After completely calming down, Yun Li reflected on her earlier words. Realizing she had acted impulsively, she stammered, “I didn’t mean to snap at you.”
“Mm,” Fu Shize responded, seemingly unbothered.
Yun Li secretly sighed in relief. Recalling how he had swiftly discarded the beer earlier, she bit her lip and tentatively asked, “Did you throw away the beer because… I got angry?”
She watched Fu Shize’s expression closely as he placed his spoon in the bowl. He didn’t deny it, saying, “I might have been startled.”
His demeanor was detached, devoid of any excess emotion. Even when he looked up at her, his eyes were clear, revealing no hidden meanings.
It seemed her imagination had run wild; he didn’t have any ulterior motives.
After sitting for a while, Yun Li remembered how he had suffered from stomach pain at noon. She couldn’t help but say softly, “I don’t want to interfere too much in your life, but your stomach isn’t good. Drinking alcohol is very harmful to it.”
“If you’re feeling down, you can talk to a friend. If you don’t have friends, I can reluctantly be your friend…”
Fu Shize interjected, “You don’t seem very reluctant.”
Yun Li responded frankly and directly, “Then what I want isn’t friendship.”
“…”
For some reason, after being so decisively rejected by Fu Shize, Yun Li found herself speaking more freely.
When she spoke like this, Fu Shize didn’t get angry.
Having spent more time together, she no longer needed to be as cautious as when they first met.
Yun Li asked, “Why did you come up to the car?”
Fu Shize replied, “To discuss tomorrow’s matters.”
Hearing it was about work, Yun Li set aside her other thoughts. “Go ahead.”
Fu Shize tidied up his things and sat nearby, playing 2048 on his phone while briefly explaining the next day’s schedule.
Yun Li stared at his profile as he casually tapped and swiped on his phone. After playing for a while, he politely said, “I’ll sit here for a bit. I can’t quit in the middle of the game.”
“Oh, there’s no rush. I don’t have anything to do right now.”
Fu Shize didn’t ask why she was in front of the hotel where he was staying. He wasn’t a fool, and Yun Li made no effort to hide her motives and intentions.
After playing 2048 for over an hour in the car and engaging in some light conversation, Fu Shize got out.
Upon returning home, Yun Li sent Fu Shize a WeChat message to let him know she was safe. He replied within a few minutes with a simple “Mm,” which was enough to make her secretly delighted.
The next day, Yun Li arrived forty minutes early at the print shop opposite West Science University to pick up the promotional brochures. She parked her car inside the Control Engineering School and carried the brochures to the coffee shop in the corner of the first floor.
Yun Li ordered at the counter and chose a seat near the outside. The conference room was next door to the coffee shop. With fifteen minutes left before the meeting, teachers and students gradually arrived at the coffee shop. Yun Li watched expectantly and, upon seeing Fu Shize enter behind the crowd, waved at him.
Fu Shize walked over.
Yun Li pulled out the chair next to her slightly. “Would you like to sit here later?”
Fu Shize didn’t answer directly. “I’ll go order.”
Yun Li’s gaze followed Fu Shize as he stopped at the ordering area. After standing there for a while, four or five older individuals approached him to chat. They seemed to have known each other for a long time.
“Hi, we meet again.”
Hearing a familiar voice, Yun Li looked up to see the bespectacled man she had encountered two days ago. He casually hung his bag on the chair back and sat down.
Yun Li said, “… This seat is taken.”
“But it’s not occupied right now, is it?” The man seemed to think Yun Li’s words were just an excuse. With a carefree attitude, he said, “Why don’t you reconsider adding me on WeChat?”
Yun Li shook her head. “No, thanks.”
Undeterred by the rejection, the man continued, “Although you say you’re Fu Shize’s girlfriend, everyone in the department knows he’s gay. You’re a pretty girl; don’t let yourself be deceived.”
Yun Li: “…”
“I’ve been at West Science University for eight years and know quite a bit about Fu Shize. If you want to know, I can tell you. We could meet up often.”
