Extra 3

Graduation day.

The sun was bright but not too hot. Xu Youyou was wearing her academic robe and taking group photos with her classmates.

After today, most people would go their separate ways. Some would stay in the capital, while others would choose to pursue further studies. But no matter what, the chances of meeting again in the future would be greatly reduced.

So today, everyone eagerly took group photos as mementos. This would also be the best memory of their youth.

Xu Youyou didn’t choose to continue her postgraduate studies. She had already discussed with her mother long ago that she would become a freelance artist after graduating from university, traveling around to experience the scenery and cuisine of different places.

Anyway, she didn’t have any family business to inherit, unlike Liu Miaomiao and Qian Xin who had been interning at their family’s company early on, while Liu Yanzhi had also become a prominent figure in the university entrepreneurship field, and now his development was going very well.

The real estate that Xu Wenyin saved for Xu Youyou made it possible for her to not work her entire life if she didn’t want to.

Moreover, the investments Xu Youyou made have all yielded great returns, with the least profitable one tripling in value. Even Qin Xiao praised her for having a good eye for investments.

“Youyou! Look over here!”

“Yeah!”

Reflexively, Xu Youyou made a peace sign and flashed a bright smile at the camera. Then, from the corner of her eye, she saw her mother, Aunt Qin, and Lu Chenjun smiling at her from the other side.

Over the years, Lu Chenjun has also persisted on the path of scientific research. Because he entered university two years earlier than Xu Youyou due to special admission, he was currently in the period of pursuing both a master’s and a Ph.D., keeping himself busy every day.

His supervisor was a super famous figure in the field of new energy, and he had high hopes for Lu Chenjun’s talent and composure, showing signs of grooming him as a successor. Even though Lu Chenjun was intelligent, some things still needed time to be tested, requiring numerous experiments and a significant amount of effort.

Intelligence is just the stepping stone, not the path to success.

Thinking about it, it seemed like the last time they met was about a month ago.

Xu Youyou happily ran over and pounced into…… Xu Wenyin’s arms!

“Mom, when did you guys arrive?”

If she hadn’t noticed them, were they not planning to call out?

“We just arrived. Weren’t you taking photos with your classmates?” Qin Yiren said with a smile. “This is what youth is all about!”

The vibrant atmosphere made Qin Yiren couldn’t help but feel a bit nostalgic.

Xu Youyou flashed a toothy smile, then took the flowers Lu Chenjun handed her. “Come on, come on, let’s take a photo together!”

With the help of Wei Xinmiao, Xu Youyou and the others took several photos near a prominent building at A University. Some were funny, some artistic, and some were affectionate.

Watching, Wei Xinmiao couldn’t help but comment, “Enough already, forcing people to eat dog food^[1]public display of affection on the last day of school!”

Of course, her comment was mostly in jest. Wei Xinmiao, who had been ‘eating dog food’ for almost four years, didn’t mind taking a few more bites now.

However, seeing Lu Chenjun obediently holding an umbrella to shield Xu Youyou from the sun when they weren’t taking photos, even Wei Xinmiao couldn’t help but inwardly exclaim, What a good man!

Over the past four years, she had also witnessed this childhood sweetheart finally reach their full potential as a couple and gradually step into the state of ‘an old married couple’. Initially, Wei Xinmiao had secretly speculated whether this man, after being in love for so long, might start to feel a bit jaded and have some negative thoughts.

But Lu Chenjun demonstrated through his actions that there truly are good men in the world.

Even Li Xiaodie and others, who had witnessed countless college couples breaking up for various reasons, expressed their gratitude to Xu Youyou and Lu Chenjun, stating that the two had restored their belief in true love.

“Hey~” Xu Youyou mischievously smiled at Wei Xinmiao, even throwing in a playful wink. “How come you still haven’t gotten used to it?”

No, I can’t get used to it. I’ll never get used to it in this lifetime!

Having her future mother-in-law come to watch her graduation and such, Xu Youyou’s probably the only one, right?

At that moment, Wei Xinmiao happened to meet Xu Wenyin’s gaze. She was no stranger to her roommate’s mother. At this moment, the two of them exchanged a knowing smile, silently acknowledging their shared understanding.

