As the class bell rang, Xia Xia walked out of the classroom carrying her textbooks.

Hai City was experiencing severe cold this year. The plants in the flower beds had withered yellow leaves, a whole patch killed by the cold air surging from the north.

Xia Xia wrapped her clothes tightly around herself and couldn’t help but shiver as she walked out of the teaching building.

“Xia Xia.” A male student ran after her. “Are you going to the cafeteria? Let’s go together. I’d like to discuss Professor’s lecture about Durkheim with you.”

Xia Xia awkwardly avoided his hand as he reached out to help carry her books. “…No thanks, I’m not planning to eat.”

The male student was named Wu Shujie, a classmate in her year. Since the day she arrived at Hai University and was introduced to the class by the homeroom teacher, he had been persistently pursuing her for half a semester. Though the young man had delicate features and dressed neatly, Xia Xia felt no attraction to him and even found him somewhat repulsive.

“If you’re not going to the cafeteria, you must be heading to the library to study?” Wu Shujie’s face beamed with what he thought was a considerate smile. “That makes sense. Since you’re an exchange student from Nan University, studying at Hai University must be quite challenging. It’s good to study more.”

The young man continued with a smile: “If you don’t understand today’s lecture on the theory of social division of labor, you can ask me for help.”

Xia Xia responded with a simple “Oh… thank you.”

As she tried to leave, Wu Shujie kept following her.

Xia Xia said: “I am not going to the cafeteria.”

“I know,” Wu Shujie replied. “I’ll accompany you to the library to study, then we can have a late-night snack together. Don’t worry about the cost – we can split the bill.”

Xia Xia was getting a headache. She said seriously: “I don’t want to have a late-night snack either…”

“Oh right,” the young man suddenly interrupted her. “You’re roommates with that third-year student Chen Manxi, aren’t you? You should stay away from her. I’ve heard some gossip lately saying she’s being kept by older men off campus.”

Xia Xia: “It’s not right to spread rumors about people without evidence, is it?”

Wu Shujie: “Of course I have evidence. The other day when I was helping the teacher manage files in the archives, I saw her family background information. Her parents are just ordinary office workers. If she wasn’t being kept by someone, how could she afford all those luxury items?”

Xia Xia: “…”

She couldn’t stand this person anymore and turned to leave.

Wu Shujie followed her closely: “Xia Xia, girls need to maintain their dignity to be likable. Although living with her might influence you negatively, don’t worry, I believe you’re not that kind of person.”

Xia Xia stopped and asked coldly: “Whether I’m that kind of person or not, what does it have to do with you?”

“Of course it does,” Wu Shujie said. “I’ve already told my mother I’m dating someone at school. Our family is quite traditional and can’t accept women like Chen Manxi. You being close to her already makes me very unhappy.”

Xia Xia asked: “What does your family’s tradition have to do with me?”

Wu Shujie frowned: “Don’t use vulgar language. It’s unladylike and shows poor upbringing.”

This person not only lacked self-awareness but was also like a piece of sticky candy, refusing to let go.

Xia Xia’s patience was reaching its limit. She stood in front of him, her delicate eyebrows raised, just about to speak her mind clearly, when she suddenly noticed Wu Shujie’s gaze shift past her to something behind her.

He adjusted his glasses and asked: “Who are you?”

Xia Xia followed his line of sight and turned around to see Xie Huai standing two meters behind her, looking travel-worn.

He had come from the warm southern city wearing only a thin windbreaker, and the cold wind of Hai City revealed his lean figure. He stood casually with his hands in his pockets, his intense gaze fixed on Xia Xia. His face showed exhaustion and drowsiness, with dark circles under his eyes, clearly indicating he hadn’t rested well.

“Huai Ge?” Xia Xia felt like she was dreaming. “When did you arrive?”

“Just now,” Xie Huai replied calmly.

He had originally bought a ticket for early this morning, but heavy rain in the southern city had stranded him at the airport for an entire day. He had only landed in the evening.

Xia Xia hadn’t seen Xie Huai for a long time and stood there dazed for quite a while.

They stood there silently looking at each other, and in their daze, the passing time felt as long as a century.

Xie Huai hadn’t replied to the message she sent last night. During the day, she alternated between overthinking and sighing, blaming herself for being unable to hold back. After her impulsive words, Xie Huai’s heart must have been in tremendous turmoil.

She looked at Xie Huai, wanting to go and hug him.

But Xie Huai didn’t move. His gaze shifted from her to Wu Shujie beside her.

After a long while, Xie Huai spoke, asking: “Who is he?”

Xia Xia: “He’s me…”

“I’m Xia Xia’s boyfriend-to-be,” Wu Shujie cut in.

Xia Xia’s lips were pressed tightly together, the suppressed anger making her face appear cold.

She glanced at Xie Huai, about to speak, when she heard Xie Huai ask in a calm voice: “If you’re Xia Xia’s boyfriend-to-be, then what am I?”

Wu Shujie didn’t immediately grasp the meaning behind his words and still wore a polite smile: “That’s right, Xia Xia, aren’t you going to introduce us to this person?”

