Cars aren’t allowed to drive into the school, so new students have only two options to get to the dorms. One is to walk, and the other is to wait for the little white shuttle that comes every few minutes at the school gate.

Jiang University, being the top university in Jiang Cheng, covers a vast area. While walking is an option, most people decide to take the shuttle to the dorms. Because of this, the waiting area is packed with people eagerly looking forward to the shuttle’s arrival.

Yu Li, of course, isn’t going to walk to the dorms. He meets up with Pei Yu, who’s already waiting at the shuttle stop. Not long after, an Audi A3 pulls up in front of them.

“Uncle Liu’s son is a teacher at Jiang University, so I asked him to pick us up,” Pei Yu explains, as Lu Qing takes Pei Yu’s luggage and puts it in the trunk. Pei Yu stands by the door, explaining to Yu Li.

Uncle Liu is the driver arranged by the Pei family to pick up Pei Yu.

Yu Li nods and gets into the back seat with Lu Qing.

Yu Li’s dorm is closer, so he gets out of the car before Pei Yu.

Taking the elevator to the fifth floor, they easily find dorm 506.

The dorm door is open, and the other three people are already there, with their beds made and chatting. Hearing the noise at the door, they all turn their heads in unison to look at Yu Li, who arrives fashionably late.

Their eyes widen at the sight.

The newcomer has a striking face, with fair skin tinged with a bit of pink due to the heat, yet he doesn’t look as disheveled as others. He looks like a celebrity who came to study at Jiang University.

However, his expression seems indifferent, with a hint of obvious irritation, giving off a vibe that’s not easy to approach.

Of course, the one who looks the least approachable is the tall man following behind him, almost as tall as the door frame.

The three exchange glances, and the one with a baby face is the first to raise his hand in greeting, “Hi there! Need any help?”

Yu Li looks up, meets the baby face’s gaze for a moment, and says, “No need. I’m Yu Li.”

The baby face’s heart skips a beat at that look, and he quickly introduces himself, “Okay, okay, I’m Xu An.”

The other two follow Xu An’s lead and introduce themselves.

After the introductions, Yu Li closes his mouth, sits on the chair Lu Qing had cleaned, and leans there, looking a bit listless, with his head down, not speaking further.

Xu An watches as the tall, handsome man easily lifts and sets down the suitcase with one hand, skillfully and swiftly tidying up the empty bed.

Their combination looks odd yet quite fitting. Xu An blinks, glancing between Lu Qing and Yu Li, his curiosity almost bursting.

Seemingly sensing his gaze, Yu Li, who had been resting his head, suddenly looks up. Xu An, caught in the act, awkwardly scratches his face, “Um…”

Yu Li speaks first, “I don’t usually stay in the dorm.”

Xu An: “Huh?”

Yu Li: “I live off-campus and only come back for special circumstances.”

Whoa.

Xu An glances at Yu Li’s obviously custom-made clothes and those rare, hard-to-find shoes, thinking to himself: The only place comfortable enough for a Jiang University student to commute from is probably Epiphyllum Mansion. Definitely a rich kid.

“Okay, okay,” Xu An smiles, “Don’t worry, we won’t touch your stuff or bed when you’re not here. How about we exchange contact info? Just in case you want to come back, you can let us know in advance, and we’ll leave the door open for you.”

Though the young master seems a bit hard to approach, being roommates with someone so wealthy is a good opportunity to get their contact info.

Soon, a group chat named “506 Never Fails” is created.

Yu Li lowers his eyes, sets the group chat to mute notifications, and then turns off the screen, half-closing his eyes.

Meanwhile, Lu Qing takes out the bed sheets and mattress pad from the suitcase, quickly making the bed, and even hangs up the privacy curtain within minutes.

The three are left speechless, then see Yu Li, looking accustomed to it, yawning as he stands up, bids them farewell, and casually hands a folder to the man, slowly leaving the dorm.

The man, holding the folder in one hand, follows Yu Li, slightly bending his back, speaking softly, “Are you tired from walking? Want me to carry you?”

“Not tired. Just sleepy.”

“Then how about sleeping on my back for a bit?”

“…Just keep walking.”

As the dorm door closes, their conversation is completely muffled behind it.

The three in the dorm exchange glances, and the one with glasses speaks up, “What do you think that guy’s relationship with Yu Li is? They seem so… close.”

“Brother?” another guesses.

Glasses: “Doesn’t seem like it.”

Xu An rubs his chin, recalling the natural interaction between the two, boldly guessing, “I think they might be boyfriends.”

The other two suddenly understand, “Now that you mention it, it does seem like it!”

That willing and devoted demeanor, doesn’t it just look like a couple with a great relationship?

…

The registration area is on the first floor of Dexin Building, not too far from the dorms. When Yu Li and the others arrive, they can see a long line from afar.

Each department has a prominent sign at their registration desk. The Design Institute is next to the Information Science Institute, and the line is orderly, not too long.

Each department requires the student to be present for registration, so Lu Qing can’t take Yu Li’s place in line. To avoid blocking the way, he stands outside the line, waiting for Yu Li.

