After returning home that night, Zhou An’ran learned that Chen Luobai’s mother had sent them away to discuss plans with Zhou Xian Hong and Mrs. He.
Since both Zhou An’ran and Chen Luobai planned to continue their graduate studies, their parents suggested arranging an engagement ceremony if they didn’t intend to marry right after college graduation. Of course, everything would still center around her wishes.
Zhou An’ran recalled how Chen Luobai had glanced at her several times that evening, seemingly wanting to say something but hesitating. She remembered his half-spoken words drowned out by the motorcycle’s roar: “…need to be more formal…”
She gently shook her head at the memory.
“An’ran, I’m feeling a bit dizzy,” Sheng Xiaowen said, resting her head on Zhou An’ran’s shoulder.
Zhou An’ran quickly supported Sheng Xiaowen’s back, patting it lightly. “I’ll ask the waiter to bring you some honey water. After you drink it, we’ll head back to the hotel, okay?”
Sheng Xiaowen murmured in agreement.
Chen Luobai, seated on Zhou An’ran’s other side, turned to look at them. “I’ll call Zhou Qingsui over,” he said, his voice not particularly low.
Zhou An’ran felt Sheng Xiaowen should have heard him, but since she didn’t object, Zhou An’ran said nothing.
Their dining spot wasn’t far from A University. As the group exited the restaurant after Dong Chen settled the bill, Zhou An’ran saw Zhou Qingsui hurrying toward them.
By now, the alcohol had fully affected Sheng Xiaowen. Upon seeing Zhou Qingsui, she broke free from Zhou An’ran and Zhang Shuxian’s arms, stumbling towards him.
Zhou Qingsui quickly moved to steady her, his hand inadvertently landing on her lower back. Realizing this, he immediately moved his hand away, only to see Sheng Xiaowen about to fall. He hastily supported her again.
Sheng Xiaowen looked up at him. “Am I seeing things? Is that Zhou Qingsui? I must be dreaming.”
As if to confirm she wasn’t dreaming, she raised both hands and pinched Zhou Qingsui’s cheeks.
Outside the bustling restaurant, Zhou Qingsui patiently endured her drunken antics.
When Sheng Xiaowen finally let go, he asked softly, “Are you feeling unwell anywhere?”
Sheng Xiaowen shook her head. “This must be a dream. The real Zhou Qingsui wouldn’t care about me.”
Zhou Qingsui closed his eyes briefly, suppressing the emotions in his gaze. He turned to Zhou An’ran and asked, “How much did she drink?”
It was Zhou An’ran’s first time seeing Sheng Xiaowen drunk. She found herself unusually irritated with Zhou Qingsui and replied sharply, “Seven or eight beers and a large glass of baijiu. How do you think she’s feeling?”
Chen Luobai, rarely seeing her snap at someone, took her hand. His fingers gently caressed her palm, as if to soothe her. “Let’s not discuss this here. We should get her back to the hotel first.”
They had booked their hotel rooms that afternoon. Yan Xingqian and Dong Chen shared one room, Sheng Xiaowen and Zhang Shuxian another, while Zhu Ran and the other boys occupied two more rooms.
At the hotel room door, Zhang Shuxian pulled Sheng Xiaowen back into her arms and gave Zhou Qingsui a cold look. Her tone was even harsher than Zhou An’ran’s: “Alright, you’ve brought her here. You can leave now.”
Zhou Qingsui began, “She—”
“Enough about her,” Zhang Shuxian cut him off. “If you like her, just say it. If you don’t, make that clear too.”
Suddenly, Sheng Xiaowen spoke up: “Shuxian, I feel like I might throw up.”
Zhang Shuxian quickly opened the door, supporting Sheng Xiaowen as they entered.
Zhou An’ran glanced at Chen Luobai.
He nodded towards the room. “Go on in. I’ll have a word with him.”
Zhou An’ran nodded and followed the others inside.
