While chatting with Yan Zimi, Pei Huan’s senior, Xiao Dong, sitting beside him, was almost all ears.

He nearly cut his finger while working with scissors.

When had he ever seen Pei Huan on a phone call like this? It was so immersive.

Clearly, there was a pile of homework in front of him, yet he was just staring at it, headphones on, his hand hovering over the keyboard, tapping aimlessly.

The key point was his tone…

He didn’t know what was being said on the other end, but Pei Huan laughed again.

It wasn’t until Pei Huan called Yan Zimi’s name that Xiao Dong’s tense muscles finally relaxed, and he stopped focusing on Pei Huan.

Ah, so it was Yan Zimi.

Pei Huan was on the phone for quite a while. Xiao Dong finished cutting his materials, ate an apple, and opened his computer again, but Pei Huan was still tapping away at the keyboard.

It seemed like they had chatted about a lot of random things, even asking when he’d be off work and saying, “I’ll tell you more when I get back, okay?”

Then he hung up.

“Were you on the phone with a junior?”

As soon as Pei Huan put down the phone, Xiao Dong said this.

Pei Huan clicked the mouse to wake the computer up again and replied, “Yeah.”

Xiao Dong asked, “Does he have a girlfriend?”

Pei Huan replied, “No.”

Xiao Dong chuckled, “Why are you being so gentle on the phone with a junior?”

Pei Huan responded, “What do you mean?”

Xiao Dong said, “I mean you’re being all sweet, like you’re coaxing a child, and laughing like that.” He laughed again, “I initially thought it was some girl!”

Pei Huan had half his thoughts on the computer and said, “He misunderstood a lot in the reading comprehension.”

Xiao Dong nodded, “The reading questions on that test were a bit tough.”

There was quite a bit of homework tonight, and with an exam coming up in a few days, Zhao Di and Yu Nan, who were outside, didn’t want to fool around either. They bought some things and came back early.

The dorm turned into a small library, with everyone focusing on their own tasks.

Around nine o’clock, Pei Huan glanced at his phone.

Seeing this, Yu Nan quickly turned and asked, “What’s up, Pei Huan? Want to join in?”

Pei Huan didn’t move, but Xiao Dong immediately picked up his phone and said, “Come on, let’s go!”

However, Pei Huan replied, “No, I have something to do.”

Xiao Dong put the phone down and said, “Oh, he’s meeting up with a junior.”

Yu Nan was surprised: “What do you mean you’re meeting a junior? Yan Zimi? Are you two duo-queuing?”

Pei Huan clarified, “No, it’s for something else.”

“Alright then,” Yu Nan said and turned back to continue with his homework.

Pei Huan glanced at the time again.

It was now 9:12. If Yan Zimi got off work at 9, he should…

Before he could finish estimating, a message suddenly popped up on his phone.

Yan Zimi: [I’m home.]

Pei Huan replied: [That was fast.]

Yan Zimi: [Do you want to give me a lesson?]

Pei Huan chuckled: [Not bad attitude.]

Yan Zimi: [Senior, please explain it to me. I want to hear it quickly.]

Pei Huan was about to respond when Yan Zimi retracted the message.

Yan Zimi felt a bit bold now; what kind of thing was that to say? He was brave enough to say it.

It even made him a bit nervous.

But Pei Huan asked, [What’s wrong?]

Pei Huan: [Don’t you like me explaining things to you anymore?]

Yan Zimi laughed: [No, it’s not that. I do like it.]

Pei Huan didn’t want to text back with Yan Zimi anymore. He put on his headphones and made the call.

It was indeed time to go over the questions. As soon as Yan Zimi picked up, he heard Pei Huan say, “Send me the questions.”

Yan Zimi responded with an “Oh” and took two pictures of the entire problem to send over.

There was silence on Pei Huan’s end, likely because he was looking at the question.

Yan Zimi didn’t want to interrupt; he finally had the chance to set his bag down and tidy himself up a bit before sitting next to his desk.

“Let’s start with the article.”

“Okay.”

….

Yan Zimi bit on his pen, listening intently. Pei Huan explained the questions much better than his English teacher.

So much better.

Maybe there was some extra boost; he understood it and even felt like he could tackle the next reading comprehension.

“For the last one,” Pei Huan tapped the picture on the computer screen with a capped pen and asked, “Do you know what ‘involved’ means?”

Yan Zimi repeated, “Involved.”

Pei Huan had more to say but paused, holding it back.

He chuckled softly and lifted the pen slightly: “Say it again.”

Yan Zimi, not fully understanding but obedient, repeated, “In, volve, d.” He added, “Let me check.”

Pei Huan placed the pen back on the word on the screen, a deep smile on his lips: “Did you find it?”

Yan Zimi replied, “Yeah, I found it. It means ‘to be involved.’”

Pei Huan asked, “Does it relate to this article?”

Yan Zimi replied, “No.”

Pei Huan pressed, “If it doesn’t, why did you choose it?”