Ah, they were both people who couldn’t get used to it, after all!

Of course, there were probably other secrets hidden within that smile, secrets known only to the two of them.

The graduation ceremony ended in the morning. After taking photos, Xu Youyou had to return to the classroom for the final farewells. Xu Wenyin and the others went to her dormitory to wait for her. Most of the belongings in the dormitory had already been moved out in advance, leaving only a few small items to be taken away by the driver later.

Anyway, their house was close to A University, and it’s only a little over ten minutes’ walk, so it wasn’t a trouble at all.

Sitting in the exclusive classroom of History Class 1 at this moment, Xu Youyou couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness. After all, four years might seem long or short, but she had left behind many wonderful memories there.

Friendly classmates, kind teachers, a humorous counselor, along with A University’s library, lively campus celebrations, and so on, all slowly settled in a corner of Xu Youyou’s heart, becoming a part of her cherished memories.

Even if she could come back there in the future, the significance would be completely different.

A few classmates, as they listened, even began to quietly sob, seemingly feeling reluctant to part ways as well.

“Youyou, Sanshui, you two will probably stay in the capital in the future, right? When you have time, let’s meet up.”

“Yeah, we can come back here to visit too~”

“For sure! It’s a promise!”

Despite their reluctance, they still had to part ways. Such is life, always moving forward.

As the homeroom teacher and counselor finished their speeches, everyone applauded. Xu Youyou had originally intended to go straight back to her dormitory but suddenly found herself caught between Wei Xinmiao and Li Xiaodie, as if being held hostage.

Xu Youyou: “???” What’s going on?

Before Xu Youyou could even ask, Wei Xinmiao spoke up first, “Let’s go, Youyou. To Lover’s Lake.”

“Hurry up, hurry up, maybe we can still see those mandarin ducks.” Li Xiaodie nodded in agreement.

A University has its three treasures—— The library, the Wall of Fame, and…… the Lover’s Lake.

Of course, the lake itself wasn’t named that. It’s just that the legends passed down year after year have made everyone gradually forget its original name, directly calling it Lover’s Lake.

Legend has it that couples who confess their love there would receive the blessings of the lake deity. Many manage to break the curse of breaking up right after graduation and stay together for a long time. There were even quite a few senior brothers and sisters who, years later, would come back with their children, turning it into a tradition to make wishes at the lake, adding a touch of fantasy to the place.

Apart from that, the beautiful scenery of the lake has also become a great place for everyone to take a leisurely stroll after dinner, have picnics, and relax.

However, this lake and the college buildings are located quite far apart, one to the south and the other to the north, requiring nearly thirty minutes of walking. Xu Youyou and her classmate’s schedule was a bit tight today, so they didn’t go there. However, they had already taken the photos they needed a few days ago. Why do they suddenly want to go there now?

“You seem really confused, Youyou. Hahaha.”

Then another classmate spoke up, “Did you forget what was said in the group chat yesterday?”

Even the counselor chimed in at this moment, “Student Xu Youyou, did you not check the group chat? Everyone’s going to Lover’s Lake to take a group photo together.”

Huh? Xu Youyou was stunned. With graduation approaching, the messages in the group chat had been flashing crazily these past two days. Sometimes, hundreds of messages would pass by unnoticed, and she hadn’t read through them one by one. Anyway, she assumed that important messages would be announced to everyone in person.

Besides, didn’t they already take group photos earlier? Xu Youyou didn’t have time to ponder over it further as Wei Xinmiao chuckled and gently nudged her.

“Let’s go, let’s go, we won’t sell you off.”

Because it was a group activity, Xu Youyou only thought that everyone was reluctant to leave and wanted to take more photos. So, she sent a message to her mother asking them to go back first. Waiting in the house would be the same, and considering the time spent going back and forth to Lover’s Lake, it would probably take an hour without even counting the time for taking photos.

Xu Wenyin quickly replied with an okay.

“Wait a moment, let’s touch up our makeup first.”

“That’s right, Youyou, you too. Your lipstick has faded!”

Since it was for taking photos, naturally everyone wanted to capture their most beautiful moment.

