Chapter 5, even a calm surface can stir up waves

July, shrouded in a gentle drizzle, is permeated with the sorrow of parting

I heard that the newly built graduate student dormitory provides electricity all night long said Lian Lian casually

Do not put too much pressure on yourself, I have the right to choose students autonomously, as long as your grades meet the school's minimum score requirement, it is sufficient. If you do not meet the score requirement, it is not a problem, as there are still several spots available for engineering master's students in the department

She smiled at him, his expression was quite endearing, his thin lips pressed together lightly, secretly gritting his teeth, yet his face displayed an air of indifference, a dismissive attitude as if he were being "magnanimous" with her.

How far is forever: "It is said that your Principal Li's research group is quite good"

She glared at him fiercely and threw the enrollment brochure in front of him: "Quickly help me choose a major, and then hurry up and disappear! I really can't stand you anymore!"

She could not have imagined that, as a "cultured and refined" university student, Zheng Minghao had a very good habit of letting the other party know the reason before resorting to violence. Thus, after two exceptional men finished discussing the "graduation project" that Zheng Minghao had worked on for several sleepless nights, they also deliberated on why the global internet was facing an unprecedented winter, as well as the development prospects of e-commerce both domestically and internationally

Upon reconsideration, after all, wisdom and beauty cannot coexist. For a scientist of such genius, one need not expect his appearance to also be worthy of the motherland and the people, right

"If you were that girl, would you accept him?" He asked a perplexing question

What exactly is love? Why is it that even when we know there is no possible outcome, we cannot let go? Because, when we fall in love with someone, the sweet moments are truly sweet, and even the bitter moments are sweet.

Her instinctive aversion made Lingling use all her strength to push him away: "Don't... don't do this."

She remained silent

However, the thought of Yang Lanhang being her mentor gives her an impulse to bang her head against the wall. What should she do now? She anxiously scratches her hair; she cannot change her major now, as the Materials Science program requires the second level of mathematics, while both Computer Science and Electrical Engineering require the first level, which is a significant difference. Moreover, she has already completed the mathematics tutoring class, and she cannot self-study probability theory in the remaining three months.

Hmm! She did not dare! Because she clearly remembered the last time when she and Wang Tao had a falling out over something, she avoided Wang Tao. Zheng Minghao then stood in front of the girls' dormitory, under the gaze of everyone, and shouted in a voice loud enough for the entire building to hear: "Bai Lingling! I give you five minutes; if you don't come down, I will go up!"

Zheng Minghao! Zheng Minghao! Zheng Minghao, save me!

She firmly believes that there will always be a man in this world who understands her and cherishes her. No matter what, there is at least one, even though he is not by her side and cannot be. In fact, a person with an IQ exceeding 200 is secretly lamenting: Yes! I cannot fathom this girl's way of thinking.

When mentioning Wang Tao, Lingling's heart sank suddenly. What did she just say? She loves the endangered good man? When she said this, the person in her mind was not her boyfriend Wang Tao, but her scientist friend online.

Would you like to go with Yang Lanheng?

She suddenly remembered some things, those things she had never thought much about before, but now she realized they had a deeper meaning.

The person sitting in the corner stares at them, slender fingers tightly gripping the glass filled with ice water on the table. Water vapor condenses on his pale fingertips, and drops fall one by one, like cold tears.

But I like him, and my mother also likes him very much. Ling Ling looked towards the distant lights, flickering on and off, "A woman must find a reliable man to be happy for life."

I, with my high intelligence, am concerned that your intelligence may not be sufficient

Oh, I understand now, thank you, Teacher Yang

I know. She had heard Linlin say before that Zheng Minghao does not smoke

I have three high IQ questions for you. I will give you ten seconds. You can reach in and feel the coin; if you cannot tell whether the top is the national emblem or a character, you must answer me a question, otherwise I will answer you. The first question is, what kind of person is the one you love the most?

Zheng Minghao took a coin out of his pocket, clasped his hands around the coin, leaving only a small gap for her.

She also smiled, even more innocently and adorably than he did: "I am speaking the truth!"

Wang Tao!" she said coldly, "I know you are drunk, and I can pretend I didn't hear what you said tonight. But if you dare to touch me, I will never forgive you for the rest of my life!

She shook her head, leaned on his shoulder, suppressing her sobs: "I want... to go back to school, please take me back to school."

No, I know you have already tried your best

However, at the end of everything, there is always a new beginning.

Zheng Minghao! Really! "Yao Yao screamed as always.

Lian Lian smiled and replied, "Are you reluctant to leave t, or are you reluctant to leave Zheng Minghao?"

Ling Ling closed her eyes, and the second hand only moved half a circle, and she made a decision. Regardless of love or not, since she has already chosen Wang Tao, she should take responsibility for this relationship: "After I finish the exam, I will talk to my mother. As long as she agrees, I will marry you."

Oh! By the way. She remembered something important, "Have you already talked to Yang Lanheng? Do you want me to meet him, give him a gift, or invite him for a meal?"

She glared at Yang Lanheng through gritted teeth.

However, even so, marrying Wang Tao, this idea has deeply rooted in Ling Ling's belief since the day she accepted Wang Tao. It was true in the past, and it is still true now. After all, not all true love can bear fruit, and not everyone can marry the person they truly love.

There is a kind of love, like a leaf floating on a stream, not caring about the direction, only willing to go with the flow.

She excitedly threw the book aside: "Why are you only coming now? I've been waiting for you all night."

Have lunch

His clothes were warm, still carrying the scent of him, a faint hint of tobacco. Perhaps the night was too enchanting, and the handsome man beside her appeared to have eyes like stars; his casual raised eyebrow revealed his youthful and carefree demeanor, making her unable to resist looking a little longer.

Ling Ling was just about to go over and strangle that detestable culprit when she suddenly noticed that the person in the corner had a familiar profile. Upon closer inspection, despite the fact that the person was coughing, their face slightly flushed and shoulders trembling, the unique elegance they exuded was undiminished. Such a demeanor could belong to no one else but Yang Lanhang.

How far is forever: "I just met a very interesting guy, and we hit it off in our conversation, momentarily forgetting the time."

She always believed that she would marry him, living a life as plain as water yet thinking herself happy. However, fate played another trick on her, as the man she regarded as the most upright and reliable did something she could not forgive.

