Shi Xia’s hands were clasped shyly behind her back, her lower lip caught between her teeth, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.

Ye Chang’an had no idea why Shi Xia had suddenly brought him to this quiet room. Naturally, it was empty—the other children were still playing at the orphanage’s playground.

The orphanage was spacious, with various buildings: a small track field, sports grounds, classrooms, a music room, study room, tiny library, and a self-service cafeteria where everyone ate together. This room was the study area, furnished with desks, chairs, and soft floor cushions—some kids preferred sitting on the floor.

Ye Chang’an truly thought the orphanage was wonderful. The other children felt happy too. Only Shi Xia seemed slightly out of place, occasionally wearing a sorrowful expression. He assumed she was recalling past trauma, so he often gazed at her with gentle sympathy. But whenever she noticed his look, she’d flusteredly glance away. Was it just shyness?

"Young master…" Shi Xia murmured softly in the quiet room.

Ye Chang’an gave a wry smile. He didn’t quite get it—Shi Xia always called him "Young master," unlike the others who said "Big Brother" or "Director Brother." "You don’t have to call me that," he said cheerfully.

Shi Xia tilted her head, confusion flickering across her face. After a long pause, her lips trembled slightly as she shyly whispered, "Then… Dad?"

"What the—!" Ye Chang’an nearly choked. Good thing he wasn’t drinking. Did he look *that* old? He was only fifteen! Just three years older than her…

Flustered, Shi Xia stammered, "B-because… I thought calling you ‘Dad’ would make Young Master happy. I heard boys like it when others call them ‘Dad’… especially young girls…"

…

Ye Chang’an fell silent. Honestly? Hard to argue. He didn’t have friends like that… but who’d refuse a beautiful girl calling them "Dad"? A strange, warm flutter stirred deep inside.

So… comfortable…

Being called "Dad" felt *really* good…

Noticing his shifting expression, Shi Xia pressed closer. "Dad… Dad? Dad~" she cooed with each step. Her budding chest, subtly outlined by the white dress, drew the eye. At 160 cm, she was tall for twelve. Ye Chang’an stood only 170 cm—suddenly, the space between them felt charged. The height difference was… oddly perfect.

"O-okay, fine… I don’t mind," Ye Chang’an replied with flustered protest, though inwardly thrilled. *I love this!* Wait… as orphanage director, wasn’t he basically a foster father figure anyway?

Shi Xia’s heart hammered. This was her first time being so boldly coquettish with a boy. But for her younger siblings’ sake… it had to be done. If she pleased Young Master… would he leave the others alone? Clumsy and uncertain, she’d steeled herself—even for pain. No one else should suffer.

"Dad…" Her voice trembled, head bowed, tears threatening.

Sensing her shift, Ye Chang’an instinctively placed a hand on her shoulder. So slender, yet carrying invisible weight. Family tragedies. Comforting crying younger kids. But who comforted *her*? He sighed inwardly. Maybe she just needed to lean on someone—like any normal girl. And he *was* her big brother, director… now even a foster father figure. She probably just wanted to talk. To be held.

A gentle, understanding smile touched his lips.

Three seconds later—it vanished. Replaced by pure shock.

"Huh…?"

Before he could react, her fingers undid the dress buttons and waist sash. The pure white dress slid down, revealing her slight, trembling frame in simple white cotton undergarments. Milky skin contrasted with ink-black hair; rosy lips, peach-blossom cheeks flushed. At twelve, she carried an unintended, delicate allure—enough to stir quiet, unnamed flames within him.

"Why…"

Ye Chang’an stepped back instinctively. Shi Xia lifted her head, eyes glistening.

"If you have me, Dad… you won’t need anyone else, right?"