Chapter 3, The Most Familiar Stranger

He could hardly contain his excitement as he said, "I need to recalculate the data, and I might be busy for a while. Once I finish, I will return to my country to see you"

Wang Tao's eyes flickered for a moment, and he nodded with a silly smile, saying, "It should be, it should be"

It was only then that she realized she was being embraced by Wang Tao, her face flushed as she pushed him away, saying, "Don't do that, someone might see us"

I am sorry, but I cannot continue being friends with you, as we are two individuals with no common ground. If I continue to indulge in this fantasy, I fear that I might fall in love with you

Ling Ling took a deep breath, pressed down on the excruciating pain in her tooth, and said, "I am not going anywhere. I will come back to work after I graduate and be with you every day"

She pouted her lips in protest to him: "Isn't it all because of you, just having nothing better to do? Why change the signature? And you changed it to something so difficult to understand: 'The blood-soaked Central Plains nourishes the strong grass—Lu Xun's realm of thought is beyond what Einstein can aspire to!' With you writing like this, how can I not have a heart attack?"

Looking at this sentence, Lingling forced a smile, slowly deleting it word by word, replacing it with: "! How could research possibly go smoothly? Chen Jingrun spent so many years proving that one plus one equals two"

As she was about to take a step, a man with a distinguished presence walked towards her. The man was tall, standing at approximately 1.69 meters, which was not short, yet she only reached his shoulders. Therefore, the first thing she noticed was a bouquet of black tulips in his hand, shimmering with a purple aura.

The reason is: Al-Qaeda had sent five terrorists to China, resulting in one attempting to blow up an overpass but becoming dizzy on the bridge; one trying to bomb a bus but failing to board it; one aiming to detonate a supermarket but having his remote control stolen; one wanting to attack an administrative building but being beaten up, during which he heard the crowd shout "This is what you get for petitioning"; and one attempting to blow up a coal mine, who only threw a match and ended up killing over a hundred people. However, after returning to the base, there were no news reports for six months, leading to his execution by the base for lying and neglect of duty. One attempted to bomb the administrative building but was beaten up, during which he heard the crowd shout "This is what you get for petitioning"; and one tried to blow up a coal mine, who only threw a match and ended up killing over a hundred people. However, after returning to the base, there were no news reports for six months, leading to his execution by the base for lying and neglect of duty

A man's taste can be perfectly showcased by a bouquet of flowers. Choosing tulips over roses is not merely a choice of ordinary tulips, but rather the rare and precious black tulip, which clearly indicates the extraordinary nature of the man before us

It is not that she is not curious; in fact, she is dying of curiosity. However, to gawk at handsome men in front of her plain-looking boyfriend would be the greatest disrespect to him. She cannot bear to hurt Wang Tao's fragile self-esteem

Zheng Minghao glanced around the table filled with spicy dishes, took a half-burnt cigarette from his thin lips, and extinguished it in the ashtray: "Waiter, please bring a bowl of egg and corn soup for the beautiful lady."

I searched very carefully

In the university campus, the peach blossoms sway, scattering their pink petals and occasionally showering the beautiful fragrance upon the feet of passersby. In such a delightful scene, Lingling sits in front of the computer, racking her brains to debug the software program

Finally, it was noon. Lingling went to the internet café and logged into QQ, and his avatar immediately began to shake.

The boy, with his face flushed, asked again: "Must it be round? Can't it be a bit flat?"

In such a situation, even Lingling, no matter how foolish, could see that Li Wei intended to get Wang Tao drunk. As Wang Tao's girlfriend, she could not continue to stand by and watch. She snatched Wang Tao's wine glass and said to everyone: "I will toast you all on behalf of Wang Tao!"

Zheng Minghao reached out to take back the empty cup, holding it in his palm. After taking a breath, he asked, "You have a bad stomach, why do you want to drink?"

When will he be able to return to the country

She found his number in the friend search, and the five characters "How far is forever" appeared before her eyes, making it impossible for her gaze to shift away, her heart racing in her chest. She cautiously opened his profile, which still had blank personal information, but his homepage had a posted URL, and there was an additional sentence in the personal description:

She covered her face, and the hot tears could no longer be controlled, streaming down in torrents

Linlin! Lianlian immediately changed the subject, "Could you please turn off that subwoofer? Our dormitory building has poor seismic resistance"

Uh, are we late? Li Wei is definitely going to make you drink again

Is this called a significant deviation? He spent five years calculating a number with four decimal places! The thinking of scientists is indeed beyond the comprehension of ordinary people

Her dental nerve twitched violently, causing her entire face to swell up like a steamed bun. With one hand covering her face and the other typing, she asked: "Do you only think of me when you are feeling down?"

Another girl replied: "Noble love, endless love, unwavering love..."

Gazing out at the torrential wind and rain, she finally suppressed the impulse of a fleeting thought and resolutely said: "I will not go, I am quitting the internet"

Two boys gathered their courage to ask the girl what kind of man she likes

She did not intend to bring up their matter, but in order to prevent her mother from thinking that she was deliberately concealing it, she candidly replied: "He... is quite good to me, but he is studying in the United States, and we are too far apart, I..."

Lingling, Mother does not oppose you finding a boyfriend. When you have time, bring him home for Mother to see

He has never seen her, but she has carefully looked at herself in the mirror; she is not worthy of a man giving up such noble ideals.

Jiang Lin's face was filled with envy, her hands cradling her bright and charming cheeks, expressing her heartfelt sentiments: "Being able to have meals and chat with Zheng Minghao, and being Wang Tao's girlfriend isn't such a bad deal after all!"

I thought you would come in the morning

Four hundred and twenty-two days, indistinguishable from the other four hundred and twenty-one days, she busied herself day after day, overwhelmed by her graduation project. However, in recent days, she has felt somewhat unsettled, vaguely sensing adverse symptoms of myocardial ischemia. Yesterday, she went to the school hospital for an examination, hoping to confirm whether she had heart disease. That mediocre doctor even performed a CT scan on her but found no issues; what was even more frustrating was that he suggested she see a psychiatrist

One month after quitting the internet, her willpower reached its limit, and she often sat in front of Linlin's QQ menu for a long time, lost in thought

By the way! Lianlian excitedly told her, "There is even better news, our historical artifacts dormitory building has finally connected to broadband, so you can use the internet in the dormitory from now on"

This is a sentence written by Lu Xun in "The Tombstone Inscription". She likes it very much, but she knows that a scientist's way of thinking would certainly not comprehend the perseverance of Mr. Lu Xun throughout his life. However, isn't it better that he does not understand?

