Chapter 15: Xiao Ming
Liang Wei's gaze fixated on Chen Xiang's back as they strolled leisurely along the wet pavement.
The rain added a touch of melancholy to the atmosphere, creating a serene ambiance as passing cars splashed through the puddles.
The shops lining the pavement remained open, their vibrant signs and colorful displays enticing customers with an array of goods and wares.
The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted from a nearby café, mixing with the earthy smell of rain.
Liang Wei's eyes wandered over the shop windows, catching glimpses of clothing, books, and various trinkets that adorned the shelves, momentarily distracting him from the dampness surrounding them.
"Liang Wei, you're in your final year of high school, right?" Chen Xiang suddenly asked as they continued walking.
Liang Wei nodded in response, realizing that Chen Xiang couldn't see his nod since she was walking ahead. So he spoke up, "Yes, Miss Chen."
Chen Xiang abruptly turned her head, a warm smile gracing her face.
"You know, I'm not old enough to be called Miss Chen, okay? You can call me Sister Chen."
Liang Wei's face flushed at her words, feeling a little embarrassed.
"Okay, Sister Chen," he said with a small smile.
Chen Xiang chuckled, "That's better. So, have you thought about what you want to do after graduation?"
Liang Wei's mind wandered for a moment, contemplating Chen Xiang's question.
"What do I want to do after graduation?" he pondered.
Thoughts of embarking on grand adventures, exploring new worlds, and building a harem fleetingly crossed his mind.
"I don't really know, Sister Chen," he finally replied, his tone tinged with a hint of uncertainty.
Chen Xiang nodded understandingly.
"It's alright, Liang Wei. You don't have to have all the answers right now. You have plenty of time to explore and discover your passions."
Liang Wei nodded, his gaze shifting to Chen Xiang.
'Passions, huh?'
Liang Wei's curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't help but ask Chen Xiang a question.
"Sister Chen, do you have any passions?" he inquired, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.
Chen Xiang paused for a moment, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.
She looked up at the raindrops falling from the sky before turning her attention back to Liang Wei.
"Well," she began, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia, "I used to have a passion for painting."
Liang Wei felt a pang of sadness in his heart as he listened to Chen Xiang's tone.
"Have you ever considered pursuing it further?" he asked.
Chen Xiang smiled softly, her gaze distant as she recalled those days.
"I did consider it at one point, but life took me on a different path."
Although Chen Xiang didn't elaborate on the details, Liang Wei could sense the deep-rooted melancholy within her.
[Ding!]
[Favorability with Chen Xiang +5]
[Favorability: 20]
Liang Wei's attention was captured by the sudden notification from the system.
'That's good...' He thought to himself.
"We've arrived," Chen Xiang announced suddenly, her voice pulling him back to reality.
Liang Wei followed her gaze and saw the building she was pointing at, situated on the opposite side of the road.
It stood proudly, a relatively new structure adorned with a vibrant paint job.
Cartoon characters, vividly painted, brought a playful touch to its exterior.
Liang Wei surveyed the busy street, carefully assessing the flow of traffic to determine the right moment to cross.
Just as he was about to step forward, he felt a sudden grip on his hand.
Startled, he looked up to see Chen Xiang's hand tightly clasping his own.
"I hope you don't mind, Liang Wei. I'm in the habit of being mindful of Xiao Ming, and I don't want to accidentally let go of him. So, it would make me feel more comfortable if I hold your hand while crossing the street," she explained with a warm smile, playfully sticking out her tongue.
Liang Wei found himself momentarily stunned by Chen Xiang's playful expression, her face radiating a delightful charm that made her look irresistibly cute.
Flustered, he managed to gather his thoughts and replied, his voice carrying a hint of bashfulness, "No, of course not, Sister Chen. It's absolutely fine. I don't mind at all. In fact, I'm more than happy to help."
As they crossed the street, Liang Wei felt his heart race at the touch of Chen Xiang's hand in his own.
He couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment when she let go of his hand upon reaching the other side.
Chen Xiang blushed and spoke, "I don't know why that felt so weird..."
Liang Wei and Chen Xiang entered the bustling kindergarten building, the sounds of children's laughter and chatter filling the air.
As they walked towards the pick-up area, they were greeted by the sight of several mothers huddled together, chatting and exchanging pleasantries.
The room was bustling with energy and excitement, as each mother eagerly anticipated the moment when their child would emerge from the classroom.
As the children streamed out of the classroom, Liang Wei and Chen Xiang watched from the sidelines, blending in with the crowd of chattering parents.
The air was thick with the sound of excited voices and the rustling of backpacks and jackets.
Amidst the chaos, Liang Wei spotted Xiao Ming walking out of the classroom with a young girl.
The girl was chattering away, gesturing wildly as she regaled him with tales of her day.
But when Xiao Ming caught sight of his mother, he made a beeline towards her, running as fast as his little legs could carry him.
Liang Wei couldn't help but smile at the sight of the little boy's excitement.
But the smile quickly faded when Xiao Ming made a beeline towards him, ignoring his own mother.
The boy came to a stop in front of Liang Wei, staring up at him with a dead-ass expression.
'This Little shit...'
Liang Wei tried to maintain his composure, but he couldn't help but feel a bit awkward.
He smiled at Xiao Ming, unsure of what to do next.
Meanwhile, Chen Xiang's disappointment was palpable, her shoulders drooping with sadness.
"Sigh..."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone