Chapter 6

Chapter 6

◎Want to Be Friends with You◎

One of the classmates who found the ten laps grueling, Xiao Ye's good buddy, finished the last stretch and then hung onto Xiao Ye like a limp rag.

It was the end of August, the hottest time of the year, and even a little movement could make you sweat, let alone running ten laps.

Xiao Ye pushed the person hanging on him away with extreme disgust: "You're all sweaty, can you stay away from me?"

Zhang Yuan collapsed on the flower bed, panting: "Can't you show a little brotherly love? What's wrong with giving me a hand? I'm exhausted."

After finishing the run, there was a ten-minute break. Xiao Ye brought two bottles of water and handed one to the limp rag lying on the ground: "There's a physical fitness test for the college entrance exam. With your condition, passing might be difficult."

Zhang Yuan rolled his eyes at him, gulped down several mouthfuls of water, and then said, "You think I'm like you, a marathon seed player every year? I'll just push through the physical fitness test and barely pass."

After drinking a few more sips, his parched throat finally felt a bit better. Zhang Yuan tightened the bottle cap and looked at him with a gossipy expression: "Who were you looking at just now? You were smiling like a lovestruck fool. Is it someone from our class or another class? I heard there's a girl in Class 3 who's really beautiful, with long hair and skin as white as Snow White."

Hearing this, Xiao Ye's mind immediately conjured up the image of his little deskmate, thinking, "Could anyone be as fair-skinned as my deskmate?"

Realizing that his thoughts had been led astray by Zhang Yuan, comparing such random things, he got annoyed and kicked Zhang Yuan's leg: "Who's in love?"

Zhang Yuan didn't dodge, letting him kick, as it didn't hurt anyway. He snorted: "I didn't have my phone, otherwise I would have taken a picture to show you! Come on, who were you looking at? Even though you're handsome, being handsome doesn't mean you'll automatically get a girlfriend. Let me teach you, I guarantee you'll succeed!"

Xiao Ye ignored him and walked straight to the gathering spot.

As for the instructor he had knocked down yesterday, he didn't hold a grudge and still showed up. However, from start to finish today, he didn't acknowledge Xiao Ye, not even a glance. He probably still felt embarrassed about being knocked down by a student, so he chose to ignore him.

Xiao Ye didn't care either; not being watched made him feel more relaxed.

While the students downstairs were shouting slogans, upstairs, gossip was being shared.

The math problems were simple, and Ji Nanxing finished twenty pages of homework in just an hour. He closed his eyes to relax before moving on to other tasks. Beside him, Chen Shiyi also closed his novel and started talking about his deskmate's gossip.

From being voted as the school heartthrob on the forum to the incident where he took on three sports students, and then even knocking down an instructor, Chen Shiyi cautiously concluded to Ji Nanxing: "You should be careful when interacting with your deskmate."

He didn't think Xiao Ye was the type to pick fights with anyone, but Ji Nanxing looked too... fragile. It seemed like even a light push might be too much for him.

Moreover, since their high school didn't have a middle school section, everyone got in based on their scores. The students came from different schools, and few knew each other, so everyone was still figuring out each other's personalities. It was better to be cautious at the beginning.

Ji Nanxing didn't expect the school to be so lively during the three days he was catching up on sleep at home. But based on his experience in reading faces, Ji Nanxing said, "He doesn't seem like the type to start fights easily. As long as you don't provoke him, he won't just hit people."

Chen Shiyi nodded: "I also think he's not as scary as they say. When you fainted that day, he was the first to rush over and catch you. I think once everyone gets to know him better, they won't be so afraid of Xiao Ye."

As it was almost time for the noon gathering, Ji Nanxing and Chen Shiyi packed up their things and headed downstairs to their class's training area.

Among the group of students, Xiao Ye was the most noticeable, whether in height or posture. From a distance, he was the first one you'd notice.

Xiao Ye's Tianzhai Palace (the area between the eyebrows) was broad, indicating a harmonious family. His forehead was full, showing strong vitality, and his upward-tilted eye corners with distinct eye bags suggested he was naturally likable.

So, the cautious attitude of the classmates was only temporary. This guy will have great relationships in the future, and there was no need to worry.

The two stood in the shade for a while, and soon the noon break bell rang.

Chen Shiyi couldn't wait: "Let's go, I'll take you to the cafeteria. If we're late, we'll have to wait in a long line."

Ji Nanxing didn't know where the cafeteria was, but he had a meal card. It was issued when he registered and paid the fees. With Chen Shiyi leading the way, it was convenient.

However, when they arrived at the cafeteria, it was already packed, with long lines at every serving area.

Chen Shiyi looked at Ji Nanxing with concern: "There are so many people. It's inevitable to bump into others while queuing. You don't like being touched by others, so is this okay for you? If not, tell me what you want to eat, and I'll get it for you."

