Chapter 21.1|Becoming 18

Nie Hai observed Xu Zhiyi and Meng Yin for a week after they got together. 

Having been single for over a decade without reciprocating anyone's feelings, he was intrigued by the transformation in Xu Zhiyi upon getting into a relationship. 

Hai couldn't understand how someone's behaviour could change so drastically. Curiosity led him to seek Lin Xipei's opinion on Zhiyi's recent changes. Despite feeling hesitant, Hai approached Xipei and asked if she noticed any differences in Xu Zhiyi lately. 

Xipe was puzzled by Nie Hai's question. 

Hai elaborated on his observations and theories about Xu Zhiyi, leaving Xipei amused by his naivety. Lin Xipei realized that emotional perception varied among individuals, especially between straight men and fans of fictional couples like her. Playfully, Xipei teased Hai by asking him to address her as "Teacher Lin" before sharing more insights. 

Hai, taken aback by Xipei's playful gesture, started to understand why Xing Xiuze often clashed with her. 

Lin Xipei reminisced about the incident involving Meng Yin publicly questioning Xu Zhiyi at the beginning of the school year, where one of the questions was, "Can you stop acting so high and mighty?" Nie Hai recalled the three questions Meng Yin had asked Xu Zhiyi — "How long has it been since you last saw each other?", "What's your exam ranking?", and "Can you stop acting so high and mighty?" 

Confused by the significance of these questions, "So what?"

Nie Hai sought Xipei's opinion, who, realizing his limited understanding, refrained from engaging in further discussion with him due to his 90-point limit in Chinese language exams.

The tension had not dissipated when a sudden weight on the shoulder startled them, "What are you two doing sneaking around here?" 

A head popped in from the side, revealing Xing Xiuze. As he confidently claimed the central position, he then withdrew his hand. Turning around with the others, they faced the classroom, slightly leaning against the window. "We're discussing Zhiyin CP," Xipei sniffed, gearing up for their usual banter, "No breakfast again today, why are you here?" "Discussing CP —" Xing Xiuze drawled, scrutinizing Hai with a raised brow, sensing a long road ahead. His gaze quickly met Xipei's again, provocatively arching a brow, "Isn't the issue about Xu Zhiyi not being proper in front of Meng Yin?" He had caught most of the earlier conversation. 

Lin Xipei: "... "What should I do now, feeling the urge to punch someone.

 "What's wrong?" Xing Xiuze, wearing a knowing expression, still faced Lin Xipei's challenge. After rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Xing Xiuze shook his head, "Nothing's wrong." 

Lin Xipei: "... "Fist itching more now. 

"What's the matter?" Hai inquired. Even he noticed that after Meng Yin arrived, Xu Zhiyi was indeed less reserved. This manifested in more talk, sharper words, and most importantly — he smiled more! With various degrees and angles! Even though he couldn't link it to Meng Yin's earlier statement about Xu Zhiyi not being proper. 

Xing Xiuze smirked, lightly patting Hai's head, "Does your dad know a PE teacher is teaching you Chinese at Zhongyi?" 

Nie Hai: "... "Don't think he didn't catch Xing Xiuzhe's implication of 'Does your dad know you're so clueless at school?'

Upon careful consideration, Xing Xiuze was actually right. Nie Hai's family may not be as outstanding as Xu Zhiyi, but he still possesses some credentials. He was well-protected since childhood, mischievous yet straightforward, seemingly following the rules on the surface, possessing the qualities nurtured by a knowledgeable family, yet with a distinctly different aspect to his character. This is primarily due to the common reasons of lacking parental companionship and the earnest expectations of the older generation. Perhaps it could be considered a way to relieve pressure - Nie Hai is passionate about technology products, curious about seemingly mundane things, and enjoys chatting with familiar people. Raised by his family like a well-balanced little prince, he appears more like a pure and innocent person in public.

