My name is Qi Yu. It’s the “Qi” from “neat” (齐), not the “Qi” from “coincidence” (奇), but it’s the “Yu” from “coincidence” (遇).

This was the first thing Qi Yu said to Xu Jingqian when they met. In fact, it was also the only thing she said.

*

Landing in Kunming, taking the high-speed train directly to Lizhou, and then driving to Li City along the way, playing as they went, without joining any groups and without making any mistakes, the scenery was endless and free, all part of Qi Yu’s solo journey.

The original plan was to stay in Li City for two nights before heading to the next destination. For some reason, Qi Yu only realized when checking in at the front desk that she had mistakenly booked the room for four days and three nights.She shrugged, thinking it didn’t matter.

After all, she was already out to play, so one more day or one less day didn’t make much difference.

The front desk lady gently asked, “Hello, is it four days and three nights? Please scan the QR code and enter the required information. Show me the QR code once it’s generated.”

Qi Yu followed the instructions, scanned the QR code in front of her, and completed all the necessary steps. The front desk lady then kindly informed her, “Our homestay does not provide breakfast, but there will be coffee available after 10 AM, and it’s free. If you need anything, just let us know.”

Qi Yu didn’t care much about these details, but out of politeness, she smiled and nodded.

“This is your room key. The power card has already been placed in the room card slot for you.” She handed the key to Qi Yu, looking at the lady in front of her who was wearing a sun hat, a white dress, sunglasses tucked at the neckline, and carrying only a handbag. With a familiar tone, she said, “Your luggage will be brought to your room shortly. Let me take you to your room first.”

Just as she finished speaking, the front desk phone rang. It was a guest on the second floor requesting bottled water.

“Okay, just a moment,” the front desk lady politely replied.

As she was about to lead Qi Yu to her room, a very pleasant voice sounded from behind, somewhat deep but clearly conveying humility: “You go ahead and take care of that. I’ll handle this.”

The speaker was the owner of the homestay, Xu Jingqian, a man whose name matched his personality—kind and humble. Qi Yu had spoken to him on the phone the day before and again just as she entered the town.

The town’s roads were narrow, paved with bricks, making it challenging to drive smoothly without knowing the routes well and having sufficient driving skills. This was particularly difficult for Qi Yu, who was new to the area.

It was because of this that Qi Yu had met Xu Jingqian earlier.

She followed the map navigation he sent, found the landmark he mentioned, parked the car by the side of the road, and waited for him.

Qi Yu didn’t pay much attention to this stranger, even though his voice was pleasant. She sat in the passenger seat, opened her thermos, took a sip of warm water, and then temporarily closed her eyes.

The weather here was clear, although the temperature was not as hot and dry as back home, the air was extremely dry, and the UV rays were incredibly strong. Qi Yu had to apply multiple layers of sunscreen every day and even added physical sun protection. Despite this, she still got a bit tanned.

The SUV was parked outside the open-air parking lot designated for the homestay. Xu Jingqian asked if she wanted to get out of the car first, and Qi Yu agreed.

That’s when the previous scene occurred.

If Qi Yu didn’t have the mindset or mood to observe Xu Jingqian while driving, she did now.

Qi Yu had a unique standard for dealing with people. If she was facing an ordinary person, she would treat them with the same everyday attitude she used in daily life. However, if the person in front of her was exceptionally good-looking, with excellent height and demeanor, she would still treat them rationally with her seemingly ordinary heart. But only she knew that her heart, which beats for good looks, would be racing wildly.

Xu Jingqian was very tall. From Qi Yu’s perspective, the painted wooden door frame could barely contain him. He was at least 185 cm tall, with deep-set eyes, a high nose bridge, and rosy lips and white teeth…

Qi Yu didn’t know why she used the phrase “rosy lips and white teeth” to describe a man, but Xu Jingqian’s lip color was indeed as if he had applied lipstick, pink and tender.

She stood there face to face with Xu Jingqian, looking at each other.

Suddenly, some inappropriate images flashed through her mind, and Qi Yu was startled by her own uncontrollable thoughts.

Actually, Xu Jingqian wasn’t smiling at that moment. He was simply bending down to push her suitcase inside. Instead, it was Qi Yu who, for some inexplicable reason, found herself feeling awkward and embarrassed.—