154: Chapter 152 Love, Pursuit 154: Chapter 152 Love, Pursuit “Doctor Tang, what a pleasure to meet you!” He Shu extended his hand with a smile toward Tangyu.
“Tang’s medical skills are indeed outstanding and impressive for someone so young.
No wonder you were able to join Linshan Middle School at such a young age.”
As the other party initiated pleasantries, Tangyu naturally shook his hand and replied with a smile, “Mr.
He, you flatter me.”
He Shu turned to Mo Xiaoqing and asked, “Xiaoqing, what are you about to do?”
“I’m supposed to help Doctor Tang,” replied Mo Xiaoqing.
“Help?
Xiaoqing, you’re neither a doctor nor a nurse.
Why do you need to assist in the infirmary?
Besides, haven’t the students’ issues been resolved already?
Shouldn’t everything be fine now?
You still have classes this morning, don’t you?
I think it’s better if you don’t go.
Isn’t Doctor Yang still in the infirmary?
The two of them should be able to manage,” He Shu said.
Mo Xiaoqing shook her head and said, “That won’t do.
Doctor Yang isn’t in the infirmary, and although the students’ problems are resolved, we can’t guarantee there won’t be new issues.
So, we must take precautions.
There has been a widespread food poisoning, and we can’t be sure that no other students will be affected.
We must prioritize the students’ safety.
Besides, this task was assigned by the director, who has also excused me from this morning’s classes.
He has already made arrangements.”
A flicker of intrigue passed in He Shu’s eyes as he said, “I see, then go ahead.
Oh, and Xiaoqing, I’ll come to the infirmary after school to find you.
Let’s have lunch together noon.”
“This…” Mo Xiaoqing hesitated.
“What’s wrong?” asked He Shu, his brow furrowing slightly.
Mo Xiaoqing said, “There’s no need, really.
I’ve started cooking for myself now.
I bought all the ingredients last weekend, so I won’t be eating in the school cafeteria anymore, sorry.”
Mo Xiaoqing’s response caused He Shu’s face to darken slightly.
He had always dined with Mo Xiaoqing in the school cafeteria.
Not many ate there, so he would always wait for Mo Xiaoqing and sit with her, which was why there were some rumors about them.
However, Mo Xiaoqing had never really refused before, so He Shu had always thought that she liked him, and over time, it had become a habit.
Hearing now that Mo Xiaoqing preferred to cook for herself and wouldn’t be eating in the cafeteria anymore struck He Shu like a bolt from the blue, leaving him somewhat dazed.
Several thoughts flashed through his mind.
“Xiaoqing, you don’t find having meals with me every day annoying, do you?” He Shu asked.
Mo Xiaoqing quickly shook her head and said, “No, no, don’t get me wrong, He Shu.
It’s just that I don’t really like the taste of food in the school cafeteria.
I’ve always cooked for myself before, and I prefer eating my own cooking.”
“You’re already busy with your classes each day.
Cooking for yourself will only make you more tired.
Why bother making it hard for yourself?
The food in our school cafeteria is quite good,” He Shu said.
Mo Xiaoqing shook her head again, “The cafeteria food is good, it’s just a matter of personal taste.
It’s actually quite easy to make a meal for one person.
I’m sorry, He Shu.
Alright, we need to head to the infirmary now, otherwise the director might see us and lecture someone.”
After saying goodbye to He Shu, Tangyu and Mo Xiaoqing went straight to the infirmary.
Glancing at Mo Xiaoqing, Tangyu said with a faint smile, “Ms.
Mo, Mr.
He is pursuing you, isn’t he?
Are you intentionally avoiding him?”
Mo Xiaoqing looked at Tangyu, hesitating before she shook her head and replied with a faint smile, “He Shu is pursuing me, and I guess I am avoiding him.
It’s not that I dislike him.
In fact, while I don’t have strong feelings for him, He Shu is quite a decent person, and I find his company quite comfortable.
I haven’t explicitly turned him down because my family has been pressuring me about settling down.
I’m also considering my options.
Since He Shu is pursuing me and he has good qualities, I’m observing to see if feelings can develop through spending more time together.
Some say love can grow, so I’m giving it a try, to see if I can develop feelings for He Shu.”
Hearing this, Tangyu felt a slight sense of loss.
It was uncomfortable thinking such a beautiful woman might become someone else’s girlfriend.
Naturally, like most men, Tangyu couldn’t help having some possessive feelings.
“Hehe, so Ms.
Mo, what’s your current situation?” Tangyu asked.
Mo Xiaoqing sighed softly, shaking her head and said, “No progress, it’s been two months, and still no feelings.
I don’t know why, to be honest, He Shu is a decent person, good in all aspects.
He has a good reputation among the students, a model teacher in all respects.
And towards me, he’s very caring and practical, unlike others who are all about show, giving flowers and gifts.
But feelings, well, they can’t be forced; they are either there or not.
Sometimes I ask myself, what is wrong with me?”
Tangyu curled his lips and said, “That just shows you have high standards for love, and I really admire that about you, Teacher Mo.
