Yu Yao found an available reading terminal, swiped her personal terminal, and started searching for the books on her list. As expected from the largest collection in Haida, all the books she needed were available, and the most convenient feature was that she could copy all the information to her personal terminal.

In 2058, book reading and sharing were widespread, with many books available for free electronic reading around the world. Physical books were more expensive, mostly for collection purposes.

Yu Yao copied her reference materials and also took the opportunity to experience a modern university classroom. Haida University had an early education program, and the library not only had books but also offered teaching videos for various specialties.

The self-learning conditions were truly excellent.

Yu Yao chose a reading terminal in a quiet corner by the window. While she was listening to a lecture with her headphones on, a bright flash of lightning streaked across the sky, followed almost immediately by a thunderclap that was nearly deafening in her ears.

She glanced outside and saw that it had started raining heavily. Students below were running to find shelter.

Two students came to the nearby reading terminals. The two girls were in a hurry; after swiping two terminals, they quickly began searching for reference books. One of the girls complained in a low voice to the other, “I told you to hurry up, but you didn’t listen. By the time we find the reference books assigned by the teacher, Professor Jiang’s public lecture will be over!”

Upon hearing the name Professor Jiang, Yu Yao turned to look at them, realizing they were talking about her husband. The two girls didn’t notice her. The girl who was being complained about rolled her eyes and said to her companion, “The lecture will still be available for replay. There’s no need to rush; the video is clearer than the live event.”

“What do you know? The atmosphere at the live event is different! Professor Jiang is giving fewer public lectures at the university this year. I missed the last one because I was just back home!”

“You literature students are over the top, even more fanatical than me. I know Professor Jiang is your acknowledged idol, but do you really need to use honorifics all the time and call him Professor Jiang?”

“Hey, what’s wrong with our idol? If he were twenty years younger, I’d totally marry him!”

Yu Yao: “…”

Her companion made a face, clearly unimpressed. “Stop daydreaming, friend. Face the reality: whether he’s young or old, your idol wouldn’t be interested in you.”

“Let me have my dreams, okay~”

The two girls chatted and laughed quietly, quickly copied their books, and then rushed out hand in hand, unaware that Professor Jiang’s wife was right beside them.

Yu Yao stayed by the window. After a while, she saw two colorful umbrellas rushing into the heavy rain towards the buildings hidden behind the green trees, varying in height.

Jiang Zhonglin was probably teaching in that direction.

Yu Yao smiled and raised her eyebrows, thinking how energetic young people were, full of the unique foolishness and charm of their age. As she smiled, she suddenly wondered if the old man at home saw her the same way—like looking at a young fool.

After finishing two lectures, Yu Yao checked the time, stood up, closed the reading terminal, stretched, and got her bag ready to head to the university cafeteria.

The third cafeteria was the closest, so she went directly there. 

The rain was so heavy that her pants were slightly damp by the time she reached the cafeteria. Yu Yao didn’t mind, though, as she was greeted by the aroma of food wafting from the various counters. She finally chose a counter labeled “Authentic Sichuan Spicy Hotpot.”

While waiting for the chef at the counter to prepare her order, Yu Yao overheard a conversation among a few young men in front of her. They had messy hair and were yawning, looking like they had just gotten up.

Yu Yao hadn’t paid much attention to them, but one of the young men mentioned Professor Jiang. He said, “Thanks to Professor Jiang’s public lecture today, even Old Liu went to listen. They changed our three morning classes because of it. If we had to get up early for class and roll call after staying up all night playing games, especially in Old Liu’s class, it would have been awful.”

“Yeah, let’s thank Professor Jiang and hope he gives more public lectures and keeps Old Liu away, so we don’t have to suffer.”

“Ha, does this mean Professor Jiang is ‘luring the boss’?”

The young men laughed heartily.

Yu Yao couldn’t help but chuckle at the joke about “luring the boss.” Hearing the laughter, the young men turned around and saw a beautiful older sister behind them, which made them a bit embarrassed.

Just then, the counter called out their number. They quickly grabbed their packed food and moved aside, and it was Yu Yao’s turn. She was about to pay when the counter staff said, “We don’t accept payments here; you can only use a student meal card.”

Yu Yao: “…”

She looked around, planning to find a helpful student to swipe their card for her while she reimbursed them. But as she turned, she saw Professor Jiang hurrying over from a short distance away.

What a coincidence to run into him in such a big place with so many people? Seeing him frown slightly, Yu Yao waved at him.

“Do you have a meal card?”