Zheng Minghao finally got to the point and said: "Wang Tao ... ... "

Thinking of this, Lingling couldn't help but praise Zheng Minghao: "Zheng Minghao not only has a strong personality, but he is also a rare good man"

The warm little hand gently rested on her shoulder, yet the expression was quite serious: "Lingling, what will you do about Wang Tao?"

The leaf, fully aware that it could be stranded on the rocks along the way at any moment, still revels in the pleasure of floating and sinking in the stream...

She couldn't help but laugh and said, "Zheng Minghao, a student who is ambitious and motivated, I heard that you played mahjong until 3 o'clock in the morning yesterday and lost all your sneakers to Li Wei."

He is talking about a girl! He seems to be in a good mood, typing a lot of words in one breath. He loves a girl very much, and I asked him: Why don't you confess to her? He told me: That girl's personality is as clear as a mountain spring; passionate emotions like a raging fire cannot move her, they will only frighten her into retreat. She always encloses herself in a strong and carefree shell, and no one can get in unless she is willing to come out herself. He truly loves her, so he does not want to pressure her, and can only let her temporarily live in her imagined sense of security. He said he would wait for her, wait for her to come out on her own!

I am very sorry to disturb you, I... Normally, she should have first said, "So-and-so sent me here..." However, after thinking for a long time, she still did not know how to address that person, of whom she knew nothing except for their online name. Feeling a pang in her heart, she was suddenly at a loss for words

She reminded him: "It's too tight! I can't get in..."

Zheng Minghao glanced at her, reached into his pants pocket to take out a cigarette case, pinched a cigarette between his fingers, hesitated for a moment, and then put it back.

She nodded earnestly

You are not going to take me to meet Yang Lanhang, are you

In order to prevent his confidence from becoming overly inflated, Lingling sincerely advised him based on the principle of "doing one good deed a day": "Please go back and take a good look in the mirror; see if there is any part of you from top to bottom that could make me fall in love with you!"

Thank you! I am still in the old place

She was so moved that she almost hugged the monitor and wept uncontrollably

She was at a loss for words, and instinctively reached out to pick up the iced orange juice on the table. Just as her hand touched the cup, which was beaded with condensation, he pressed it down.

She just nodded slightly, and upon seeing Zheng Minghao immediately stand up to take off his outer coat, she hurriedly reached out to grab him: "What do you want to do?"

His words took Lingling by surprise, and amidst the surprise, she faintly sensed that there was more to his words than met the eye

Zheng Minghao urged her: "Hurry up and go ask him if there are any key points in the major courses."

Everything else is easy. However, understanding you... is a bit challenging

Lingling, you are my ... ... starting today, you completely belong to me!

He leaned back against the chair, avoiding her gaze, and turned to look at the wall lamp in the corner: "So far, I have only been moved by one girl. She looks pitiful when she cries, making one feel heartache; she is very cute when she smiles, making one want to share in her joy. Therefore, I hope that every time she is unhappy, I can be by her side to cheer her up."

He looked at the admissions brochure for more than half an hour, and then said: "According to common reasoning, you should discuss with your advisor before choosing a major."

Ling Ling steeled herself and walked up the stairs, gently knocking on the door of Yang Lanhang's office, secretly hoping that he was not inside. Unfortunately, a faint voice soon came from within: "Please come in"

She cast a disdainful glance and said, "Of course, you wouldn't understand; your IQ is too low"

After hanging up the phone, Lingling sat on the steps of the staircase, her heart invaded by a warm feeling

She touched the coin and said uncertainly, "It is a character"

She turned her gaze towards the sound and saw Wang Tao standing at the entrance, calling for her

Is it something very important

She thought he was there to persuade her on behalf of Wang Tao, but he said: "The defense scores from your department have already been submitted to the school... I am very sorry, I cannot be of any help

"It's too cheesy!" As she typed this sentence, the corners of her mouth had already curved to their maximum extent, and her clear eyes were almost squinting into a line

He took a deep breath: "Let's change the subject!"

This time Lingling answered incorrectly. After thinking for a long time, she said softly: "I hope he can always guard me, truly understand me, and comprehend me! I do not need to dress up deliberately; in his eyes, I will always be the most beautiful. Even if I serve plain meals, he will still relish them. It does not matter how small the house is, as long as the two of us are together, with endless topics to discuss, striving towards a common goal."

As far as I know, students who wish to have him as a mentor can line up from the Materials Institute to the entrance of T University, especially the female students. Your friend has quite a reputation

I will not go! He is too ugly! She pressed her body against the wall, shaking her head desperately

Is that so

Zheng Minghao immediately stood up: "Are you saying that he thinks your graduation project is worthless?"

How far is forever: "Why are you so cute?!"

I am not drunk, Lingling, I cannot live without you. I want to spend my whole life with you. After you get into graduate school, shall we get married?

She rubbed the goosebumps that had suddenly appeared on her arm: "I just need to get used to it, once we ... ... "

It seems that his girlfriend is quite beautiful

How far is forever

Ling Ling gazed at the ceiling, and suddenly a scene flashed before her eyes where Zheng Minghao handed her stomach medicine. Perhaps, in the eyes of many, Zheng Minghao, who dared to confront referees on the football field and challenge the student council president, appeared very handsome, very cool, and even quite flamboyant; she had once thought so too. However, as time went on, she increasingly realized that Zheng Minghao was completely different from her initial imagination. Although his personality was overly black-and-white, he was inherently kind, addressing issues rather than people, and he managed his tasks with a balance of rigor and relaxation. He was also very adept at interpersonal relationships; not only was he loyal to his friends, but he also showed great care and support even to those who were not closely related to him.

I do not want to either. The other teachers in the School of Materials Science do not want me; only Yang Lanhang, who is unable to recruit students, is willing to settle for me

At that moment, the door was kicked open, and Zheng Minghao rushed in, followed by Li Wei and Gao Yuan. When Zheng Minghao saw the scene on the bed, witnessing Ling Ling trembling with tears streaming down her face, an uncontrollable rage surged within him, and he punched Wang Tao, sending him crashing against the wall: "Wang Tao, do you even consider yourself a human being!"