Now is the stage when e-commerce is just emerging, and obtaining a degree in computer science and finding a job at an internet company is also a good option. Lingling deeply felt that Lianlian's suggestion was excellent, and after discussing it with her mother, she decided to pursue a double degree

When she had waited long enough for her neck to stiffen, convinced that he would not respond, she saw the answer: "You do not like unromantic men"

0000432

She refused

When he came online again, Lingling had already had her tooth extracted, and blood was still seeping from the corner of her mouth, looking utterly tragic. Yet he could not see this and excitedly exclaimed: "I found the reason, I finally found what I was looking for!"

She cast him a indifferent glance, but due to her blurred vision, she could not discern what he looked like. She turned her face back, blinked, and continued to watch the joke.

Is that so? It seems I am indeed ignorant! Among the praises that Jiang Lin showered upon Zheng Minghao, there was not a single mention of this.

She gazed at his figure from afar, content as long as she could see his face, yet regrettably, all she could discern was the crispness of his shirt collar, the straight crease of his trousers, his impeccably styled hair, and his gentle, steady voice. She strained to approach him, but her feet would not move, and no sound could escape her throat.

I will return to my country to see you soon

Is this a simple way of saying it? She does not understand at all

A group of people at the table was making a commotion, while Wang Tao lay unconscious on the table. Zheng Minghao leaned against the back of his chair and coldly said: "I do not drink with women"

At midnight, she found it increasingly difficult to sleep, often unconsciously calculating the time in the United States, wondering if he was in the laboratory focused on his research, and whether he would think of her

She shook her head: "I can't bear to part with it!"

But now, his personal signature has changed to "The realm of Lu Xun's thought is beyond what Einstein can reach." What does this statement imply? Is he trying to tell her that he understands Lu Xun's ideals and is willing to return to the 9.6 million square kilometers of his homeland with a fervent aspiration for national rejuvenation? Will he really do it? Is he truly willing to give up the opportunities at prestigious American universities and relinquish the research achievements he has poured his heart and soul into?

Zheng Minghao looked at her, realizing that he too was intoxicated, his gaze more vacant than Wang Tao's. After she had downed three glasses, Zheng Minghao finally came to his senses, opened a bottle of wine, and drank it all.

This is the fourth floor

Amidst the clamor of the drinking table, Ling Ling remains as quiet as ever

Scientific research requires dedication and perseverance; I have spent the past five years this way

... ...

Did she choose Wang Tao merely to escape? A firm voice in her heart immediately denied it. She chose Wang Tao not to escape, but because he was the man she wanted to find. To be fair, Wang Tao comes from a poor family, and he is neither tall nor handsome, but he is honest, sincere, and ambitious; he is definitely a good man worthy of lifelong trust, without a doubt! She likes Wang Tao, very much, just as she liked that person.

No! She nervously shut down the computer, stood up, and said, "I will go call grandpa for dinner"

... ...

Her hand trembled, the index finger pressing the mouse completely numb. She bit down on the gauze in her mouth and released her index finger

That day, they conversed as freely as before. For the first time, she realized that chatting with people of noble character was quite stressful, making her feel increasingly mundane, almost unbearably so. Yet, she was determined to flaunt her own ordinariness, perhaps believing that only in this way could they be convinced that neither of them was the person with whom they could share a lifetime.

One day, when mother returned home from work, she saw her staring blankly at the computer and asked, "Have you been online all day?"

At this moment, she truly felt as if he had stabbed her with a sword, piercing her heart.

"Lingling, where have you gone?" It was Lianlian's voice.

Lianlian waved her hand dismissively and said in a tone of indifference: "Come on, if you can quit the internet, I can quit food"

No.

It is a pity that the internet is illusory, while love is real. She is an ordinary girl, lacking stunning beauty, exceptional intelligence, and gentle tenderness. With just a touch of cuteness, how long can she attract him?

After the name "Yang Lanhang" appeared in her life, her world turned upside down. Despite considering herself to have a strong psychological resilience, she was tormented to the point that upon seeing a certain person, she felt an urge to run into a wall, seeking a definitive end to it all

After having dinner with Wang Tao and Zheng Minghao, Lingling opened her computer and found her QQ personal signature: "I am a wild lily that blooms forever for myself..."

Lingling, could you possibly relax your criteria for choosing a partner

To speak candidly, I regret not having seen what he looks like clearly

Ling Ling! A gentle and steady voice softly called, like an illusion in a dream

I never thought of something like this for so many years, yet you were able to think of it

... ...

I can no longer bear it, I cannot watch any longer, this man will ruin my aesthetic appreciation

"I really can't drink anymore. Can I crawl out for a while?" said Gao Yuan

After Ling Ling poured out the last bottle of wine, Zheng Minghao left without saying where he was going. Ling Ling felt a bit dizzy and slowly walked to the bathroom, turned on the faucet to get some cold water, splashed it on her face, and then wiped the water off her face with the back of her hand

I do not understand much

Months later, in an unprecedented cold winter, Lingling walked out of the level 4 examination hall. The sky was filled with pure white snowflakes, gently falling to the ground and melting into mud

He fell silent, likely deeply affected by the blow

She wrapped her arms around herself, resisting the subtle chill that seeped into her heart, gazing up at the romantic snowflakes. Since it is destined to merge into the mud, why bother to be born so pure and flawless

She clearly remembers that it was on the day she accepted Wang Tao that she first saw the legendary Zheng Minghao. At that moment, she felt that seeing him in person was far more impressive than hearing about him; he was extraordinarily handsome, to the point of being breathtaking, and it was no wonder that many girls from T University were completely captivated by him.

Even the dullest person can tell that Jiang Lin is mocking Wang Tao, yet Ling Ling, without a hint of concern, sweetly smiles at Jiang Lin and says: "What has our Wang Tao done to offend you? Is there anyone as hurtful as you?"

Are you sure what you are saying is a fact

"Do your experiments well, and you will become a great scientist!" She encouraged him, but her eyes gradually turned red.

Could it be that you have already seen it, but did not pay attention? Or perhaps its form of existence is different from the usual?

