However, his natural and familiar demeanor actually made him feel a bit of fondness for her, because it didn't come off as condescending.
Adults—whether they are parents, teachers, or even strangers adults that one encounters on the street—when facing students, often inadvertently reveal a condescending attitude.
Despite societal advocacy that "educators and educatees should be like friends", the number of adults who can truly engage in "equal dialogue" with minors from the bottom of their heart, is extremely rare.
It was precisely because he had been cared for by such rare guardians over the years that Xu Xiangyang was particularly sensitive to this kind of thing.
He didn't want to discuss the rights and wrongs of adults; but conversely, if he could feel a sense of equality from them, it was still easier for him to feel closeness.
Of course, out of caution, Xu Xiangyang continued to press:
