Chapter 3
910 Words
Hua Danjing felt a strange aura that made her captivated by the painting she usually ignored. It was as if Xiao Huai had merged into the artwork, and she found herself staring at his harmonious silhouette within the painting.
Nan Zilu noticed Xiao Huai's interest in the painting and spoke in a sweeter tone than usual, "Brother Xiao, I love Romanticism paintings... but I don't understand Neoclassicism or Realism..." Nan Zilu never hid her thoughts.
Xiao Huai smiled, "As long as it's beautiful, there's no need to understand it. Your appreciation for such art shows you have great taste."
"Really?" This wasn't a question but a little girl's way of enjoying praise twice.
"Of course."
Nan Zilu suddenly felt a strong affection for Brother Xiao. "Brother, I also love sculptures, but I keep them at home. Can I bring them for you to see?"
When a little girl meets someone who appreciates her, she often shares her most cherished possessions.
Xiao Huai smiled, "Your foot is injured. You should rest."
"Okay!" Nan Zilu obediently agreed.
Seeing their pleasant conversation, Hua Danjing felt a bit uneasy. She coughed lightly and asked Xiao Huai, "Do you have any luggage?"
"Do I need any?" Xiao Huai shrugged.
He didn't mind staying here. He had met many girls and understood their thoughts. Living here might be enjoyable, but it wasn't solitary, which could feel restrictive. However, he liked these two girls and didn't refuse.
"You're so lazy, not bringing any luggage." Hua Danjing turned and gently patted Nan Zilu's hand. "Rest well, Zilu. If this guy barges in, call out, and I'll come to your rescue!" She stood up and said to Xiao Huai, "I'll show you to your room."
Nan Zilu gave Xiao Huai a sweet smile, deepening his smile.
Following Hua Danjing, Xiao Huai reached a side room on the second floor. Hua Danjing explained, "The first floor is the living room. There are five rooms on the second floor. Each of us four girls has one, and this small room was for a little brother who will return the day after tomorrow. You'll share with him."
Xiao Huai didn't mind. "Alright." He didn't care about the room's size or quality. "Give me the apartment key. I need to report to the school."
"I'll give you the key tonight. By the way, Yunan University is a paradise for beauties, and few boys get in. How did you manage?"
"Is it hard?" Xiao Huai was puzzled. "I thought it was too easy..."
"Easy?" Hua Danjing's eyes widened. "What were the exam questions?"
"First, an intelligence test. They told me I scored 183. Then they asked about Brazilian dance classifications, the artistic value of 'The Red and the Black,' the features of 'Autumn Whisper,' and the style of 'Sleeping Venus.' Finally, they had me recite Bai Juyi's 'Song of Everlasting Regret.' After I finished, the examiner said, 'Excellent, no need to continue. Congratulations on becoming a Yunan University student.'" Xiao Huai shrugged.
Hua Danjing was astonished. "Most smart people only score 130 on the intelligence test... I can't believe you didn't have to take math or English tests... But those don't matter. Answering those questions was enough..."
Xiao Huai was stunned—he would have failed math and English...
"In our apartment, four girls, a cute little brother, and a big wolf are all Yunan University students." Hua Danjing, acting like a senior, extended her hand. "Hello, junior."
Xiao Huai shook her hand, gently squeezing it, then whispered in her ear, "Your hand is soft and beautiful."
Teasing the girl, he wondered how she would react.
Hua Danjing stared at her hand in surprise. Was it beautiful? It was the first time someone praised her like this, giving her a unique feeling... But wasn't he too forward? Playing with her hand! Watching Xiao Huai leave, she felt her anger was too late—she should have immediately accused him of harassment!
Hmph... Big bad guy, big stinky egg! Hua Danjing bit her lip. "Wait till you come back. I'll get my revenge!" Xiao Huai's mischievous smile lingered in her mind, a voice whispering, "He's not that bad..."
"Hmph, as if!" Hua Danjing pouted.
In the distance, Xiao Huai smiled, hearing her "threats" with his keen hearing—she was quite genuine and adorable!
The scorching sun blazed, and the heat spread like flowing water.
Xiao Huai walked towards Yunan University, noticing a girl of about eighteen in white clothes, exuding elegance. Even from behind, her grace was evident.
It was the hottest time of day, and the wide asphalt road, sparsely dotted with greenery, had no birdsong or floral scent, only high walls.
A little boy beside her pouted, "So hot!" The elegant girl smiled sweetly and moved him to her right. "Walk in my shadow."
The boy hesitated, then said, "Thank you, sister."
Seeing this, Xiao Huai was touched.
Their shadows overlapped, the boy holding the girl's hand, asking questions, and she patiently answered, shielding him from the sun. Their bond touched Xiao Huai.
He followed them to Yunan University, where the boy said, "Thank you, sister. What's your name?"
—They were strangers?
The girl smiled, "Call me Sister Xianxue."
The boy repeated "Sister Xianxue" and smiled, parting ways at the school gate.
Xiao Huai wondered how they met. Regardless, he was moved by the elegant girl.
The sun still blazed, but her white clothes made Xiao Huai feel a refreshing coolness.
- Writer