Do you think fate is fair to you? It is rare for Zheng Minghao to ask such a profound question, and she decided to answer seriously

"This year's questions are indeed a bit challenging," Yang Lanhang said, handing her a copy of "Fundamentals of Materials Science" from the table

Zheng Minghao sighed deeply and moved away the hand that was blocking her view: "You continue to look, look carefully, without comparison there can be no discovery"

After seeing that he had nothing more to say, she immediately regretted it, regretting that she had only considered her own feelings and forgotten his difficulties. After all, she was not a materials science major, her undergraduate grades were poor, and she had been delayed in graduating for a year. Any teacher with discernment would not be willing to accept her. He must have put in a lot of effort to help her get in touch with a supervisor; how could she possibly take advantage of him further

We..." Zheng Minghao paused his words and changed the subject: "Let's go, I will accompany you to the materials building.

She believes that this is very meaningful

Zheng Minghao shook his head and put away the cigarette box. After a long while, he said: "I used to not smoke."

Zheng Minghao raised the corner of his mouth, looking at her with a half-smile, and said: "The day you started dating Wang Tao, I smoked my first cigarette, and it felt quite good"

The day before the graduate student registration, Lingling asked online, "How far is forever?": "Which major is Yang Lanhang from the School of Materials?"

A return rate of 300%! Not to be considered!

Ling Ling was momentarily taken aback; it was not until ten seconds later that she realized how thought-provoking her words had been

Enduring humiliation? Bearing burdens? These were originally very normal phrases, yet when spoken by him, they increasingly take on ambiguous meanings. The beauty trap is no longer useful; Yang Lanhang has a woman he likes in his heart

Please forgive her, as she has been an exemplary student since childhood, showing respect to her teachers. Of course, the most important reason is that she would not be foolish enough to say to her future boss: "Because you are perverse, I dislike you, but no one else wants me!"

Do you have time? I cannot understand the admission brochure and do not know how to fill out the application form

It is too cold, let's change to something hot. Then, he said to the waiter who happened to be passing by with a guest: Waiter, add a cup of hot milk

Lingling was just about to argue with him when the dormitory suddenly plunged into darkness. She sat in the dark, bewildered, unwillingly staring at the computer screen, yearning for a miracle to happen—a classmate responsible for turning off the lights to have a moment of conscience and give her half a minute to say: See you tomorrow!

What? Zheng Minghao was as surprised as she had anticipated, his face turned pale with fright, and his voice was so loud that even the old man guarding the library was drawn to it

Lingling chuckled, her mood suddenly brightened: "I had heard from Li Wei that you have a way with women, and today I finally experienced it for myself"

How far is forever: "No need for gifts, the suggestion of having a meal is quite good."

If he is not very handsome, I will consider it

She calmed her emotions and sincerely said to him: "Appearance is not important! Rest assured, I am definitely not the kind of girl who judges by looks!"

The wind of late autumn passes through the gaps of the blinds, restlessly stirring a stack of documents on the desk, producing a soft rustling sound. Aside from this, the office is surprisingly quiet, so quiet that even the breathing of two people becomes distinctly audible

This fellow who values material wealth over friendship

Zheng Minghao! Do you want to die, or what?

"Of course not! Zheng Minghao is a rare good man," she casually remarked, "but the one I love is an endangered good man!"

Lingling's feet had grown sore from waiting, and stealing a glance at Yang Lanhang, who showed no signs of speaking, she decided to introduce herself first: "My name is Bai Lingling"

Once again, Zheng Minghao jokingly said, "Do you have a younger sister? If so, please introduce her to me as a girlfriend."

Linlin sat up with a smile and said, "Is there any need to ask? Of course, I can't bear to part with... my Zheng Minghao."

She turned and walked towards the door, while Wang Tao hurriedly blocked the entrance and quickly locked the door.

She was about to type when a message from afar, filled with urgency, came through: "Lingling, what exactly is wrong? What has happened?"

I regret to inform you: he is very handsome! When we were having dinner, every girl who passed by turned back at least three times. Will you still consider it?

Reflecting on the impending farewell, Linlin said with great emotion: "When I first entered university, I thought four years was a long time, but in the blink of an eye, I am graduating. I really don't want to leave; perhaps I should consider pursuing a master's degree instead."

I am doing quite well. Nothing is wrong. " Just as her message was sent, the dormitory phone rang. Just as Lianlian was about to answer the phone, Lingling hurriedly reminded her, "If it's for me, say I am not here."

Forget it. She exerted all her strength to hold onto his arm that was trying to pull away, "He is a 'talent introduced' by our school. If this escalates, you can forget about even receiving your graduate admission notice."

In the quiet of the night, golden stars are scattered across the sky, their shimmering light falling upon the delicate smile, as if coated with a layer of dreamlike luster

She does not ask for much, just to say to him every night: "See you tomorrow!" In this way, she can lie in bed, peacefully falling asleep with the anticipation of tomorrow. It turns out that this is also a luxury.

She sat up straight defiantly and said, "Go ahead, speak."

Hello, is Bai Lingling there?" asked the person on the phone

His gaze shifted to her, the liquid in the white porcelain cup rippling over his fair fingers, the hue of the clear tea

In the face of such overwhelming waves, Lingling felt as if everything around her was sinking, immersed in boundless darkness. In that moment of utmost helplessness, the face of Zheng Minghao flashed through her mind, like a dazzling light splitting the darkness.

Seeing the words on the screen, she nearly vomited blood and declared urgently: "I would rather die than submit!"

Seeing that her pleas for help were in vain, Lingling had no choice but to soften her tone and plead: "Wang Tao, please don't treat me this way, I beg you not to..."

Completely insane

How far is forever: "Yes, Chinese people. He is right, to truly love someone does not mean to possess them; it is enough to ensure their happiness!"

But I feel that you are

In the distance, she saw a figure approaching, the darkness obscuring his form, only vaguely revealing that he possessed a height that Wang Tao did not have. It was not until the figure reached her that she could clearly see the handsome face that countless female students were infatuated with.

Lingling, I truly love you... Please promise me... Don't leave me, okay?" he said, half asleep and half awake.

You are drunk

I am Zheng Minghao, I have a matter to discuss with her

Today, he wore a light gray shirt with two buttons undone at the collar, exuding an elegance that was tinged with a touch of casualness. The midday sun leaped over the immaculate white blinds, casting its dazzling rays generously upon the figure in front of the window, outlining him with a golden edge and highlighting the intriguing depth he possessed

She did not even have time to turn off her computer and rushed downstairs as quickly as possible

He looked at her, his gaze calm: "This year should be enough."

Zheng Minghao retracted his cynical tone, yet his words were even more off the mark: "Your determination to break up with Wang Tao and your resolute decision to pursue graduate studies at the Materials Institute, it can't possibly be because of Yang Lanhang, can it?"

