Jiang Yubai was like a dull, silent gourd as he walked up the steps. He gazed at the distant mountain ranges, his thoughts swaying with the tree shadows. These mountains and trees could disturb his stable state of mind. He sighed lightly and reluctantly asked, “Will you be busier in the future?”

“Busy with what?” Lin Zhixia didn’t understand.

Jiang Yubai’s voice gradually lowered: “From May to August this year, you were too busy to find me.”

Lin Zhixia explained: “I encountered special circumstances this year. I was too eager for success and wanted to accomplish something great, but now I understand. Academic work requires steady progress. I can’t be anxious; that also reduces my efficiency in the lab.”

Jiang Yubai turned his face away: “Research pressure is immense. Even the smartest people hit bottlenecks. When you feel anxious, you can talk to me. Don’t bear it alone.”

His voice was very pleasant, and his profile was practically perfect. Lin Zhixia secretly glanced at him and replied, “You’re always so understanding… If you have any troubles, you should tell me too. I’ll always be your best friend.”

Jiang Yubai remained silent.

Besides Lin Zhixia, Jiang Yubai had other friends. He had met several boys in the high school division, and they often gathered to play tennis. Previously, Jiang Yubai couldn’t control his wrist strength and frequently hit the tennis ball out of bounds, but after diligent practice over the past two years, his skills had improved rapidly.

Another high school classmate of Jiang Yubai owned a horse ranch in Beijing. At the beginning of this month, Jiang Yubai and his classmates went horseback riding at the ranch for two full days. He felt genuinely happy and carefree—that kind of happiness was simple, light, and unburdened. He had never thought about deliberately getting close to any friend, nor would he pay attention to their QQ status… However, Lin Zhixia broke all of Jiang Yubai’s friendship principles.

He repeatedly checked the text messages she sent, recorded the frequency of her calls, and logged onto QQ just to wait for her.

In July this year, when she was busiest, he suspected she had forgotten him.

One night in July, before sleeping, Jiang Yubai flipped through the first volume of “Human Observation Diary” and saw nine-year-old Lin Zhixia’s writing: “Perhaps after I graduate from elementary school, Jiang Yubai will still be my best friend.”

Jiang Yubai thought to himself that during elementary and middle school, he and Lin Zhixia still shared the same campus life and similar life trajectories. But in high school and university, they had fewer and fewer intersections. Lin Zhixia was drifting further away, and he completely failed to understand her research topics and experimental content.

He closed the notebook and placed it beside his pillow.

That night, he couldn’t sleep.

He tossed and turned restlessly.

He sat up in bed, leaning against the headboard, adjusting his mental state in the silent, long night.

He knew Lin Zhixia was passionate about “quantum computing.” “Quantum computing” could significantly improve computer efficiency, and scientists predicted it would become a milestone in the fourth industrial revolution in human history.

Compared to “major technological revolutions for humanity,” Jiang Yubai was truly insignificant.

Lin Zhixia was devoted to her career, and Jiang Yubai shouldn’t disturb her—with this mindset, he waited until the end of August.

He met with Lin Zhixia.

The mountains of Xiangshan were magnificent with countless scenic views. Jiang Yubai brought a digital camera but didn’t take photos. He absent-mindedly admired the scenery while sorting out his thoughts—even though he had always maintained boundaries, he still couldn’t control himself from stepping beyond the range of Lin Zhixia’s friendship. Now, he was just an ordinary fifteen-year-old high school student who unfortunately realized his hopeless crush.

Thinking of this, Jiang Yubai turned his face and met Lin Zhixia’s gaze.

Lin Zhixia observed him for three seconds and sincerely complimented: “You’re getting more handsome as you grow.”

Jiang Yubai calmly said, “Thank you.”

Lin Zhixia had no idea about the tumultuous psychological activity inside him. She continued, “Has your voice change period ended? Your voice sounds better and better.”

This time, he didn’t say thank you. He asked, “Have you ever complimented others like this?”

Lin Zhixia answered honestly: “Only you.”

He smiled faintly: “Hmm.”

Fallen leaves swirled in the wind, drifting before their eyes. Lin Zhixia reached out to catch one but missed. Jiang Yubai opened his palm, and a leaf happened to fall into it. Lin Zhixia poked the leaf vein with one finger, making his palm slightly ticklish, like being scratched by a kitten.

“A green maple leaf,” Lin Zhixia described.

Jiang Yubai naturally said, “For you.”

There were other tourists nearby.