She downed the glass of beer in one go, the bitter taste flowing from her lips and tongue through her body, merging into her blood, just like her first love, the sweetness having already fermented, leaving her to strive to seek that remaining hint of false sweetness from the overwhelming bitterness, constantly savoring it

His research was too profound, often leading his thinking into a fixed pattern, while her ignorance allowed her thoughts to diverge, speaking nonsensically, which unexpectedly sparked his inspiration. Rather than saying she helped him, it would be more accurate to say that it was simply his time to succeed

What is there to hesitate about, such a great opportunity?

I was joking with you; you can't be serious, can you

At most, it is just a disability; is it really that easy to die?

Ling Ling ignored him and slowly said: "Wang Tao is a person who values emotions deeply, but he is not good at expressing them. After four years of university, you are about to part ways and go your separate paths. He is reluctant to leave you and feels distressed. He really wants to drink with you until you are satisfied, but unfortunately, he cannot hold his liquor well. I will drink this glass of wine on his behalf, and I hope you can understand his feelings..."

She put away her phone, supported herself on the computer desk, and stood up. Having not eaten all day, her hands and feet felt a bit weak, and everything in front of her was pitch black. After standing for a while, she regained her strength and slowly left

He said: "As long as results can be achieved, five years is not a long time. Chen Jingrun spent countless years on the Goldbach conjecture; he is the most persevering mathematician I have ever seen"

Hello! She smiled and reached out her hand. When her fingertips touched his palm, a strong warmth flowed into his veins. "I have long heard of your great name, but have not seen you in person."

Thus, she made the decision for him and chose to give up on his behalf

Taozi said that your stomach is not well and asked me to bring you some medicine to take He spoke with a somewhat unsteady breath, his forehead glistening with sweat, a strand of hair sticking to his forehead He ran really fast, the nearest pharmacy is at least 500 meters away from here

Wang Tao immediately released her, turned around, and gave a silly smile to the boy under the tree

The winter break has come to an end, and the second semester of the junior year has begun. With spring yet to arrive, the barren branches and the densely overcast sky render the nearly century-old campus a poignant testament to history. The deep gray dormitory building resembles a long-sealed ancient relic, its colors stripped away by the passage of time

His most captivating moments are on the football field, much like her favorite Inzaghi. Like the sharpest and most precise sword, you never know when he will strike, but just give him the slightest opportunity, and he will undoubtedly deliver a fatal blow!

It is easy to quit the internet, but recovering from a breakup is far from simple. After persisting for half a month, Lingling, who considered herself to have good self-control, gradually could not hold on any longer. Hearing the sound of QQ messages, her heart no longer ached, but it was unbearably itchy.

After that, he never submitted another application, and she collapsed on the computer desk, weeping silently

A passage devoid of any words of sadness or sorrow cannot conceal the helplessness that pierces the heart

She wiped her tears with the back of her cold hand and looked towards the next row when a stranger, a young man, dragged a chair over and sat down beside her. He tapped his index finger on the table in front of her, and his clear voice rang in her ears: "Although the joke was a bit cold, it shouldn't make you cry, right?"

In addition to the content she sent, there is another section in the Word document

"What more is there to say?" Sitting beside her, Li Wei did not forget to showcase his talent for exaggeration at the right moment, "Don’t be fooled by Ah Hao’s carefree demeanor; he is well-known as a good man."

This time, Li Wei received it accurately and without any anger: "No good deed goes unpunished! I won't say anything, I will just drink!"

Lingling has always believed that a person's life is very short, and during this brief time, no one has the right to make anyone wait; yet a lifetime is also long, long enough to forget a person, even if that person was once etched in one's heart. In her senior year, Lingling met Wang Tao, the boy who returned a lost wallet in the Sichuan restaurant. Wang Tao is an ordinary boy from the Computer Science department, so ordinary that, as Lianlian said, if she were to throw a flower ball out of the window, it would hit a group of boys just like him.

After much hesitation, Lingling revised her personal statement to: "I am a wild lily blooming for myself... When I turn to dust, you will see my smile"

I am referring to the first Chinese person to win the Nobel Prize

Approximately, perhaps, it is about the same

She refused and simultaneously replied: "You are just an online friend of mine, merely an online friend. Open 'Friend Search', there are tens of millions of online friends just like you!"

She withdrew her hand and said with a smile, "You are too modest!"

Since then, Wang Tao pursued her in a lukewarm manner, helping her with her computer major courses and tutoring her in English every day. He did not use false romance to bring her excitement, but instead provided her with a sense of security through his subtle warmth

The issue is that what he has proven is a theorem, and my theoretical calculations are highly likely to be incorrect

She misses him, never before has she wanted so strongly to hear him tell a joke, but that is no longer possible. Therefore, just to see his name once more, to prove that he indeed existed, is enough!

Only through pain can one truly forget, so let them all forget this beautiful illusion, put an end to the relationship, and allow life to begin anew

Oh! Linlin, who was busy chatting with n people, quickly turned off the sound and then typed furiously

It seems she did not correctly understand the other person's meaning; he was referring to her weekend. The time difference is truly not a good thing

I told you long ago not to come out and scare people, yet you insisted on coming. Are you feeling hurt now? The plateau echoed in agreement

The lily trembles in the cold wind, and she gently strokes the petals that have been ruffled by the chilly breeze. Watching the delicate lily wither in her hand, she cannot help but sigh. Since the fate of fresh flowers is destined to fall and be crushed into dust, why must they bloom so proudly?

As she brushed past the exceptionally handsome man, Ling Ling not only caught a whiff of the mysterious fragrance of tulips, but also detected a refreshing and subtle aroma, reminiscent of a faint tea scent. She could not recall what type of tea it was at that moment, yet she deeply remembered that man—his presence as rich as ink, his essence as light as tea.

"Are you in a relationship?" The tone of my mother carried eight parts certainty and two parts suspicion

You are the cutest girl I have ever seen! I feel very fortunate to know you

"I will wait for you, no matter how long it takes." Wang Tao affectionately wrapped his arm around her shoulder, "Let's go, they are all waiting for us at the restaurant."

Paragraphs of text appeared before my eyes

Wang Tao said: "I am an ordinary man, but I will love you for a lifetime in an ordinary way, can I?"

