Chapter 31

When sunlight streams through the library's transparent glass, it actually looks quite beautiful.

It's just a bit too bright.

I came here right after my course ended. Since I had nothing to do back home anyway, I figured I might as well find out what I was curious about first. I picked out three books related to it and plan to read them slowly.

"So why are you suddenly interested in this?" Tachibana Miki sat across from me, looking bored. She didn't like reading these things, holding a comic book in her hands, and looked very unhappy. "You have to promise to go out with me next time. Do you hear me?"

My last class was with her, and she repeatedly tried to get me to accept her invitations throughout the class, but I declined each time, citing other commitments. Seeing her visibly disappointed expression, it was impossible not to feel awkward. But I couldn't guarantee that the things around me would reciprocate her kindness, and I didn't want her to take that risk.

"What are you thinking about now? Don't look at me with that weird look of pity." Tachibana Miki bristled. "I can go out with plenty of people around me. I don't need your sympathy, you lone wolf! Humph, I don't care about you, my school friend. Don't think you're so important."

I asked seriously, "How did you know I was a lone wolf?"

It's very simple. If she responds with "I asked others," then the notion that I'm a lone wolf falls apart: because no one cares about an unknown lone wolf. Reality isn't a novel; there's no distinction between campus beauties and campus hunks, and whether I'm pretty or ugly won't be noticed. So when someone explicitly tells her that "Qinghe is a lone wolf," it means I've entered everyone's field of vision and am frequently seen by others, but that's not really me. In university life, very few people are noticed outside of group activities.

If she answers me "I observed it myself," then she is refuting her own statement that "I don't care about you at all."

Tachibana Miki's face flushed slightly. I couldn't upset her anymore; the young lady should be happier. I handed her the milk tea the twins had brought me; all I had left were this and a few candies. "If you invite me again in a while, I'll definitely go."

I don't know why, but Hehua came over today. He was using the school badge I left at home. As long as you have the school badge, you can be let in.

I hadn't finished my last class of the morning, and the teacher was lecturing away, his spittle flying everywhere. I was almost dozing off. It was even easier to drift off when no one was around to remind me; I'd much rather have a peaceful nap. Finally, class ended, and the throng of people almost pushed me out of my seat outside, still packing my things, even though I'd tried my best to let them leave without any restrictions.

In the end, I could only console myself that at least I wasn't touched on the waist or butt during the process. Everyone was much friendlier than those special creatures.

During peak mealtimes, the good news is that the freshmen who are undergoing military training have already finished their tasks, so there won't be any more situations where they are unwilling but have to compete with the upperclassmen for the cafeteria—unless their classes happen to end at the same time.

I don't want to eat in the cafeteria, and I'm hesitant about ordering takeout. I have a dormitory on campus because there are so many dorms that no one lives there. The issue of whether or not I paid my fees was resolved the day before I arrived, so I don't need to worry about moving out anytime soon.

Going back to the dorm is fine too. Even though I don't know what my roommates look like or what their names are.

My backpack strap was tugged lightly behind me. I thought someone had accidentally bumped into me, so I didn't turn around.

If I seemed too concerned about something that happened unintentionally, it would make both of us feel awkward. Completely oblivious, I kept walking towards the dormitory building when someone tugged at my backpack strap again.

Tachibana Miki had already gone home for dinner, and besides, she didn't like to do things like that; her senior was still in the lab, and besides, he wouldn't do things like that. I frowned and turned to look.

"You finally see me." She smiled brightly, her eyes clear and moist. "I thought you wouldn't notice me—oh, by the way, the one who was pulling your bag strap just now was Hua; his hands are always restless."

I hadn't expected them to come. In the noisy campus, I couldn't hear their footsteps at all, but I didn't think I'd ever heard them before. I was a little surprised; I hadn't expected them to always be out at night and still have so much energy during the day.

She was carrying another backpack, the same style as mine.

I asked with a hint of concern, "Are you here for an autumn outing?"

His flawless smile twitched slightly. His hands remained tightly gripping the strap, unresponsive to our conversation. He explained further, “I had to bring him out—you know, I didn’t want you to be disappointed in me.” He winked at me, “So even though I had to knock on doors that were previously open but are now locked, squeeze into a beautiful garden, and almost ended up at the garbage dump on the way here to take care of him, I didn’t complain at all. Just the thought of seeing you soon has made me completely happy.”

