Let’s Start All Over Again, Shall We?

Chapter 384 Can’t We Be Friends?

Nathael stayed quiet, tending to his wounds. Though young, he seemed tough and reserved, like a lone wolf.

Coming closer, Maggie offered, “Need a hand?”

Nathael turned away, puzzled by the girl’s sudden interest after watching from the sidelines.

Blinking, Maggie refrained from reaching out further. Instead, she sat in front of him and studied him closely.

His clothes seemed to be of high quality. It was a plain white shirt, but it was a bit chilly for this weather. Plus, after the fight, his shirt was ripped and stained with mud and blood.

Maggie watched as he took off his shirt, feeling a bit surprised.

Despite their youth, they both understood the differences between genders. Moreover, he had a strong physique, youthful muscles, and smooth lines, showing off his strength.

Examining his injuries, Maggie suddenly felt the sweetness of the candy in her mouth fade away.

He had some old scars on his back, looking fierce and intimidating. Along with the bruises and wounds from the recent fight, the small, dim room felt eerily cold.

Ignoring her, Nathael quietly tended to his wounds, but the direct stare from behind made him uneasy. However, he didn’t have the energy to argue. He reassured himself that as long as she didn’t overstep, he could tolerate her for a bit.

Luckily, Maggie didn’t linger for long before leaving the storage room.

Nathael breathed a sigh of relief, thinking she probably found him boring. But he preferred being alone, finding solace in solitude.

Once Maggie left, she retrieved her stash of candies, bread, and cookies. She took out half and hurried back to her bedroom.

“Does anyone have some rubbing alcohol and extra blankets? I’ll trade with them.”

The children, almost asleep, stared at what she held. Someone quickly replied, “I have disinfectant and some bandages.”

Since she hadn’t used them all after her last injury, she kept some.

In the orphanage, getting treated after a fight was expected. But to prevent wild behavior and frequent fights, there were punishments for going to the infirmary too often.

Whether they got into an accident or a fight, one thing was clear: No one here was their parent. They wanted obedient and sensible children, not troublemakers.

So, most of the time, unless the injuries were severe, some children endured silently, preferring it to being confined or having their already scarce meals reduced.

Maggie quickly traded candies and cookies for disinfectant and medicine. It was basic, but it was enough for the children here.

Then Maggie took out a thick new shirt and went to the boys' dormitory to find familiar faces. She gave one of them candy and was willing to trade.

Finally, Maggie added a few more candies and traded them for a bomber jacket. It wasn’t brand new and was donated by an adult, albeit in worn but good condition. It was a bit big, so the sleeves went past his fingertips.

Carrying the items, Maggie turned and hurried back to the storage room.

Nathael was now in a thin shirt, leaning against a bookshelf. His face was pale, and his lips colorless.

Hearing the door open, he frowned and turned around with a defensive stance.

To his surprise, he saw the girl returning while carrying blankets and various items, staggering towards him.

Maggie placed the items beside him and met his gaze while swiftly asking, “Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

Nathael furrowed his brow, asking, “Why are you here?”

"I noticed your wounds haven’t been cleaned, and there's not enough medicine. It’s also too cold here, and your blanket isn’t thick enough,” Maggie said gently, her tone calm but with a hint of familiarity.

Looking past his hair, Nathael carefully studied the girl in front of him for the first time.

She was young and much shorter than him with fair skin. Even in this orphanage, she stood out, her features surpassing many wealthy daughters he had seen.

However, there were faint blood streaks on her cheeks, giving her a more untamed look, suggesting that—

Maggie didn’t make a fuss, allowing him to observe quietly.

Starting last night, she hadn’t even been this kind to the stash of goods she had saved up for so long. But she found that boy impressive, unlike anyone else she had met in the orphanage.

Maggie hoped that he would realize that maybe she saw him as another friend in the orphanage, someone genuine.

Though she appeared to be doing well, there were always people scheming against her, wanting to harm her.

Maggie was stunned.

Is there such an affordable bodyguard in the world? Why do I feel like I’m getting such a good deal…

“Can’t we be friends? Friends can protect each other too,” Maggie suggested tentatively.

She had a few friends in the orphanage before, but they began to distance themselves after she stopped being bullied.

Maggie didn’t blame them; they were bullied like her, and she didn’t want to share her haul with them anyway.

There were too many of them.

But now, she was willing to share with the boy in front of her. Maggie thought he was handsome, like the most exquisite doll in a shop window, making her want to give him the best things without a second thought.

Moreover, as she mentioned, when he got better, he could protect her.

He was capable, and they would surely have better days ahead if they worked together, with plenty of good food. At least she wouldn’t be afraid of being attacked anymore.