Over the weekend, I accompanied him to the garage. He was chatting with a group of his mates, and upon seeing me approach, he instantly pinched the cigarette between his lips and extinguished it, tossing it aside.
He hadn't quit after all, merely refrained from smoking in front of me, I sighed, walking over to greet everyone.
"Felicity, are you having fun at school?"
"Was that handsome guy yesterday your boyfriend? He looks pretty good." ...
"No." After answering, I glanced at Nathaniel, his stern face softening slightly with a hint of a smile.
"Oh, he is not your boyfriend? Felicity, what type do you like? We'll introduce one to you later."
"Shut it, students shouldn't be talking about relationships," Nathaniel glared at the speaker.
"Boss, you didn't date in school? You were so handsome, surely lots of girls chased after you, how could you not have dated?"
"Yeah, didn't you have like ten or eight girlfriends?"
"Stop talking nonsense, put your clothes on, there's a student here, what kind of example are you setting?"
Nathaniel pointed at the half-naked men.
"Boss, it's too hot in here."
"Taking off clothes will cool you down? Don't give me that, put them on." Under his intimidating presence, they dared not disobey.
I stood there somewhat awkwardly. They were usually like this. I'd seen them talk about it before, so why was Nathaniel acting this way today?
After lunch, his mates suggested playing cards at the rental apartment.
"No cards playing allowed. There's a student here, she needs to study," Nathaniel's statement genuinely dropped jaws.
"Not really, Boss. Felicity has homework?"
"I...” I was embarrassed, unsure how to respond.
"You guys are a bad influence." Nathaniel vetoed it outright.
I was stunned. Since when did I need to study? But I couldn't refute him, just watched him act strangely.
After a while, they suggested dyeing their hair, having nothing better to do.
"Only black hair colour is allowed, don't set a bad example for the student. You're grown man now.You should lead student by example."
Everyone was baffled. Why do they dye their hair black when it's already naturally black?
"Boss, you prioritize Felicity now, we don't matter, right?"
"Yeah,you are too biased. Felicity's return has made our already low status non-existent."
They complained bitterly. "When did you have a status?" He silenced them all.
Uncle Fat pulled me aside and asked, "Felicity, what spell did you cast on the boss? He seems poisoned."
"Ah, no." I thought, "Could it be when I told him last night I wanted to get into a good university?"
"Must be it." Uncle Fat gave me a meaningful look. "And you, fatty, I warn you, don't chat with her for no reason." Speak of the devil.
"What did I do, Boss?" Uncle Fat feigned innocence.
"Nothing, just that you being around her annoys me." Nathaniel said seriously.
Uncle Fat looked at me pitifully, slipping away. "Uncle," I tugged his sleeve, whispering, "You didn't have to be so harsh to them, did you?"
"What do you know, your university admission depends a lot on family environment," he spoke earnestly, "Last night I thought long, we can't help with your studies but should provide a good learning environment."
"Thank you, Uncle." I'd only mentioned wanting to get into university once, yet he pondered all night, taking it to heart.
I was deeply moved. Feeling cared for, it felt wonderful.
In the afternoon, he rode me to school. Standing at the gate, I waved him goodbye, he suddenly handed me a box.
"Open it in the dorms, I'm off."
"Okay." Watching his departing figure on the bike, he truly looked dashing.
Back in the dorm, opening the box, it contained a new smartphone.
I was pleasantly surprised. Turning it on, the contact list had one entry, labeled "Uncle".
Holding the phone, I called him at night to thank him. He just chuckled, saying it was nothing.
"The phone cost, I'll add it to my debt."
"Up to you."
We chatted more, then he suddenly asked what type of house I liked.
"I was thinking of renting a two-bedroom, easier for you next time you visit."
"Uncle, you're so nice to me."
"Now you know? You can cause me less trouble and let me live longer."
He remained unserious. "Uncle, if you're so nice to me, what if I like you more and more?"
He paused, not refusing immediately. Ultimately, he just sighed, "Study hard, we'll talk about it after your college entrance exams."
"After the exams, I can?" I couldn't help inquiring into it.
"Don't push it, or you'll overstep."
"Oh."
"So, you won't be with other women till my exams, right?"
I knew I was greedy, but couldn't help it.
Expecting a scolding, he gave an affirmative answer instead. "Yes, I won't."
