My name is Zhou Fengmin, an ordinary high school freshman with a cheerful personality who likes to make friends. On the first day of school, I met my next door neighbor, Shen Huaian, while waiting for the elevator. He was wearing the same school uniform as me, but he was so gloomy that he seemed to be wrapped in a layer of fog that could not be dissolved. I greeted him warmly, but what I received in return was a cold glare and a stiff response from him.
What's even more coincidental is that I found out when I got to school that he was actually my deskmate.
Shen Huaian hardly talks to anyone. She always lowers her head during class, either scribbling and drawing on her notebook, or staring out the window in a daze. His eyes were always wary, as if he was ready to attack anyone who came near him. At first I thought he was just withdrawn, but later I discovered that he would mutter to himself in a low voice when no one was paying attention. Sometimes he would suddenly clench his fists and his knuckles would turn white, as if he was fighting against something invisible.
By chance, I picked up the notebook he dropped. It was full of confusing sentences, and some places were even scratched by the pen tip, as if there were some unexpressable emotions. I began to realize that Cheng Mo might not be simply withdrawn - he might be sick.
So, I decided to get involved with him.
If he ignored me, I would insist on saying hello to him every day; if he refused to communicate, I would find various excuses to talk to him; if he avoided me, I would deliberately "encounter" him. I know he might find me annoying, but I can't just ignore it.
Because deep in those gloomy eyes, I occasionally catch a hint of vulnerability, like a trapped person silently asking for help.
I thought maybe one day he would be willing to let me give him a hand.
Intention: Tanmei
