The Jiang Household, Monday.
A basin of cold water was prepared, and half a tube of ink was slowly poured into it.
The ink dripped into the clear water, gradually spreading and dissolving until it turned into a murky mixture.
Jiang Chi slowly crouched down, facing the basin.
He removed his gloves, revealing his pale and feeble hands, trembling as they reached toward the murky water in the basin.
Beads of sweat rolled down his cheeks from his forehead.
His fingertips stopped just an inch above the water’s surface, and a faint sigh escaped his lips.
Desensitization therapy… had failed once again.
This was a treatment plan proposed by Dr. Zhang from Zhang’s Clinic: to overcome psychological mysophobia, one must try to accept the things they resist in daily life-dirt, street food, relationships, and so on. But so far, Jiang Chi had never been able to cross that mental barrier.
He shook his head forcefully, as if trying to rid himself of all those chaotic thoughts.
With a cold expression, he put his gloves back on and poured the ink-stained water down the drain.
After handling everything, Jiang Chi walked into the living room with slightly stiff steps.
Aunt Chen was bringing out roasted sweet potatoes from the kitchen, while Jiang Yushu sat at the dining table, enjoying his breakfast with great relish while intently reading the newspaper.
In an era where smartphones were ubiquitous, the older generation still clung to this traditional way of gathering information, despite more convenient alternatives.
Jiang Chi chose a seat slightly farther from the others and sat down awkwardly, silently beginning his breakfast with his head lowered.
Jiang Yushu set down the newspaper and pointed to a set of game controllers and accompanying games placed at one end of the table.
“Xiao Chi, these are gifts your cousin Haotong asked me to bring you a few days ago.”
“Thank you, Dad,” Jiang Chi replied in a voice so calm it seemed devoid of any emotion, as if mechanically answering a question.
Then, as if remembering something, he added, “And thank Haotong for me.”
“Xiao Chi, how have things been at school lately?”
“Everything’s normal. My grades are steadily improving, and I spend my free time reading in the library.”
“Don’t just focus on studying and reading all the time. Try to interact more with your classmates-be part of the group.”
“Mhm.”
“You should exercise more. Do you want me to get you a gym membership?”
“No need. Thank you, Dad.”
After an awkward silence, Jiang Chi seemed to realize he was exceptionally skilled at killing conversations.
He thought for a moment and spoke up again.
“Dad, where’s Mom?”
“She went shopping with Aunt Qingchuan.”
“……”
“Dad, I’m done eating. I’m heading to school now.”
“Go ahead. Remember to spend more time with your classmates.”
Jiang Chi walked out the door with his backpack, squinting slightly against the glaring sunlight.
As he made his way to school, his thoughts lingered on the morning’s conversation with his father.
“Be part of the group…”
Jiang Chi repeated the words silently in his mind.
He knew his father meant well, hoping he could be more outgoing and get along with his peers.
But his mysophobia and intellect made it incredibly difficult for him to do so.
When God closes a door, He opens a window.
Jiang Chi suffered from severe mysophobia, but at the same time, he possessed an extraordinary memory and top-tier cognitive abilities.
Even as a child, he had already stood out, becoming the “model child” his mother often praised to others.
With his exceptionally high IQ, Jiang Chi always found it difficult to blend into the high school crowd.
Especially when he saw certain individuals within the group resorting to physical fights and harsh words over trivial arguments.
To him, they seemed utterly childish.
He could understand the literal meanings of “passion” and “impulse,” but he could never truly grasp the emotions behind them.
Unconsciously, Jiang Chi once again stepped into that winding alley.
At its entrance, a graceful figure had been waiting for quite some time.
Upon seeing Jiang Chi approach, her beautiful eyes instantly lit up, and she waved excitedly.
“Senior Jiang!”
Jiang Chi looked up at the voice and saw Ji Qingchan standing gracefully by the alley entrance, dressed in a pure school uniform.
Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her pure white short-sleeved blouse hugged her figure, with slight rises and falls at her chest.
Below, she wore blue-and-white shorts, beneath which her fair, slender legs stood straight and long, exuding an aura of youthful sweetness.
A faint smile graced her face as she held a pink, girly bag.
Around her delicate neck was a dainty bow, making her look like a girl straight out of an anime.
Ji Qingchan quickly ran up to Jiang Chi and said in a sweet voice, “Senior Jiang, you finally came! I’ve been waiting here for so long.”
Jiang Chi gave her a brief glance, then quickened his pace, leaving her far behind as if avoiding a plague.
Seeing this, Ji Qingchan wasn’t annoyed.
She still hurried after him, jogging to keep up while chattering nonstop.
“Senior Jiang, don’t be so cold! I’ve waited here for a full half-hour.”
“Senior Jiang, do you play PUBG? What’s your rank?”
“Senior Jiang, do you like barbecue? Do you prefer grilled leeks or lamb skewers?”
“Senior Jiang…”
Finally, Jiang Chi could no longer tolerate her incessant chatter.
He abruptly stopped and turned around.
His face was obscured by a mask, but his deep, star-like blue eyes betrayed a hint of impatience.
When Ji Qingchan saw Jiang Chi stop and turn, her smile faltered for a moment, surprise flashing in her eyes.
But she quickly regained her cheerful expression, putting on an innocent and pure look.
She blinked her large eyes, tilting her head slightly as she looked at him with a hint of confusion, as if she didn’t understand why he had suddenly stopped.
Jiang Chi’s gaze remained unreadable.
His voice was calm and cold as he spoke deliberately, “Not interested, no money, afraid of dirt, and I don’t like your type.”
With that, he turned and strode away swiftly, leaving a stunned Ji Qingchan standing alone.
Only after his figure had completely disappeared did Ji Yuenian snap out of it.
A few dark lines appeared on her forehead as she stomped her foot angrily and flipped off the direction Jiang Chi had gone.
“Damn it, you actually thought I was a hooker?!”
“Jiang Chi, just you wait! If I can’t wrap you around my finger and make you cry, I’ll change my last name!”
After venting her helpless rage, Ji Yuenian looked down at her pure school uniform outfit.
She rubbed her chin and muttered to herself: “If he doesn’t like the pure and innocent style, this is going to be tricky.”
“I’ll go consult my brother about it tonight.”
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