Although he himself had a condition, it didn't affect him much unless he exerted himself vigorously. But Ji Nanxing was different. In Chen Shiyi's eyes, Ji Nanxing's condition was much more severe, so he naturally wanted to take extra care of him.

Ji Nanxing was about to say it was fine when he heard someone call him.

Turning around, he saw Xiao Ye standing not far away, with his school uniform draped over his arm, calling out to him: "Come here."

The passing students immediately slowed down, not daring to look directly but clearly paying attention to the situation.

Some were whispering, glancing at Xiao Ye and then at Ji Nanxing, speculating if something was about to happen or if there was going to be a fight.

Chen Shiyi also took a small step closer to Ji Nanxing, whispering, "What's going on? Why is he calling you? Did you do something to upset him?"

Ji Nanxing shook his head: "No, I'll go see."

With that, he walked over to Xiao Ye.

Chen Shiyi couldn't help but follow, just in case things got physical, he could intervene.

Ji Nanxing was a bit shorter than Xiao Ye, about half a head shorter. When he reached him, he had to look up slightly: "What's up?"

Xiao Ye handed his school uniform to Ji Nanxing: "There are too many people. If I wait to get food, I won't find a seat. You go save a seat, and I'll get your food."

Ji Nanxing glanced at Zhang Yuan. The two of them could also have one get food while the other saved a seat.

But Ji Nanxing really didn't like queuing, and since Zhang Yuan didn't say anything, he agreed. He took Xiao Ye's uniform and handed over his meal card: "I don't eat celery or beef. Anything else is fine."

Xiao Ye took his meal card and nodded, then turned to queue without looking back.

Ji Nanxing looked at Chen Shiyi: "You go get your food. There's a table for four over there. Once you get your food, come over, and I'll save you a seat."

Chen Shiyi nodded and found a shorter line to queue.

Out of the corner of his eye, Xiao Ye saw Ji Nanxing sit down at a table. He then started flipping the meal card between his fingers.

Zhang Yuan, standing behind him, clicked his tongue: "What's going on with you? Helping someone get food? Since when are you so helpful?"

Xiao Ye: "What do you mean helpful? He's saving me a seat, and I'm just getting him food in return. It's mutual benefit."

Zhang Yuan pointed at himself: "Am I not a person? Can't I save you a seat?"

Xiao Ye handed both his and Ji Nanxing's meal cards to him: "Then I'll save the seat, and you get the food?"

Zhang Yuan didn't hesitate: "Get lost."

Not sure what Ji Nanxing liked to eat, Xiao Ye got a bit of everything that looked good. Zhang Yuan, standing behind him, reminded him: "You're using your own card."

Xiao Ye replied indifferently: "Oh, I just grabbed it. It's not much, no big deal."

Zhang Yuan chuckled softly. A dozen yuan wasn't much, but helping someone get food and treating them to a meal—if you switched the genders, it would be a whole different story.

As they carried the trays over to Ji Nanxing, looking at that stunning face and the delicate, fragile aura that seemed to need protection, Zhang Yuan glanced at Xiao Ye. Could his buddy already be bending without realizing it?

After placing the two trays on the table, Xiao Ye naturally sat down next to Ji Nanxing. It wasn't intentional; Ji Nanxing had placed his uniform there, so of course, he sat where his clothes were.

Zhang Yuan sat across from Xiao Ye and looked up at Ji Nanxing. Up close, the impact of that divine face was even greater.

Ji Nanxing and Xiao Ye were different types, but if they were competing for the title of school heartthrob, Zhang Yuan felt Xiao Ye would lose.

One has a roguish charm with a touch of wildness, while the other has a cool, distant demeanor. Oddly enough, the two sitting together actually seem to click.

Xiao Ye pushed one of the meal trays toward Ji Nanxing: "Check if there’s anything you don’t like. If there is, you can give it to me."

Ji Nanxing picked up his chopsticks and smoothed out the rough edges, saying, "I’ll eat it all. Thanks for getting the food for me."

Xiao Ye smiled: "No big deal, you saved me a spot."

Chen Shiyi walked over with a bowl of noodle soup, glanced at Ji Nanxing's meal tray, then at Xiao Ye beside him, and finally couldn’t help but whisper, "You’re really gonna finish all that?"

The rice was heaped up, with three meat dishes and two vegetable dishes, all piled generously. Not to mention, there was a separate tray with four chicken drumsticks, each larger than the palm of a hand.

Before Ji Nanxing could respond, Xiao Ye said, "Just eat what you can. No need to force it."

Then, as if worried Ji Nanxing might feel bad about wasting food, he added, "Next time, I’ll grab less."

Chen Shiyi and Zhang Yuan both zeroed in on the "next time," especially Zhang Yuan, who lowered his head to eat while wearing a subtle smile.

Ji Nanxing said, "I can finish it."

