Chapter 3.1: How Could I Mistreat an Old Friend?
Several hundred notification sounds rang in succession, but today’s schedule was not yet over. After finishing the feast, it was time for the next activity.
“Hehe, there are gifts for the children too.”
Luo Yu distributed gifts with a heartfelt smile, receiving a notification with each gift given.
Each gift was something useful for daily life or toys that the children liked. Everyone who received a gift was incredibly excited and happy.
Meanwhile, in a distant, quieter street, three small figures stood. One of the boys looked longingly at the children receiving toys in the distance. After much hesitation, he nervously glanced at the blonde girl with a hat leading them.
“Boss Hook, um, I also want…”
“Hmm?”
Before he could finish his sentence, Hook shot him a disapproving look, making Julian too scared to continue.
“Humph!” Hook’s little face turned serious. “Julian the Shapeshifter, we are the Mole Gang, the future protectors of Boulder Town. As guardians, we should set an example and selflessly give up our opportunities so that other children can receive gifts.”
Julian pouted in frustration.
In the beginning, Hook had also eagerly accepted gifts, but after seeing Luo Yu surrounded by cheering and adoring people, she felt deeply impacted. She began to place more importance on the noble image of the Mole Gang and often spoke lofty principles.
“But there are always leftover gifts…” Julian mumbled in a small voice, feeling aggrieved.
“That doesn’t mean we should trouble others!” Hook immediately replied, rejecting his idea. She then added, “And remember to address me as Lord Hook the Dark.”
Hook looked at him with a solemn expression. “Julian the Shapeshifter, we are the Mole Gang. Since we decided to become the future guardians of Boulder Town, we must take action. Have you forgotten your original vow?”
Julian felt even more aggrieved.
When did I ever make such a vow?
He looked to the other girl beside him, hoping for some support from Alina. However, Alina didn’t pay any attention to him, not even hearing the argument.
“Ah~ Lord Luo Yu looks so handsome today~ I also want to go over.” She clasped her hands together and stared dreamily at Luo Yu, watching him smile warmly as he handed a gift to a child and patted their head. She was utterly infatuated, her eyes practically sparkling with hearts.
Julian: “…”
After educating her teammate, Hook turned her gaze back to Luo Yu.
She first met the blonde philanthropist two months ago. She also received a gift, but instead of toys, she chose other essential items to ease her father’s burden. Luo Yu had gently patted her head with a memorable smile.
The second time, she happily called her father to join. However, when she saw Luo Yu surrounded by adoring people, the chicken leg in her hand suddenly lost its flavor.
It was then that she took her role as the Mole Gang’s leader more seriously and saw Luo Yu as her biggest rival.
Looking at Luo Yu in the distance, surrounded by smiles and cheers, Hook lowered her head in defeat after a long while.
“Ugh~ I failed…”
She couldn’t compete with the blonde philanthropist.
Then, she looked up again and saw Luo Yu waving at her. He smiled and shook a gift in his hand. Hook was momentarily stunned, her eyes filled with longing for the gift. But she quickly snapped out of it, her face turning red. She huffed, crossed her arms, and turned her head away.
…
They continued distributing gifts.
“What’s the matter, Lord Luo Yu?” Sampo asked, noticing Luo Yu waving in a particular direction and curiously craning his neck to look, but the crowd obscured his view.
Luo Yu turned back without explaining. “It’s nothing.”
Sampo, still pondering, rubbed his hands together with a sly grin after a while.
“Lord Luo Yu, look, everyone has a gift. I’ve been helping out all day; shouldn’t I also…?” Sampo looked at him expectantly.
Luo Yu nodded and pulled out a delicate little box that looked meticulously prepared. “Of course, I’ve prepared something for you. How could I forget my old friend?”
“Oh, haha! Lord Luo Yu, you’re too kind! Rest assured, old Sampo never mistreats his friends.” Sampo was overjoyed, eagerly accepting the ornate gift box. It felt heavy, making him even more excited as he quickly untied the ribbon and opened it.
But then his smile froze.