The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

About fifteen minutes later, the car came to a smooth stop in front of the Rainbow Bridge Welfare Home. Upon entering the welfare home, a lively yet orderly scene greeted the eye.

Some children were diligently learning painting techniques in the spacious and bright classroom under the teacher's guidance, their colorful paints creating whimsical worlds in their hands; others were intently manipulating clay, trying to sculpt their ideal shapes, their little faces full of seriousness and focus; still others sat at the piano, their small hands diligently playing simple pieces, their rhythms perhaps a little unsteady, but the clear and melodious sounds seemed to dispel all gloom. Seeing such a positive and uplifting learning atmosphere, Chen Mengyao couldn't help but smile with satisfaction, her eyes sparkling with emotion.

They then went straight to the office of Director Zhao Youze. After a gentle knock and receiving permission, they entered. Chen Mengyao greeted him politely, "Director Zhao, hello!" Zhao Youze responded warmly, "Oh, it's you! Please have a seat." Once everyone was seated, Chen Mengyao eagerly asked, "Director Zhao, I'd like to know how the children at the orphanage are doing lately? After our last performance, were any children selected to study at an arts school?"

Zhao Youze replied earnestly, "I have a lot of good news to tell you. I've been very busy lately and haven't had a chance to tell you all the good news yet. Since that wonderful performance last time, our welfare home has suddenly received a lot of attention. People have been coming to donate money and goods one after another. All kinds of daily necessities and school supplies are piled up like small mountains, and the children's living conditions have improved a lot."

Chen Mengyao's eyes lit up, and she continued to ask, "Are there any families who want to adopt the children?"

Zhao Youze smiled and nodded: "Of course! Many couples who are unable to have children were touched by the children's innocence and cuteness and expressed their desire to adopt them. We have found suitable adoptive families for several children in accordance with relevant regulations and procedures, and they are all living better lives now."

"That's wonderful!" Chen Mengyao was genuinely happy for the children, and then asked, "How's the situation at the art academy?"

Zhao Youze said proudly, "The dean of the art academy came personally to select children with artistic talent. I recommended those children who showed outstanding performance and great potential in their daily studies and activities to him. After the dean's meticulous evaluation, he finally decided to admit more than a dozen exceptionally outstanding children. Moreover, the academy decided to waive their tuition and living expenses so that they can concentrate on studying art without any worries."

Chen Mengyao asked curiously, "What about corporate cooperation? Are there any charitable companies willing to invest in our welfare home?"

Zhao Youze frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "Indeed, quite a few companies have approached us to discuss cooperation, but I am still carefully screening suitable companies. After all, this involves the children's future and the long-term development of the welfare home, so we must carefully consider various factors, such as the company's reputation, strength, and willingness to cooperate, to ensure that the selected companies can truly bring positive impact and substantial help to the welfare home."

Chen Mengyao nodded in agreement: "You did the right thing. It's always good to be cautious. I hope that in the end we can select the most ideal partner so that the welfare home can get better and better, and the children can have more opportunities."

Zhao Youze said firmly, "Don't worry, I will do my best to create a better environment for the children to grow up in."

“Dean Zhao,” Chen Mengyao gently put down her coffee cup, her gaze gentle yet serious, “You mentioned before that the children made quite a few handicrafts. When do you plan to take them to sell them? If it’s convenient, I’d like to go and take a look.”

Zhao Youze looked up, thought for a moment, and then smiled: "Everything is actually ready, we just need the right time. Since you're interested, let's arrange it according to your schedule. Give me a call whenever it's convenient for you, and I'll coordinate the children's schedule immediately."

Chen Mengyao nodded, a hint of anticipation flashing in her eyes: "That's great. I've always wanted to see if these children have the courage to go out onto the street, face strangers, and sell the things they've made themselves. This is not just a sales opportunity, but also a valuable experience for growth."