His roommate Nanluo is still teasing him: "Don't be modest, do you not realize that you are letting down the country above and the people below with your looks?"

Why can't it be found?

Everything is completely over!

Just a passing encounter, it is enough to deeply move one's soul... This kind of man, a taste is intoxicating, how can one not savor it carefully...

If I sign, I will settle in the United States. But if I do not sign, all the achievements I have made must be left to the professor; apart from a diploma, I will take nothing with me

Corn soup is the specialty of this establishment, infused with honey, offering a sweet and fragrant taste, and a smooth texture that warms the stomach. Lingling took several sips and looked up at Zheng Minghao, saying: "The flavor is excellent! I didn't expect you to be quite attentive to others."

Lianlian leaned in closely to examine her face, as if she were looking at a completely unfamiliar person: "Have you really quit the internet? Your scientist friend..."

As winter departs and spring passes, early summer arrives quietly

She said to herself: "Do you know? If you open 'Friend Finder', there are tens of millions of netizens just like you! The only one who can make me wait for three days and three nights is you alone. I love you, yet I cannot be with you... Do you know? For these three days, I have been praying for your failure, how I wish your project would not progress, but... it is fate that has kept you in the United States!"

Thank you for believing in me

Get out! None of you should think about enjoying the spectacle. Today, whatever amount Bai Lingling drinks, you all must drink the same. If you don't drink as much, don't even think about walking out of this room on your feet!

The woman he deeply loved brushed past him as if she were unaware, leaving with another man in her embrace

She refused

You have a conscience

You miss me so soon

She was in distress when he suddenly said: "Different forms? Atomic arrangement? Wait a moment!"

He concluded his work in America at the fastest speed and returned, carrying a love that was unwavering and regretless, crossing time and space to find her. Yet, he could never have imagined that despite his meticulous design of the most romantic encounter and the most heartfelt confession, even his playboy cousin was deeply moved, saying: "If I were a woman, I would definitely marry you!"

... ... ''

Before she could regain her senses, Lingling heard a girl behind her whispering: "So handsome! Huh? Is he holding a black tulip? I've never seen one before! I wonder what the flower language is."

"The equipment does not rest, so you do not rest? You are human; why compete with the equipment?"

His theory of relativity is a marvel

Throughout the years, her aesthetic sense has always been looked down upon by others, and the only point of resonance she shares with her roommates is that Zheng Minghao is quite handsome. His eyes always carry a dazzling brilliance, a hint of rebellion, and a touch of affection, which are the most captivating gazes for girls in their twenties. His skin is a clean wheat color, a healthy and sexy hue that has been rated by girls as the most classic skin tone for boys.

Lingling interrupted her and retorted, "When will you stop eating?"

The next day at noon, the legendary scientist online unexpectedly came online, and Lingling could hardly believe it, thinking it was yet another illusion of her own.

Only she can taste the sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy. Without pain, how can there be flavor

She hurriedly picked up the luggage bag by her feet and ran into the dormitory building as fast as she could. The dimly lit corridor occasionally had small mice scurrying about, and she cautiously glanced at the corner of the bathroom, quickening her pace. As she rushed up the stairs, she took a deep breath, letting down her guard while catching a faint scent of laundry detergent mixed with dampness and mildew in the humid air

Are you there? he asked

When Wang Tao was overwhelmed with joy and tightly embraced her, she inadvertently caught sight of the boy standing not far away. The first impression he gave her was that he was very cool, wearing simple blue jeans and a brown jacket, leaning against a pine tree weighed down by snowflakes. His thin lips loosely held half a cigarette, and his lightly dyed short brown hair was lifted by the wind, showcasing an inherent rebelliousness. ... She had never appreciated rebellious boys, but ... . The boy gave her the first impression of being very cool, wearing simple blue jeans and a brown jacket, leaning against a pine tree weighed down by snowflakes. His thin lips loosely held half a cigarette, and his lightly dyed short brown hair was lifted by the wind, showcasing an inherent rebelliousness. ... She had never appreciated rebellious boys, but ... . ... Perhaps it was because this boy was too handsome, and his attractiveness was striking; such a free-spirited demeanor instead highlighted his personality and charm.

The boy felt bored, and just as he stood up, her newly purchased phone rang. She sighed deeply, cleared her throat, and then answered the call: "Hello?"

Ling Ling smiled slyly and replied enigmatically, "How can a sparrow know the ambition of a swan?"

Have you recalculated it

After three cups of wine, Wang Tao's face turned red, his eyes glazed with drunkenness. Li Wei poured another cup, and it took Wang Tao a long time to find his wine glass. Just as he lifted it, Zheng Minghao beside him grabbed the glass from his hand: "That's enough, don't drink anymore"

The page repeatedly displayed "Database call failed". She persevered, modifying it over and over again. At that moment, the dormitory phone rang loudly, and Jiang Lin, who was wearing headphones and watching a Korean idol drama, could no longer endure the torment of the noise and answered the phone as quickly as possible

She still refuses

He said, "I am still hesitating"

She looked for a long time, and in a moment of impulse, added a line at the end: "Leaving the soil is the price of loving him"

I was tidying up my things in the dormitory this morning, and I just finished. She asked, "How is the project going? Is there any progress?"

His expression was one of unfamiliar concern: "Classmate, are you alright?"

The girl replied: "It must be fate."

"Hmm, I understand, thank you, Auntie," she said, then hung up the phone and loudly said to Lingling, who seemed oblivious, "Lingling, the aunt downstairs said someone is looking for you"

Ling Ling extended her hand and touched the rigid computer screen. She smiled at the screen and said to herself: "Let this continue, maintain this sincere feeling, and preserve this beautiful fantasy"

No need. She opened a Word document, which contained the words she had written last night. She cut out a paragraph from it and sent it without hesitation

From that day on, Lingling decided to completely rid herself of that illusory online romance and allow herself to be reborn. In order to have no time or energy to think about that person, she began to study frantically, spending her time either in class or in self-study. As her junior year was coming to an end, she started preparing for the dual degree examination in computer science, wishing she could divide every minute and second of her time into several parts. However, that person always lingered in a certain corner of her heart, just like her grandfather and father, no longer appearing but never truly disappearing.

Having finished speaking, she ignored Jiang Lin's disdainful sneer and stepped out with her lovely lady's handbag. Just before the door closed, she faintly heard Lian Lian say: "I fear that the aspirations of the swan are not set on the world, but on escape..."