Xia Xia remained silent.

A slight curve appeared at the corner of Xie Huai’s lips, his emotions unreadable: “Would you mind if I join you for dinner?”

Before Xia Xia could respond, Wu Shujie gleefully agreed: “Of course not!”

Xia Xia had originally planned not to have dinner with him, but given this unexpected opportunity, he certainly wouldn’t mind.

Xie Huai looked at Xia Xia again.

Seeing that he remained so calm after hearing Wu Shujie’s words, Xia Xia’s temper also began to rise, and she said coldly: “Go if you want to.”

The restaurant was chosen by Wu Shujie.

He led them to a small establishment in a deep alley, explaining to the two walking behind him: “I come here often. Don’t let the small storefront fool you – the food is delicious, and it’s often hard to get a table.”

Xia Xia wasn’t listening to him, focusing instead on watching her feet as she stepped through the dirty water on the alley ground.

Xie Huai walked beside her, barely speaking to her the entire time.

The cold wind blew down from above, and Xia Xia wrapped her scarf tighter. Unexpectedly, her foot slipped on a smooth stone, causing her to stumble sideways.

Xie Huai caught her. His arm was strong as he wrapped it around her waist from behind, pulling her upright.

Once Xia Xia regained her balance and stood steady, he immediately let go.

“Be careful,” he said, his voice neither warm nor cold.

Xie Huai was acting strange today, being overly composed and calm.

Xia Xia’s mind was in chaos, feeling indescribably confused. She walked quickly ahead, leaving Xie Huai behind as she entered the restaurant.

The restaurant wasn’t as crowded as Wu Shujie had claimed; the main hall was quite empty with only two tables occupied.

The owner came to greet them: “Main hall or private room?”

Wu Shujie said: “Private room.”

“Private rooms cost extra.”

Wu Shujie: “Then the main hall is fine, it’s all the same.”

While Wu Shujie went to the counter to order, Xia Xia was about to sit down when Xie Huai stopped her.

He took some paper napkins and carefully wiped her chair and the table in front of her. When he lifted his hand, the paper was covered in dust and oil stains.

As he wiped the table, he stole glances at Xia Xia. She had hardly changed in the past half year, except that her hair was longer, and her style of dress showed more refinement. She wore a caramel-colored coat with a beige knit dress, paired with a light red scarf, looking quiet and well-behaved.

“Sit,” Xie Huai said as he casually tossed the paper into the trash bin.

Wu Shujie returned and, seeing the two sitting on the same side, became somewhat unhappy. He said to Xie Huai: “Let’s switch seats.”

Xia Xia looked at Xie Huai, knowing that with his personality, not only would he refuse to switch seats, but he might even grab and teach someone a lesson if his temper flared.

But to her surprise, Xie Huai did something unexpected – he said nothing and simply switched seats with Wu Shujie.

The food arrived.

Wu Shujie had ordered four dishes and one soup with three bowls of rice: stir-fried cabbage with meat, stir-fried onions with meat, stir-fried chives with eggs, stir-fried pork intestines, and a tofu vegetable soup. He hadn’t ordered any drinks, just the house barley tea that had been reused who knows how many times.

Xie Huai looked at the dishes before him, each topped with a glistening layer of oil, and the soup with unidentifiable vegetable bits floating in it. He picked up his chopsticks, then put them down, and finally went to the counter to buy a can of cold cola to drink.

Xia Xia couldn’t eat either. The food at this restaurant was too salty and greasy. After a few bites of rice, she found a hair in it.

She put down her chopsticks, while Wu Shujie ate happily and asked: “Is it not good?”

No one answered.

Wu Shujie asked again: “Is Xie Huai also from Nan University?”

Xie Huai made a sound of agreement, and Wu Shujie continued with mock sympathy: “What a shame. Studying at such a school doesn’t give you much competitive edge. It’s hard to find work after graduation. Xia Xia is lucky to be an exchange student at Hai University. Others wouldn’t be as fortunate.”

Xie Huai raised an eyebrow and crushed his cola can: “Is that so? I didn’t know Hai University was such a prestigious school. I must be quite ignorant to be hearing about this for the first time.”

“Then you need to study more,” Wu Shujie said. “Hai University ranks in the national top ten. Before meeting Xia Xia, I’d never even heard of Nan University.”

He picked up some intestines for Xia Xia: “Eat more, this is organic food. Don’t be like those girls who eat hotpot and spicy street food – those things can kill you. I despise girls who eat at street stalls. If they don’t care about their health, how can they care about their husband’s health? How can we expect them to cook properly after marriage?”

A hint of mockery appeared on Xie Huai’s lips.

Xia Xia’s frown deepened. The small restaurant was warm from the air conditioning, so she rolled up her sleeves, exposing her forearms.

Seeing this, Wu Shujie quickly grabbed her hand. Xia Xia’s face darkened as she yanked away: “What are you doing?”