Xu Youyou smiled and took out her lipstick from her small bag. She waited along with the other girls as they touched up their makeup. Then, the whole class set off in groups towards Lover’s Lake.

Along the way, Wei Xinmiao and Li Xiaodie were chatting with Xu Youyou, thus she didn’t notice when, but gradually, both classmates and teachers fell a few steps behind her, forming a situation where Xu Youyou’s group was leading the way.

And where did the music come from?

As they got closer to Lover’s Lake, the music became more pronounced, and there were even decorative flowers and ribbons.

Was someone planning to confess at the lake?

Don’t blame Xu Youyou for thinking so. It’s mainly because it’s too common.

In the past, there would even be heart-shaped candles set up, but later the school deemed it too dangerous and prohibited it.

However, the tradition of confession had never been lost, and the school authorities wouldn’t go as far as to disallow even that, after all, it’s the university, not high school, and it’s perfectly normal to be in a relationship.

At this time, Xu Youyou hadn’t realized yet that all of this was prepared for her.

On this special day, Lu Chenjun, along with all the students and teachers of the entire History Class, had been preparing for a long time. Finally, he presented himself perfectly in front of Xu Youyou.

“Juanjuan?”

At a glance, Xu Youyou recognized that the person standing in front of her, dressed in an academic robe just like herself, was Lu Chenjun. She also noticed the huge heart-shaped arrangement made of flowers behind him, as well as her formally dressed mother, Aunt Qin, Uncle Qin, and others on either side. Among them were Lu Weizheng, Qing Yixing’s family of three, Liu Miaomiao and Qian Xin’s entire family, and so on.

With such a grand setup, Xu Youyou instantly understood what was about to happen.

She turned her head to look at Wei Xinmiao and Li Xiaodie, who had already let go of her and then saw her classmates and teachers with bright smiles on their faces.

I knew it was strange to suddenly ask to take photos at Lover’s Lake! So, this is the reason!

“Xiao Lu.”

Lu Chenjun looked exceptionally spirited today. Even though he wore the same academic robes as everyone else, it couldn’t conceal the joyous aura emanating from him.

Lu Chenjun was teased by Lu Weizheng a lot just now, saying how he was so nervous, like a young boy, what would he do when he got married in the future? Would he just faint directly?

Indeed, Lu Weizheng keenly noticed his own son’s nervousness and didn’t hesitate to bluntly point it out and mock him.

Over the years, as his position rose, Lu Weizheng indeed presented a serious demeanor in front of outsiders, rarely smiling and speaking sparingly. However, in front of his loved ones, especially Qin Yiren, his inherent playful and silly nature never changed.

He kept his work and family life separate very clearly. Now, it’s rare to see his usually composed son show a ‘flaw’, so he couldn’t let it slip by without commenting.

In the face of Lu Weizheng’s mockery, Lu Chenjun remained calm. He simply looked at Qin Yiren and gently uttered one word, “Mom.”

The next moment, Lu Weizheng let out a loud shout.

“Hmm? Bullying my son?”

“Wife! Wife! I’m sorry! Ouch, that hurts.”

Looking at Lu Weizheng like this, his own son hid his achievements. He had long seen through the food chain of this family. Lu Weizheng was evidently at the bottom.

But today’s focus wasn’t on Lu Weizheng. With the messages being relayed by an insider, Lu Chenjun unconsciously glanced at the small box in his hand, adjusted his academic robes, and felt his slightly sweaty palms before pursing his lips and forcing himself to calm down.

Regarding this proposal, Lu Chenjun had already formulated preliminary ideas as early as this year’s Spring Festival.

He began preparing early, including the ring, the venue setup, and arrangements for everyone involved, fearing any mishaps in any part of the process.

In the middle, he didn’t even know how much effort he had put in to obtain Xu Wenyin’s consent.

Xu Wenyin felt that Xu Youyou was still a child, how could she be getting married so soon? Don’t tell her that a proposal doesn’t mean getting married right away. Hmph, a certain clever system had long seen through Lu Chenjun’s intentions. Xu Wenyin didn’t believe he could wait long!

Humans can be cunning, especially male humans!

