Kids, this isn’t funny

The two quickly arrived at the crowd, and Xiao Ying stood at the edge, trying to look inside, but her short stature made it impossible to see past the people in front of her.

Even when she stood on her tiptoes, it couldn’t make up for the height difference.

Seeing this, Su Mo came to her side, placed his hands around her waist, and lifted her up.

“Wah! Su Mo, what are you doing!?”

The sudden change in height and perspective made Xiao Ying let out a startled scream. Once she realized it was Su Mo lifting her, she asked in confusion.

“I saw that you really wanted to see inside but couldn’t, so I thought I’d help you out.”

Saying this, Su Mo lifted Xiao Ying above his head and placed her on his shoulders. Her alluring legs, wrapped in white over-the-knee socks, hung like snowy scarves on either side of his chest.

He reached out and placed a hand on Xiao Ying’s thighs. The soft and elastic sensation transmitted through his palm, enhanced by the white silk made of an unknown material issued by the church, making it even more pleasant to touch.

‘Although nothing compares to a real girl’s touch, these legs are certainly top-tier.’

Su Mo touched and pinched the areas covered and uncovered by the white silk, giving himself a slightly narcissistic evaluation.

At this moment, Xiao Ying had no idea that Su Mo’s hands were not entirely innocent. Sitting atop his shoulders, her view suddenly expanded greatly, allowing her to see the quest board through the crowd.

It was a brand-new announcement, looking as if it had been posted very recently.

With her keen eyesight, Xiao Ying could read everything on it even from a distance.

【Announcement: Recently, a large number of unknown beasts have appeared outside the town. Their origin remains unclear. People without self-protection abilities are advised not to leave the town during this period.

Our guild also invites adventurers to hunt the beasts roaming outside the town. Rewards will be distributed based on the purity of the magic crystals brought back.】

“So? Can you see what it says?”

After enjoying the view of Xiao Ying’s perfect legs, Su Mo asked.

“It’s an announcement. It says that a lot of beasts have suddenly appeared outside the town, but we didn’t see a single one on our way here?”

Xiao Ying said, puzzled.

“Maybe we were lucky, or the adventurers have already taken care of most of them.”

Gently placing Xiao Ying down, Su Mo replied.

“What a shame… I’m not strong enough. The Archbishop said I can’t use magic yet; otherwise, I’d love to help everyone.”

Xiao Ying looked disappointed, and seeing this, Su Mo patted her head to comfort her.

“Well, if we can’t help much, then let’s not make a mess. Let’s go there, take a look, and then head back to the church.”

Xiao Ying quickly recovered from her moment of disappointment, then smiled at Su Mo and said:

“That place… it’s been a long time since I last went. I wonder how the little ones are doing.”

A nostalgic look appeared in Su Mo’s eyes as well.

The place they spoke of was an orphanage within the town.

Xiao Ying had lived there before being selected by the Archbishop to join the church as a novice nun.

Because her magic was somewhat unstable, the Archbishop sealed all of her magical circuits and would only unseal them once a solution was found.

“In the blink of an eye, I’ve been in the church for many years. Everyone has been kind, and the people around me are all good-hearted. Thinking about it, I really am a fortunate person.

If Mom and Dad knew, they’d be happy too.”

Holding Su Mo’s hand and feeling the warmth from his palm, a sense of happiness filled Xiao Ying’s heart.

In fact, Xiao Ying had one more thing she didn’t say aloud: ever since finding Su Mo, she had truly felt happiness and joy.

But she was too shy to say it out loud, so she only repeated it in her heart.

“That’s good, as long as you’re happy.”

Su Mo responded, though his gaze remained fixed on the surrounding area.

“What’s wrong?”

Noticing this, Xiao Ying tilted her head in confusion.

“Ah… it’s just been a while since I’ve been here, so I’m getting familiar with the surroundings again.”

“I see.”

Since just a moment ago, Su Mo had felt a sense of being watched. He couldn’t pinpoint the direction, but the sensation was sharp and chilling.

However, it soon disappeared.

Xiao Ying didn’t notice, and to avoid worrying her, Su Mo lied about it.

Soon, they saw the familiar building, and the sounds of children playing inside the orphanage gradually became clearer.

As they approached, one child noticed Su Mo and Xiao Ying, his face lighting up with excitement as he pointed at them and shouted:

“Brother Su Mo and Sister Ying are here!”

His shout made all the children look toward the entrance and run toward them, cheering loudly.

Seeing this, Su Mo felt uneasy and quickly stepped forward to shield Xiao Ying behind him.

Just after this, countless children jumped on Su Mo, clinging to him like a barrage of rocket tackles.

“Brother Su Mo!”

The kids laughed and pounced on him with rocket tackles.

Fortunately, Su Mo’s physical strength was extraordinary, allowing him to remain standing despite being lifted by so many children.

“Children, I’m back.”

Su Mo forced a smile and spoke to the kids clinging to him.

Hearing this, one child suddenly remembered something and shouted:

“Lao Da! Don’t elbow me!”

This was the slogan Su Mo had taught them previously. They had agreed to use it when they met again.

Following this child’s lead, all the other children shouted in unison.

Instantly, countless voices cried out, “Lao Da, don’t elbow me!” throughout the orphanage.

From behind Su Mo, Xiao Ying peeked out, covering her mouth as she laughed softly.

The girls at the orphanage surrounded Xiao Ying, chatting about topics the boys weren’t interested in.

Hearing the noise, an elderly woman stepped out of the orphanage building. Seeing Su Mo and Xiao Ying, she smiled warmly, her wrinkled face radiating kindness.

“Xiao Mo and Xiao Ying are here! It’s been a while since I last saw you two.”

Slowly walking forward, the elder approached them with a smile.

Hearing this, Xiao Ying quickly tidied her clothes, then bowed lightly, smiling as she said:

“Hello, Director. Su Mo and I have come to visit again. I hope we’re not disturbing you.”

The director simply smiled warmly and said:

“Not at all. I hope you and Xiao Mo could come every day. The children are always happy when you’re here.

And Xiao Ying is part of this place now; how could I mind that the children see her as family?”