Several young people with travel backpacks took large strides, crossing two steps at once. They seemed to be in a mountain climbing race, rushing forward eagerly. On the long and steep mountain path, no one complained about being tired, no one fell behind. They demonstrated excellent physical fitness and extraordinary competitive spirit.

Lin Zhixia noticed that this group was carrying purple backpacks printed with the words “Tsinghua University.”

Thinking of her alma mater, Lin Zhixia’s spirit was stirred. Not wanting to fall behind, she rushed forward with them. But she couldn’t outrun the Tsinghua students and was left far behind. The stone steps were uneven, and as she stepped back, Jiang Yubai immediately steadied her. She actively moved closer to him, holding onto him tightly, like a sailing ship finding the safest harbor in a storm.

“Be careful,” he cautioned.

But Lin Zhixia said, “Strange, I just realized that I dare to run fast on these steps because you’re beside me… If my roommate had come with me, I would only walk slowly up the mountain.”

Her fingers were slender, wrapping around his arm like vines. She added, “Actually, I wouldn’t fall. I stand firmly.”

Jiang Yubai casually said, “Just treat me like your roommate then. Walk slowly and don’t run around.”

His words were unintentional.

Lin Zhixia laughed and teased him without mercy: “How could you be my roommate?”

Jiang Yubai’s earlobes heated up. Without Lin Zhixia pointing it out, he knew his ears had reddened again, but he wasn’t flustered. He had already understood his inner feelings—if Lin Zhixia would just say a few more words, say enough until he completely adapted, he wouldn’t feel embarrassed anymore.

They followed the mountain path, walking and stopping intermittently, until they arrived at the famous Biyun Temple.

Xiangshan Park’s Biyun Temple was established during the Yuan Dynasty and has over 600 years of history. Inside Biyun Temple, there is a place called “Spring Water Courtyard” where spring water gushes from rock crevices and gathers. The sound of flowing water and rippling waves attracts visitors to stop and listen.

The “Spring Water Courtyard” had a rockery made of Taihu stones. With mountains and water gathered together under the serene sunlight, Jiang Yubai stood near the spring pool. The lighting and composition were perfect, and Lin Zhixia couldn’t help but raise her camera to take a photo of him.

Jiang Yubai then suggested taking several photos together. Lin Zhixia gladly agreed.

Jiang Yubai discussed with her that from now on, every time they went out together, they could take many photos as mementos.

Jiang Yubai’s tone was gentle, his attitude sincere, clearly showing he was someone who valued friendship. Lin Zhixia was moved by him and readily agreed.

After this trip to Xiangshan Park, Jiang Yubai collected many scenic photos. He saved the photos on his computer in a newly created folder named “Summer Strawberry.”

“Summer Strawberry” was Lin Zhixia’s QQ username.

Jiang Yubai had over forty friends in his QQ friend list.

He only remembered Lin Zhixia’s username.

This was truly more than just friendship.

*

In early September, the city experienced a rain shower. The raindrops fell densely and continuously. Even with an umbrella, Lin Zhixia couldn’t block the damp droplets, so she simply wore a raincoat instead. She left home early and took the subway to Beijing Railway Station.

Her father, mother, and brother had all come to Beijing.

Her brother had been admitted to a 985-tier university and assigned to the computer science major. The reason her brother chose computer science was that he heard the internet industry offered quick money, allowing one to start working immediately after undergraduate graduation with a starting monthly salary of at least 10,000 yuan, preferential treatment, relaxed work atmosphere… In short, he was willing to study hard for four years at university in exchange for a well-paying job with high returns.

After hearing his description, Lin Zhixia questioned, “Is the work atmosphere relaxed? I heard from seniors in the Computer Science College that many of them went bald before turning thirty.”

Lin Zeqiu didn’t refute.

Outside Beijing Station, crowds of people gathered amid the bustling noise. Volunteers from various universities were waiting for their freshmen and juniors. No matter how cold the rain was, it couldn’t dampen their enthusiasm.

Lin Zeqiu’s father took out two umbrellas, handing one to Lin Zeqiu and the other to his wife. Dragging a suitcase with a smile, he said, “Qiuqiu, since you just arrived in Beijing, if there’s anything you’re unfamiliar with, ask your sister more. Your sister has been in university for a year, she knows a lot…”

Lin Zhixia immediately agreed, “Of course, of course, I’ll take good care of my brother!”

Lin Zeqiu looked down at her.

She stood on tiptoe: “Brother, I’m one meter sixty-five now.”

Lin Zeqiu raised his hand and patted her head.