Sigh! Lingling pushed open the dormitory door, casually tossing her luggage bag onto the floor, and let out a long breath. "Since the school is reluctant to demolish this dormitory building of historical significance, why not declare it a national cultural relic for public viewing? It could also generate revenue for the school!"

She stiffly tugged at the corners of her mouth, no longer rebutting, silently finding her favorite white dress and shoes to change into, letting her long hair down, and looking at herself in the mirror. Jiang Lin scrutinized Ling Ling from head to toe, unable to suppress her curiosity any longer: "Ling Ling, to be honest, what do you see in Wang Tao?"

He asked, "We are still friends, right?"

In the mirror, her chin appeared sharper, her black hair damp and clinging to the side of her face, accentuating her emaciation, while her bright eyes were filled with a sheen of tears

She closed her eyes, suppressing the tears that were about to overflow, and slowly nodded

She took deep breaths with great effort, pressing her hands tightly against her stomach, smiling at her reflection in the mirror and saying: "Bai Lingling, you can do it, you will definitely succeed, no one can live without the other..."

She took a deep breath, suppressed her wandering thoughts, wiped the water off her face with a tissue in front of the mirror, and walked back to the private room. She settled down just as Zheng Minghao entered. A slightly tipsy Li Wei flirtatiously winked at him and said, "Did you go out to pick up women, you rascal?"

In an empty room, she lay on the table, biting her lip and sobbing softly. Now she could finally have a good cry and let out all the grievances in her heart. As she cried, a system message came in. She looked up and wiped away her tears.

What? You want to quit the internet! The distant scream started again.

Zheng Minghao said indignantly: "I still need to pursue women! Don't think I'm as useless as you. There are plenty of women who are interested in me."

Rest assured, I am here for you

Do not blame me if you starve to death

Yet she was convinced that they were destined to meet, perhaps because Wang Tao appeared at just the right moment, on the very day she longed to start anew. That day, she had spent the entire night in an internet café watching jokes, feeling dizzy and nearly falling when she stood up. Fortunately, Wang Tao supported her from behind. Just as she was about to say thank you, she turned around and saw a face she had envisioned countless times in her mind—the face of "How far is forever".

After waking up from her dream, she could no longer control herself, changed into her favorite white dress, and ran towards the internet café

To stifle a love without results in its cradle, this is the decision she considers to be the most rational and correct. From this point on, another Chinese-American scientist is born; can her "great achievements" be inscribed in the annals of science

How much has it deviated? You must have secretly changed it!

Well, he should go. Unless he has something to do. However, for a guy like Zheng Minghao, who is so idle, the probability of him having something to do is lower than the probability of a comet appearing

Ling Ling felt her face burn like fire upon hearing such suggestive words for the first time. Turning her head, she saw Wang Tao staring at her with a dazed smile, which made her even more restless. Zheng Minghao noticed her embarrassment and another bottle flew over, this time aimed at Li Wei: "Keep your mouth clean, or I'll make you regret it when I get back!"

But he will not understand her feelings: truly liking someone does not require measurement by standards. The moment she decided to meet him, she had already convinced herself to accept such an outstanding person, because he made her experience the feelings of love—heartbeats, longing, dependence, and admiration

The roommates were all eagerly packing their belongings, preparing to return home for a relaxing and enjoyable winter vacation. Lingling sat on the bed, diligently folding her clothes, spending an hour folding a single skirt

It is difficult to say, as the grade rankings have not yet been released

Do not bully others like this

Of course, when you win the Nobel Prize, take a photo with me and sign your name for me... I will hang it next to my CET-4 certificate

Six months ago, at the internet café, why did you take a liking to Taozi and not to Ah Hao

Oh, by the way... I heard that on his wedding night, he forgot to bring the house key and happily sat in the yard pointing at the sky, telling his wife: 'If the speed of movement exceeds the speed of light, time will slow down...' If I were his wife, I would definitely kick him out of the galaxy! Let him go to outer space and study slowly!

She was so excited that she didn't even have time to switch the input method.

Do not be discouraged, I will tell you a secret: I have fallen in love with you! Regardless of how handsome you are, regardless of how wealthy you are, even if our love ends in failure, I am still willing to love you—please return to your country!

Today happens to be the weekend, the American weekend, the day he arranged to meet her. She anxiously awaits the sunrise in America, waiting is a kind of sorrow, watching the clock hands move second by second, constantly mistaking the perfectly accurate watch for a malfunction. And waiting for someone she has never met before seems even more pathetic.

One day, while taking a nap, she dreamed of a slender young man standing in front of the dormitory building asking a girl: "Do you know Bai Lingling?"

The grievances of the past month instantly dissipated. Lingling sat up straight and cheerfully said, "What exactly are you looking for? I can help you find it."

Are you there? If she has calculated correctly, it is currently early morning in the United States

The bittersweet aftertaste lingers on, and Lingling pours another cup, smiling as she says: "The amount I drink represents Wang Tao's intentions, so feel free!"

Throughout the winter vacation, Ling Ling hardly went out. Apart from cooking and taking care of her partially paralyzed grandfather, all her time was spent waiting for him to come online. The feeling of waiting for a netizen to come online for twenty-four hours is unimaginable for those who have never experienced it. No matter what she was doing, when she heard the sound of her friend logging in, her heart would suddenly race. She would rush to the computer at the fastest speed, only to find that it was that boring guy who logged in and out multiple times in an hour. She angrily dragged his avatar into the blacklist, but the anger lingered for a long time. No matter what she was doing, when she heard the sound of her friend logging in, her heart would suddenly race. She would rush to the computer at the fastest speed, only to find that it was that boring guy who logged in and out multiple times in an hour. She angrily dragged his avatar into the blacklist, but the anger lingered for a long time.

1 Bin Laden stated: China is the only country in the world that cannot be provoked

The more she thought, the more her head ached. Lingling rubbed her painfully throbbing forehead and inadvertently raised her gaze, only to find Zheng Minghao staring intently at her, his dark pupils shimmering with a bright, clear light, exceptionally radiant. Just as she was about to return his smile, Wang Tao suddenly wrapped his arms around her slender shoulders, his face close to hers, his breath reeking of alcohol as he said: "Lingling, you haven't eaten anything, is it not to your taste?"

