Chapter 22: Moving Out

Bi Qiao’an and Shen Yanming didn’t linger long in the space. After making some brief plans, they exited the space. Shen Yanming waited in the guest room until Bi Qiao’an fell asleep. Then, he returned to the master bedroom. As he lay in bed pondering how to deal with Xiao Fei, Shen Yanming found it difficult to fall asleep.

There was less than a year until the apocalypse. No matter how he punished Xiao Fei now, it wouldn’t mean much once the apocalypse arrived. The most painful thing for a person is to fall from a high place and lose everything. After much somber reflection, Shen Yanming resolved to let Xiao Fei enjoy a year of complacency. When the apocalypse came, then he would let him sink into the quagmire.

The next day, both Shen Yanming and Bi Qiao’an woke up late. He checked the time; it was almost noon. Seeing Bi Qiao’an lazing in bed and reluctant to get up, he indulged her and ordered takeout.

Shen Yanming set up a lazy table for Bi Qiao’an and placed the food on it. They sat facing each other, chatting over brunch.

“How about we go to your dormitory to pack your things in the afternoon?” Shen Yanming suggested.

Bi Qiao’an hesitated, “But everyone hasn’t moved out yet.”

“Well, there’s only one week left at most. Sooner or later, you’ll have to say goodbye. Since everything at the school is settled, staying there is just a waste of time.” He said as he ladled soup for her.

“Alright then. All partings are inevitable; if fate allows, we’ll meet again in the future.” She took a sip of the soup and said no more.

In her previous life, she often kept in touch with everyone after graduation. When the apocalypse came later, contact became less frequent and slowly, some people were just no longer there.

After her rebirth, she tried to keep her distance from her classmates because she knew she couldn’t change their fates. She was afraid of hearing the news of someone’s passing once again.

Traffic near the university surged noticeably in recent weeks. After a friendly exchange with the security guard, Shen Yanming received a smooth wave-through, marking his first authorized drive into the campus.

After parking near the dormitory, he accompanied Bi Qiao’an inside. She then signed in with the dorm administrator. They stepped into the room she had called home for four years, a place he was visiting for the first and last time.

“Qiao’an, who’s this? Hmm?” Knowing Jiang Shanshan’s character, Bi Qiao’an had long anticipated her dramatic reaction before they even entered the door.

“This is my fiancé, Shen Yanming,” Bi Qiao’an announced cheerfully, hugging his arm as she introduced him to her friends Jiang Shanshan and Song Wennuan.

“Hello, hello. It’s a pleasure to finally meet the legendary fiancé! Indeed, they weren’t kidding when people say that there’s a handsome man who is a true dragon among men, a jade tree in the wind!” Jiang Shanshan cheerfully greeted Shen Yanming, stretching out her hand for a shake.

Shen Yanming found Bi Qiao’an’s classmate quite interesting. Though quite the chatterbox, her gaze was pure and sincere. He nodded and reciprocated the handshake.

“Ahhh, I just shook a hottie’s hand again! Hahaha, surely a sign of good luck in finding a boyfriend this year!” Jiang Shanshan broke character in a second, jumping around like a little crazy person.

“Show a little restraint, or you’ll embarrass yourself! At least have some decorum, Shanshan. Watch how I do it!” Song Wennuan pulled the spinning Jiang Shanshan and walked towards Shen Yanming with an elegant gait. She extended her right hand and said, “Mr. Shen, hello, I’m Song Wennuan, Bi Qiao’an’s close friend and roommate!

It’s a pleasure to meet you. May I ask what kind of work Mr. Shen does? What’s your monthly salary? Do you have a house? A car? Can you afford to support our Qiao’an?

Also, when are you getting married? How far has your relationship progressed? How many little monkeys do you plan to have in the future?”

“Okay okay! Don’t scare my Yanming away, or else where will I cry if you’re not taking responsibility!” Bi Qiao’an quickly smoothed things over, fearing she might irritate Shen Yanming as she had long known his dislike for such intrusive questions.