But in the end, Xu Wenyin still stood there, sending her sincerest blessings to her daughter, whom she had cared for for nearly twenty years.

“Mm.”

Xu Youyou responded lightly and placed her hand on Lu Chenjun’s outstretched one. Following his lead, she stepped into the center of the heart-shaped flowers.

Feeling everyone’s gaze filled with blessing and anticipation along the way, Xu Youyou, who was originally just surprised, couldn’t help but start to get nervous.

“Don’t be afraid.”

Lu Chenjun also sensed Xu Youyou’s nervousness. Affectionately, he softly uttered those words before giving Xu Youyou a slight smile, as if to say, ‘Leave it all to me, don’t worry’.

Suddenly, Xu Youyou wasn’t nervous anymore.

That’s right, it’s Juanjuan, the Juanjuan who grew up together and had always been with her.

What was there to be nervous or afraid of?

Even if the time before they became a couple wasn’t counted, they’ve been together for almost four years. Wasn’t that enough to understand each other?

Especially when she saw her mother and the others standing on the side, Xu Youyou was suddenly filled with courage.

As Xu Youyou gradually calmed down, Lu Chenjun slowly knelt on one knee and carefully took out a small box from his pocket, opening it carefully in front of everyone.

Wow!

Wei Xinmiao and the others couldn’t help but exclaim in their hearts. So big! It was the first time they had seen such a beautiful diamond ring in person and they were almost blinded by its brilliance.

From now on, they could tell others that they’ve seen the real deal.

“Xiao Lu.” Lu Chenjun looked up at Xu Youyou. “I met you when I was three years old, and at twenty-three, I finally have this opportunity.”

Spanning nearly twenty years, Lu Chenjun and Xu Youyou grew up together, experiencing joys, sorrows, and various events together. They were the ones who understood each other the most and had also promised to spend their lives with each other.

“I’m indifferent and taciturn, not interested in many things. If it weren’t for you……”

Lu Chenjun occasionally wondered, what would his life be like if Xu Youyou weren’t in it.

With his personality back then, he would never have taken the initiative to make friends, and his mother would have been very worried. He wouldn’t have been as happy and cheerful as he is now. Perhaps he would have spent his whole life in a cold laboratory, conducting experiments that never seemed to end.

“As long as I think of having you accompany me for the rest of my life, I’m filled with anticipation for it……”

They were still young, with a long, long future ahead of them, where they could always be together. Perhaps they would have a cute baby, but even if they didn’t, it doesn’t matter. As long as they have each other, Lu Chenjun feels that the future is so beautiful.

“Xu Youyou, marry me!”

Lu Chenjun rarely called Xu Youyou by her full name, and his tone and expression were so serious, more serious than when recording the most important data in the laboratory.

But this statement…… in a different context, it would seem like a forced sale.

“Not even asking me if I’m okay with it?” Xu Youyou teased. She looked at Lu Chenjun’s suddenly lost expression and burst into laughter.

“Okay, I agree.”

She extended her left hand, signaling for Lu Chenjun to put the ring on her finger.

Since she likes him, why hesitate?

Whether it was too soon or not had never been a problem. Xu Youyou had never been one to procrastinate.

After all, life is so short. It’s best to grab hold of the people and things one loves early on, so they wouldn’t have regrets when they’re old and frail.

Feeling the hand holding hers trembling slightly, Xu Youyou couldn’t help but smile inwardly. Lu Chenjun was nervous as well, how adorable!

Fortunately, the process of putting on the ring went smoothly. With the cheers and applause of the crowd, Lu Chenjun stood up and hugged Xu Youyou.

“Xiao Lu.”

“Hey~”

“Xiao Lu!”

“Hmm~”

“Xiao Lu……”

“……”

“I’m so happy!”

Xu Youyou: “……Pfft!”

Juanjuan, why are you being silly?

To put a perfect end to this graduation day, Xu Youyou bid farewell to her teachers and classmates, and along with the others, they came to the Xu family’s estate, which was also beautifully decorated.

Engagement, of course, couldn’t just pass by so simply with eating and having fun! They should make it exciting!

The happy Xu Youyou, led by Liu Miaomiao, drank two glasses of wine together and soon started feeling fuzzy.

