Chapter 657

"Pinky promise, no take-backs for a hundred years!" The little girl extended her tiny finger, her bright eyes fixed on Evelyn.

Evelyn chuckled at her earnest expression and gently hooked their fingers together. "Deal. I'll be there."

Satisfied, the girl released her grip and skipped home, her twin braids bouncing merrily in the sunlight.

Alexander watched her retreating figure pensively. "Old Dr. Thompson is on duty tomorrow. You were planning to assist him, weren't you?"

"Yes." Evelyn nodded. "But now there's something more important."

The corner of Alexander's mouth lifted almost imperceptibly.

Night fell, bringing a sharp chill to the mountain village. Insisting on walking Evelyn back to her dorm, they strolled side by side along the cobbled path.

"That child is clever," Alexander remarked suddenly. "Bargaining and reading people at such a young age. If she'd been born in the city, she might've become a business prodigy."

Evelyn glanced sideways. "You've only been here two days. How do you know so much about the village's education situation?"

"A volunteer teacher came to ask you about a physics problem this morning," Alexander explained. "With time to spare, I taught their class. That's when I learned three grades are crammed into one adobe classroom."

His brow furrowed, recalling the children's eager eyes.

"This place lacks both medical care and education," Evelyn sighed. "The teacher you met is the third batch of volunteers. The first two left—he's the only one holding things together now."

After a thoughtful pause, Alexander said, "I'll have Emily establish an education fund specifically for supporting volunteer teachers here."

"Rare to see you so invested in education." Evelyn sounded surprised.

"Must be getting old." His smile was wry. "Seeing children suffer twists my heart now."

The night breeze carried the crisp fragrance of mountain herbs.

Evelyn paused mid-step. "Because of that little girl selling woven grass toys?"

"Yes." Alexander's voice lowered. "I kept thinking—if our child had lived, they'd be running around by now."

"It was only two months along. We couldn't even tell the gender." Evelyn's tone was even.

"It was a girl." His certainty was absolute. "I could feel it."

Evelyn didn't press further, remembering Grandma Hamilton's dying words about the little girl coming to greet her.

At the dorm entrance, light spilled through the door crack. Alexander stopped. "Get some rest."

"Staying at Elder Thompson's tonight?" Evelyn asked.

"Need to make a trip to town first." He gestured to his empty wallet. "Should probably have cash for grass toys tomorrow."

Understanding, she nodded. "Be careful."

"You told me to return early—wouldn't dare delay." Turning toward the village entrance, his silhouette soon dissolved into the darkness.

Dawn had barely broken when soft knocking roused Evelyn.

Wrapping herself in a robe, she opened the door to find yesterday's little girl waiting outside.

"Good morning, Dr. Carter!" The girl peeked behind her at a smaller boy. "This is my brother. We came to get you."

Timidly, the boy peeked out. "Morning, Dr. Carter."

"Give me just a moment." Moving quietly, Evelyn washed up and deliberately packed extra cash.

When she emerged, both children stood ramrod straight by the door like miniature adults.

"I'm Lily, and this is Lotus," the girl announced proudly. "Mom says when we were born, the pond's lilies and roots grew extra strong."

In the morning light, a tall figure approached.

Lily's eyes sparkled. "Big brother! Why are you coming from outside? I thought you lived with Dr. Carter!"

Alexander arched an eyebrow. "Why would we live together?"

"My parents do!" Lily declared matter-of-factly. "They're never apart!"