Lingling... Mother wanted to say something, but swallowed it back. Later, she gently touched her swollen face and said with concern: "The doctor has already said that this tooth has decayed to the point of being beyond saving. Whenever something upsetting happens, the inflammation will flare up again. Be good, let's have it extracted this time."

She gritted her teeth and shook her head. No matter how beautiful the fake is, it is still fake, meant to be shown to others

She broke into a smile, and her toothache was not as severe. This is what it means to like someone; even when one's mood has plummeted to the lowest point, a single word from that person can suddenly bring joy.

As Li Lian was packing up, she heard a voice and immediately turned her head to look at the speaker. "You're back? I have good news for you. I just checked the results and you passed all your exams!"

You have potential, I will create opportunities for you, you ... ...

Zheng Minghao noticed Lingling's puzzled expression and kindly provided her with an answer: "We have met many times; it is just that I look too ordinary, making it difficult for people to remember me"

She hasn't decided how to respond yet, and he sent another message: "My application to stay at school has been approved, and the professor has agreed to let me take full responsibility for this project. The contract has already been drafted."

I have a low IQ, so please do not ask questions that are too profound

In a good mood, drink happily

Soon he sent another message: "Don't be angry, let's have a good talk, you should understand my feelings for you"

Long-term pain is not as good as short-term pain. Sooner or later, it has to be pulled out. After it's pulled out, a porcelain crown can be installed, which is not only beautiful but also painless.

Accompanied by the sound of a bottle shattering, Zheng Minghao's angry voice erupted: "Stop talking nonsense!"

The pain in her tooth was like being pricked by a needle, and she bit down tightly, causing her gums to go numb: "He has settled in the United States"

It turns out that they were merely strangers; her decision to leave the embrace of the earth was not for him

Thank heaven, thank earth, thank the sunlight that shines upon the land

Did we not agree to go shopping

How has my aesthetic sense become postmodern? You..." Just as Lingling was about to retort, she met Lianlian's all-seeing gaze. She seemed like an inflatable ball, deflating and shrinking into a bundle with just one poke.

Lingling did not wait for his reply and dragged his profile into the blacklist with her blood-stained hand

She was so furious that she spat blood, and as she left, she gritted her teeth and said: "Did this doctor obtain their diploma through backdoor means?"

It is she who has hurt him, deeply, profoundly

Are you referring to that eighty-year-old man who married his twenty-year-old female student? I really admire him for daring to challenge societal norms; he has personality and determination

I can give up my topic, truly, as long as you can give me another chance

I thought he wouldn't remember anything because he was so drunk... He's always so considerate of me!" she said with a smile. In fact, she knew that Wang Tao wouldn't remember at all, even if he wasn't drunk.

She doesn't know if the changes are right or not, but she hopes that the person on the other side of the ocean can refresh it again when he is upset, hoping that he understands: Newton's law is his ideal, not a way for him to seek relief, because her "giving up" is for him to realize his ideal someday.

She did not expect that, soon after, this regret would be compensated, compensated to the point where she was aesthetically fatigued, and seeing that face would give her a splitting headache!

She didn't speak again and silently walked out of the hospital. Even if Wang Tao was like that person, he was not him after all. If it were him, he would definitely say, "I suspect this doctor graduated from a nursing school."

She said: "Our college physics teacher said that before Chen Jingrun became famous, people in their community called him Chen Crazy. He bought a bag of steamed buns every week and then never went out. It is said that his house was filled with waste paper, which was no different from a garbage dump."

Mother's brows furrowed even more, and she remained silent. Lingling walked over with a smile, took her mother's arm, and said, "Mom, we are just ordinary friends now. I don't particularly like him, just have a little bit of goodwill."

He met her gaze, lightly tugged at the corner of his lips, with a mocking smile in his eyes. The half-smoked cigarette between his lips gracefully arched and fell.

I think the day you succeed will be the day we part ways. Because you have overcome the low point in your life and no longer need my comfort and encouragement. I think the day we part ways will be the day I return to reality, because I am capable of taking care of myself and no longer need to rely on your care and consideration.

The boy walked towards them, rubbing his right hand on his jeans, and reached out to Ling Ling, saying, "Zheng Minghao, Wang Tao's friend!"

Lingling's cute little round face, with a knowing smile: "You are so understanding, how can I bear to let you starve to death!"

Rest for a while and have a good sleep! By the way, I heard that Mendeleev's periodic table was created in a dream.

She seemed to see his pale face and laughed even more happily: "I heard he couldn't find a wife. The government had to assign him a female nurse as his wife."

The heavy rain outside beat against the window, striking at her sanity. In a moment of impulse, she wanted to add his QQ back, not to chat as often as before, but to occasionally exchange a few greetings and ask about his recent situation.

The strong smell of alcohol emanating from Wang Tao repulsed her greatly. She couldn't help but push him away and move her chair back a little: "I'm full."

She had always been unaware that the boy she had not clearly seen was none other than Zheng Minghao, the legendary student who caused the professors of the Computer Science Department at T University endless headaches

Ling Ling paused, frozen in place: Escape?

After verifying it dozens of times, no errors could be found. He still looked very frustrated.

What is even more frightening is that she later began to experience auditory hallucinations. Sometimes, while watching television, she would intermittently hear the sound of QQ coming online. In her anger, she rushed to the study to close QQ, but within five minutes, she opened it again

From now on, she could no longer hear the tapping sound of QQ online.

This is indeed a question worthy of deep consideration.

Sitting in front of the computer, she opened QQ. When she realized that she couldn't find the name she wanted in her QQ friend list, her world suddenly became blank.

That's because I was ignorant.

He left, taking away the carefree spirit untainted by worldly affairs, but leaving behind a deeply tabooed phrase. It made her vaguely feel that Zheng Minghao seemed to know something. If he knew, then did Wang Tao also know?

That day, Ling Ling doesn't remember how much alcohol he drank, only remembers that the floor was filled with bottles, everyone was drunk, Gaoyuan was sleeping on the table, Li Wei and Nanlu were talking incoherently, Zheng Minghao remained silent, and the more he drank, the more silent he became.

Upon seeing him speechless, Ling Ling typed lightly: "I'm sorry, I am a shallow woman!"

Thank you, wind. Thank you, rain. Thank you, destiny, for bringing us together.