"Why not! I am your boyfriend, and I don't even have the right to kiss you once?"

The windows of the girls' dormitory building opened one after another. From that moment on, feeling a sense of "loss of face," she no longer dared to lift her head as she passed through the corridor. To avoid repeating the same mistake, she could only say to "how far is forever": "I have something to attend to, I'm getting off."

Frowning deeply with disapproval, she said: "What about your scientist friend online?"

Hello! The phone line is very noisy, and Zheng Minghao's voice is somewhat unsteady, mixed with rapid breathing

Yang Lanhang quietly observed her, missing not a single expression or subtle movement. As for her, she only noticed the fine quality of his leather shoes, which shone with a faint glow, reflecting his slightly pointed chin and straight nose.

It was the time when the graduates were about to leave school. In order to bid farewell to the students who were graduating and starting their jobs, Wang Tao's roommates decided to visit a nearby scenic area. During that period, Ling Ling was preparing for the postgraduate entrance examination and initially did not want to go. However, seeing the eager expression on Wang Tao's face, she felt a bit reluctant and reluctantly agreed.

It is not particularly beautiful either

He spread his arms wide, and when she saw the coin with characters in his palm, she let out a sigh of relief.

Zheng Minghao lowered his head to look at her slightly tilted face. Due to nervousness, her complexion was flushed, and her breathing was slightly unsteady. The concerned expression on her face caused him to feel a twinge of anxiety. For the first time, he, who had never been bound by anyone, let go of his insistence: "Alright! Then I will be more low-key!"

She spent an entire morning in the library studying the admission brochure of T University by herself, and in the end, she was completely bewildered by the esoteric classification of majors at T University. In desperation, she had no choice but to call Zheng Minghao for assistance. She dialed three times before the call finally connected

Having spoken, he pulled her up from the chair by her slender arm and dragged her all the way to the materials building, even assisting her in checking the location of Yang Lanhang's office at the service desk

"Nonchalant and unrestrained is merely my exterior," Zheng Minghao said with a smile as he looked at her, revealing his neat and white teeth once again. "It is the nature of a beast that truly defines me..."

Lian Lian said: "Are you madly in love with him? Studying for the graduate entrance exam for him?! If he asked you to jump off a building, would you be willing to do that too?"

Is it possible? What kind of mindset does this person have, and why would they be willing to teach a student whom they deem worthless?

Oops, I got off topic. She quickly brought the conversation back: "Don't mess around, I'm talking about something serious. Which major should I apply for?"

Upon stepping out the door and bidding farewell to the bright sunlight, she finally let out a sigh of relief, feeling grateful that she had managed to save Zheng Minghao's graduation certificate in time

The "Campus Western Restaurant," as the name suggests, combines the quality of the campus with the pricing of a Western restaurant. Ling Ling chose to dine in this unpopular place among students because appearing together with a high-profile boy like Zheng Minghao in the densely populated cafeteria of T University would lead to unimaginable consequences

Lianlian sat on the bench by the edge of the woods, watching the unmistakable joy in Lingling's eyes, and couldn't help but smile lightly, saying: "Is the sound of the waves still the same?"

Do you have any other options?" Zheng Minghao retorted

I did not go to find him. She looked at Zheng Minghao's puzzled expression and quietly told him, "Because the mentor my friend helped me contact is Yang Lanhang"

With her head slightly bowed, she walked through the door and respectfully greeted, "Hello, Teacher Yang!"

Of course, she is merely speaking; once she has made a decision, she will not give up, no matter how difficult it may be.

Then, she continued to admire the handsome men, and while appreciating them, she concluded a lesson: having a good-looking boyfriend has its advantages, as one can freely enjoy the "wildflowers"

How do you know

Because he is handsome enough, cool enough, and has enough personality

For a full four months, she would go to the study room to secure a seat before dawn each day, armed with a cup of strong tea and several thick workbooks, sitting there for the entire day. Although she was exhausted every day, she never considered giving up, for she had motivation and faith. She firmly believed that as long as she worked hard, she would surely succeed

Her heart suddenly sank, and she instinctively averted her gaze, thinking to herself: a man whose charisma makes the dazzling colors seem like mere embellishments is truly a sin

She analyzed the pros and cons and replied: "Yes"

Zheng Minghao lowered her hand that was covering her face and comforted her: "Don't be embarrassed! It's not your fault to think of me; it's all my fault for being too good to you, making you unable to forget me"

That being said, it is too difficult to put into practice! If there is even a glimmer of opportunity, who would willingly give it up

After the information was sent, she set Wang Tao's phone number to blacklist mode

Wang Tao completely disregarded her feelings, his thick lips drew close to her face, and his hands tore at her clothes, the two buttons at the collar falling off in his tugging...

I will help you contact another mentor, do not continue with him.

How far is forever

... ...

Yang Lanhang curved his index finger to touch his upper lip, concealing the smile at the corners of his mouth, yet his eyes revealed a brilliant sparkle: "I originally thought you had a prejudice against me and wanted to recommend you to Teacher Zhu's group"

The mountain climbing trip lasted a total of two days and one night, with the night spent at a modest little resort. Wang Tao, who usually has a poor tolerance for alcohol, got completely drunk, and no matter how Ling Ling tried to persuade him, he would not listen. She then sat alone on the grass, gazing at the distant mountains and the vast starry sky. Away from the city, the stars shone much brighter than usual, bringing a sense of ease to one's mood.

As Ling Ling just returned to her seat and settled down, Zheng Minghao appeared, taking the empty seat beside her. Without any hesitation, he picked up her water cup and drank it all in one go. His attire was as unconventional as ever, wearing a sweat-soaked jersey on top and a slightly faded pair of blue sports shorts on the bottom. Drops of either sweat or mineral water trickled down his chiseled cheeks, glistening like tiny crystals.

After a meaningful pause, Lian Lian looked at her and said: "Not here"

It is time for dinner, do not eat snacks, go to the cafeteria and have something nutritious

I will teach him how to respect the labor of others

Ling Ling quietly pushed the door open a crack and peered inside the room

Seeing her at a loss for words, Yang Lanhang took over her unfinished sentence: "Is it about the graduate school application?"

Lianlian walked over, helped her tidy up the scattered exercise books, patted her shoulder and said: "Can you tell me which rule in our school is humane?"

Hello," she greeted, "What brings you out?"