The man’s intentions were not good, and Yun Li initially didn’t want to engage further. However, his words struck a chord with her, as she rarely had opportunities to learn about Fu Shize’s past.
Seeing her hesitation, the man took out his phone. “Here, scan my code.”
As Yun Li was still deliberating, Fu Shize approached with his tray. He stood next to the bespectacled man and said expressionlessly, “This is my seat.”
The man didn’t argue further and quickly stood up to make way. He nodded politely to Fu Shize and said, “Hello, Senior Fu. I’m Chen Lirong, a joint Ph.D. student under Professor Shi and Professor Xiang.”
“…”
This guy’s ability to change his attitude was astonishing.
Chen Lirong behaved very smoothly, flattering Fu Shize with a couple of compliments before eyeing the last available seat at the table. “There’s still a seat here. Senior Fu, do you mind if I sit here…”
Fu Shize pulled out the extra chair and pushed it to the adjacent table.
He sat down indifferently and opened his toast bag as if the person beside him didn’t exist.
After entering the classroom, Fu Shize pointed to a box of water at the door, instructing Yun Li to place a bottle at each seat, as well as distribute the printed materials to each position.
Once the classroom was set up, Yun Li finally had a moment to herself.
After much internal debate, she approached Fu Shize. “Tomorrow’s the last day. What date did you book your return ticket for?”
“Wednesday,” Fu Shize replied without hesitation.
“I’ve booked mine too, for Thursday,” Yun Li said, casually asking, “What time is your flight?”
Fu Shize lowered his gaze and, recalling the information from memory, gave a specific time: “6:15 PM.”
“Oh. The airport is quite far from here. Would you like me to drive you there?”
“…” Fu Shize’s gaze expressed his refusal.
While Fu Shize was on stage presenting, Yun Li sat in the last row, secretly searching for flights to Nanwu on Wednesday at 18:15 using a booking app. Fortunately, there was only one flight at that time, so she didn’t have to worry about booking the wrong one.
Seeing that only one economy class seat remained, Yun Li immediately made the purchase.
After booking the ticket, Yun Li guiltily looked up. Fu Shize was still explaining the tracking precision of several VR devices to the people in the front rows.
She opened her camera app and, while Fu Shize wasn’t paying attention, secretly took a photo.
“To achieve precise tracking, this virtual reality product uses real-time differential GPS technology…”
Although Yun Li didn’t fully understand the content Fu Shize was presenting, she listened with rapt attention. Throughout the entire presentation, he appeared relaxed and articulate, maintaining his composure even when using obscure academic terms.
This was how he was meant to be.
The chair next to her creaked, and Yun Li turned to find the bespectacled man again. Startled, she moved over one seat.
On stage, Fu Shize suddenly paused.
He continued, “Indoor and outdoor kinesthetic positioning…”
Chen Lirong, oblivious, moved another seat closer to Yun Li.
Fu Shize’s gaze shifted to the back row of the classroom, and for several seconds, he was at a loss for words.
At this moment, Chen Lirong showed Yun Li a photo. The picture was taken from across the corridor, showing Fu Shize and another male student leaning on the railing, both holding cups of milk tea, apparently chatting.
As Yun Li tried to get a closer look, Chen Lirong switched to his WeChat QR code. Caught between a rock and a hard place, Yun Li added him.
“I apologize, I can’t quite remember the product details. Let me grab the materials,” Fu Shize said, seemingly unperturbed as he walked off the stage. He headed straight to the last row, making eye contact with Chen Lirong for several seconds.
He reached out to take the brochure from Yun Li’s desk, his hand brushing against her, causing her to move another seat over.
The brochure touched Chen Lirong, and Fu Shize lowered his eyes, waiting for a moment before saying in a detached tone, “Excuse me.”
After Fu Shize returned to the stage, Yun Li wasn’t sure why, but Chen Lirong no longer insisted on sitting next to her and moved to a different seat.
When the meeting ended, a few professors and students remained in the classroom. A middle-aged professor with graying hair approached Fu Shize, whispered many things in his ear, and finally patted him on the shoulder.