The man leans against the wall in the shade, glancing at the young master’s back in line before lowering his head to reply to messages he hasn’t had time to respond to.

Qin Yue: [Is today the young master’s first day? Are you with him for registration?]

This message was sent just before they left. Lu Qing was busy loading the dishwasher at the time and didn’t see it.

Qin Yue: [? Busy guy, haven’t replied in ages.]

Qin Yue: [Anyone would think you’re the one registering today.]

Qin Yue: [Not to be nosy, but it seems like, even though he doesn’t remember you, you came back to the country and are living with Yu Li. You go wherever he goes, cook, wake him up, and even accompany him to register. Apart from the title, it’s no different from being in a relationship, huh?]

Five minutes later.

Qin Yue: [Thinking about it, there’s quite a difference between a boyfriend and a bodyguard, hahahahahahahahahahahahaha]

Title-less Lu Qing: “…”

Opening his phone to see such annoying messages, Lu Qing feels an urge to rush to this chatterbox’s office and challenge him to a duel.

With a heavy “tsk,” a voice message filled with Lu Qing’s peaceful and friendly greetings flies over.

Qin Yue, currently slacking off, sees the long-suffering man finally reply and immediately perks up. The two engage in a lively exchange of banter in the chat.

Until a commotion from the line not far away catches Lu Qing’s attention, making him look up sharply.

He sees a group of tall, burly guys gathered by the Design Institute’s line. The leader, wearing a black basketball jersey, is holding a phone, saying something to someone in the line.

Lu Qing’s face darkens as he steps forward, pushing through the crowd to stand in front of Yu Li.

The basketball guy is already quite tall, but the man who suddenly steps in is even taller and more imposing, looking like someone who knows how to fight. His questioning tone softens a bit, “Who… who are you? Didn’t you see we were talking?”

Lu Qing ignores him, turning to Yu Li, whose face shows displeasure, and asks in a low voice, “What’s going on?”

“He wants my WeChat.” Once again the center of attention, Yu Li moves closer to Lu Qing, feeling both annoyed and helpless, “I don’t want to give it.”

He’s said no three times, but this guy acts like he doesn’t understand human language, stubbornly insisting on adding him as a friend.

Hearing Yu Li’s words, Lu Qing looks up again, his gaze heavy, and gives the guy a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes, “If you’re adding someone, why not add me? I don’t mind having a chat with you.”

The words suggest a friendly chat, but his wrist-twisting motion implies he’s ready to beat the guy up.

The basketball guy hesitates, comparing their size difference, realizing a couple of punches might knock him down. His expression shows retreat.

He glances at the two’s somewhat intimate stance, reluctantly puts away his phone, and before leaving, can’t help but look at Yu Li, muttering regretfully, “So he has a boyfriend…”

Yu Li opens his mouth, intending to correct that Lu Qing isn’t his boyfriend, but the words get swallowed back.

The guy’s leaving anyway, so let him misunderstand.

Seeing Yu Li not denying it, Lu Qing’s lips curve slightly. He glances at the line, now with only a few people left, and softly says, “Young master, I’ll wait for you outside.”

Five minutes later, Yu Li finishes submitting his enrollment documents, yawning as he walks out. Lu Qing immediately approaches, “Are we heading home or exploring the campus?”

Yu Li is really sleepy, wanting nothing more than to dive into bed, but after a moment’s thought, he says, “There’s a gathering in a few hours, so let’s explore the campus.”

“Alright,” Lu Qing agrees, watching Yu Li’s wobbly steps, looking like he might collapse any moment. Unable to resist, he supports him, “Young master, if you’re tired, you can lean on me.”

Yu Li doesn’t mind the large hand on his shoulder, simply leaning most of his weight on Lu Qing.

Lu Qing, being strong, makes Yu Li feel like he’s being carried along, almost without effort, which is quite comfortable for someone as sleepy as he is.

The two leave Dexin Building, walking along the main road of the campus for a while before sitting on a stone bench by the artificial lake.

The lush trees block the scorching summer sun, and a breeze stirs the lake, creating ripples.

It’s a pleasant afternoon, perfect for a nap for someone who hasn’t slept enough.

For someone as sleepy as Yu Li, it’s paradise.

After sitting down, Yu Li initially chats with Lu Qing, but soon his voice grows softer until it disappears completely.

Lu Qing looks down to find Yu Li, as expected, asleep on his shoulder, completely trusting, with his eyes closed.

His heart skips a beat, and Lu Qing’s breath catches slightly.

He looks around.

There’s no one by the artificial lake, the nearest couple is on the opposite side, chatting, not paying attention to them.

Lu Qing hesitates for a moment, then gently takes out his phone from his pocket.

He raises one hand, holding the phone up, while the other lightly, almost tenderly, brushes the boy’s soft hair, making it look like Yu Li is nestled in his embrace.

Lu Qing looks at the camera, his thumb moves slightly, capturing the moment.

Yu Li remains asleep, deeply so.

With a slight smile, Lu Qing lowers his head, his lips brushing the dark, soft hair, stirring a gentle tickle.

The lake ripples, and only the swans gliding in the water witness this scene.