Though Xu Youyou wasn’t the type to abstain from alcohol entirely, she rarely drank much on ordinary occasions. This sudden intake was too much for her to handle, and it was probably Xu Youyou’s first time getting drunk.

But on a day like today, it’s all about being happy!

With a bright smile on her red face, Xu Youyou grinned foolishly at Lu Chenjun, even reaching out repeatedly to tug at his curly hair.

Normally, Lu Chenjun wouldn’t mind being teased a bit, but when Xu Youyou was drunk, her actions were a bit too forceful.

To prevent himself from going bald prematurely, Lu Chenjun had no choice but to hold onto the fidgety Xu Youyou, attempting to get her to drink some sobering tea. However, the strength of a certain intoxicated individual was unexpectedly strong, making it impossible to grasp her properly.

Xu Wenyin couldn’t bear to watch any longer, so she stepped in and helped restrain the little troublemaker, finally managing to get her to drink the tea.

“Mom~”

“I’m here, I’m here.”

After drinking the sobering tea, Xu Youyou stopped struggling, but she started mumbling incessantly!

“Juanjuan, why is your hair straight? No, it can’t be straight, I’ll go get the curling iron! It must be curly……”

“Mom, Mom, Mom, Youyou feel so dizzy, Youyou want to eat double-cooked pork slices, sweet and sour pork, candied fruit……”

The adults nearby couldn’t help but chuckle.

In order to preserve Xu Youyou’s image, with Lu Chenjun’s assistance, she was finally placed on her own bed in her bedroom. Xu Wenyin told Lu Chenjun to go rest while she took care of the little drunk.

“Mom, I’m so happy.”

“Mmmhmm, happy, happy.”

Xu Wenyin smiled as she wiped Xu Youyou’s face with a towel. The next moment, as she was about to get up to put the towel away, she was suddenly hugged tightly by the now sitting-up Xu Youyou.

“That scared me!”

Are humans always this lively when they’re drunk?

Xu Wenyin gently poked Xu Youyou’s forehead with her index finger, feeling that she should record this scene and show it to someone tomorrow, to see if she dared to drink this much again next time.

“Mom, Youyou is very happy now.”

“Yes, yes.”

“If……” Xu Youyou buried her head in Xu Wenyin’s shoulder, holding onto her mother like she did when she was a child, whispering softly, “If Mom needs to go, you don’t need to worry about Youyou.”

In the event when Xu Wenyin returned after the downfall of the Lu family, Xu Youyou managed to figure out that her mother must have come with a mission.

Even if the mission was accomplished, was it okay for her mother not to leave?

But Xu Youyou was a timid girl. She couldn’t bear to part with her mother, so she kept postponing and postponing until today, when she finally found the courage to say it under the influence of alcohol.

Xu Wenyin was taken aback. “Who said Mom is leaving? Mom will always be with Youyou, watching Youyou become a white-haired old lady, watching Youyou live a happy life.”

There’s no strict rule about whether or not one has to leave the task world immediately after completing a task. The upper management was pretty lenient.

Once the task was given to a system, it was free to do whatever it wanted afterward, unless it failed its task. Even if 5874 had exhausted all means, it should not have been possible to jump levels and receive this task back then.

However, it was rare, or rather, 5874 had never heard of a system that doesn’t leave the task world after completing the task, just like how she left immediately after completing her first two tasks.

As said before, earning points by completing tasks and then upgrading is an instinct embedded into every system!

Of course, they hoped that tasks were completed as quickly as possible. Staying in the task world would be a waste of time. How else would they earn points and upgrade?

But……

Xu Wenyin looked at Xu Youyou who was hugging her tightly. “Don’t worry, Mom is a fairy, I will always be with Youyou.”

What’s instinct when compared to the most important thing, which was Youyou?

“Mom!” Xu Youyou planted a kiss on Xu Wenyin’s cheek. “I love you the most. Youyou’s mom is the best mom in the whole world and the entire universe!”

“Hahahaha.”

In the cozy bedroom, hearty laughter filled the air.

“Youyou is also the best little darling in the whole world and the entire universe!”