Surprisingly, Shen Yanming wasn’t bothered at all. He patiently answered Song Wennuan’s questions, earning her approval with his composed demeanor. ‘Impressive. He seems quite capable and dependable,’ she thought to herself while nodding in approval.

Bi Qiao’an was slightly bewildered. Could it be that Shen Yanming’s personality had changed after being reborn?

What she didn’t know was that Shen Yanming had long yearned for an opportunity to publicly declare their engagement. Despite confirming their relationship for several months, the two rarely had the opportunity to appear together. Now that there was finally a chance, of course he had to perform well.

“Qiao’an, did you bring your fiancé over today to treat us to a meal?” Jiang Shanshan asked with a grin.

“Yes. Qiao’an expressed her gratitude for the care you two have shown her. She wanted me to meet everyone since you’ll be graduating soon.” Shen Yanming directly agreed, “Would you ladies be interested in joining us for dinner tonight?”

“Absolutely! You choose the place, and we’ll bleed your wallet dry tonight, haha!” Jiang Shanshan nodded foolishly. Recently, she had been enjoying someone treating her to meals every couple of days. Good thing she wasn’t afraid of getting fat or else she’d be quite vexed by her double chin and potbelly.

However, Song Wennuan was more perceptive. “You must have another reason for coming today, right?”

Bi Qiao’an pressed her lips together and lowered her head, feeling a bit embarrassed to speak. These two out-of-town roommates hadn’t left yet, and here she was, packing her things. It seemed a bit inconsiderate, giving people the impression that she was too cold-hearted.

Shen Yanming understood Bi Qiao’an’s concerns and said, “I happened to have time today, so I came to help Qiao’an pack her things. She… is a bit reluctant to part with you, but I’m afraid I won’t have time in a couple of days, and I worry about her moving out on her own…”

Song Wennuan’s eyes immediately welled up with tears, and said, “Mm, there’s so much stuff, it’s indeed hard for one person to move back. It’s good that we’re all here, I’ll help.”

Jiang Shanshan’s earlier excitement also faded. Tears fell as she hugged Bi Qiao’an tightly, refusing to let go. “Qiao’an, I can’t bear to part with you. I don’t want to be separated from you I won’t see you again after you leave.”

Bi Qiao’an also felt upset. “Who said we won’t see each other after I move out? We can still meet on weekends, eat together, sing together, watch movies together. If you miss me, come see me, or give me a call, and I’ll come find you!”

“Alright, Shanshan, let’s quickly help Qiao’an pack her things. Don’t you have a big dinner to go to tonight?” Song Wennuan saw that Jiang Shanshan’s emotions were a bit out of control and quickly spoke to divert her attention.

“Right, right, right!” Jiang Shanshan pulled out a tissue to wipe her tears and started helping Bi Qiao’an pack her things.

“You guys pack, I’ll take Qiao’an’s bedding downstairs first.” With that, Shen Yanming picked up the bedding roll and went downstairs.

It wasn’t unusual to see men helping their girlfriends during graduation season. However, Shen Yanming’s appearance was too outstanding. Wherever he appeared, he would attract the gaze of those around him.

“Wow, is that someone’s boyfriend? He’s so handsome!”

“No way, that man looks way too mature. Probably someone’s older brother!”

“Having such a handsome brother must be so wonderful. I wonder if the handsome guy has a girlfriend. Can I recommend myself?”

In the corridor, some girls peeked out from their dormitories to steal a glance, some deliberately passed by, and some whispered to each other. At this moment, the door of dormitory 408 opened.

“Su Ya, what are you doing at the door? Why don’t you come in? I opened the door and saw a living person standing there, scaring me to death!” Zhang Chenjun rolled her eyes and patted her chest, complaining.

“Zhang Chenjun, look, a perfect specimen!” Su Ya was in the midst of her excited infatuation. She said as she pulled Zhang Chenjun out and pointed at the back view ahead.

“President Shen?” Zhang Chenjun exclaimed in a low voice.