Nie Hai, like many in the "foodie group," has a side to his personality that is not displayed at home.

Observing the subtle changes in Hai's expression, Xing Xiuze knew that he had accepted his persona.

With this foundation laid, Xiuze continued, "Xu Zhiyi is no exception. The so-called composure is merely a superficial visual impression."

Hai seemed to understand, yet also seemed puzzled.

Lin Xipei, with a sharp mind, tried to delve deeper and continued Xiuze's point, "So, when Xu Zhiyi interacts with Meng Yin, his usual self is calm. The Xu Zhiyi we perceive is his normal self?"

Xiuze affirmed and explained, "Xu Zhiyi's upbringing, educational quality, growth environment, and broad perspective destined him to be more mature than his peers. His cultivation and empathy make him thoughtful, considerate, and able to understand what others cannot. These qualities also lead him to make decisive decisions in emotional situations, which are not typical of Xu Zhiyi's characteristics."

While this may sound profound, it is not difficult to comprehend.

The public perception of Xu Zhiyi's "composure" is his displayed calm and composure that does not align with the typical expectations for his age. He decisively takes each step - whether seen as deliberate or impulsive by others. At the same time, he retains the expected youthful enthusiasm, cherishes campus life, engages in discussions on humanities and social issues, and expresses opinions on international political matters... To most, Xu Zhiyi is polite and modest, never showing fear, nervousness, or overwhelming joy in any situation.

Therefore, Xu Zhiyi, being labelled as "composed," has been dubbed "Bro Yi" by everyone. He did not accept or refute this title; from the start, he knew that no matter what material or background he had, he was just an ordinary person in the vast world.

However, after encountering Meng Yin, his characteristics underwent a transformation. The clear eyes that appeared indifferent to others now sparkled with brilliance, the usually placid lips curved with a different charm, and the warmth in his heart turned into a unique tenderness of youth. Over the years, he and Meng Yin passed through the probation period as friends, and silently, the emotions between the two became deep and serene.

While he remained confident, calm, and thoughtful, Xu Zhiyi arranged his post-college plans that he should have approached with youthful exuberance.

"In our perception, the 'dignified demeanour' of A is attributed to his conduct and behaviour, while Meng Yin's interpretation of 'dignified demeanour' regarding Xu Zhiyi should be more... "Hai pondered for a moment, then used a precise term, saying, 'more childish.' 

Xiuze associated Xu Zhiyi with being childish, creating a rather picturesque scene. 

After careful consideration, Hai suddenly saw the light, "A gives me a sense of contradiction, and now I finally understand what it is."

Xiuze inquired, "What is it?"

"A sense of contradiction," Hai replied. Xiuze generously gave Hai a look of 'your language skills have improved,' saying, "Humans possess the ability to think and reason, so fundamentally, we are beings filled with contradictions. This contradiction typically emerges to the fullest extent after reaching adulthood, showcased through societal norms and personal freedom of choice. Xu Zhiyi's contradiction is merely magnified due to excessive contemplation of matters." 

In contrast to the temporary discussion on Xu Zhiyi's 'dignified demeanour' and sense of contradiction, Xipei bluntly summed it up as 'couples are just different!' 

"How come I didn't know you two were so in sync?"' the astute 'fanhead' seemed to detect a unique scent in the air. 

Xing Xiuze, tickled by Lin Xipei's 'sync,' smirked, "There are many things you don't know."

Meng Yin and Xu Zhiyi entered the classroom one after the other, the three of them tacitly falling silent. 

Xing Xiuze boisterously called out to Xu Zhiyi, "Broi, what good stuff did you bring to bribe me with~" 

"Three years of college entrance exams and five years of mock exams."

 Xing Xiuze: "..." Do I, the top student in humanities, really need this? 

Zhiyi threw a set of thermal underwear over. With the temperature dropping rapidly this week, the humanities top student, who always prioritized style over warmth, once again bowed to the 'fleecy pants.'"