Chapter 4

On an autumn day at the university basketball court, the plastic surface was slightly warm from the afternoon sun, and the air was filled with the scent of youthful sweat and rubber. With a quick crossover step, Ling Peng dribbled past the defender and unleashed a quick jump shot. The ball traced a sharp arc and slammed into the net.

"Good shot! Brother Peng!" The teammates ran over and high-fived with a smile.

Ling Peng wiped the sweat from his face by pulling up the hem of his jersey, his chest rising and falling slightly. College basketball training was more intense, the opponents were stronger, but the thrill of physical contact and tactical execution was no different from when he was in high school.

"Ling Peng!"

A clear, melodious voice rang out from the sidelines. Ling Peng looked in the direction of the sound and saw Shen Siyu standing outside, waving at him with a bright smile. She was wearing a light yellow sports suit that set off her fair skin. Her long, curly chestnut hair was tied in a high ponytail, making her look energetic and sophisticated. She was holding two bottles of mineral water.

Several teammates winked at each other and made friendly noises of encouragement. Ling Peng waved at them and trotted over.

"Here's some water." Shen Siyu handed him a bottle of water and naturally took out a tissue, "Wipe the sweat."

Her movements were smooth and natural. Ling Peng took the water and tissue and said, "Thank you. What brought you here?"

"I was just passing by and saw you playing basketball." Shen Siyu tilted her head and smiled, "You play really well. That dribbling pass just now was so cool!"

Her praise was direct and enthusiastic. Ling Peng unscrewed the bottle cap and took a long sip of water. "It's okay, but the coordination is still a little raw."

"No, I think it's great!" Shen Siyu said affirmatively, then took his arm and said, "Let's have dinner together tonight? There's a new Korean restaurant in Ximen."

Ling Peng paused and nodded: "Okay."

"That's settled! I'll go to the library to return a book first." She let go of his hand, winked at him, and walked away briskly.

Her appearance, like a ray of brilliant light, suddenly shone into his routine. Shen Siyu was a senior from the School of Economics and Management, a year his senior. He had met her at the club recruitment fair at the beginning of the semester. She wore a light blue dress that accentuated her fair, translucent skin. Her long, curly chestnut hair was meticulously styled, and her eyes were bright, confident and striking. She approached him, complimenting him on his good looks and asking what major he was in. Her manner and grace were undeniable, her warmth undeniable.

Everything that happened after that seemed to flow naturally. She'd often "accidentally" show up at his study room, saving a seat for him; she'd appear courtside while he played basketball and offer him a bottle of water; she'd ask him out to see the latest movies, and she'd naturally help him pick up food at dinner. She was smart, beautiful, and knew how to showcase her strengths, as well as how to subtly compliment him. When they walked together, they always attracted a lot of attention, and she'd hold his arm tighter, a proud smile on her face.

Ling Peng was indeed moved. Being favored by such a bright and attractive senior student satisfied a young man's vanity. She was like an exquisite and dazzling ornament, proving his excellence and attractiveness. The cheers and envy of his friends also made him feel that having such a relationship seemed quite good.

After taking a shower and returning to the dormitory, a familiar smell mixed with sweat, instant noodles and laundry detergent hit me in the face.

"The fourth brother is back! Hurry, help me, I've been stuck on this mechanics problem for half an hour!" Wang Hai, the boss from Northeast China, spoke in a loud voice. He pulled Ling Peng to his desk and pointed at a complicated force analysis diagram on the computer screen.

Ling Peng wiped his hair, leaned over to take a look, picked up the pen beside him and made a few strokes on the draft paper: "Here, you analyzed the support restraint force incorrectly. It should be disassembled like this..."

"Oh my god! So that's it! Thanks, brother!" Wang Hai slapped his thigh and suddenly realized.

"Brother Peng, please pass me the wrap on the table. I'm starving." Chen Xiang, the third local guy, shouted without turning his head while sitting in a chair playing games.

Jiangnan's second-in-command, Li Siwen, looked up from his neat desk, adjusted his glasses, and gently reminded him, "Ling Peng, are you ready for the group model and parts drawings for tomorrow's mechanical drawing class?"

"It's almost done. I'll check the dimensions again tonight." Ling Peng responded, threw the burrito to Chen Xiang, and picked up a copy of "Principles of Mechanics" on his desk and started reading.

That's what dorms are like: noisy and messy, yet filled with an unabashed frankness and a warm, supportive atmosphere. The nightly "bedroom chats" were all about anything, from StarCraft strategy discussions to who was the prettiest girl in school. The clamor was filled with youthful excitement and a carefree, carefree spirit.