Chapter 23 – The Quiet Encouragement
It was early evening, and the school courtyard was bathed in a soft golden light. Su Zaizai was sitting on the stone steps near the entrance, reviewing her notes for the upcoming science project presentation. Her fingers fidgeted with her pencil as she tried to organize her thoughts.
"Zaizai," a familiar voice called softly.
She looked up to see Zhang Lurang standing a few steps away, holding a small notebook. He walked over without hesitation and sat beside her.
"You've been working hard," he said quietly, placing the notebook on her lap. "These might help you organize your points better."
Zaizai blinked, slightly flustered. "Thanks… Lurang. You always seem to know what I need," she whispered.
He tilted his head, meeting her gaze briefly. "I notice," he replied simply.
They went over the notes together, exchanging ideas and quietly discussing each point. Zaizai realized that with him, working on something stressful felt easier. His calm presence and subtle guidance made her feel supported and understood.
At one moment, she hesitated over a part of the experiment she couldn't quite figure out. Lurang leaned closer, his dark eyes scanning her notes. "You're overthinking this," he said softly. "Focus on the basics first."
Zaizai nodded, taking a deep breath. His words gave her confidence. She adjusted her notes and realized the solution was much clearer now. "Thank you… Lurang. I feel like I can do this now," she said, smiling.
He gave a small nod, returning to his own notes, but Zaizai felt a quiet happiness from his acknowledgment. She realized that his encouragement wasn't loud or showy, yet it had a profound effect on her.
As the evening grew darker, Zaizai packed her things. "I'll make sure to use these notes well," she said softly, holding the notebook close.
Lurang's gaze lingered on her for a moment. "Good. That's the point," he said quietly, then stood and walked away, leaving her with a fluttering heart.
That evening, Zaizai reflected on the small moments they shared — the quiet guidance, the subtle support, and the gentle acknowledgment. Each gesture, though understated, was slowly building a connection she cherished deeply.
And with Zhang Lurang, she knew that these quiet, meaningful moments were shaping something much more significant than she had ever imagined.
End of Chapter 23