However, that guy was clearly on a level far beyond this one. It was just that Xu Nancheng rarely showed up, and even when he spoke, it was always through Dai Yan. Who else could it be? Perhaps it was precisely because of this that he felt dissatisfied with Xu Nancheng.
Xu Nancheng.
Everyone's eyes widened in surprise—Xu Nancheng!
Hmm. Xu Nancheng wasn't used to this feeling.
"That's great! Hahaha! Keep it up, kid! I could brag about you for half my life!" Teacher Song was overjoyed, laughing heartily, his face flushed as he patted Xu Nancheng on the shoulder, making it ache.
Soon after, they all left the office, and Chen Yi and another person squeezed closer to Xu Nancheng. As time passed, their relationships grew more familiar.
That day, they headed to the library as usual. When Xu Nancheng crossed a street, he caught a glimpse of something black by the roadside.
Upon closer inspection, he realized it was a black cat lying on the ground, with dark red liquid seeping out nearby. The cat was struggling to breathe, clearly having just been run over by a vehicle; fortunately, its injuries were not severe.
Without hesitation, Xu Nancheng rushed to the cat's side. After observing closely, he realized he knew nothing about first aid and felt an overwhelming sense of urgency and helplessness.
He quickly turned to the two people behind him and shouted, "Can you call someone for help?" They immediately replied, "Sure! No problem!"
Before long, professional rescuers arrived and took the injured cat away. Afterwards, Xu Dong remarked, " Nancheng, you are so kind! You’re a true brother!" Chen Yi quickly gave a thumbs-up in agreement.
The relationships between people are often so delicate; a small gesture can change how others perceive you and even alter your standing in their eyes. For those willing to save little cats and dogs, their character is undoubtedly impeccable. This made them appear even more admirable in the eyes of their peers, earning them greater respect and admiration.
In time, their bond evolved beyond mere study partners; they became true brothers—brothers who could weather storms together. They would often go out to eat as well, though it was always Chen Yi who initiated the invitations; he wouldn’t bother asking others.
He slowly recounted everything to Lin Menghan, feeling much lighter as he did so; he no longer kept his head down. From their first encounter to their praises of him—it was clear to anyone with eyes that these were true brothers without a doubt. Yet Xu Nancheng remained oblivious; he stubbornly believed they only pitied him.
At this moment, Lin Menghan felt a mix of emotions swirling within her. She had always liked Xu Nancheng, but now her feelings had deepened! As she gazed into Xu Nancheng's eyes, they sparkled with brilliance. Nancheng was amazing! She liked him so much!
She admired his intelligence, appreciated his kindness, and cherished everything about him.
Huh? Had Xu Nancheng just heard something extraordinary? He lifted his head, his face flushed, and stared directly at Lin Menghan. "Oh, it's nothing! Just complimenting your smarts," she quickly reassured him.
Realizing that her words hadn’t crossed any lines, she felt relieved. Xu Nancheng seemed to accept it without suspicion. Yet, at the same time, she couldn’t help but think that he was a bit naive in certain ways—not foolish, but lacking confidence and security in some aspects.
Actually, Nancheng, do you know what friends are?
What? Friends are people who share common interests, help each other out, and enjoy life together! He wasn’t completely clueless; to put it simply, that was the essence of friendship.
He didn’t quite grasp why Lin Menghan had asked that question; he simply looked at her with confusion.
“Oh come on! I just called you smart; how can you be so dense?” She raised her hand and gently tapped his forehead, careful not to hit him too hard. After all, this was Xu Nancheng—the one she liked! If she hurt him, it would break her heart.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
So you don’t think they’re like that? Aren’t they your friends?
Thinking about it, it seemed true—if they could do all those things for each other, then they must be friends.
But if they were pitiful, wouldn’t I do the same? Xu Nancheng still didn’t understand.
You’re really clueless, Nancheng! Have you ever seen anyone do charity work as well as this? She felt exasperated; how could he be so thick-headed? Yet he seemed to have some understanding of himself.
Well, maybe he wasn’t entirely wrong in his feelings, but he still didn’t believe it.
This kind of thing requires experience to truly understand; Lin Menghan knew that well enough.
Just think about it! In any case—apologize! Lin Menghan felt uneasy again; her shoulders slumped as she realized she needed to keep pondering the situation.
“Okay!” He looked at Lin Menghan and noticed her hair was messy from her earlier fidgeting. “Lin Menghan, your hair is all over the place.”
Thinking back on it, she realized that her hair had gotten tousled while she was lost in thought. “Nancheng, could you help me comb my hair?” It was a playful request; she simply wanted him to help her with her hair.
“Is that okay? But I don’t know how,” Xu Nancheng lowered his head, feeling genuinely unsure.
Lin Menghan just smiled. “Give it a try! You might surprise yourself!”
Xu Nancheng nodded and then picked up a comb.
Lin Menghan sat slightly turned away from him, her long, glossy black hair cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall, radiating a healthy sheen. She gently closed her eyes, savoring the impending tranquility and the feeling of being pampered.
Xu Nancheng had never combed anyone's hair before. He thought about the way Lin Zhen would do it, then brought the comb close to Lin Menghan's hair. "If it hurts, just let me know, okay?" he said, worried about causing her any discomfort.
"Okay! I trust you, Nancheng," Lin Menghan replied softly.
His movements were cautious, afraid of hurting her. From the roots to the tips, he meticulously untangled each strand of hair, as if he were unraveling the myriad feelings tangled in his heart. Xu Nancheng thought to himself that it wasn't so difficult to comb a girl's hair after all.
Each time the comb glided through her hair, it released a wave of delicate fragrance. Occasionally, he would pause and lean in closer to take a whiff of Lin Menghan's hair. He believed she was unaware of his actions, but each time he did so, Lin Menghan would chuckle softly in front of him.
Finally, Xu Nancheng finished. Lin Menghan turned around to face him and tied her hair into a ponytail herself.
"What do you think, Nancheng?" she asked with a bright smile, adjusting a few strands by her temples.
His cheeks flushed as he looked at Lin Menghan's beautiful hair and face. He nodded slightly and said, "It looks good." It was an honest compliment.
"See? I told you Nancheng is amazing! You're really great!" Lin Menghan used the act of combing her hair to encourage Xu Nancheng, hoping to boost his confidence.
Xu Nancheng hesitated for a moment, wanting to say something but holding back. His mood was growing increasingly heavy; his lips pressed together tightly. After holding it in for a long time, he finally spoke up. "But I still feel so unsettled inside!"
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