Chapter 16

Join my discord!

https://discord.gg/cN4sKv2k4x

If you are interested in supporting me and reading the chapters in advance, here is my p@treon!

Patreon.com/TheJiujitsuGuy

You can also search for: "BaritsuSupremacy" to find it on the platform.

I hope you enjoy the reading!

______________________________________________________________________________________

____Lohan Pov____

Honestly, sometimes I don't understand myself. At first, I had decided not to get completely involved in the plot, but here I am, watching the boy created by Olly Wang eat the instant noodles I prepared.

I'm still a little annoyed that I made this decision so hastily, after all, Olly Wang is not someone I can face in my current state.

But anyway, it's done. Knowing this boy's future, I wouldn't feel good about myself if I just watched.

Just by the lack of sparkle in his eyes as he eats, I can understand this boy's state of mind. In my days as an orphan, I could only see this kind of look in traumatized children, whether from being beaten, treated like garbage, or even worse, which I prefer not to remember.

Right now, this helpless boy is just acting like a machine, following the orders of his programmer, Olly Wang. I don't doubt that he's thinking of a way to steal my things when I'm asleep.

I still don't know if I can change that, since the boy has an unhealthy loyalty. For now, I think I can just offer him a place to live until all the events with the Hostel start.

That's if he doesn't call in the Hostel goons to rob my entire house... Well, I don't have many valuable things in this place anyway.

Watching him finish eating, I moved over to the table where he was sitting and sat down opposite him. 

First of all, I should start with small gestures first. Considering his attitude when he met the real Eli Jang, it's really a blessing that he agreed to follow me home...

Come to think of it, that's pretty suspicious... But anyway, it's not like I'm a serial killer or anything.

"Hey, kid." Catching his eye, I watched him raise his eyes as he finally finished his noodles. "What's your name?"

Without showing any expression, I stared at him in silence, waiting for an answer. Fortunately, it didn't seem to take long when he wiped his lips and got ready.

"My name is Eli Jang, sir..."

"..."

I remained silent, watching him look down as if he wasn't sure of his own words. 

At the end of the day, children are easy to read. You can tell when they're sad, angry, afraid... Confused.

And the indecisive way this boy told me his name revealed something positive to me... He still doesn't completely believe his own words, he doesn't faithfully believe that his name is Eli Jang.

That means I can at least hope to save this boy, since I'm not really a psychologist or anything. 

Well, I think I should just play it safe for now. The last thing I want is for him to believe that I'm a threat trying to get him away from Olly.

"Eli Jang, huh? That's a nice name." I smiled, and he nodded in agreement. "Well, my name is Lohan Park."

Getting up and picking up the empty plate in front of him, I gave him a friendly smile.

"And you, Eli. You don't have to worry about food or a roof over your head anymore, just stay here as long as you want."

Taking the plate to the sink, I quickly washed it, not stopping talking as I did so.

"Of course, you can leave whenever you want, I'm not keeping you here or anything, just ask me."

Drying my hands with a cloth, I sat back down in front of him, watching him stare at me with an indecipherable expression.

"What? Would you like something else to eat?" I asked sincerely.

"..."

"Sir, why are you helping me?"

I was expecting a question like that... For now, I can only tell you a little of the truth.

"Why am I helping you?" Scratching my chin, I pretended to think for a few seconds before turning to the boy. "It must be because you remind me of myself, besides, what kind of person would I be if I ignored a child looking for food in the trash?"

"Kid, I don't know what kind of life you've lived, but from the way you act, I can sense that you don't trust people very much. I respect that, after all, this world isn't a fairy tale, and I'm sorry you found that out so early."

Trying to sound as friendly and trustworthy as possible, I cracked a small smile as I continued.

"But even in this rotten world, there are still people who help others without expecting anything in return."

Getting up, I yawned as I pulled out my cell phone and looked at the time, seeing that it was already 8pm.

"I'm one of those people. I saw you in a bad situation and decided to offer you shelter. I don't ask you to repay me in any way."

Seeing that the boy's expression didn't change under any circumstances, I turned around and went to my room to get a pillow and a blanket, placing them on the sofa.

"The only thing I ask is that you don't steal from me. If you want something, just ask."

Watching him nod in agreement, I smiled with satisfaction.

"Good. Now I'm going to bed. If you want something to eat, you can have a look in the fridge, just don't use up all my stock. You can sleep on this sofa."

Turning to enter my room, I stopped abruptly when the boy's voice sounded from behind me.

"Thank you very much, sir."

Nodding, I went into my room and locked the door behind my back.

Well, my part is done. I just need to know if the boy will accept my help.