Is it not possible to pick it for fun

In the deep night with the lights turned off, the faint light in the corridor became dazzling, piercing her eyes. She rubbed her eyes and dragged her heavy steps down the corridor. The already dark and narrow dormitory building had become increasingly messy and untidy in recent days, with many old books discarded beside the overflowing trash bins. The girls' favorite trinkets and small dolls were scattered everywhere, along with some beautiful dresses that had also been thrown into the filthy chaos.

A woman's words are often at odds with her heart, and she expresses this to perfection

Seeing Lingling sitting in front of the computer like a statue, unresponsive, Lianlian hurriedly picked up a flashlight from the table and shone it over. A faint orange light fell on Lingling's face. Lingling flusteredly raised her hand to shield the side of her face, blocking the orange light that reflected the glistening droplets in her eyes, and smiled as she said: "Why does T University have such an inhumane rule of 'lights out at 11 o'clock'?"

Ling Ling looked at him with deep emotion, her cold heart warmed by his tenderness, no longer desolate, and her icy hands were warmed by his palm, no longer helpless. Because she was too moved, she did not notice the newly arrived guest who looked at her in shock, then scrutinized Zheng Minghao, before silently taking a seat in the corner. His handsome brows furrowed deeply, and the hands resting under the table gradually tightened.

Linlin's beautiful big eyes instantly sparkled: "My family Zheng Minghao, if you don't answer, I will!"

There is a kind of love that is not passionate and intense, like a raging fire.

He wore a face full of sorrow, seemingly deeply affected: "Alas! Why is it that this ambitious and aspiring young man of contemporary times has no woman to appreciate him!"

In life, who does not suffer, who does not face difficulties? Yet life must go on, and pain must be endured. If one wishes to find happiness, one must constantly remember what one possesses

Separated by thousands of mountains and rivers, what else can be done? We can just be ordinary friends. She smiled self-deprecatingly, saying, Illusions are just illusions, and true feelings are also illusions. I no longer have any expectations of him; I only wish to chat with him during my leisure time, to share my thoughts and feelings, and that is enough.

"Do not leave, clarify your words today, have you ever loved me or not?"

Once, on her way to class, she encountered Zheng Minghao. Just as she was about to greet him, a handsome guy walked by. She stared at the handsome guy with great interest until Zheng Minghao waved his hand in front of her, blocking her view: "With such a handsome guy in front of you for your free appreciation, how can you not cherish it?"

Ling Ling looked at Zheng Minghao with some surprise, momentarily unsure of how to advise him, and could only apologize, saying: "I am sorry! I thought a person like you would not have someone they cannot let go of."

Are you in the library

Zheng Minghao chuckled a few times, then closed his fingers and said with great seriousness: "For the third question, what do you most hope your loved one will say to you on your wedding night?"

I will go in and see how much Wang Tao has had to drink!" She stood up and returned her coat to Zheng Minghao, walking towards Wang Tao. As soon as she reached Wang Tao's side, she was embraced by him. A strong, nauseating smell of alcohol hit her face. She suppressed her discomfort and supported Wang Tao: "Let's go, I will help you inside to rest."

A monkey climbs up a cantaloupe tree to pick cantaloupes, and it can pick one in a minute. How many can it pick in a day

Perhaps you are right

She blinked her misty eyelashes in confusion and looked at him: "Do monkeys eat cantaloupe?"

Yang Lanhang stood sideways in front of the window, cradling a white bone china cup in the palm of her hand, while a silver spoon stirred incessantly.

The wind rustles the leaves, the sound soft as a lover's gentle whisper. She has never heard his voice, yet she is certain that his voice is equally tender, for in her eyes, he is the gentlest man in the world

Her heart suddenly raced, completely forgetting that she was on the stairs. With her foot missing the step, she nearly fell down the stairs, but fortunately, she reacted quickly and managed to grasp the handrail in time

Thinking of this, Lingling couldn't help but complain, "My fate... is really too much of a burden!"

I will take you back, I will take you back right now

Oh. She was at a loss for words, thought for a long time, and finally managed to say, "Goodbye, Teacher Yang!"

Ling Ling smiled silently, her serene and beautiful smile dimming even the starlight

On the eve of the graduate school entrance examination registration, it is the time when everyone is contacting their advisors and selecting their majors. Lingling anxiously asks, "How far is forever?" and "Which advisor should I choose?"

Carefully pondering the words and expressions of Zheng Minghao in her memories, she raised her eyes to look at Zheng Minghao's aloof brows and resolutely told herself that she must be overthinking it. Zheng Minghao would not like her, although he had always been very kind and considerate towards her, it was only because she was Wang Tao's girlfriend, and nothing more!

Cough! The man in the corner was choked by a mouthful of ice water, covering his mouth and coughing violently

I hadn't even had the chance to say the word "empty" when she saw Zheng Minghao walking towards her with his sleeves rolled up, indicating that he was about to take a tough approach.

From childhood to adulthood, her efforts have been no less than anyone else's, yet fate seems to take pleasure in bullying her time and again, rendering all her hard work ultimately meaningless. In order to gain admission to graduate school, she has spent the past four months arriving at the library at six o'clock every morning to secure a seat, studying until closing time before returning to her dormitory, enduring unimaginable pressure, and living a life isolated from the world, confined to a monotonous routine. The reward for her sacrifices has been working under a heartless boss like Yang Lanhang.

Is that really possible? Those girls must have lost their minds? Otherwise, they just do not understand his character yet

One day, Zheng Minghao happened to pass by and saw her sitting at the stairway, lost in thought. He looked at her for a long time and silently sat down on the steps.

What are you saying? Lingling suddenly felt very cold, trembling all over.

You said that I am taking a nap, so let him postpone the matter until another day

She nodded gently and answered the phone, saying: "Hello!"

On the night before graduation, everyone was busy packing their belongings to leave school, while Lingling sat in front of the computer, holding a thick stack of graduate school entrance exam books sent to her by Yaoyao, her arms aching from flipping through them. The one-kilogram mathematics problem set from Chen Wending had already left her dizzy, and when she opened the heavy Reading 200, the text, resembling an ancient script, completely bewildered her. She sighed deeply: "I have discovered that the teachers who set the Level 4 exam questions are not the most ruthless!"

Ah? Her smile was somewhat stiff. I heard that Teacher Zhu from the Materials Institute is famously kind. Is it still possible to change what I said? It seems like it's too late!

