Chapter 4
1337 Words
Yunan University spans several thousand square meters, with its classical academic architecture and flexible, free-form design leaving many in awe. What touches the heart even more is the sight of winter plum blossoms quietly blooming in the garden, with many young girls standing gracefully beneath them, creating an indescribable beauty.
The fallen plum blossoms at the base of the trees are tossed back and forth amidst the girls' laughter.
Suddenly, Xiao Huai sensed a breeze at his back and felt something flying toward him. He instinctively sidestepped and, feeling the lightness of the object, caught it between his forefinger and middle finger.
To his surprise, it was only a plum blossom!
Behind him, a girl with an apologetic expression approached. "I'm sorry, I meant to throw it at someone else."
Xiao Huai smiled and handed her the blossom between his fingers. "A beauty with a blossom—I'm honored."
The girl's whole body trembled at Xiao Huai's refined demeanor and speech, coupled with his quick catch. She lowered her head, unable to speak, while other girls bit their lips, wishing they had been the ones to throw the blossom.
Seeing no response from the girl, Xiao Huai bowed slightly and walked away. He didn't realize that behind him, the girl closed her eyes and mustered the courage to ask, "Can I know your name?" But when she looked up, Xiao Huai was already gone.
The girl was entranced. "Perhaps one day, when I'm in danger, he'll appear like a knight in shining armor..."
It was the day for freshmen registration at the academy, and the campus was bustling. Xiao Huai reached the registration desk, presented his documents, and caught the eye of the male teacher with his classical aura. The teacher, impressed, processed Xiao Huai's papers and said, "The first-year tuition is 38,000. If you've already wired the money, just show the receipt."
"Can I pay by credit card?" Xiao Huai asked.
The teacher was taken aback: another nobleman, perhaps from a distinguished family. "Yes, you can." He took Xiao Huai's gold card and swiped it at the machine, then respectfully returned it with both hands.
"Please go to the West Campus to collect your books and supplies," the teacher said, using formal language.
Xiao Huai took his card and walked through the garden paths. Since he could stay in the Garden District, he didn't need campus accommodation and only needed his books.
Sitting by the lake on campus, Xiao Huai playfully stretched his hands, causing a leaf to fall from a nearby tree. He caught it between his fingers, folded it, and began to play a tune.
The melody was soothing, calming his heart as he leaned against the tree.
The tree was surrounded by many small purple flowers, similar to those in Nan Zilu's room. Xiao Huai picked some dandelions and blew them into the air.
The dandelions floated gently, and Xiao Huai murmured, "Remember when we were young,
You loved to chat, I loved to laugh.
We once sat side by side on a stone bench,
The wind in the trees, our laughter in the air,
I don't know when I fell asleep,
How many flowers fell in my dreams?"
The almost melodious sound, tinged with a hint of nostalgic sadness, resonated with the surrounding flowers swaying in the wind. A dragonfly flitted by.
Almost in a trance, Xiao Huai fell into a gentle dream. Deprived of a joyful childhood, he cherished the essence of this folk song. After a nap, he awoke to find an hour had passed.
Xiao Huai smiled. He now only needed five to six hours of meditation daily to increase his cultivation and didn't require sleep. Enjoying this rare leisure, he felt delighted.
He prepared to collect his books. Passing the main field, he suddenly noticed Xianxue standing quietly nearby.
Xianxue, standing gracefully like snow, smiled gently in the breeze, her beauty captivating.
Her unique elegance made her seem untouchable, but Xiao Huai sensed an inexplicable sadness in her eyes.
Moved, Xiao Huai walked closer, following Xianxue's gaze to a soccer game on the field.
Little did he know, Xianxue wasn't watching the game. As a sophomore and an artistic, sensitive girl, she had a premonition of something happening when she saw Xiao Huai catch the blossom at the gate. Drawn to him, she subconsciously followed him.
Realizing this, she blushed, feeling embarrassed for following a boy.
At the lakeside, she heard Xiao Huai's nostalgic voice, wondering what it symbolized—lost time or fleeting youth?
She seemed to be avoiding something, her gaze wandering—Remember when we were young... She sighed and looked at her fingers to mask her emotions.
Her slender fingers appeared even paler in the sunlight.
She left the lakeside, and as she walked across the field, she couldn't take another step...
At that moment, Xiao Huai came close, standing with her to watch the game. Was he here because of her wait? Xianxue suddenly wanted to do something but felt lost.
Watching the game, Xiao Huai noticed that the players were all girls, skilled and fierce. Seeing their determination, he couldn't help but smile.
But he kept glancing at Xianxue—her silhouette exuded melancholy, and his intuition told him she was silently grieving.
On the field, a girl in a short-sleeved shirt rode her bike, deftly maneuvering past defenders and striking fiercely at the goal.
The shot was powerful but went wide, hurtling toward Xianxue.
Xianxue couldn't react, her mind blank.
In an instant, the ball was upon her!
Xiao Huai leaped, diving five meters to Xianxue, and with one hand deflected the ball just in time!
He landed heavily on the ground.
No one noticed the mischievous smile on Xiao Huai's face—he could have easily caught the ball.
Seeing she was unharmed, Xianxue crouched down, worried. "Are you hurt?"
Most would feign heroism despite injury to impress a girl, but Xiao Huai took it further.
Smiling, he said, "I'm fine." Using his left hand to stand, he stumbled but quickly supported himself with his right, looking composed. "Not hurt."
Xianxue was moved by this stubborn yet graceful boy. She recalled his moment at the gate, catching the blossom, and admired him even more.
The girl who shot the ball ran over. "Xianxue, are you okay?"
Xianxue smiled gently. "I'm fine."
The girl turned to Xiao Huai. "Hey, you're amazing! Want to be our goalkeeper?"
Xiao Huai pulled his shoulder back, hiding his discomfort. "No, thanks."
"We're the Purple Lilac team and never allow boys, but we won't mind you," the girl teased. "Join us, it won't be unfair."
Xianxue quickly said, "Youfu, he hurt his left hand."
"Oh, sorry." Youfu, a stunning girl, smiled brightly, her clothes clinging from sweat, revealing her curves. Her smile was almost intoxicating.
Seeing no reaction, Youfu whispered to Xiao Huai, "Join the team, I'll get you Xianxue's number."
Xiao Huai, surprised, still refused. "Sorry, senior, I'm not interested in the team."
"Really?" Youfu sighed. "Since I was fifteen, no one loved me. My grandfather died, my father was imprisoned, and I was penniless, almost deceived into becoming a prostitute." Her voice choked. "Now, boys I like reject me, and you won't even join our team?" She held Xianxue's hand. "I'm so upset..."
Xiao Huai was stunned—not by the facts but by her boldness.
Youfu wiped her tears and said, "I'm Shen Youfu. If anyone bullies you, just say you're my friend. Remember, join the team if you want, we have regular games."
Xiao Huai felt moved as Youfu patted his shoulder, whispering, "You're not really hurt, are you?" She smiled playfully.
Xiao Huai hesitated, but Youfu walked away.
Uncertain if Xianxue heard, Xiao Huai shook his hand and smiled at her. "Xianxue, I need to report in. See you."
As he said "see you," he felt a twinge of reluctance.
Watching him leave, Xianxue softly said, "He's remarkable." This elegant girl, seemingly detached from emotions, felt rare admiration for Xiao Huai.
- Writer