Fu Shize showed no impatience, listening quietly throughout.
After packing up the extra brochures, Yun Li followed Fu Shize out the door. He walked with his hands in his pockets, his pace steady.
“Was that your advisor just now? Shi… Shi Xiangzhe?” she asked.
“Mm.”
“Then that guy with glasses earlier, is he your junior…”
Yun Li wasn’t sure how much of Chen Lirong’s words to believe. If he was truly Fu Shize’s junior, it shouldn’t be too far-fetched. She didn’t want to be rejected next time with Fu Shize saying, “I prefer men.”
Hearing her question, Fu Shize stopped walking. He coldly took out his phone to call a taxi, saying, “I’m leaving.”
This time, someone quickly accepted the ride. The car was already on the Xi’an University of Science and Technology campus and soon arrived at the entrance of the Control Engineering School. Yun Li watched him open the car door without even glancing back.
“Wait a moment,” she called out.
Yun Li’s brief disappointment faded quickly. She pushed another brochure into Fu Shize’s hand, blushing as she stepped back to let him enter the car.
Fu Shize was in a foul mood. He got in and immediately fastened his seatbelt, coldly tossing the brochure into his bag.
After a moment, he took out the brochure again and opened it. Inside was a folded paper moon, smoothed flat, with a sticky note attached:
“Seeing you is like seeing the moon.”
…
On Tuesday evening, Yun Li was packing her luggage to return to Nanwu. Sitting on the carpet wrapped in a fluffy robe, she checked her phone’s notes while reviewing the contents of her suitcase. Suddenly, a gust of wind made her pause and look up.
The window had opened again.
Just then, there was a gentle knock at the door.
After three seconds of silence, the handle turned, and the door opened a crack. Yun Li looked over, unsurprised to see the only creature in the house who would knock before entering her room.
The young man’s eyes were clear, and he smiled, revealing a tiger tooth matching hers. It was obvious he had come with a purpose.
However, his mission faltered as a blast of cold air hit him before he could speak. Yun Ye’s handsome face contorted momentarily, his voice cracking as he exclaimed, “Damn, Yun Li, why is your room so cold?”
Yun Li continued packing. “Help me close the window.”
Yun Ye obediently bounded over to shut it. After two failed attempts, he asked puzzled, “Yun Li, is your window broken?”
“Seems so,” Yun Li replied. “It won’t stay closed. The wind keeps blowing it open.”
Yun Ye nodded, not too concerned. He sat on her bed, hesitating to speak. Soon he stood up, paced a few steps, then sat down again.
He stood up once more.
Sat down.
Stood up and took two more steps.
As if he had thorns on his backside.
Distracted by his behavior, Yun Li asked with concern, “Do you have hemorrhoids?”
Yun Ye bristled. “No!”
“That’s good,” Yun Li said thoughtfully, trying to reassure him. “At your age, sitting and studying all day, it wouldn’t be unusual to develop that problem. Try to walk around more, drink plenty of water, and avoid eating too many hot foods—”
Yun Ye interrupted her. “I don’t have them!”
“I know,” Yun Li smiled, unfazed. “Just use the bathroom normally for the next few days. If it’s uncomfortable, don’t force yourself to go.”
“…”
“We’ll monitor the situation, and if necessary, we can go to the hospital.”
Quickly, Yun Ye locked the door, creating an atmosphere of a secret meeting.
Yun Li paused briefly, silently tucking the wallet from the top of her luggage under some clothes. She preemptively declared, “Don’t even think about it. I don’t have any money.”
“…” Yun Ye, who had just psyched himself up, was caught off guard. “What kind of person do you think I am?”
“Oh, my apologies for thinking poorly of you,” Yun Li reminded him. “You still owe me 302.50 yuan, remember?”
“I just sent you 252…” Yun Ye took a deep breath. Adopting the attitude of someone asking for a favor, he didn’t argue. Despite typically acting entitled as the debtor, he took out his phone and sent her a red envelope.
“Here, I’m paying you back.”
