Zhang Nu was stunned by Lin Xiao’s words. He carefully studied Lin Xiao’s expression, searching for any sign that he might be joking, but there was none. At that moment, Zhang Nu was sure of one thing—Lin Xiao had an unbelievably low emotional intelligence. He was completely straightforward, almost to a fault.
Otherwise, how could he say something like that so bluntly? Wasn’t he just setting himself up for confrontation?
“Lin Xiao, you really are something else,” Zhang Nu sighed.
“If I had your sharp instincts to notice other’s feelings, that would be incredible. But your way of comforting people… don’t you think it’s a bit harsh?”
Lin Xiao blinked, genuinely confused. He didn’t understand what Zhang Nu was trying to say. In fact, he hadn’t even intended to comfort Liu Hai—he had simply stated the truth as he saw it.
“I wasn’t trying to comfort him,” Lin Xiao said matter-of-factly. “I was just saying what I think.”
His tone was serious, but there was no malice in his words. Liu Hai, realizing how sincere Lin Xiao was, decided not to argue. He knew that Lin Xiao lacked emotional awareness and wouldn’t see things the way others did. There was no point in trying to compare himself to Lin Xiao.
Instead, he felt oddly grateful. If Lin Xiao hadn’t bluntly pointed things out, he might have continued down a path of self-doubt.
“No matter what, Lin Xiao, I still appreciate you getting me and Zhang Nu out of there,” Liu Hai said sincerely.
He wasn’t sure if Lin Xiao truly understood his gratitude, but he hoped that one day, he would. And strangely enough, Liu Hai’s instinct was correct. Lin Xiao did eventually change—but by the time he did, they could no longer be friends.
Zhang Nu, not wanting to dwell on the moment any longer, clapped his hands together.
“Alright, enough of this sentimental nonsense,” he said. “Let’s keep moving. Didn’t Lin Xiao say we’re heading toward Apricot Spring Town? It sounds like a beautiful place.”
Hearing this, Lin Xiao frowned slightly.
Apricot Spring Town had once been beautiful, as its name suggested. Every spring, apricot blossoms would fill the village, turning it into a picturesque haven.
But just because something had been beautiful before didn’t mean it still was. Places changed. Not every town remained the same over time.
It was entirely possible that Apricot Spring Town was no longer the peaceful, scenic place it once was.
“I wouldn’t get my hopes up too much,” Lin Xiao warned.
His words sent a chill through Zhang Nu and Liu Hai.
Lin Xiao had never been to Apricot Spring Town—so how did he know it wasn’t as picturesque as they imagined?
Why was he discouraging them from expecting too much?
“Lin Xiao, why would you say that?” Zhang Nu asked, a hint of suspicion in his voice.
Lin Xiao, however, seemed completely lost.
“What did I say?” he asked, blinking in confusion.
Zhang Nu and Liu Hai exchanged bewildered glances.
Why did it feel like Lin Xiao’s personality changed so suddenly? One moment, he was speaking cryptically, and the next, he had completely forgotten what he had just said.
“What’s wrong with you?” Liu Hai asked, narrowing his eyes. “Do you have two different people living inside you or something? How do you not remember what you just said?”
Liu Hai’s blunt remark unintentionally struck a nerve.
Lin Xiao hesitated, his usually composed expression wavering slightly. “I… sometimes I just lose track,” he admitted. “I don’t know why it happens. Did I say something strange?”
Zhang Nu and Liu Hai, seeing Lin Xiao’s reaction, decided not to press the issue. It was possible that Lin Xiao had spoken unconsciously. There was no point in dwelling on it.
“It’s nothing,” Zhang Nu said. “Let’s just keep going. We’ll find out once we get to town.”
Lin Xiao nodded and quietly followed behind them like an obedient child.
Zhang Nu and Liu Hai exchanged a quick glance. Something was definitely off about Lin Xiao.
If he merely lacked emotions, that would be one thing. But his reactions were inconsistent. Sometimes he was sharp and perceptive, and other times he seemed completely lost, like he wasn’t entirely present. Was this what people meant when they said, when one door closes, another opens?
Before they could think too much about it, the sun began to dip below the horizon.
By nightfall, they finally arrived at Apricot Spring Town. To Zhang Nu’s surprise, the town was bustling with people. The streets were lively, filled with endless streams of travelers and merchants.
It looked like a thriving, vibrant town.