“Yes,” Zhao Youze replied softly, “I think so too. We should not only teach them skills, but also teach them how to face the world. After this sale, I want to strike while the iron is hot and open a bank account for each of them so they can deposit the money from selling the handicrafts. Let them have their own ‘income’ for the first time, even if it’s not much, it’s still a form of recognition.”

“That’s exactly what I was thinking!” Chen Mengyao said. “To let them know that their labor has value, and that even if they come from special backgrounds, they can create a better life for themselves.”

Zhao Youze continued, "I also plan to take them to a nursing home for a day. The children can perform a small concert for the elderly—they can play the piano, violin, and other instruments they are learning, as well as sing and dance. We can have them bring their handmade crafts or paintings to give to the elderly. Or they can learn to make some simple food at the nursing home and bring it to them to eat."

“It’s a win-win situation,” Chen Mengyao chuckled. “It can make the elderly feel warm and the children feel needed. Although they are orphans, they are not alone, and they can also become a light in other people’s lives. It can also teach them to care for others and respect the elderly.”

“That’s right.” Zhao Youze nodded. “I want them to understand that caring for others and giving love is a power in itself. This can not only boost their self-confidence, but also teach them respect and empathy. These qualities are more important than any knowledge.”

“I fully support it!” Chen Mengyao said firmly. “Here’s what we’ll do: I’ll check my schedule as soon as I get back and let you know as soon as I confirm the time. I want to be personally involved in both of these plans—selling handicrafts and visiting the nursing home. And,” she paused, a glint of inspiration in her eyes, “I’ll film the whole process. Not just to keep as a memento, but also to let the outside world see the cuteness and potential of these children. Perhaps, through social media, more people can learn about them, and it might even lead to more adoption opportunities.”

Zhao Youze was slightly taken aback, then smiled with relief: "This... is really great. I've always been worried that these children are being neglected by society. If you can use your influence to get more people to pay attention to them, that would be wonderful."

“Don’t mention it,” Chen Mengyao waved her hand. “I’m practically the owner of the orphanage now, I can’t just be a figurehead and do nothing, can I? Oh, right,” she suddenly remembered something, “you just mentioned that a few companies want to cooperate with us, send me their information. I’ll personally have someone investigate their backgrounds to make sure they have good credit and no bad records. After confirming everything is fine, you can invite them to the orphanage for a detailed discussion. At that time, I will send an assistant to help you investigate and select the truly suitable candidates for cooperation.”

Zhao Youze nodded earnestly: "I understand your concerns. The children's future cannot be taken lightly. With you overseeing things, I feel more at ease."

“Also,” Chen Mengyao’s tone turned serious, “you must continue to monitor the living conditions of the families who adopted those children. Make regular follow-up visits to ensure that they did not adopt the children to gain sympathy or for personal gain. If any signs of abuse or neglect are discovered, you must intervene immediately.”

"I will definitely do this," Zhao Youze solemnly promised. "I have arranged for someone to keep track of this, and if I am too busy, I will have my assistant follow up. I will never let any child be harmed."

“And those kids who went to art school,” Chen Mengyao added, “we can’t just leave them alone. We need to check on their progress and their mental state regularly to make sure they’re adapting well. When they come back from their holidays, I’ll personally come to the welfare home and give each child a smartwatch.”

"A phone watch?" Zhao Youze was somewhat surprised.

“Yes,” Chen Mengyao explained, “That way, we can contact them anytime, no matter where they are. In case of an emergency, we can know immediately. Moreover, it’s also a way of conveying a sense of security—letting them know that even if they leave the welfare home, there are still people who care about them.”

Zhao Youze felt a warmth in his heart: "You've thought of everything so thoroughly. I will oversee the implementation to ensure that no step is overlooked."

After discussing these important matters, the somewhat tense atmosphere in the office finally eased a little. Chen Mengyao leaned back in her chair, her tone becoming gentler: "Dean Zhao, there's something else I'd like to remind you of. Art is certainly very important, but knowledge in other subjects should absolutely not be neglected. Basic education subjects like Chinese, mathematics, English, and science are the cornerstone of children's future development, and they must be taught solidly."