Seeing her anger, Wu Shujie quickly adopted a placating tone: “I just wanted you to roll down your sleeves. It’s fine when it’s just me, but…” He glanced at Xie Huai, “There are others here. My mother says it’s not proper for girls to do this. It might give people improper thoughts.”

Xie Huai let out a derisive laugh.

Hearing his laughter, Xia Xia felt both angry and embarrassed. She stood up: “Are you sick or something? I didn’t want to embarrass you, but are you really thinking you’re my boyfriend? Always meddling in my business – who the hell do you think you are?”

She abandoned her meal and walked toward the restroom.

Wu Shujie’s face alternated between red and white as he stood to follow her.

Xia Xia turned around and said coldly: “Just try following me.”

In the restroom, Xia Xia thoroughly washed her hands with soap three times where Wu Shujie had touched them. Though he appeared clean, for some reason his touch felt revolting, especially in front of Xie Huai.

She deeply regretted not telling Wu Shujie to get lost earlier just because she wanted to spite Xie Huai. Now she felt humiliated.

Xie Huai must be laughing himself to death after hearing Wu Shujie’s words.

Someone entered behind her, and without looking up, Xia Xia said: “I told you not to follow me. Can’t you understand simple words?”

The person remained silent, standing very close behind her.

Xia Xia lifted her head and saw Xie Huai’s face in the mirror above the sink.

Xie Huai’s expression was playful. She turned around, finding herself trapped between his body and the sink.

“That’s the fourth time you’ve washed,” Xie Huai looked at her hands. “What filth did you touch that made you so uncomfortable?”

“None of your business,” Xia Xia couldn’t help being petulant upon seeing him. “Move away. Aren’t you afraid my boyfriend-to-be will hit you, standing so close to me?”

“Boyfriend-to-be?” Xie Huai pondered the term, teasing her. “Half a year apart and your taste has dropped this low?”

He lowered his head slightly, his face close to hers: “If you could fall for a guy like that, I’d cut off my head and let you use it as a football.”

His breath was hot. Xia Xia turned her head away, her cheeks flushing where his breath had touched.

Xia Xia stubbornly defended: “What kind of man is he? Do you even know him?”

Her eyes reddened as she demanded: “Now you don’t believe it, but why didn’t you say anything when he claimed to be my boyfriend earlier? Did you believe him? In your mind, do you think I’d immediately find someone else as soon as I’m away from you?”

Xie Huai’s Adam’s apple bobbed. After their long separation, the girl’s pure and lovely appearance when upset made him want to hug her.

He said softly: “Zhu Ziyu said you were dating a senior.”

Xia Xia said plaintively: “I wasn’t.”

“Mm.” Xie Huai acknowledged, “I know you weren’t.”

Xie Huai was almost pressed against her now. Xia Xia pushed at his arms, but he was too solid to move, stubbornly keeping her trapped.

“Let me out,” Xia Xia said shyly, her voice dropping. “What will people think?”

“No,” Xie Huai gazed at her almost greedily, from her hair to her slightly pointed chin, unwilling to miss a single detail.

“Let me look at you.” He gently cupped her face, examining it carefully before pinching her soft cheeks.

After a while, he commented: “You’ve gotten thinner.”

From outside the restroom came the sound of Wu Shujie talking with the owner.

“Little Wu, bring more customers here in the future, I’ll give you a discount.”

Wu Shujie: “Of course. Let’s settle the bill.”

The owner pressed some buttons on the calculator – seventy yuan in total. Wu Shujie took out his phone and paid twenty-three yuan and thirty-three cents.

The owner: “…”

Wu Shujie: “We’re splitting the bill. They can pay the rest when they come out.”

Xie Huai couldn’t help laughing. Xia Xia felt embarrassed and quickly declared: “I don’t like him. I have no feelings for him at all.”

“I know,” Xie Huai’s gaze was gentle and clear. “You have me, who else could you like?”

Xia Xia was stunned by his words. Looking up into his bloodshot eyes, all her questions caught in her throat. She asked: “Why are your eyes so red?”

Xie Huai rubbed his eyes: “Had some drinks last night and wanted to come see you, but the flight was delayed. I spent all day at the airport without much sleep.”

Xia Xia murmured: “Why come see me?”

Xie Huai: “There are some things I need to clarify with you.”

Just as he was about to speak, Wu Shujie walked in.

He immediately saw the two in their intimate position, with Xie Huai leaning forward as if embracing Xia Xia.

Anger rose from his heart as he shouted indignantly: “What are you doing!”

Xia Xia calmly turned to look at him, and Xie Huai remained equally calm.

He even moved closer to Xia Xia.

Wu Shujie: “Shameless!”

His face turned bright red, and he began to stutter: “You… why are you standing so close to him? How can you have so little self-respect? You… you let him touch you? My mother won’t accept you… she hates girls who get entangled with multiple men at once. You’ve disappointed me so much…”

He spoke angrily, moving forward to separate them.

Xia Xia didn’t move, her face showing not a trace of excess emotion.

Xie Huai looked at Wu Shujie, his face dark, and growled in a low voice: “Get lost.”