The man’s gaze remained on her, not correcting her for using the honorific “Professor” three times in a row.

Just then, the waiter arrived with the coffee and two desserts.

Song Xi’s attention was instantly diverted. It was her favorite strawberry mousse and matcha green grape soufflé cloud cake.

No matter how many times she came here, these two desserts were a must-order.

She had originally planned to buy a couple to take home after the blind date, to share with her mother.

Now, she wasn’t sure if this was a coincidence or if Professor Shang was good at reading women’s minds.

The man pushed the desserts closer to her, “I didn’t know what you liked, so I ordered randomly. Give them a try.”

“These are my favorites. Professor Shang, you have good taste!”

The man took a sip of his coffee to hide the smile on his lips.

A few seconds later, he looked up, “Eat up.”

Song Xi recalled the serious matter at hand and her expression turned serious, “In my first semester of my freshman year, I was hospitalized for three months due to a cold that wasn’t treated in time, which worsened my condition.”

The air grew heavy as she spoke.

Shang Fuyan didn’t respond, but his heart was far from calm. An indescribable emotion spread from within him.

Song Xi continued, “When I was discharged, my health indicators had returned to normal, and I am very healthy now.”

As if afraid he wouldn’t believe her, Song Xi added, “Apart from that hospitalization, I haven’t had any other illnesses. I have no major health history, really. I rarely catch colds.”

Seeing the girl’s earnest explanation, Shang Fuyan slowly said, “I believe you.”

Song Xi seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, patting her chest, “You scared me! I thought you might see me as a sickly person.”

The man saw through her self-deprecating manner but didn’t point it out.

As she spoke, Song Xi glanced out the window. The sky was now overcast, and it looked like a heavy rain was coming.

It had been fine when she came, but now it seemed she wouldn’t be able to leave.

A lightning bolt streaked across the sky, bright and blinding. Would a thunderclap follow?

The man timely reminded her, “Cover your ears.”

Song Xi didn’t think twice and instinctively followed his advice, raising her hands to cover her ears tightly.

As the thunder struck, Song Xi closed her eyes.

“Don’t be afraid,” he said softly.

After the thunder lasted for about two minutes, she heard his familiar voice.

“You can take your hands off now, Song Xi.”

She obediently did as he said and met his bright, deep eyes, “Are you sure?”

“Of course. Observing the weather is part of archaeology.”

Hearing this, Song Xi’s interest was piqued.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have insisted on majoring in the extremely niche field of archaeology after the college entrance exam.

At the time, her parents were against it, but they couldn’t change her mind.

Song Xi got her wish and enrolled in the archaeology program, but the good times didn’t last long. An unexpected cold and subsequent illness made her realize the limitations of her health.

Such a constitution would likely cause her to faint in the field, burdening her colleagues and delaying work progress.

Later, she decisively changed her major to Chinese Language and Literature and became an intern teacher at an elementary school after graduation.

At that moment, it was pouring outside.

Song Xi looked across, “Professor Shang, when do you think this rain will stop?”

“About twenty minutes. These sudden downpours don’t last long.”

Song Xi’s eyes were full of admiration, a typical fangirl, “You’re so amazing!”

The corner of the man’s lips curved slightly, “Eat your cake.”

“Professor Shang, are you having any?”

“I don’t like sweet things.”

Song Xi responded with an “Oh” and didn’t hesitate to dig in, taking small bites.

Her heart was aflutter, not from nervousness but from excitement.

In front of the man she liked, she couldn’t help but worry about her appearance, her eating manners, and whether she was elegant enough.

But these concerns vanished after just a couple of bites of the dessert.

Perhaps this was the power of food, capable of healing.

The man elegantly sipped his coffee, his gaze occasionally falling on the delicate girl.

Compared to four years ago, she was even more beautiful, livelier, and cleverly adorable, far from the dull student she had been in class.

Song Xi only ate half of each dessert, leaving the other half untouched. It was clear she was a polite and kind girl.

As soon as Song Xi put down her spoon, a napkin was handed to her.

She took it and said, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

A very formal response.

Song Xi hesitated for a second before speaking again, “Professor Shang, I’m going to the restroom. I’ll be back soon.”

The man nodded slightly, not doubting her reason.

Song Xi hastily grabbed her bag and walked toward the waiter.

Shang Fuyan watched her leave, his gaze unwavering. He assumed she was going to pay the bill in advance.

When Song Xi returned, her face showed a hint of disappointment.

She didn’t directly ask why he had already paid the bill.

After sitting down, she didn’t bring it up, showing remarkable composure.

The rain continued outside. Song Xi glanced out and then refocused on the man across from her, “Next time, I’ll treat you. Will Professor Shang be available?”

The man immediately unlocked his phone and found his WeChat QR code, “Scan me, and we can stay in touch.”

A “ding” sounded, and they were friends.

The profile picture looked like a sunset on campus, quite picturesque.

Song Xi couldn’t help but ask, “Did you take the profile picture?”

“It was a random snap.”

Song Xi couldn’t suppress her smile and lavished him with praise, though it might have sounded a bit like flattery.

“Professor Shang, I think you have a real talent for photography.”

Shang Fuyan’s brow furrowed slightly, but he quickly relaxed and called her name, “Song Xi.”

She looked at him with innocent eyes, “What is it?”

“Let’s go through the formalities now. Shall I go first, or you?”

“Let’s have you go first. I do understand the principle of respecting teachers.”

In truth, Song Xi felt a bit guilty.

Last night, she had dreamed of stripping him down, leaving him completely bare.

With the man from her dream right in front of her, Song Xi couldn’t help but blush again.

Shang Fuyan assumed the girl was blushing out of shyness, so he took the lead, “I’m 29 years old. I like to work out and get regular check-ups, and I’m in good health. I eat a varied diet, don’t smoke, and drink moderately without getting rowdy. I own two houses and a car. My parents are both alive, my family background is simple, and I have no bad habits.”

Song Xi’s attention was entirely on his mention of working out, and she couldn’t help but ask, “Do you have an eight-pack?”