In today’s society, real pure love is indeed rare.”
“Ha, maybe, perhaps I’ve watched too many idol dramas, seeing those passionate romances on TV, I too might harbor some fool’s dreams.
Sometimes I even doubt, can you really love someone to that extent?
To love so deeply that it hurts, willing to die for them?
Isn’t it said that curiosity killed the cat; maybe I’m just too curious.
But I know real life isn’t like what’s on TV, perhaps my thoughts are a bit odd,” Mo Xiaoqing said with self-mockery.
“Why would you think so, Teacher Mo?
I believe that kind of love does exist and is worth pursuing.
I completely agree with your thoughts.
Actually, I am also someone who chases after genuine love,” Tangyu said.
Mo Xiaoqing glanced at Tangyu, smiled, and said, “Really?
Then it seems Doctor Tang is also single, could this be fate?”
“Ha, must be some kind of fate, I guess.
I might be like you, always been single, even my first love is still well preserved, just waiting for someone to claim it,” Tangyu said with a grin.
“Pfft—” Mo Xiaoqing chuckled mockingly: “Then I wish you find your significant other soon.”
“Same to you,” Tangyu said, and after a pause, he added, “So what about you avoiding Teacher He?”
Mo Xiaoqing pursed her lips, thought for a moment, and then said, “Maybe it’s because sometimes He Shu makes me uncomfortable.
Like how he insists on going to the cafeteria with me every day, and even more, he insists on sitting together, and after eating, he insists on escorting me back to my dorm.
It happens every day, making others think he’s my boyfriend, and even many teachers think we’re already a couple.
So, I really don’t like this.
Perhaps because of this, I now feel some aversion towards him, I hardly dare to be with him anymore, I don’t know why.”
“Oh, I see, but Teacher Mo, I have something to say, I’m not sure if I should,” Tangyu said.
Mo Xiaoqing glanced at Tangyu and said, “Why beat around the bush, just speak straightforwardly.
Also, don’t keep calling me Teacher Mo, if you don’t mind, just call me Xiaoqing.
I’ll call you Tangyu, and let’s be informal from now on.”
Mo Xiaoqing was quite easy-going.
Tangyu nodded and smiled, “Okay, here it is, Xiaoqing, if you are sure you won’t develop feelings for Teacher He, no matter how much he does for you or continues to pursue you, you won’t fall for him or be with him, then it’s better to end the pain quickly.
It’s better to resolve such matters sooner rather than later.
Otherwise, dragging it on is not good for either side.”
“Yeah, I’ve considered that, just not sure how to bring it up.
Maybe, I’m also just going with the flow, thinking about settling for anyone.
I’m turning 26, soon 27, after thirty, a woman doesn’t have much ‘value’ left.
Hah, saying this, do you think I’m very mundane and realistic?” Mo Xiaoqing said.
Tangyu shook his head, “Not at all, it’s very normal.
The saying goes: ‘Every man for himself and the devil take the hindmost.’ A woman needs a place to belong, not just for herself, but for her family too.
Life is full of compromises, often you can’t have the best of both worlds.
There are give-and-takes.
Everything has its pros and cons.
Only you know which path you should take.
But the most important thing is to live without regrets, make a decision and stick to it without regret, because there is no remedy for regret in this world.
Of course, reality is full of helpless situations, how to choose depends on you.”
“Ha, that’s true, Tangyu, your words make a lot of sense, very philosophical.
I didn’t expect you to be so talented in this regard,” Mo Xiaoqing nodded continuously.
“Ha, thanks for the compliment, it’s like swinging a big sword in front of Guan Yu to talk philosophy in front of a teacher,” Tangyu said with a laugh.
Mo Xiaoqing said, “Don’t be so modest, I really think what you said makes a lot of sense.
It seems I really need to think this through.
Idealism is beautiful, but reality is cruel; it’s unavoidable, everyone falls into stereotypes.
Let’s change the subject.
Tangyu, you’re handsome and skillful in medicine, affable and humorous, why haven’t you ever been in a relationship?
It’s actually the first time I’ve heard of someone your age who hasn’t dated.
From my university days, I knew many guys your age who had rich dating experiences, always boasting about their past as if they were very storied individuals.”
“Ah—” Tangyu also sighed helplessly, “I don’t know, it really puzzles me, I also don’t know what’s wrong, why no beauties like me?”
“Ha, don’t tell me you’re waiting for the beauties to come chase you.
You’re a man; you should be a bit more proactive.
That’s how you increase your chances.
It’s not so common for girls to chase guys,” Mo Xiaoqing said with a smile.
“Is that so?
But I haven’t found anyone to chase yet.
Xiaoqing, why don’t you introduce someone to me?” Tangyu jokingly said, though he wanted to say ‘why don’t I chase you,’ he swallowed those words thinking Mo Xiaoqing might not appreciate that joke.
“Sure, I’ll introduce you to my childhood friend; she’s also single.
She’s only had one brief first love,” Mo Xiaoqing said.