Dabao entered the room, his expression guarded as he greeted his parents.
Dabao: "Hi, Mom, Dad. What's up?"
Zhong exchanged a glance with Suqing, silently urging her to take the lead.
Suqing: "Dabao, sweetheart, we need to talk to you about something. Your friend Hanyu mentioned that you've been feeling a bit off lately. Is everything okay?"
Dabao's eyes flickered with uncertainty, his defenses rising once again.
Dabao: "Yeah, I'm fine, Mom. Just been busy with school stuff, you know."
Zhong leaned forward, his voice gentle yet firm.
Zhong: "Dabao, we know when something's bothering you. You don't have to hide it from us. We're here for you, always."
Dabao shifted uncomfortably, his gaze fixed on the floor as he struggled to find the words.
Dabao: "I appreciate it, Dad, but really, I'm okay. There's nothing to worry about."
Suqing reached out to touch her son's hand, her heart breaking at his refusal to open up.
Suqing: "Dabao, please. We just want to help you. Whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone."
Dabao pulled away slightly, his walls closing in around him once again.
Dabao: "I know, Mom, but... I just need some time to figure things out on my own."
Zhong and Suqing exchanged a look of shared concern, knowing that pushing Dabao further would only drive him away.
Zhong: "Alright, Dabao. We won't pressure you. Just know that we're here whenever you're ready to talk."
Dabao nodded, his expression a mix of gratitude and apprehension.
Dabao: "Thanks, Dad. I appreciate it."
As Dabao retreated to his room, Zhong and Suqing were left alone in the quiet of the living room, their worry weighing heavy on their hearts. They knew that helping Dabao would be a journey filled with challenges, but they were determined to do whatever it took to support their son, no matter what.
As Su Nan jogged alongside her friends, the morning sun casting a golden glow over the path, they engaged in light-hearted banter about their love lives.
Friend 1: "So, Su Nan, what kind of guy are you into? Anyone caught your eye lately?"
Su Nan chuckled, her cheeks tinted with a delicate blush.
Su Nan: "Hmm, someone who's different, someone who's kind."
Friend 2 chimed in teasingly: "Ah, our princess wants a knight in shining armor! How romantic!"
Su Nan playfully swatted her friend's arm, her laughter tinkling like wind chimes in the breeze.
Su Nan: "Oh, stop it, you!"
Their laughter faded as one of Su Nan's friends changed the topic, her tone growing more serious.
Friend 3: "Hey, have you heard about Dabao?"
Su Nan furrowed her brow in confusion.
Su Nan: "Dabao? Who's that? I don't think I've heard of him."
Friend 3 lowered her voice, her expression grave.
Friend 3: "He's Xubao's brother, you know, your rival. But... everyone calls him a loser behind his back. They bully him, Su, and he always hides it from Xubao and Hanyu."
Su Nan's eyes widened in shock, her heart sinking at the revelation. She had never imagined that someone so close to her rival could be suffering in silence.
Su Nan: "I had no idea... That's terrible. Poor guy."
Her friends nodded in agreement, their expressions solemn as they continued their jog, the weight of their conversation hanging heavy in the air. Su Nan couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach, vowing silently to herself to find a way to help Dabao, even if it meant stepping out of her comfort zone.