Chapter 105: So we’re even now.
Shane was not entirely uninterested in the Elf wreath.
Although the wreath did not have any practical use, the person who received it might find its symbolism significant if they encountered other Elves in the future.
After all, receiving this wreath meant that they had gained the recognition of a member of the Elf Clan.
At that time, even Elves, who generally are wary of others, might be more willing to let go of some of their reservations and accept the person upon seeing the wreath, right?
Therefore, the Elf wreath symbolized friendship and was proof of closeness. Obtaining it was tantamount to gaining the friendship of the Elf Clan, and naturally, its significance was extraordinary.
Shane looked at Merica, who was weaving the wreath, with a touch of surprise.
...
“Is this really okay?”
Shane asked this question.
The implication was simple, questioning Merica whether it was appropriate to give such an important wreath to him so freely.
“Our relationship is not that strong, and you’ve always been guarded against me, haven’t you?” Shane expressed his doubts, “Given this, is it really alright for you to give the wreath to me?”
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Not to mention, since Merica had said this was her first time weaving an Elf wreath, it meant that not even Vivian, Tielle, or Lu Muya had received such a gift from her.
In such a situation, it was inevitable for Shane to feel puzzled, as he was receiving a significant wreath despite being regarded with caution and without having a close relationship.
Merica, of course, understood Shane’s doubts and surprise.
Thereupon, the movements of Merica’s hands subtly slowed, and she kept her head down, maintaining this posture for quite a while before speaking.
“Actually, giving you this has other meanings besides being a token of gratitude.”
Merica revealed.
“Other meanings?”
Shane blinked.
Merica did not respond.
It wasn’t that she didn’t want to answer, but rather, she was embarrassed.
Because Merica felt if she gave Shane this wreath, then when he encountered other Elves in the future, they might not repeat her own mistakes.
If she could develop an inexplicable closeness to Shane, then it was likely other Elves might do the same.
And when other Elves felt similarly towards Shane, they would surely share Merica’s unease about their unfounded feelings, wouldn’t they?
That, in turn, would lead them naturally down the same path as Merica, growing wary of Shane and even developing conflicts.
Merica wanted to give the wreath to prevent such situations from occurring.
It could serve as both a token of thanks and an apology; furthermore, if Shane encountered other Elves, they, upon seeing the wreath, would know he had the approval of a fellow clan member and would not be overly guarded against him.
Moreover…
“I can see that Sister Vivian and Tielle actually trust you a lot, and even President Riley trusts you, which proves you must have qualities that make you trustworthy.”
Merica, still not lifting her head, uttered softly.
“For my part… being as it is, yet still having received your help, I hope this wreath can hold such value, both as a token of thanks and an apology.”
Shane got the gist of Merica’s words.
In short, this Elf girl clearly knew Shane was a person worthy of trust, but she just couldn’t bring herself to trust him from the heart, felt remorse about it, and even harbored a bit of self-loathing. Moreover, considering the so-called other meanings, she had made the decision to give her first-ever woven Elf wreath to Shane.
Which meant, the wreath wasn’t a symbol of closeness but rather was given based more on Merica’s personal motives.
“I’m sorry the motives are so impure.”
Merica thus lowered her head even further.
Shane scratched his head, feeling a sense of helplessness.
According to the current atmosphere, Shane should have spoken gently and touchingly to comfort the other party, striving to improve their mood—that would be the expected course of action, wouldn’t it?
In doing so, the other’s fondness would surge, leaving an indelible impression of Shane in their heart.
In the future, this indelible impression could gradually transform into love, allowing Shane to win over the beauty.
Don’t ask how Shane knew this; it’s all written in the books.
If it were the usual Shane, he would have definitely made some flashy moves to break the mold by now.
However, seeing Merica’s dejected expression, Shane couldn’t help but curse inwardly.
(How can one simply ignore this?)
Shane finally understood why the protagonists in books, when faced with such situations, would go straight in without a second thought.
The sight of a beautiful girl looking downcast is simply something no normal man could ignore.
So…
“Ah?”
A surprised voice suddenly echoed in the small grove.
It was from Merica.
“You?”
Merica looked at Shane, her face full of astonishment.
Simply because Shane had suddenly sat down in front of her without saying a word and extended his hand to pluck the surrounding flowers, starting to weave a garland just like she was.
“Do you know?” Shane said in a very casual tone while weaving the wreath, without even raising his head, “Giving a garland to the opposite sex is one of the means a man uses to hit on women among humans, you know?”
“Hit on… women…?” Merica looked bewildered, not understanding the meaning of his words at all.
“It’s flirting,” Shane suddenly laughed, “If a boy personally makes a garland for you, as a girl, wouldn’t you find it somewhat romantic?”
“This…” Merica didn’t argue.
Obviously, Merica affirmed it.
As beings close to nature, this approach was indeed effective on the elves, including Merica.
Otherwise, if it were in his previous life, Shane probably would have scoffed at this.
The reason was simple, compared to garlands, the women from his previous life would definitely prefer designer handbags and the keys to a Ferrari…
Of course, Shane wasn’t about to spoil the rare atmosphere now.
So, Shane thought to say,
“Men making garlands mostly have ulterior motives, you know?”
Shane gave Merica a mischievous smile, then, seemingly out of nowhere, finished weaving the garland and placed it on Merica’s head.
Then, Shane took the garland that Merica had made.
“Everyone has ulterior motives, so it’s a draw.”
After saying this, Shane, wearing the garland, turned around and left the place.
“Wait…”
Merica finally came to her senses, wanting to call Shane back, but it was too late.
Merica could only watch as Shane’s figure disappeared into the grove, and after being dazed for a long while, she finally touched the garland on her head.
“…I never thought an elf could receive someone else’s garland.”
Mumbling to herself, Merica’s face unconsciously reddened.
She didn’t notice that the garland Shane had made was flowing with a radiant glow.