Chapter 732

A three-story school building stood before them. The words "Beacon Elementary School" were written in large letters on the wall. In front of the building was a simple flag-raising platform. Its edges were neatly lined with small white tiles. A brand-new red flag fluttered on the flagpole. The sports field in front of the teaching building was just a flattened dirt lot. At that moment, Joshua, whose hair was half-white, was busy mixing cement. He lifted a big bucket of it, preparing to spread it on the ground. Melina's eyes reddened. She ran forward and called, "Mr. White!" Hearing her voice, Joshua set down the bucket of cement. One of his hands was relatively clean, and he used it to push his glasses up his nose. When he recognized who it was, his face broke into a kind smile. "Melina, you're back! I was worried the travel expenses were too high and that you wouldn't come home for New Year's." Melina said with concern, "Mr. White, aren't you getting on in years? Why are you stil