She paused briefly, then continued, "I think it would be more appropriate to transfer all the children here after the school is officially completed. Until then, for those children who have reached the school age, it's best to send them to nearby schools. However, we must be careful when choosing a school; we can't just send our children to any school we like. We need to ensure that the school's environment and atmosphere are suitable for the children's growth, and absolutely ensure that they are not bullied at school."

Chen Mengyao's expression turned serious. She emphasized, "We must get the phone numbers of their school principal and homeroom teacher so we can keep track of the children's situation at any time. When they come back from their holidays, I will also give them children's smartwatches so we can stay in touch with them and know how they are doing. After all, children's growth is not just about studying; playing and exploring are also very important parts."

“You’re right,” Zhao Youze nodded. “We arrange outdoor activities every week, but we can definitely make them more varied.”

“I have an idea,” Chen Mengyao’s eyes lit up. “I’ll buy a bus for the welfare home later and hire a full-time driver. That will make it much easier for you to take the children camping, picnicking, and visiting museums in the countryside. I can also design some novel games, such as ‘Nature Treasure Hunt’ and ‘Team Challenge,’ which can not only improve their physical fitness but also cultivate their cooperation and problem-solving skills. If you have any better ideas, you can write a proposal and send it to me, and then we can discuss how to implement it together.”

"This is simply ideal!" Zhao Youze couldn't help but exclaim. "Having a car greatly expands our range of activities. The children can also access a wider world."

“Then it’s settled.” Chen Mengyao smiled. “I’ll arrange the bus and driver. Also,” she paused, “I’ll also assign a few security guards to the orphanage. It’s full of children, so safety is the top priority. I really can’t rest easy without professional security.”

Zhao Youze looked at her deeply and said sincerely, "Mengyao, thank you so much. You not only invested funds, but also cared about every detail. Your dedication makes even me, the dean, feel ashamed."

“Don’t say that.” Chen Mengyao gently shook her head. “I just hope these children can grow up in a safe, warm, and hopeful environment. They deserve the best.”

The two smiled at each other, and the air in the office seemed to brighten up a bit.

Time slipped by unnoticed, and the sunlight outside the window gradually began to slant westward. More than an hour had passed since all matters were discussed.

"Well...we'll be going now." Chen Mengyao stood up and straightened her clothes.

Zhao Youze also stood up to see them off: "Thank you for coming today. You've thought of so many details. You've been a great help."

“Of course,” Chen Mengyao smiled. “We are one, and the child’s future is our responsibility.”

Ouyang Han, who had been sitting quietly to the side, stood up and nodded slightly: "Dean Zhao, please contact me anytime if you need anything. I will do my best to coordinate Yao Yao's resources and connections."

"Definitely," Zhao Youze replied gratefully.

The three of them walked together toward the office door. The moment the door was pushed open, a burst of clear laughter came from outside the corridor—several children were chasing and playing in the yard, holding up the colored paper windmills they had just made, running across the flower beds, their laughter like silver bells filling the entire courtyard.

Chen Mengyao stopped and gazed quietly out the window. Sunlight shone on the children's faces, casting a pure glow. She said softly, "Look how happy they are. Just give them a little light, and they can shine on their own."

Ouyang Han stood beside her and replied in a low voice, "Yes, sometimes it's not that they need us, but that we need them to teach us what hope is."

Zhao Youze looked at the group of children, his eyes full of tenderness: "When they grow up, they will definitely become kind, strong, and responsible people. Because they learned to love and be loved from the very beginning."

Chen Mengyao turned around and said to Zhao Youze, "So, let's work together and not let this hope be extinguished."

"Definitely not." Zhao Youze nodded firmly.

The three walked side by side out of the orphanage building. The setting sun cast long shadows of them, as if stretching towards the distant future. A gentle breeze blew by, carrying the children's laughter and a silent promise—on this land, every child will be treated with kindness, and every dream will have the opportunity to blossom.