On the other side, Yan Xingqian withdrew her hand from Dong Chen’s grasp. “Go hang out with Zhu Ran and the others. I’m going in to check on them too.”
“Alright,” Dong Chen agreed. Yu Bingqin’s friend had reopened that previously closed shop. With ample funds at their disposal, they often invited famous musicians to perform, turning the place into a popular spot near their school. This May Day holiday, they had booked a currently trending band. Yu Bingqin had saved some tickets for her friends, so Zhang Shuxian, Tang Jianrui, and the others had flown in from various cities, including Nancheng.
Zhou An’ran’s heart skipped a beat. After a two-second pause, she sent him a nodding rabbit emoji.
The other side went quiet for a moment.
The chat showed “Typing…” briefly before disappearing.
Another two seconds passed.
He decided to call her instead.
Zhou An’ran answered, and the familiar voice of her boyfriend came through: “I’ve been wavering between several plans.”
Though seemingly out of context, Zhou An’ran immediately understood his meaning, her heart racing even faster.
Chen Luobai seemed to chuckle softly. “My mom suggested I should give you a heads-up, so you won’t be caught off guard. It also gives them time to prepare.”
The phone went quiet for a moment, then Zhou An’ran heard him call her name softly.
“An’ran.”
Zhou An’ran responded with a gentle “Mm?” indicating she was listening.
Chen Luobai paused again, then continued in an even softer, incredibly tender voice: “Will you wait for me a little longer?”
A corner of Zhou An’ran’s heart melted.
Except for when they first reunited in college and were cautiously confirming their feelings for each other, he had never let her feel any uncertainty in their relationship.
He always showered her with obvious affection.
Throughout their years together, he had consistently proven through his actions the truth of the lyrics he once sang to her:
“You’ll always be my first choice.”
Zhou An’ran’s lips curved into a smile. “Okay, I’ll wait for you.”
*
In the second semester of their senior year, before Zhou An’ran could receive Chen Luobai’s proposal, she first heard the good news of Yan Xingqian and Dong Chen finally getting together.
With graduation approaching and everyone busy with their affairs, Dong Chen’s celebratory dinner for his new relationship was postponed until early May.
The May Day holiday provided a short break.
In recent years, LiveHouse venues have become popular. Yu Bingqin’s friend had reopened that previously closed shop. With ample funds at their disposal, they often invited famous musicians to perform, turning the place into a popular spot near their school. This May Day holiday, they had booked a currently trending band. Yu Bingqin had saved some tickets for her friends, so Zhang Shuxian, Tang Jianrui, and the others had flown in from various cities, including Nancheng.
On the evening of May 1st, it was rare for the entire group to gather. The dinner that night was particularly lively.
After getting together, Yan Xingqian and Dong Chen still managed to argue every three sentences.
Tang Jianrui shook his head and said, “Dong Chen, this isn’t right. Yan Xingqian is your girlfriend now. Shouldn’t you be gentler with her?”
Dong Chen nodded. “I’ll show you how gentle I can be.”
He then picked up a piece of spare rib and placed it in Yan Xingqian’s bowl, speaking softly, “Qianqian, have some spare ribs.”
Yan Xingqian immediately put down her chopsticks and rubbed her arms. “Dong Chen, don’t talk to me like that. It’s disgusting.”
Dong Chen smiled indulgently. “See what I mean?”
Tang Jianrui was speechless.
Zhu Ran glanced at him. “That’s their unique way of showing affection as a couple. Why are you butting in?”
“Alright, I won’t say anything else,” Tang Jianrui conceded.
Their dining spot wasn’t far from A University. After Dong Chen settled the bill and the group left the restaurant, Zhou An’ran saw Zhou Qingsui hurrying towards them.
By now, the alcohol had fully affected Sheng Xiaowen. Upon seeing Zhou Qingsui, she broke free from Zhou An’ran and Zhang Shuxian’s arms, stumbling towards him.
“Let’s talk here,” Chen Luobai said.
“What exactly are you thinking?” he asked Zhou Qingsui.