As she approached the stairway, preparing to descend, she caught a glimpse of him still standing at the door, watching her leave

Putting down her phone, she looked up at the computer screen and realized that Forever had spoken to her many times, yet she had not replied to a single one.

Zheng Minghao said: "You are truly a good friend"

As she entered the room, she helped him lie down on the bed. Just as she was about to leave, Wang Tao suddenly embraced her from behind, holding her tightly, making it difficult for her to breathe.

But she could not withstand his strength, and her entire body was controlled within his arms. Frightened, she screamed: "Help!" However, her terrified cries were drowned out by the raucous sounds of Li Wei and Gao Yuan drinking.

Linlin put down her romance novel and rushed to the phone, her voice sweet to the point of being cloying: "She said she is taking a nap... If there's something, let's talk another day"

Ling Ling: "Hmm! I want him to see what true talent is!"

And you?

Zheng Minghao nodded, not continuing the conversation, and changed the topic: "Is it really that difficult to forget that person?"

Understood! She obediently put down the potato chips in her hand, her smile intoxicatingly sweet

Are you really going to marry him? Lian Lian was very puzzled, "You don't love him at all."

It's really a case of narrow road for enemies!

Don't look at me like that. Zheng Minghao said, I would think you've fallen in love with me.

Therefore, she added another reason to dislike him: his behavior is unreasonable!

You're crazy! Do you want to give up your diploma?

Fortunately.

Zheng Minghao was suddenly inspired to invite Yang Lanheng to the bar for a few drinks. So the two of them talked about relationship issues again, and when they talked about their very similar views on love, they felt a sense of "meeting a kindred spirit is a rare encounter, a thousand cups of wine are still too few."

I am too ugly! I'm afraid that after you see my photo, you won't be able to eat for a month.

Where are you? She pretended not to understand and looked around.

Bringing up Zheng Minghao, Ling Ling couldn't help but interject, "Ling Ling, why do you like Zheng Minghao so much?"

There is a kind of love that has no promises of "till death do us part" or "through thick and thin".

She looked at Zheng Minghao in surprise, meeting his penetrating gaze. Since he had asked so directly, she didn't want to avoid the question anymore. "It's difficult. I often count the squares on the curtains in my dorm room, thinking that it will help me stop thinking about everything. I've counted countless times, in the morning light and under the moonlight, but I can never seem to count how many squares there are..." She repeated, "I've counted countless times, in the morning light and under the moonlight, but I can never seem to count how many squares there are..."

He looked at her and hesitated for a moment before saying: "You have lost a lot of weight since your graduation defense."

"Is there no other teacher who is willing to take me besides him?" she asked dejectedly

He suddenly smiled, the corners of his mouth curling upward, revealing a set of neat, white teeth, his smile purer than that of a child

In the restaurant, lyrical French songs resonate like the lament of celestial beings

Upon hearing the name Zheng Minghao, Lingling painfully rubbed her hair: "Zheng Minghao is truly difficult to deal with!"

Upon hearing this name, she felt a chill run through her body and immediately interrupted his subsequent words: "I do not wish to hear this name again"

She shot a glare at Zheng Minghao, and a smile involuntarily appeared on her face: "Do melons grow on trees? Did you even attend kindergarten? You have already graduated from university; can you please not keep your IQ at a preschool level!"

Lianlian smiled and winked at her, covered the microphone, and said in a lowered voice: "Lingling, it's Zheng Minghao"

Hey! Zheng Minghao beckoned with his finger in front of her, "Am I really that insignificant?"

In that case, you should enroll in the Materials Science program and choose courses from the first category

Goodbye. He courteously held the door open for her, seeing her out.

"Did you not contact your advisor?" Zheng Minghao casually flipped through the admission brochure and asked, "Did your advisor not tell you which direction he is focusing on?"

Lingling: "However, when I face him, I can't eat a thing! What should I do?"

Hmm! When are you free to come and help me...? She hadn't finished speaking when he promptly replied, "I'll come over now."

Lingling bid farewell to one friend after another, one classmate after another, as each person set out to pursue their dreams. Only she remained in place, stubbornly refusing to let everything come to an end, making one last effort for the love she could not let go of in her heart

The next day, Wang Tao woke up with a hangover and called her dozens of times, but she didn't answer any of them. He stood under her dormitory building in the scorching noon sun, wanting to see her, but she didn't come down. She didn't hate him or blame him, but the terrible scene kept repeating in her mind, making her tremble uncontrollably whenever she thought of Wang Tao.

Why?

Not exaggerated at all

Ling Ling immediately took the book from Lian Lian's hand and held it in her arms: "I'm going to study all night to provide power for the graduate dormitory. I'm determined!"

Okay! She quickly changed her words, thinking to herself: If any girl is loved by Zheng Minghao, there is no other choice but to accept him.

How far is forever: "If I say yes, would you think I'm useless and unable to help you with anything?"

Thank you for your kind words. Zheng Minghao then placed his hands together in front of her and said, "Next question, what kind of life do you want to live with the person you love?"

Jumping off a building is so simple, just close your eyes and take one step forward! Postgraduate entrance examination... She faced the dizzying array of vocabulary in the postgraduate entrance examination, "Just execute me by Lingchi!"

I am waiting for you at the door.

The hysterical screams pierced the night, and outside the door, there was suddenly a dead silence.

All night long, she held onto her vocabulary book while waiting for the online release of "How Far is Forever". Just as she was about to turn off her computer in disappointment, the profile picture on QQ finally lit up.

Do I have to see him? I don't know why, but every time she thinks of Yang Lanheng's appearance, she becomes particularly nervous, with her heart hanging in suspense without any support.

He looked at him with suspicion, always feeling that there was some kind of trap, but for a moment he couldn't figure out what it was. She hesitantly reached out her hand, and this time his hands were tightly clasped, leaving no gap for her, so she tried hard twice but couldn't touch the coin.

Is there any unfairness? I am in good health, with well-proportioned features, never worry about food and clothing, and have savings in my bank account. I sleep until I naturally wake up every day and chat until my hands cramp. Although I didn't graduate smoothly, I can still be considered a college student... Have you ever seen someone with a better life than mine?

She paused for a moment, looking curiously at his impeccable face: "Can her master's thesis study what material this brain is made of?"

After thinking it over, she truly has none

All the girls in the dormitory looked at her in surprise, and Linlin stared at her in amazement and asked, "Lingling, are you falling in love with someone else?"

His eyes flickered for a moment, and it was hard to tell whether it was sympathy or admiration.

"Isn't it your own request not to publicize it?" Wang Tao said.

Thank you for your compliment

Indeed! It is impossible to let go. Such a past, such a person, such tenderness, such depth, such delicacy, such loveliness, who can possibly let go of that?

Graduated, every discarded thing seems to be tirelessly expressing the coldness of "farewell" and the unbearable "old feelings".

I knew you couldn't give him up

A few days later, her emotions gradually settled down. She sent a message to Wang Tao: "I no longer blame you, but let's end things between us here."

Then let's forgo the meal as well

Ling Ling has added another reason to dislike him: he has a serious obsession with cleanliness

Zheng Minghao has always been the best at adjusting the atmosphere. He sat up straight and put on a nonchalant smile: "Come, let me give you a brain teaser."

He also told her: The graduate entrance examination is not a test of intelligence, but rather a test of who can endure loneliness, withstand pressure, and never give up. Those who can persist until the end will achieve success

The French song has ended, and after a moment of silence, another lyrical piano piece begins to play, filling the small Western restaurant with a melancholic atmosphere

Rumors are fabricated out of thin air like this

Linlin retorted without hesitation: "Men like your Wang Tao have long been rampant!"

Just then, the waiter brought a cup of hot milk, and she lowered her head to drink the hot milk

She felt a sense of filth and disgust that she had never experienced before, struggling desperately, punching and kicking in resistance: "You! Let go of me..."

Recalling that "proud and elegant" expression, she was so angry that her teeth itched: "I feel sorry for myself just by looking at him!!!"

Do not think that I am unaware; I have long seen the chat records stored on your computer... You have never forgotten him; I am merely a substitute, and you are using my feelings to forget him

Is it really that exaggerated

For example, when it comes to her, Zheng Minghao sometimes takes care of her more attentively than Wang Tao. When she is in a bad mood, he always notices and then tells her some interesting things to make her laugh. As a result, she increasingly enjoys the sense of relaxation that Zheng Minghao brings to her. In front of Zheng Minghao, she never needs to consider his feelings when speaking or acting, and can joke and belittle him without any scruples!

Show me your proof!

Low-key enough, as low-key as "underground love". Ling Ling covered her face in depression and was about to pretend not to know him when she heard a girl behind her whispering, "Zheng Minghao has a girlfriend?"

Speaking of Wang Tao, she almost answered without thinking: "I will marry him."

She gazed at the computer screen, filled with anticipation, and asked, "What do you look like? Send me a photo so I can see."

I don't know! But, I really wanted to marry you before.She is just an ordinary woman, without the courage to pursue any grand love affair, afraid of being burned to ashes in the end. So, she wants to find someone who truly loves her and cherishes her. Even if she has to struggle for a lifetime, it doesn't matter. A plain and simple affection is the most genuine.

She does not know whether what she has done is right or wrong, and when she is aware that deep feelings are hard to let go, she chooses to give up. Knowing that intense emotions are fleeting, she stubbornly remains oblivious. Yet, regardless of right or wrong, she firmly tells herself: "I have tried my best, and I have no regrets"

Lingling: "I also know, but the teachers in their group are all exceptionally skilled, and no one would be willing to take me on."

What can I help you with? She kept a safe distance of one meter from Zheng Minghao, looked around cautiously, and made sure that the windows upstairs in the dormitory were all closed.

Let us eat somewhere else. To prevent him from acting impulsively again, Lingling hurriedly tossed some money on the table, grabbed his arm, and dragged him out of the restaurant

I have already been admitted to graduate school, does it matter whether I have my undergraduate diploma or not

Because everyone says you are kind and have a high academic level

Zheng Minghao curled his lips and said something that surprised her: "Two hundred and sixteen."

What do you need from Lingling? I have conveyed it for you... Oh, alright!" Linlin hung up the phone, looking at her with envy, and said something that sent chills down her spine: "He will be waiting for you downstairs in the dormitory building in five minutes. He asked me to tell you: dare you not come down and see for yourself!"

Upon mentioning the meal, she realized that she was hungry. She quickly grabbed a bag of chips from the cupboard and ran back. Just as she opened it, she pinched a chip and put it in her mouth

What a touching sentiment! There are still such devoted men in this world! I guess he must be Chinese, as only Chinese men possess such profound and enduring love

"No need!" She didn't want to cause him any more trouble, or make things difficult for him. With a sense of righteousness, she said, "I've made up my mind, I'm breaking up with that pervert!"

Wang Tao's eyes were filled with blood-red fury as he angrily covered her mouth. Her piercing screams turned into sobs as she looked at the beastly man before her, the very man who was her boyfriend, the one she had resolutely decided to entrust her life to. How ridiculous, how absurd.

How far is forever: "Really?"

"You go ahead and draw, I don't mind," Lingling said

Wang Tao laughed, grinning incessantly... After laughing for a while, he brought his lips close to her face

She made an effort to unleash her imagination, and suddenly the image of the Einstein statue in front of the Yifu Building, which she mistakenly thought was a "Cave Man," intruded into her mind, causing Lingling, who had not eaten dinner, to suddenly feel full

Since then, he often came to see her, sometimes bringing her practice questions, at other times delivering chocolates and snacks, and sometimes just to chat with her, imparting some effective exam techniques, such as which political questions are essential to memorize, which math problems are likely to be tested, how to achieve the minimum score in English, and most importantly: do not even glance at the professional subjects, as it is a waste of time; attending a tutoring class before the exam is sufficient

"How is that possible? He has caused me to be unable to graduate, and my hatred for him runs deep..." she said in a lowered voice, "I have decided to endure humiliation and bear the burden, lurking by his side, waiting for the opportunity to take revenge!"

Your way of thinking is beyond the comprehension of an ordinary man

Stop lying to me! Wang Tao seemed like a different person, his eyes red, he shouted, "I know you don't like me, you have always been thinking about other men. Only he can hold you, kiss you, right?"

Little did he know that disregarding her warning, he lunged forward, grabbing her with one hand while the other reached for her collar

Although ... ! ... she embarrassed herself once again in front of him, fully proving that her "low intelligence" is beyond redemption, but did he really have to react so dramatically!

In order to confirm her suspicion, she tactfully asked, "I am only reviewing these materials; is it sufficient to cope with the graduate entrance examination?"