Before Yan Zimi could answer, Pei Huan helped him out: “Is it because you don’t understand it? So picking something you don’t get makes sense?”

Yan Zimi couldn’t help but laugh at Pei Huan’s teasing: “No, that’s not it.” He tapped his chin, “Actually, I don’t understand the other three either.”

Pei Huan burst into laughter: “Yan Zimi, you’re so adorable.”

Yan Zimi protested, “Hey, I was just guessing; don’t laugh at me.”

After a pause, he added, “I’ll do better next time.”

The call ended at 18 minutes and 32 seconds.

After hanging up, Yan Zimi stared blankly at Pei Huan’s chat interface for quite a while.

The phone dimmed, so he tapped the screen.

It went dark again, and he tapped it once more.

….

In the following days, Yan Zimi strictly adhered to the study plan set by Pei Huan.

Of course, there was nothing particularly special about it; perhaps Pei Huan had copied it from somewhere. It included vocabulary, past exam questions, and listening practice, spaced out over each day.

After completing his tasks, Yan Zimi would check in with Pei Huan. Since Pei Huan was often busy with his own homework and classes, as well as preparing for exams, Yan Zimi tackled whatever he could on his own and only sought Pei Huan’s help when he truly couldn’t understand something.

Pei Huan was able to explain each of his questions clearly. If it wasn’t convenient to talk, he’d send him a voice message, and when it was easier, he’d call.

Yan Zimi had never had such strong willpower before. When he said he would be obedient, he truly was very obedient.

A week passed quickly, and on Sunday, Pei Huan gave him a two-day break.

During the break, he really disconnected, and there was no contact at all.

On Sunday evening, after finishing dinner downstairs, Yan Zimi poked at Pei Huan’s profile picture a few times with determination.

He thought to himself that if he didn’t go back to the apartment after dinner, he would just take a walk around the school.

He felt lucky; fate was on his side, as he actually ran into Pei Huan.

Their dormitory had three people heading down to the cafeteria, just at the right moment to turn the corner without noticing Yan Zimi.

As he watched them disappear in an instant, he thought that if he followed them like this, it might seem a bit strange.

He turned around in place and spotted a lonely little flower blooming under a tree.

Yan Zimi decided to take a picture and send it to Pei Huan without any accompanying text.

A few seconds later, he received a reply from Pei Huan.

Pei Huan: [What’s up?]

Yan Zimi: [Just showing you a lonely little flower outside the cafeteria.]

Pei Huan: [Are you at the cafeteria?]

Yan Zimi smiled slightly, biting his lip: [Yeah.]

Pei Huan: [Wanna come down to play pool? I’m downstairs.]

Of course!

Yes, he wanted to!

Although this building was called the cafeteria, only the first and second floors were for dining; the third floor and the basement were all entertainment spaces.

As Yan Zimi went down, they hadn’t entered yet and were slowly walking down the hallway.

It was Pei Huan who turned around first. When he saw Yan Zimi, he stopped in his tracks, and the other two followed suit.

Perhaps Pei Huan had already made a sound, as Zhao Di called out to Yan Zimi when he got closer.

“Zimi’s here.”

After calling out to a few seniors, Yan Zimi stood next to Pei Huan and followed behind everyone.

Yan Zimi asked, “What about the other senior?”

Pei Huan replied, “He’s in the dorm.”

Zhao Di laughed, “He’s catching up on homework.”

Yan Zimi responded with an “Mm,” listening as Zhao Di continued, “You’re not wearing your glasses today.”

Before Yan Zimi could say anything, Pei Huan answered for him: “He’s not nearsighted; he wears them for fun.”

Yan Zimi nodded and smiled at Zhao Di.

Zhao Di wanted to say something else, but he swallowed his words when Yan Zimi smiled at him.

“Zimi looks so good when he smiles,” he said, tilting his chin toward Yan Zimi. “You should smile more.”

Pei Huan placed his hand on Yan Zimi’s head and turned to look at his profile: “He really loves to smile.”

Yan Zimi turned and smiled back at Pei Huan, feeling playful.

Pei Huan withdrew his hand: “I didn’t give you any tasks these past two days, so you didn’t look for me at all.”

The statement came a bit out of nowhere, catching Yan Zimi off guard.

It felt a bit like the pot calling the kettle black.

Yan Zimi complained in response, “You didn’t look for me either.”

Pei Huan replied, “I had an exam yesterday and a competition today.”

Yan Zimi tilted his chin slightly: “Alright, I’ll admit I was wrong.”

Pei Huan chuckled at this, reaching out to pinch Yan Zimi’s cheek: “What kind of attitude is that?”

Because it was the weekend, the pool hall was bustling with activity, and when they entered, only one table was left open.

When they reached the table, Zhao Di was the first to hand a cue stick to Yan Zimi: “You go ahead and play first; have a round with Pei Huan.”

Yan Zimi waved his hand: “I can’t.”

Zhao Di continued to offer it: “If you don’t know how, just learn; it’s really easy to pick up.”

Yan Zimi still shook his head: “You play first; I’ll just observe.”

