The afternoon sun streamed through the classroom windows, casting a warm glow over the desks. Feng Yan was immersed in her studies, her focus unwavering as she meticulously mapped out her schedule for the upcoming tests. She was determined to excel, driven by a newfound sense of purpose. Her thoughts were interrupted, however, when she noticed Du Fan, her desk mate, sitting a few feet away from her.
Du Fan had been uncharacteristically silent. His usual aloofness had taken on an added layer of frustration and unrest that Feng Yan couldn't ignore. Her intuition nudged at her, urging her to offer assistance, even though she had no obligation to. She was not a saint, nor did she feel compelled to extend kindness to everyone. But something about Du Fan's demeanor caught her attention—something she couldn't easily dismiss.
She watched him for a moment, his brow furrowed and eyes cast downward, seemingly lost in his own world. Feng Yan debated whether she should simply continue with her work or address the unusual tension in the air. After a moment of internal struggle, she decided to approach him.
"Du Fan," she said softly, her voice low enough to avoid drawing attention. "Is there something you need?"
He glanced up, his eyes meeting hers briefly before he looked away, a flicker of surprise flashing across his face. His silence spoke volumes, a mix of reluctance and emotional turmoil. He didn't respond, merely lowered his head further, as though trying to retreat from the situation.
Feng Yan sensed that probing further might be unwelcome, so she respected his space and returned to her desk. During the break, she noticed that Du Fan was absent from the cafeteria, a stark contrast to his usual presence. A nagging thought tugged at her mind, reminding her of her past life and the knowledge she now possessed. She recalled that during this time in her previous life, Du Fan's father was suffering from a deteriorating condition due to poison. She had only heard about it briefly before his father's death, but now, with Du Fan being her deskmate, the situation felt more immediate and personal.
Feng Yan wasn't someone who would blindly offer help to everyone, nor did she seek to be a savior. However, her knowledge of medicine and her understanding of the situation provided her with an opportunity to make a difference. If she could help, why not? She weighed her options, realizing that this was a chance to not only assist someone in need but also to forge a meaningful connection.
She spotted Du Fan sitting alone under a tree outside the cafeteria, looking more isolated than ever. Summoning her courage, she approached him again. This time, her expression was earnest, her intentions clear.
"Du Fan," she said gently, standing a respectful distance away. "Are you alright? I couldn't help but notice that you seem troubled."
His head snapped up at her words, eyes widening with surprise. He was evidently taken aback by her directness. For a moment, the mask of indifference he wore faltered, revealing a depth of vulnerability beneath. His eyes, usually so cold and guarded, betrayed a flicker of raw emotion—fear, worry, and perhaps a glimmer of hope.
Feng Yan took a deep breath, her voice steady as she continued, "If you need any help with your father's health or if you're looking for a way to purge the poison, you can come to me. I have some knowledge of medicine and could offer assistance."
Her straightforward offer seemed to hang in the air, the weight of it sinking in slowly for Du Fan. His eyes widened further, his mouth slightly agape as he struggled to process her words. The shock was evident in his expression—he had kept his father's condition a closely guarded secret, and here was Feng Yan, not only acknowledging his unspoken distress but also offering a potential solution.
He blinked rapidly, trying to recompose himself, but the sudden revelation had caught him off guard. He had never mentioned his father's condition to anyone outside his family, and yet Feng Yan seemed to have an uncanny awareness of it. The realization that she might truly be able to help—and her willingness to offer that help—left him momentarily speechless.
He hesitated, clearly torn between skepticism and hope. "How did you—"
Feng Yan interrupted gently. "You don't need to explain everything to me. I'm not asking for details. If you think I can help, just let me know. I'm offering assistance because I know how serious this can be. But if you need to think it over, that's fine too."
Feng Yan watched him carefully, noting the storm of emotions swirling in his eyes. She could see his internal struggle, the battle between skepticism and a desperate desire for relief. She offered him a small, reassuring smile, then added, "When you've decided whether you need my help, feel free to come to me."
With that, she turned and walked away, her silhouette disappearing into the crowd of students heading back to class. The sight of her retreating figure left Du Fan stunned, his mind reeling from the unexpected encounter.
As Feng Yan's silhouette faded from view, Du Fan sat there in shock, the weight of her words settling over him like a heavy cloak. His emotions were a tangled mess of confusion, hope, and disbelief, the magnitude of her offer overwhelming him. The quiet of the afternoon seemed to stretch on, leaving him to grapple with the profound impact of her unexpected kindness.