Although he is somewhat unattractive, he is a very nice person and quite graceful. For some reason, Zheng Minghao particularly emphasized the word "ugly".

She was just about to get up and leave when she heard the question, and only then did she remember her primary purpose: "There is one thing... I originally was not in this field, and the specialized courses are very difficult for me..." She discreetly observed his expression, and upon encountering the untainted righteousness emanating from him, she swallowed the rest of her words.

After Lingling and Lianlian finished their conversation, they returned to the dormitory quite late. Their roommates were still awake, engaged in a discussion in bed. They quickly washed up and got into bed, joining the ongoing conversation.

Because she encountered an even more infuriating enemy, she temporarily put aside the matter of being played and pointed in the direction of the corner, saying in a voice that even the kitchen chef could hear, "He is the pervert I was talking about."

The most difficult four months were endured with Zheng Minghao by her side. She cherishes their revolutionary bond immensely; perhaps love may change, but the friendship between her and Zheng Minghao will remain unchanged. At the very least, she will remember every little thing he has done for her.

Ling Ling was so shocked that he took several steps back, with cold sweat seeping from his back: "What do you mean? What do you want to do?"

Oh! He pulled the stool a little closer, leaned in quietly to her ear and said, "Is this low-key enough?"

How is your review going? Do you have any difficulties

No! If there were, I would not push her into the fire pit!

Stop it! He couldn't break free, and Ling Ling was embarrassed, her face turning red.

Upon hearing Wang Tao utter these words, she felt not only a chill in her body but also a coldness in her heart. She did not wish to say anything, did not want to explain, and only wanted to distance herself from him, from this man with whom she had spent every day yet felt completely unfamiliar.

Zheng Minghao continued speaking, and a vague call from Wang Tao came: "Ling Ling! Ling Ling!"

"Wait a moment." As she walked to the door, Yang Lanhang called out to her, "Is the pressure of the graduate entrance examination very high?"

That day, Zheng Minghao was really angry and beat Wang Tao until he was bleeding from his head. No one could stop him. After venting his anger, he walked to the bedside and looked at Ling Ling, who was trembling all over, and said, "I'm sorry! I'm late."

This topic... ... Lingling really has no words to respond. She awkwardly touched her hot cheeks, only to realize that she had indeed lost a lot of weight.

I didn't say anything... Zheng Minghao had an innocent look on his face, shaking his head and sighing, "Nowadays, girls have impure thoughts!"

What are you discussing that is so engaging, to the point that you lost track of time?

Okay!

How Far is Forever: "There's no need to be so fierce, it's not like you're being asked to marry him!"

It turns out that the person she loved the most was always that stranger she had never met, and even after spending more than half a year with Wang Tao, her love for that person had not changed at all

Zheng Minghao hesitated several times before finally asking slowly, "Before you and Taizi got together, have you really never seen me before?"

It is not a problem! It is only a matter of receiving the graduation certificate a year later, which is not important

I will marry you, really!

Zheng Minghao glanced at Wang Tao and asked, "Why don't you promote the fact that I stayed up coding for several nights?"

Yang Lanheng looked up at her upon hearing her words, remained silent, and furrowed his brows even deeper.

How far is forever: "You're wrong! He is willing!"

I know! He stiffly moved his body, put down the teacup in his hand, and casually took a tissue from the table to wipe the liquid splashed on his fingers. Although he had wiped it very clean, he still kept bowing his head and wiping it incessantly.

Lingling cautiously reached out her finger and touched it, "It's a character."

Zheng Minghao held her tightly, yet no matter how warm the embrace was, it could not dispel her coldness

Ling Ling hurriedly took out a tissue from her bag and handed it to him. Zheng Minghao smiled and took it, wiping off the sweat. Without hesitation, he said, "If you miss me, just say it directly, no need to make excuses."

How far is forever: "Since you really can't stand him, I'll help you contact another tutor. Don't worry, as long as I'm here, fate will never bully you again!"

1440. Did you graduate from elementary school?

Ling Ling felt a surge of excitement and hot blood rushing to his head. He carefully put away the book as if it were a treasure, stood up respectfully and said, "Thank you! I'll take my leave now and not delay your work."

He suggested that she go and meet with her advisor to discuss her research direction. However, Ling Lingyi couldn't help but recall the feeling of being looked down upon and trampled upon by someone, which made it difficult for her to muster the courage to face him.

That's how people are. As long as they have goals in their hearts, they will feel supported from behind.

Is there a woman you like? She is a bit curious about what kind of woman a man like Yang Lanheng would like. She should be stunningly beautiful, exceptionally intelligent, and unparalleled in her knowledge...? Huh! No, definitely not beautiful, but rather foolish and stupid, a perfect match for him!

Worried that you might feel lonely. Zheng Minghao took off his coat and draped it over her, then sat down beside her on the empty space.

Oh! She had a sudden inspiration: "Is it that all the students can't stand his abnormality and no one wants to be with him?"

Ling Ling pretended not to hear and walked out of the dormitory holding a book

She suppressed the regret in her heart and said with a fearless attitude towards death: "No need, I can learn more by following you"

Why did you choose me as your mentor? he asked.

"Please have a seat," he gestured towards the sofa. After she sat down, he pulled over a chair and sat opposite her, his posture exuding elegance.

She nodded, listening attentively

Since my father left, Ling Ling has never hoped to have a man standing in front of her, shielding her from the wind and rain. She has become accustomed to being independent, accustomed to living in her own little shell. But he appeared, and he was like a ray of sunshine gradually warming her shell, allowing her to slowly come out.

Ling Ling: "Besides, he looks down on me so much that he wouldn't be willing to be my mentor."

This book is very well written, with in-depth and easy-to-understand explanations, which is very suitable for beginners like you. I have highlighted key content in the book. When you go back, take a careful look. If there is anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me at any time. He then added solemnly, "Don't ask others."

Ling Ling secretly looked around at the students whispering around her and whispered, "Keep a low profile! Keep a low profile!"

However, she never expected that Zheng Minghao's so-called "low-key" meant finding a place where no one was around at night to seek revenge.

During her most exhausted and depressed days, all her classmates and friends had left. Lian Lian fell in love, deeply and inseparably, finding it hard to part. Every time she felt lonely and lost, she would sit alone in the stairwell, overwhelmed by suffocating helplessness, especially when she thought of the lover she couldn't touch, feeling the loneliness in the air she breathed.

He looked at her for a long time before saying, "Never seen before."