Zhao Di nodded: “Then watch Pei Huan; he plays really well.”

Pei Huan had already grabbed a cue stick and struck the cue ball with a solid “bang.”

Today, Yan Zimi witnessed a new side of Pei Huan.

As the two of them played back and forth, Yan Zimi stood nearby, his attention solely focused on Pei Huan.

“It’s really no fun playing with you,” Zhao Di remarked after a short while.

The score was quite lopsided, and Zhao Di shook his head, adding, “What’s up with you today? You’re playing so aggressively.”

Pei Huan leaned over, cue in hand: “Well, there’s someone here,” and with that, he pocketed another ball. “Gotta show off a bit.”

It took Yan Zimi half a second to realize Pei Huan was talking about him, and he instantly looked up.

Zhao Di laughed: “Aren’t you going to compliment him?”

Yan Zimi’s eyes crinkled as he clapped for Pei Huan: “So amazing!”

Pei Huan was standing right next to him and playfully tugged at Yan Zimi’s little curl: “Your turn?”

Yan Zimi thought for a moment: “Why don’t you sink a few more for me?”

Pei Huan replied, “Sure.”

Before Pei Huan could take his shot, a voice came from nearby.

“Hey, it’s really you guys.”

The four of them turned to look, their expressions instantly becoming less than optimistic.

Zhao Di turned back and muttered, “Why is he here?”

“Bang.”

Pei Huan missed that shot.

Lin Chang had come over, but nobody greeted him. He could only say, “Living the life, just came to play some pool.”

As he spoke, he stood to the side, and Yan Zimi, the closest to him, immediately moved to the other side of the table.

The atmosphere suddenly shifted; everyone fell silent.

When it was Zhao Di’s turn, he missed the shot and shook his head with a click of his tongue.

Lin Chang said, “Come on, Zhao Di, you can’t even make that shot.”

Zhao Di replied with displeasure, “What’s it to you?”

Lin Chang laughed, “If you play poorly, I can’t even comment?”

Ignoring him, Zhao Di moved on.

Next up was Pei Huan, who leaned over and pocketed a ball effortlessly.

However, he held back on the next shot.

“Here.”

Pei Huan handed the cue to Yan Zimi.

Yan Zimi murmured an acknowledgment and walked toward Pei Huan.

But just as he reached out, a sudden force pushed him, causing him to lose his balance and tumble toward Pei Huan.

Pei Huan hadn’t expected this either; when Yan Zimi collided with him, he couldn’t maintain his footing and instinctively stepped back, only to trip over a small step.

The two of them ended up sitting on the ground, with Yan Zimi’s forehead pressed against Pei Huan’s chest, his hands gripping Pei Huan’s shirt.

What made the situation even more awkward was…

“Hmm…”

“Ugh…”

The gasps from their roommates mixed with Pei Huan’s muffled groan reached Yan Zimi’s ears.

Feeling the tension, Yan Zimi quickly moved his knees away and lowered his head to apologize, “I’m sorry.”

Pei Huan replied, “It’s fine,” but Yan Zimi noticed his face turning an incredibly deep shade of red.

Yan Zimi was still nestled against Pei Huan’s chest.

Pei Huan had a hint of a smile: “Aren’t you getting up?”

Yan Zimi quickly raised his head, but at that moment, Yu Nan and Zhao Di approached.

He hurriedly lowered his head again, turning away.

“Are you guys okay?”

“Did you get hurt?”

Pei Huan raised a hand to gently push Yan Zimi’s head down a bit more, shielding him with his hand. “It’s fine.”

Zhao Di, who had been genuinely concerned a moment ago, looked a bit worried, but the sight before him…

Pei Huan’s posture resembled someone embracing Yan Zimi, who was still holding onto Pei Huan.

Zhao Di raised an eyebrow: “How did you end up falling like that?”

Pei Huan comfortingly patted Yan Zimi’s shoulder before standing up.

He then lifted the cue stick in his hand and precisely pressed it against Lin Chang’s throat.

Lin Chang froze instantly, taking a moment before managing to chuckle, “What are you doing, Huan Ge?”

Pei Huan stepped forward, prompting Lin Chang to back away until he soon found himself leaning against the wall.

Pei Huan asked, “What do you mean by that?”

Lin Chang maintained his smiling facade: “Haha, I accidentally bumped into him.”

“Accidentally?” Pei Huan pressed.

Yan Zimi also stood up, clapping his hands without looking at Lin Chang and saying, “Apologize to me.”

At the same time, Pei Huan exerted more pressure.

Feeling uncomfortable, Lin Chang coughed twice and quickly said, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

Pei Huan pressed the cue stick in a bit more, causing Lin Chang’s face to turn red as he coughed several times.

“I’m s-sorry, I really am,” Lin Chang managed to stammer.

With a neutral expression, Pei Huan pulled the cue back, only to swing it toward Lin Chang again.

With a loud bang, it hit the wall next to Lin Chang’s head.

“Get lost.”