I've become immune to his fair face and mint-green eyes, and I've also gotten used to his sweet talk. I ruffled his hair: "Thank you for your hard work."

I noticed his eyes narrowed unconsciously, and I found it somewhat amusing.

The unexpected silence was broken when, seeing that I had stroked him again, he didn't hurt me or attack me, but instead pretended that he was being stroked as well and tilted his face up.

I felt relieved and took their hands in mine.

To avoid slowing others down, I chose a less convenient path. The leaves of the goldenrain tree were layered, and tiny yellow flowers were scattered on the ground; it would look even more beautiful after the rain. They followed beside me. I asked, "What brings you here?"

She was engrossed in playing with my fingers when she heard this, and said, "I've come to bring you lunch. I saw on a TV show that if you want to show care and respect, you should personally cook lunch for the other person. Although I do do that often, I've never brought it to you before."

He seemed a little nervous, and while pretending not to notice, he glanced at my expression and whispered, "Did I do something wrong?"

He's still just a kid, trying to imitate everything he sees in popular romance dramas. I always feel sorry for them, so I gently shook his hand: "You didn't do anything wrong, I'm just a little surprised. What did you do?"

He listed his favorite dishes: "These are your usual favorites. When I think about cooking for you, they all pop into my head without me even having to think about them." He drew a circle in my palm with his fingertip. "Because you prefer sweeter flavors, I made some new adjustments to them while you were away. I also made dessert: Baku sago pudding and milk tea."

I'd heard of the Baku sago pudding. A mythical creature, renowned for its purple dreams and the ability to knock on every door, known for its happiness and joy. Therefore, the sago pudding itself is a deep taro purple, filled with a molded pancake shaped like a Baku with an elephant trunk and rhinoceros-like eyes. Making it doesn't require much effort, but it was difficult for me. And then there's the meaning behind it—its ability to dispel nightmares—and the repeated adjustments to the amount of sugar to suit my taste. Sometimes I find it hard to believe that anyone in this world would care so much about my feelings.

Her bright eyes were still looking at me. I smiled helplessly: "Making these must have taken a lot of your energy, right? Have you been getting enough rest?"

"Since I'm busy for you, I don't find the process difficult." She added earnestly, "If I can help you or make you happy, my mood will become as light and joyful as when I met the cat toy."

A few rays of sunlight dappled his face as they filtered through the dense foliage. I thought to myself, I'm afraid I can no longer face such a sincere child. It's simply irresistible, and you can tell he's truly serious.

While we were engrossed in our conversation, Hua, not wanting to be left out, tried his best to shoo You away, but failed each time. Finally, he hugged me and pressed his face against my backpack. The force was very light; if I hadn't looked down and seen a pair of hands on my waist, I wouldn't have guessed that someone was pressing my backpack against him.

Without even needing to pry him open and look at his face, I knew he was glaring at You with hostility, because You's hand was already uncontrollably poised to attack. I had no intention of getting involved in the brothers' current conflict; playful bickering was probably just the norm in any relationship. A few goldenrod petals fell on my head, and Hua, on high alert, noticed them and reached out to remove them for me. His eyes were focused and serious, his expression solemn, as if he were picking something important, which almost made me think I had visible dandruff.

I simply chose a bench by the lake near the path and invited them to sit with me. The aroma of the food filled my stomach faster than its contents, and I felt warm and happy. "It wouldn't be bad to live like this forever," I thought, "It would be wonderful to live life like this." These thoughts flashed through my mind. I felt fortunate to have met them, solely for the benefit I had gained.

I gently stroked their hair as they rested their heads on my lap, their heads swaying in the willow leaves. Wild ducks swooped across the lake, creating ripples that parted the reeds and startled the huddled white geese. The mid-autumn scenery was serene and gentle.

That's all.

Coming to his senses, Tachibana Miki had already taken the milk tea, and said fiercely, "I won't invite you again."

I looked at her and smiled. The sunlight, drawn out long and thin by the angle, fell on her face.

She felt uncomfortable being stared at, and her expression turned annoyed: "If you want to read, then read properly. Why are you looking at me?"

I glanced at the milk tea; its sweet aroma wafted out as the lid was opened, instantly lifting my spirits. I also felt genuinely happy to be able to chat and laugh with friends on such a sunny afternoon, experiencing a life I never dared to imagine before.