Meanwhile, Dai Zhiqiang was not amused by this spectacle at all. He felt irritated and almost exploded when he saw another guy being so close to Li Caiyi.
Although both had made it clear about their attraction to each other, technically, they weren't in any romantic relationship. Dai Zhiqiang knew that which was why he couldn't complain.
He was kind of regretting leaving their relationship to an unclear status. Li Caiyi was just trying to make up with Meng Renshu for the injury she had indirectly caused. He knew that much.
However, it didn't make the sight of her fussing over some other guy more bearable for him to see.
Dai Zhiqiang had to use every will to not shove the guy aside when Li Caiyi gently held his shoulder and advised him not to push himself too hard.
If she was his girlfriend, she probably would be more self-aware of herself. How could she touch another guy casually like that in front of him? The guy could have the wrong idea about it!
Dai Zhiqiang's mind was full of negative and sinister thoughts, but he held himself back. He didn't like Meng Renshu because he once treated her harshly, but now he hated him more for treating her too well. It was complicated, and the fire of jealousy burned intensely inside him.
Now, Li Caiyi was currently talking with her brother on the phone.
Meng Renshu could be Li Caiyi's pillar support better than he could ever be. Even earlier, if it weren't for him, Li Caiyi probably would be the one getting injured.
Meanwhile, Dai Zhiqiang could barely have any time to spare for her and was spoiled by her infinite understanding.
It made him feel worthless, and he hated that feeling. To the point, he couldn't bear to look her in the eyes sometimes.
Dai Zhiqiang didn't want to be a burden who held her back, but his abnormal need for her kept growing each time. He selfishly wanted her to only have eyes for him.
"I really am a bad person," Dai Zhiqiang laughed mirthlessly.
Meng Renshu silently watched how Dai Zhiqiang stared at Li Caiyi's figure with a hooded expression. He could tell by how Li Caiyi's face brightened at the sight of him he was the one she liked.
If it were the usual Meng Renshu, he would tread carefully by observing the weakness and strength of his opponent before making his attack, but his emotion got in the way. He really couldn't control himself when it came to Li Caiyi's matter.
As envious as he could be, Meng Renshu knew that they probably still hadn't gotten into a romantic relationship yet. Not sure why Dai Zhiqiang stalled for the time when he was clearly yearned for Li Caiyi's affection as much as he was, but this was his chance.
He refused to believe that Li Caiyi was totally indifferent to him. At least, she wasn't immune to his advance. She avoided him like a scared rabbit whenever he was near, meaning she was self-conscious about his presence. An adverse reaction was still a reaction to him, which fueled his desire to chase after her even more.
Meng Renshu eyed Dai Zhiqiang from head to toe and couldn't guess what Li Caiyi saw in this guy. If it was because Dai Zhiqiang had helped her save Li Chunhua before, then he could make it so Li Caiyi would remember his effort more.
The more she felt guilty, the more she would think of him. And the more she thought of him, the more he thought that some other feeling would probably grow inside her.
At least, that was what he hoped for.
Oblivious to the two boys with complicated minds behind her, Li Caiyi finished her call with her brother and exhaled a deep breath. Thank goodness her brother was still around the school grounds, so there won't be a problem even if they talked here.
"Brother Renshu, he said he could come back here." Li Caiyi announced.
"Is that so? That's great. Then we should find a quiet place to talk. This isn't a good place."
"Yes, let's move to another place." Li Caiyi nodded, but later her gaze fell on Dai Zhiqiang.
There was nothing she could do but to let him leave first. After all, this wasn't the kind of talk she wanted him to hear.
"Zhiqiang, how about we go outside and talk a bit?"
"Alright."
"Xiaoyi? You will be back as soon as possible, right? Because I can't walk on my own," Meng Renshu grimaced while holding his leg.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLi Caiyi smiled reassuringly. "Yes, don't worry. It won't take long. I'll return soon."
Meng Renshu smiled in satisfaction while Dai Zhiqiang walked out of the room first. Li Caiyi had to run after him.
"Zhiqiang, wait for me!"
Dai Zhiqiang only stopped when they were pretty far away from the infirmary. Li Caiyi was tired after supporting Meng Renshu, so she panted when she finally caught up to him.
"Zhiqiang, what's wrong? Are you angry?" Li Caiyi asked after she finally steadied her breath.
"I'm not angry."
"Lies. You are angry, or at least upset, about something."
Dai Zhiqiang scrunched up his face before averting his eyes from her. "It's nothing. More importantly, what do you want to talk about?"
"About what you talked about in the library before. Why do I feel you are trying to keep some distance from me? Did I do something wrong?"
"You are not. I was just busy these days."
"I went to your class after the exam ended, but you weren't there. You weren't there when I searched for you in the library. I feel you are avoiding me because you think I'm too clingy."
"How could I think that? Don't read too much into it. I was just busy."
Li Caiyi bit her lips, feeling frustrated now that the conversation faced a deadlock again. If it came to this, then he left her with no choice.
She steeled herself before doing what she intended to do. This might be a reckless move from her, but she didn't know what else she could do.