Chapter 12: “Don’t take advantage of my generosity!”

21.

To avoid his possible disdain, I quickly changed the subject and took him to my elementary and middle schools where I had studied as a child. The stinky tofu vendor at the entrance still recognized me.

Wei Nanlin took the opportunity to educate me about the dangers of eating fried foods, but it went in one ear and out the other, as I didn’t really listen.

Nobody can stop my passion for stinky tofu, not even handsome guys!

There are many toys placed at the entrance of the stationery store, and now even spinning tops cost several hundred each.

“Damn it! When I was a kid, I could buy one for ten yuan, and it even had glow-in-the-dark features!” I muttered quietly.

“I didn’t have these toys when I was a child.”

The shop owner’s wife approached and asked, “Are you buying these for the little ones at home? This silver one next to it is the premium version. Many kids like to buy this one.”

Wei Nanlin turned his head and said gently, “Little one, which one do you like the most?”

“I like your version the most.”

Who doesn’t know some cheesy pick-up lines!

Dr. Wei chuckled softly.

The shop owner’s wife looked at the two of us with surprise, and I quickly pulled him to buy stinky tofu.

“This isn’t healthy…” he muttered on the side, “Didn’t you have enough dinner?”

“This doesn’t fill up your stomach.”

Granny scooped out the fried stinky tofu, poured on some soup and sauce, and a delightful fragrance filled the air.

I held a small box and asked, “Have you tried stinky tofu before?”

“I tried it when I was a child, it was okay.”

“Then you definitely didn’t try the authentic one. This granny is from Changsha, and her stinky tofu is incredibly delicious.” I picked up a piece covered in sauce and offered it, “Come on, give it a try. I promise you’ll fall in love with this taste!”

Dr. Wei’s eyebrows showed resistance.

I had to resort to the trick I use with my niece: “If you eat this, I’ll reward you with something nice!”

Unexpectedly, Dr. Wei fell for it and opened his mouth to take the stinky tofu from my hand.

“How’s the taste?”

Dr. Wei’s neck tilted back as the stinky tofu’s heat hit him, and after some effort, he managed to swallow it and said, “Not bad, better than I remembered.”

“Do you want more?” I poked another piece.

Dr. Wei stretched his neck back, “What good thing?”

“I haven’t thought of one yet. Do you want something specific?”

“Let’s leave it for now.”

Coincidentally, during the peak of the walk, there was a constant stream of people at the entrance of the mall. Passing by a bakery, the aroma of pastries wafted through the air.

A girl walked out of KFC holding an ice cream cone, her other hand held by her boyfriend.

She took a bite of the ice cream cone, then turned to feed her boyfriend. Both of their faces were filled with shy and sweet smiles.

Speaking of which, Wei Nanlin and I could be considered a couple too. We’ve gone out to eat, walked the streets, watched movies, and discussed various disease preventions. But we haven’t even held hands; the only physical contact was when he helped me stretch after exercising.

The kind that’s separated by clothes.

Pure to the point of heartbreak.

In situations like this, someone has to take the initiative. I turned my head and asked, “Would you like to have some ice cream?”

“It’s almost winter, and you’re still eating something so stimulating. It’s not good for the stomach.”

“Then would you like some hot coffee?”

“Caffeine can cause tinnitus. Didn’t you tell me before that you often experience ringing in your ears at night? Maybe it’s related to your coffee consumption.”

“Oh, I see!”

Ice cream stimulates the stomach, caffeine has many restrictions, milk tea has high sugar content, and cola affects digestion. All the drinks I like have been put on Dr. Wei’s blacklist.

The two of us walked from the supermarket to the small park while sipping on two cups of yogurt.

The sun set, dyeing the clouds on the horizon with a faint pink hue. The atmosphere was beautiful, but the words “Would you like to taste my cup?” never escaped my lips. I never had the courage, fearing he might say that exchanging saliva could spread various oral diseases.

I think I might have developed a psychological complex.

Speaking of which, can a psychotherapist treat this kind of condition effectively?

Lost in my thoughts, the doctor suddenly spoke, “What do you think of me as a person?”

I was taken aback, and honestly replied, “You’re quite good. Intelligent, honest, kind, and enthusiastic. You’re the first doctor I’ve ever known.”

“Oh, I thought you might find me a bit old-fashioned.”

You’re surprisingly self-aware!

On the rarest of occasions, he lowered his head. I couldn’t help but smile. “Are you shy?”

“To be honest, many colleagues say I’m someone who doesn’t understand life. I don’t enjoy socializing, rarely go out, and don’t communicate much with people outside of patients. I’ve shared so much medical information with you; do you find it annoying?”

I never expected the usually confident Dr. Wei to have such thoughts.

“How could that be! Everyone has their own interests. You’re the most life-wise person I’ve met. I really like the pomegranate tree and all the flowers and plants in your yard. Don’t pay attention to what others think.”

“Perhaps after a while, once the novelty wears off, you might also find this kind of life uninteresting, just like everyone else.”

“Don’t think that way. You have so many shining qualities: positive, attentive, considerate, polite, a good listener, and patient. You’re even gentle with strangers. Even my family really likes you.”

Wei Nanlin lowered his head and smiled, “You have a truly kind personality.”

“I’m being sincere. I’m not just flattering!”

“I’m sincere too. No matter how uninteresting my topics are, you listen attentively.”

“You have a pleasant voice. I enjoy listening to anything you say.”

“What if I asked you to make the bed every morning?”

“…” I wouldn’t like that!

22.

The sky gradually darkened, and the temperature dropped significantly compared to daytime. A gust of cold wind brushed against my neck, causing me to sneeze.

“Let’s head home.” Wei Nanlin gently ruffled my hair. I really liked this affectionate gesture.

There were quite a few couples holding hands and strolling along the road, but we still walked side by side, maintaining a distance of about half an arm’s length.

“Um…” Wei Nanlin suddenly looked at me.

“Yeah?”

“Are you cold?”

“Not really, I’m wearing a fleece-lined hoodie.”

He glanced at the road, hesitated for a while, then looked at me again. “Can you feel cold though?”

“What exactly do you want to say?”

“You tell me first if you’re cold,” insisted Wei Nanlin.

I cooperatively held onto my arm. “The wind tonight is so noisy.”

In the next moment, he abruptly grabbed my left hand and tried to stuff it into his coat pocket. His movement was too forceful, causing my finger joints to make cracking sounds.

Even more awkwardly, his coat pocket wasn’t very big, and both our hands struggled at the opening, realizing they couldn’t fit in simultaneously.

“…”

It was too awkward. Someone save me!

Why do those beautiful scenes from TV never happen to me?

Finally, I silently pulled his hand to the big pocket of my hoodie around my waist, but I completely forgot that I had some sour plum-flavored melon seeds and peanuts in my own pocket, given to me by a colleague.

Wei Nanlin must have touched something, a subtle and slightly disgusted expression appeared on his face. “Are you a hamster? Storing up for the winter?”

“Hmph, still better than your pocket that can’t fit anything!”

The night wind blew in our faces, our hands clasped tightly in the “hamster nest.”

My other restless hand crushed a peanut shell and then placed the peanut kernel in his palm. “Want to eat, bro? Peanuts shouldn’t be harmful, right?”

“I can’t, how about you feed me?”

“Don’t push your luck!”

Wei Nanlin opened his mouth, “Ah—”