stood in the middle of a gated compound.
"Second Young Master, we’ve arrived," announced Logan who stood near Calix, "Oh, I think one of them is the director."
Hearing that, Calix returned to his senses. He briefly looked at the yard before shifting his eyes to the front porch of the orphanage. Two middle-aged won stood there as if they were waiting for their arrival.
Calix randomly smoothened the front of his shirt. Once the vans stopped moving, he headed out, following Logan. The others also did the sa.
"Welco to Harmony Haven Orphanage," greeted the woman wearing glasses, slightly nodding at Calix, "I’m Margaret Li, the director of this ho. I believe you’re CEO Xu."
"Good morning, Director Li," Calix put on a polite smile, "Please, drop the CEO. It’s a pleasure to et you."
"Then, I’ll address you as Mr. Xu," Director Li softened her smile. She introduced the woman next to her, "This is the head caretaker of this ho, Barbara Fan."
"Hello, Mr. Xu. We’re honored to have you here today."
Calix, Director Li and Mrs. Fan exchanged several conversations while the casually dressed bodyguards unloaded the boxes from the vans. The sight of the supplies brightened the won’s countenances.
"Mr. Xu... this... this is a lot," exclaid Director Li, unable to tone down her happiness.
"We’re glad to help," Calix’s eyes glinted, "Where are the children, Director Li? We’ve brought toys for them."
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