Ji Nanxing could really pack it away, and being at an age where he was still growing, his daily energy expenditure was high. So, even though he looked thin, he wasn’t a light eater.

When Ji Nanxing finished the hefty meal and started eating a chicken drumstick, the other three were stunned.

No wonder they were shocked. Ji Nanxing looked like he lived off dew and flower petals, the kind who would feel full after just two bites.

Chen Shiyi closed his gaping mouth and glanced at Ji Nanxing's stomach: "Where does all that food even go?"

How could he eat so much and still stay so thin?

Ji Nanxing smiled: "That’s just me. I eat a ton but stay skinny."

Xiao Ye, also somewhat surprised, chimed in: "That’s good."

Being a big eater’s a blessing. He’d figured Ji Nanxing was thin from not eating much due to poor health. It was better to have a naturally high metabolism than a low appetite.

Zhang Yuan put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth, and glanced from Xiao Ye's face to Ji Nanxing: "So, you’re doing okay now? You really freaked us out when you passed out last time."

Ji Nanxing replied, "I’m fine now."

Chen Shiyi, who had also put down his chopsticks, quickly added, "He’s got a heart condition. He usually seems fine, but he still needs to be careful."

He said this mainly for Xiao Ye's benefit. The two were desk mates and spent the most time together. Xiao Ye came off as the impulsive type, but knowing his desk mate had a heart condition, he probably wouldn’t pick a fight with someone who was unwell.

Both Xiao Ye and Zhang Yuan were stunned by Chen Shiyi's words. Although Ji Nanxing didn’t look particularly healthy, they hadn’t expected him to have a heart condition.

To them, heart patients were totally unfamiliar. In their minds, such people were fragile, delicate, and easily triggered, requiring gentle care and soft-spoken words.

Looking at Ji Nanxing again—thin, pale—it was clear that the earlier impression of him being healthy despite his slimness was just an illusion.

The lunch break ended quickly, and the others headed out for afternoon military training, leaving only Ji Nanxing and Chen Shiyi in the classroom.

Ji Nanxing had knocked out his math and English homework that morning. Now, he took out his physics and chemistry books. If he worked quickly, he might even finish his Chinese homework before school ended.

Just as he was about to focus on his homework, Chen Shiyi, who had been hesitating for a while, finally spoke up: "Ji Nanxing."

Ji Nanxing turned to look at him: "What’s up?"

Chen Shiyi sounded apologetic: "Sorry about what I said at lunch. I shouldn’t have blurted that out."

He had revealed someone’s private matter without permission. Ji Nanxing might not have wanted others to know about his condition, but at the time, Chen Shiyi had only wanted to make sure Xiao Ye knew, so he wouldn’t bully Ji Nanxing in the future.

But after he spoke, and both Xiao Ye and Zhang Yuan fell silent, Chen Shiyi regretted it. He knew exactly how it felt to be pushed away after others found out about his illness. His well-meaning but presumptuous action had been a mistake.

Ji Nanxing put down his pen and asked, "Do you care a lot about being distanced by others?"

Chen Shiyi's fingers curled slightly. How could he not care? Since childhood, he had always been the one others kept at a distance.

When he was young, other parents wouldn’t let their kids play with him. Even a little physical exertion would leave him breathless, and others were afraid of being held responsible if something happened to him.

At school, his classmates also kept their distance. During outdoor group activities, he was always the one standing alone on the sidelines.

Others envied him for not having to attend PE classes, but who knew how much he envied them for being able to play and run around during gym class?

He hadn’t been lucky enough to have a childhood friend. He had always been alone.

It wasn’t until high school, when he found out there was another student in his class who couldn’t participate in military training, that Chen Shiyi felt a sense of relief. He was no longer the only one standing apart; he had someone to share the experience with.

He wanted to be friends with Ji Nanxing. His lungs were weak, and Ji Nanxing had a heart condition—both unable to engage in strenuous activities. So, he had even tried to ingratiate himself with Ji Nanxing.

But today, it seemed he had done something that might have upset him.

Ji Nanxing said, "I don’t mind."

Chen Shiyi looked at him.

Ji Nanxing smiled, reopened his workbook, and picked up his pen: "Because my world is full. I have many things to do, so I don’t care about those who are destined to distance themselves from me, or those who don’t want to be friends with me because of my flaws."

"True friendship comes from mutual compatibility. No matter who you are, if you’re meant to be friends, you will be. Trying to please others or hiding your flaws to maintain a friendship—that’s not real friendship."

Chen Shiyi lowered his head, gently picking at his fingers: "But what if there are no friends? What if there never are?"

Ji Nanxing replied, "That’s fine. We’re adults now. We can fill our worlds with things we love. Even the best friends might leave one day, but the only person who will always be with you is yourself."

After a long pause, Chen Shiyi asked softly, "Ji Nanxing, can I be your friend?"

Ji Nanxing looked at his anxious yet hopeful eyes and smiled slightly: "Sure."