Chapter 19

The sound of cicadas grew louder, signaling that summer was coming to an end.

On September 3rd, A University began its new semester.

While Bai Zining was tidying up her bed, he chatted with Cai Yu. As the two of them were talking, the dormitory door was pushed open, and Zhu Shizhou walked in, dragging his suitcase behind him.

After a summer apart, Zhu Shizhou seemed even more handsome. He had been traveling and had gotten a bit tanned, but it didn’t diminish his good looks; instead, it added a touch of charm.

What’s more, Bai Zining noticed that the T-shirt Zhu Shizhou was wearing was the one he had bought for him.

Cai Yu greeted him, and Zhu Shizhou responded, but his gaze lifted toward Bai Zining. Their eyes met, and Bai Zining was the first to look away, saying nothing.

The phone on the bed vibrated.

Ferry: 【Baby, I’ve arrived at the dorm. I’ll tidy up first.】

Hawthorn Porridge: 【Okay, I’m heading out with my roommate to get some snacks. Gege, take your time.】

He glanced at the campus visitors’ forum for B University. B University had started its semester on September 1st, two days earlier than theirs.

So, three days ago, he had already told Zhu Shizhou that he had arrived at school.

After tidying up the bed, Bai Zining took advantage of a moment when no one was paying attention. He discreetly pulled something wrapped from his backpack and carefully stuck it inside the wardrobe, in an extremely hidden spot.

It was one of the fridge magnets that Zhu Shizhou had sent him.

During the summer at home, Bai Zining had deliberately cleared a section of the bookshelf in his room to display the gifts Zhu Shizhou had given him. Before coming to school, he spent a long time carefully choosing and finally picked out a fridge magnet he particularly liked to bring along. He couldn’t quite explain why he did it, perhaps it was for the sake of remembrance.

In the afternoon, Bai Zining and Cai Yu went to pick up their books. Along the way, Bai Zining was constantly replying to Zhu Shizhou’s messages.

It was fortunate that Zhu Shizhou wasn’t usually around him. Otherwise, given how often the two of them were on their phones at the same time, it might have aroused suspicion.

When he entered the dormitory, his muscle memory had long forgotten about the high threshold at the entrance after not living there for so long. His right foot caught on it, and he stumbled forward, and the books scattering from his hands.

Just as Bai Zining thought a fall was inevitable, he landed in a steady embrace, with a faint fragrance brushing past his nose.

The pain he expected never came. Instead, a hand supported his arm, steadying him, while his head rested against the other person’s shoulder.

When Bai Zining caught the scent on the other person, he already knew the answer in his heart.

“Be careful,” Zhu Shizhou said, steadying him and offering a reminder.

“Thank you,” Bai Zining mumbled softly, stepping aside to make room for Zhu Shizhou to leave while he bent down to pick up his books.

To his surprise, Zhu Shizhou crouched down as well, helping him gather the scattered books.

Was this really the Zhu Shizhou he knew? If it had been last semester, Zhu Shizhou wouldn’t have helped him up, he might have even mocked him for being clumsy. Helping to pick up books? That would have been out of the question.

Had falling in love softened him as a person?

In the evening, all four of them were present. Zuo Xingwei enthusiastically shared his summer vacation experiences with his girlfriend, while Cai Yu played along, listening attentively and occasionally asking questions.

In contrast, Bai Zining was lost in his thoughts about Zhu Shizhou’s change and didn’t pay any attention to what the people around him were saying.

“Hey, Brother Zhou, why have you been glued to your phone all day? Are you in love or something?” Zuo Xingwei teased.

Zhu Shizhou didn’t try to deny it and simply responded with a quiet “Mm.”

“Ah! Really?” Zuo Xingwei exclaimed in surprise. “Your girlfriend must be really pretty, right?”

“She is very pretty,” Zhu Shizhou affirmed.

“What type is she? Honestly, I can’t imagine what you’d look like in a relationship, Brother Zhou. When can we meet her?” Zuo Xingwei asked eagerly.

On the other side, Bai Zining was sorting through the new books he had received today. From the moment Zuo Xingwei asked Zhu Shizhou his first question, Bai Zining had been listening. Although he appeared indifferent to the conversation, his ears were perked up, catching every word.

“We’ll see. She’s a bit shy,” Zhu Shizhou replied.

Bai Zining couldn’t help but glance in Zhu Shizhou’s direction. To his surprise, Zhu Shizhou was staring straight at him. Their eyes met, and Zhu Shizhou’s lips curled slightly, revealing a faint, subtle smile.

Startled, Bai Zining immediately turned his head away. His heart pounded wildly, like an unruly jumping frog toy.

Zhu Shizhou had never met Cai Ning, not even seen a proper photo of her face, yet he could confidently declare that she was very pretty. Coupled with the book-picking incident that afternoon, Bai Zining was certain: this was the power of love, capable of turning a stubborn rock into soft bread.

The next day, right after class ended at noon, Bai Zining received a message from Zhu Shizhou.

Ferry: 【Baby, should we meet up?】