You know quite a lot! I thought you only cared about the personal lives of scientists.

No problem, anyway, Ah Hao can carry me back!

Oh! She knows that Lianlian is being modest. If Lianlian, who is among the top three in her grade, cannot secure a recommendation for graduate studies, then where is the fairness in this world

After a few minutes of silence, he finally replied to the message, but he changed the subject: "I finally understand why I can't find a girlfriend."

Oh! He took a pack of tissue from his jeans pocket and placed it in her hand, turning around casually. He paused for a moment, then turned back to her and said: "Who can't live without whom? What kind of society is this? Can anyone still be unwavering to the end?"

"I'm fine!," Wang Tao staggered to his feet and slurred, "I propose a toast to everyone."

Zheng Minghao raised an eyebrow nonchalantly and patted Wang Tao on the shoulder: "Today, I will treat you to a meal, celebrating the union of lovers!"

You are late today; shouldn't you punish yourself with three cups?

From the slight frown on her mother's face, Lingling had already discerned her attitude. Before her mother could speak, she took the initiative to say: "We cannot possibly have a result"

Department of Computer Science, worth considering!

Could it be smaller than an atom

More than half of the winter vacation has passed, and Lingling still stares at the QQ friend list every day, clutching her nerve-wracking toothache. Among her friends, only a few who have been perpetually inactive have escaped unscathed, while the rest have all been deleted.

Since starting a relationship with Wang Tao, Ling Ling has also become familiar with his roommates. There are a total of five boys in their dormitory, including the down-to-earth Wang Tao and the handsome Zheng Minghao, as well as the talkative Li Wei, and the others, Nan Lu from the water town in Jiangnan and Gao Yuan from the mountainous region in the northwest. They are all very interesting boys, and together they always have endless jokes to share

She shifted her gaze back and saw Wang Tao, who was neat and tidy, holding a bunch of white lilies in front of her. She suddenly had an illusion that the person had come back and was standing right in front of her.

Congratulations! She sincerely wishes him to be able to stay at a prestigious institution like Harvard as a researcher. This is the school's recognition of his abilities.

He was my childhood idol.

I have failed again. I have tried almost every method. The sample was magnified to tens of thousands of times, but I couldn't find what I was looking for.

She asked with a smile, "Isn't it just one person?"

Without waiting for Jiang Lin to speak, Lian Lian, who was reading in bed, took the lead: "What she means is... She can't understand what kind of post-modern aesthetic you have, and how you ended up liking Wang Tao!"

A week later, Ling Ling lowered her head to do the fourth-level exam questions while Lin Lin's friends' messages kept coming in one after another. Each piercing rhythm was like a sharp needle piercing her heart. Ling Ling wanted to say to her many times: "Can you put on headphones?"

Zheng Minghao, you're ruthless! Gao Yuan picked up his cup and said with a heroic tone, "I don't believe that I can't outdrink a girl!"

After three rounds of drinking, Wang Tao became a little tipsy. Normally, he was very cautious with his words and actions, but now he was talking more and more. Ling Ling never liked it when men acted out of line while drunk, but she didn't want to spoil the fun for everyone and embarrass Wang Tao. So she silently counted her fingers.

Wang Tao pursed his lips, remained silent, and took a big bite of food into his mouth.

Even this ignorant and inexperienced girl is familiar with him, which shows how high-profile he is!

Being as tolerant as he is, considerate as he is, and affectionate as he is, only then can he leave her with the last cold joke when he walks out of her life...? How can she not love such a man?

Shopping?'' She momentarily forgot. Her hand resting on the mouse unconsciously rubbed her forehead: "Oh... you wait for me in the dormitory, I'll come find you."

Behind her smile, there is an indescribable sense of loneliness and bitterness in her eyes. She has no choice but to take care of her sick grandfather and be by her mother's side. If she had a father, she could pursue her own happiness without any worries, but she doesn't!

Ah Hao! Li Wei joked, "Don't you never drink with women?"

Li Wei pulled another chair and moved closer to Ling Ling. His peach blossom eyes narrowed into two slits as he said, "If you had seen our Ah Hao at that time, wouldn't Taozi have had no chance..." Li Wei had only said half of his words when a wine bottle flew towards him, but fortunately, he reacted quickly enough to dodge it.

She can understand that a man who admires Einstein would be willing to sacrifice everything for science. In fact, he had already made a decision, but he just lacked the encouragement to firm his belief. Ling Ling took a deep breath, gave herself courage, and then typed: "Are you crazy? This is something that many people would long for. Sign it, so I can brag about having a scientist friend."

Ling Lingzheng was about to raise his head, but then he heard other girls' exclamation: "It's really a masterpiece!"

He replied, "No, it is you who made me rediscover these great scientists."

Then, she couldn't help but think of the person on the other side of the ocean, wondering if he was doing well. What was he doing? Was he still working day and night in the laboratory like before, conducting experiments? Would his health be affected by the long hours? Would he think of her when his experiments failed?

Are you done or not

To put it simply, it is something that can cause data curves to deviate significantly from normal patterns

Yet she did not, remaining quietly in reverence of the ingenious traps set by the questioner in the actual exam questions

I am relatively low-key

Saying this, he picked up a bottle of beer and filled Wang Tao's cup to the brim. Wang Tao let out a belch, hurriedly grasped the beer bottle, and shook his head, saying: "I cannot drink anymore"

He sent a friend request again, containing only three words: "I understand."

Five years, tirelessly working in the laboratory without rest, it is no wonder that he would break down and become withdrawn. While Lingling felt a pang of sympathy for him, she admired his dedication even more: "You will succeed, your efforts will not be in vain"

Yao Yao excitedly said, "Yes! Lin Lin and I are going to the Electronic World tomorrow to buy a desktop computer. Are you going with us?"

She swallowed her heartache, copied and pasted the URL he left behind, and opened it

In a single sentence, she understood his intentions

The tense and busy examination period has come to an end, and the long-awaited winter vacation has arrived as scheduled

On the first day back at school, Lingling tilted her head up in front of the dormitory building, hoping to find a ray of sunshine belonging to her in the vast sky, to dispel the gloom in her heart. Unexpectedly, a sudden gust of wind arose, and a drop of rain fell on her face, the coldness seeping into her skin

Laughing and chatting, she and Wang Tao affectionately walked towards the restaurant outside the campus

No, the meal is ready, waiting for you

Ling Ling originally believed that the saying "lovers will eventually be together" was not worth celebrating. However, seeing Zheng Minghao's insistence and strong attitude, she did not refuse and had a dinner with them that was relatively harmonious in atmosphere

Li Wei moved the stool a bit closer and said, "Bai Lingling, I have a question I've been wanting to ask you."