Yun Li found this odd and hesitantly opened it. Seeing the 2.50 yuan on the screen, her lips twitched, and she felt annoyed. “You call this paying me back?”
“Well, I don’t have money, so I can only pay in installments,” Yun Ye justified shamelessly. “From now on, I’ll pay you 2.50 yuan on the first of every month. I’ll clear the debt eventually.”
Yun Li calculated, “So it’ll take you fifty years to repay 300 yuan?”
Yun Ye was about to agree but feared angering her. He reluctantly said, “Not necessarily. When my financial situation improves, I might pay it off in one go.”
“Alright,” Yun Li said, wanting to finish packing. “What do you want?”
Yun Ye started pacing again.
Yun Li grew impatient. “Hurry up.”
Yun Ye finally stammered, “I want you to take something to someone for me.”
“To whom? I’m returning to Nanwu tomorrow.”
Yun Ye explained awkwardly, “My classmate. Her brother started working in Nanwu after graduating from Nanjing University of Science and Technology, so their whole family moved there.”
Yun Li found it troublesome and refused directly. “Oh, just mail it.”
“I glued it together myself. I’m afraid it’ll fall apart if mailed,” Yun Ye said, trying to sound persuasive. He even changed his form of address, “Sis, please.”
Yun Li didn’t refuse again but asked, “Boy or girl?”
“…”
Yun Ye answered softly, “It’s a girl.”
Yun Li eyed him suspiciously. “Are you dating early?”
Yun Ye was speechless. After a long pause, he managed to say, “No, we’re just good friends. But don’t tell Mom and Dad. Dad would kill me.”
Yun Li thought for a moment but still refused. “Do I have to meet her? I don’t want to go.”
“Please, Yun Li.” Yun Ye grew desperate. “I spent several nights making it. It’s almost her birthday, and I promised to give her a gift.”
Yun Ye’s naive demeanor reminded Yun Li of herself pursuing Fu Shize. She reluctantly nodded. “Fine, give me the thing.”
Yun Ye’s eyes lit up with joy. “Really?” He immediately darted back to his room, quickly returned, and handed Yun Li a small, wrapped box. He instructed, “Keep this side up, and don’t shake it.”
Yun Li patted the table. “Put it here.”
Yun Ye, still worried, said, “You need to hand it to her personally.”
“…”
Yun Li rarely found Yun Ye so fussy. “Okay.”
After Yun Ye left, Yun Li curiously examined the box.
It was tightly wrapped in pink frosted paper, concealing its contents. Having heard Yun Ye’s instructions, she dared not shake it.
Turning it around, Yun Li saw four elegant characters written on the back of the box:
“To Yin Yunyi”
The next afternoon, Yun Yongchang offered to drive Yun Li to the airport. Wanting to arrive early, they left ahead of time.
Throughout the journey, father and daughter remained silent. As they neared the airport, Yun Yongchang finally spoke, “Take care of yourself in Nanwu. Don’t go to dangerous places.”
“I know.”
Yun Li felt conflicted. After getting out of the car, she softly said, “I’m going,” before hurrying into the terminal.
The airline’s check-in counters were in row F. Yun Li found a seat and waited. It was still two hours before the flight. After about forty minutes, she saw Fu Shize enter with his suitcase, looking around before heading to the first counter in row F.
Yun Li jumped up and quickly walked to the yellow line outside the first counter. After Fu Shize checked in, he turned to see Yun Li smiling somewhat awkwardly.
Yun Li gave her a prepared excuse: “My scheduled flight was canceled, so I changed to today’s flight. Can you wait for me? I need to check in too.”
He didn’t seem surprised and pulled his luggage to wait for her outside the crowd.
“The gentleman who just checked in is Fu Shize, my friend. Can I sit with him?” Yun Li asked, presenting her documents.
The check-in staff looked slightly doubtful but didn’t say much. “That gentleman is in business class. You’re in economy.”
“…”
Yun Li’s lips twitched. She remembered that her company only reimbursed economy-class tickets.
With a heavy heart, Yun Li asked, “What about an upgrade…”