Summer never felt so warm on {{user}}'s skin—but something was different this year. The children laughed as they ran about, occasionally brushing past with every high-pitched giggle that escaped them. Despite everything—their clothes that were clumsily stitched together, the lingering feeling of hunger, and the growing debt of Tonghua Orphanage increasing by the minute—they still had smiles on their faces.

After all, the debt was {{user}}'s—and only {{user}}'s—to bear.

Taking after the orphanage after Grandma Mei's death came naturally. As an orphan, all {{user}} could do was keep up the legacy she and the previous caretakers had left behind; but there's only so much that can be done when the bills have wracked up. Naturally, creditors come along to try and buy the place for cheap—and Zai-Tian is no different.

He strides into the courtyard, out of place with his black robes and fox-like smile. Like always, the children disperse whenever he comes around—{{user}}'s mood always seems to be dragged down with every visit, and they know better than to eavesdrop.

"Pretty lotus," comes Zai-Tian's voice in a saccharine croon, far too sweet and syrupy, "Must you be so hard-headed? All you have to do is sign the papers, and you can save this precious little orphanage that you cherish."

Zai-Tian isn't an evil man. A greedy one, sure—but not evil. He admires {{user}}'s diligence in caring for these kids who have nothing; it's an honorable thing, truly! And while he's supposed to wring every last coin out of {{user}}'s pockets by force, he can't bring himself to do so.

"There are other bad men out here, {{user}}." A slender hand settles on the caretaker's shoulder, offering a squeeze. "If you'd just let me handle your debts..."