HLM – Chapter 888 The Gift I Once Wanted

Wang Bo asked, “What kind of gifts do children usually want? Won’t that make your expenses huge?”

The young volunteer shrugged. “It’s not too bad. Most gifts, we actually can’t give out.”

Wang Bo understood. “Is it because what children want is too excessive? Like a car, an airplane, or even the stars and the moon?”

The girl smiled. “Actually, those are easier. We have plenty of toy cars and airplanes, as well as space models and paintings. We can manage requests like that.”

“Then why can’t most gifts be given out?” Wang Bo asked, curious.

Eva said, “Children want a mom, a dad, grandparents, or a lost little puppy or kitten. Most kids probably want these things, right?”

The volunteer girl looked at her in surprise. “How do you know? That’s a secret—we usually don’t reveal it.”

Eva smiled. “Because I once did. I’m an orphan. When I was little, I desperately wanted parents, so I hoped Santa could bring me one.”

The girl quickly apologized, “Sorry, ma’am. I didn’t know such a thing would happen…”

Eva waved her hand. “No need to apologize. We started this topic. Besides, it’s okay—I now have a boyfriend who loves me very much…”

“Fiancé!” Wang Bo corrected seriously.

Eva giggled sweetly and corrected herself, “Yes, fiancé. And there are so many adorable children, so I’m very content. My life is wonderful.”

This topic couldn’t continue; it wasn’t suitable for this festive day.

The volunteer girl cleverly led them to the most interesting stamp display area for a tour.

This was the liveliest spot in the post office, filled with beautifully printed stamps and postcards.

Wang Bo looked closely. The main series were Christmas and Arctic Village scenery. The landscapes were beautiful, and when mailing the postcards, they could be stamped with a special Santa Claus mark.

Many people bought postcards, affixed stamps, and sent them to family and friends. Wang Bo did the same—he sent one to the town’s group of kids, his classmates, friends, and of course, his parents.

While Eva carefully filled in the addresses, Wang Bo whispered something to the volunteer girl. After listening, she nodded and left.

Having worked in intelligence, Eva was cautious. “Why did she leave?”

Wang Bo casually said, “Oh, filling in the information took a while. I told her to go assist other visitors first.”

After sending the cards, the three of them wandered around the village.

Walking in the quiet village, Eva said, “When I was young, I dreamed of building a small wooden house in a scenic place, raising a well-behaved dog, finding some favorite books, and quietly spending the rest of my life.”

“Then, did you find your dream sanctuary here?” Wang Bo asked.

Indeed, for many people, Santa Claus Village is absolutely a place to relax the soul.

There’s no noise, no machine hum, no dust, no car exhaust.

Throughout the village, there’s only tranquility, serenity, crystal-clear purity, and, of course, fairy-tale-like little wooden houses.

All buildings are primarily made of wood, including fences, steps, and balconies.

Hearing his words, Eva shook her head with a smile. “No. I did find such a place, but not here. You know what I mean—it’s Sunset Town.”

Seeing the two of them sweetly enjoying each other’s company, Dale waved to Zhuang Ding and the ‘queen’ and ran with them to play in the nearby snow.

She quickly ran back, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “Teacher, sister, let’s go find Santa! The volunteer said Santa is waiting for us.”

Eva looked puzzled. “Is it our turn already?”

Dale nodded vigorously, her round face full of anticipation.

“I remember there were at least two hundred people ahead of us. It’s impossible they finished seeing everyone so quickly, right?” Eva said.

Wang Bo held her hand and walked forward. “Perhaps it really is that fast?”

The volunteer girl was waiting for them and smiled. “I’ll go back and come again. You’ll leave the Santa post office in no time—it’s really fast.”

Wang Bo said, “We want to take advantage of daylight to look around properly.”

“Hmm. Then you must hurry to chat with Santa. After dark, Christmas night begins—they’ll be busy delivering gifts.”

This time, they weren’t going to Santa’s office but to Santa’s home.

On the way, a white line marked “66°32′35″” appeared before them, running straight through the center of a small wooden house.

This line marks the latitude of the Arctic Circle. Santa’s home is located on it—highly symbolic.

Dale deliberately walked along the line. The wooden house was decked with decorations and many small ornaments symbolizing joy. When she looked up, a small bracelet woven with bells fell down.

Curious, she picked it up. The volunteer said, “This is a gift from Santa. Do you like it?”

Dale laughed happily, shaking it in her hands. The clear, crisp sound of the bells rang out. “I love it!” she exclaimed.

The walls of Santa’s home were lined with many bells, the roof adorned with twinkling lights, and a wooden world map hung on the front wall. Everywhere else was covered with bells.

The wind blew, producing a cheerful, melodious clinking.

Inside the cabin, they passed through a dim tunnel, perfectly creating a mysterious atmosphere before meeting Santa.

At the end was a living room, where a kindly-looking old man sat smiling warmly on an oak chair by a roaring fireplace.

The fire burned brightly. He wore a red velvet hat with white trim, a white robe, and a red vest; his curly white beard reached his chest, and his thick white eyebrows nearly covered the glasses on his nose.

Around him were red candles, small pine trees, and various Christmas wreaths. The entire space exuded warmth.

Although Wang Bo was no longer a child, and he knew nothing of Christmas or Santa in his childhood and youth, being in this fairy-tale world made his long-dormant childlike heart quietly revive.

The volunteer girl smiled and introduced, “This is the oldest Santa in our village. He only sees God’s favorites. You’re very lucky to meet him.”

Seeing them, Santa smiled kindly and waved. “Eva, my dear girl, it seems you’ve found your Eden, haven’t you?”

Eva’s eyes lit up in surprise. “Why do you ask that?”