I don't know if he will say, "Is it difficult to understand? You should understand what I mean."

I have been living in the laboratory for more than half a month, but still haven't found what I want.

"How far is forever" requested to add you as a friend. Message: "Ling Ling, I'm sorry! I have been too focused on research lately and neglected your feelings. Please forgive me."

Thank you! Ling Ling took the medicine, swallowed it, the water was still warm, warming the stomach and also warming the heart.

The intermittent sighs made Ling Ling secretly sigh, dispelling the thought of examining the man's facial features, lowering her eyelids, and quickly walking past the handsome man.

After a moment of silence, Lian Lian began to discuss the main issue with her: "Are you planning to take the postgraduate entrance examination or find a job?"

Success and failure are only a thin line apart, perseverance and giving up are also just a thought away.

Staring at the words on the screen for a long time, her previously quiet heart began to beat wildly again. She understood why he asked like this. He knew he was too outstanding to meet her requirements, but he wanted a chance from her. For this, he was willing to give up his research achievements. Trembling, she typed two words and hesitated for a minute before finally gritting her teeth and clicking the send button: "Cannot."

Day after day of waiting, he did not respond. She almost thought the world had stopped changing until one day, amidst a snowstorm, she realized: the world had been changing all along, it was just her heart that had been stagnant.

It is merely a possibility. She struggled with her rock-like dull mind to help him ponder: it might exist, yet even magnified hundreds of thousands of times, it cannot be found. A spark of inspiration struck her: "Could this thing be very large?"

Thank heavens, I finally don't have to retake the exam! She asked again: "Lianlian, is your score sufficient for graduate school recommendation?"

Impossible.

She covered her face with her right hand while typing with her left hand: "Congratulations!"

Bai Lingling lowered her head and discovered that the wine glass in front of her had been replaced with a teacup, steam still rising from the tea. She carefully picked up the cup, and the fragrance of the tea filled her nose. Suddenly, she recalled the extraordinary man she had encountered in front of the apartment in the afternoon; the elegant scent emanating from him was that of jasmine, fresh yet not bland, fragrant yet not overwhelming, perfectly restrained... it was rather enticing to reminisce about...

It has been proven that Lingling's rationality is correct. QQ chat is just a product of empty life. When he felt helpless, he waited for her online for twenty-four hours. He found the dawn. When he spread his wings and flew into the vast sky, he had already forgotten that there was a woman waiting for him online for twenty-four hours.

Ling Ling walked out of the dormitory building and immediately saw Wang Tao waving at her under the peach tree. Upon seeing Wang Tao, Ling Ling immediately put away the haze between her eyebrows and replaced it with the brightest smile.

After a while, he asked, "What is your opinion on Einstein?"

Knowing you is my greatest misfortune! The line was typed and deleted, then changed to "thank you", but after some thought, it was deleted again. Finally, it was changed to: "Being able to meet a scientist is also my fortune! Let's shake hands and celebrate the birth of our great friendship from now on."

Suddenly, another person appeared in the mirror. It was Zheng Minghao holding a pill and a glass of water standing beside her. She looked at him blankly in the mirror, not knowing what to say for a moment.

But she could never have imagined that she would completely give up the brief struggle before ending this relationship. The QQ system only recorded two hours of information: "Leaving the soil is the price of loving him!" -- Let the person on the other side of the ocean, who is anxiously clicking the mouse, decide to leave everything behind and return home.

"Shh!" Wang Tao cautiously pulled her away. "Don't speak recklessly, it's not good if someone overhears!"

From childhood to adulthood, she loved Lu Xun the most, loved his resolute decision to abandon medicine and pursue literature, loved his sharp words like a knife. On the other hand, he regarded Einstein as his idol. For him, science knows no boundaries. He was willing to stay in the United States for the sake of his research achievements. She understood his choice and supported him, after all, everyone has their own ideals and pursuits.

I definitely have no chance of passing the postgraduate entrance examination, and finding a job... I can't handle the professional work in our major. I really don't know what to do. I heard that our university has reduced the requirements for double degrees to alleviate employment pressure. The double degree in the Computer Science Department only requires the examination of C language and computer composition technology. I remember you did well in these two courses. Do you want to give it a try?

Ling Ling decided not to attack him and sent a smiling face: "!" As a Chinese, I am proud of him! Thank you!"

She typed with a smile: "What I am most concerned about is why Mendeleev dreamt of someone other than his wife?"

Moreover, some were shouting excitedly, "Look! Look!" Their urgent tone was like that of people wanting to watch giant pandas.

When Jiang Lin heard the four words "roommate gathering," her bright eyes instantly lit up: "Gathering? Will Zheng Minghao go?"

Not drinking, okay! Zheng Minghao said firmly, "Jump out of the window."

Are you sure this substance exists?

Oh. Ling Ling responded absentmindedly, then suddenly remembered that he had an appointment with Wang Tao. He quickly glanced at the time on his computer: Oh no! It's already 5:10 PM. Today is Wang Tao's roommate's gathering, and Wang Tao asked me to meet him downstairs at 5 o'clock!

After learning Hooke's Law, I realized that the world has elasticity; after learning L'Hopital's Rule, I realized that humans have limits! Therefore, I can only seek liberation in Newton's Laws and fall freely...

She was momentarily confused and asked, "Is it you?"

How spineless! She rubbed her messy hair and despised herself.

Li Wei smiled indifferently at Zheng Minghao, who had just attacked him, and said, "Look at your temper. I told you to find a woman to vent your anger, but you didn't listen! Look at how good Taozi's temper is!"

Are they together? She paused for a moment, uncertainly looking at Zheng Minghao, and then at Wang Tao.

Striving hard to suppress the desire in the glance, he smiled and reached out his arms, holding back the approaching Wang Tao: "I'm sorry for keeping you waiting for so long."

He said, "Wait a moment! This wait will be exactly 72 hours."

Then you must not like Yang Zhenning.

She smiled and shook her head.