Chapter 4, The Bookstore (Part 1)

In addition to the watermelon, the bag contains several other fruits, including starfruit, oranges, and some small red fruits whose names she could not recall. Zheng Xianwen said: "See if you like them. These are all local specialties brought by my father's friends when they sent their children to study here. It is said that they are quite unique, and I find them quite good."

The first time she encountered Fan Ye's novel was in the fifteenth birthday gift given to her by Zheng Xianwen, placed together with a box of candies. However, the person who guided her on this journey has long since lost that kind of infatuation, while she remains trapped in the past, unable to extricate herself. To outsiders, this must seem like a kind of hopeless foolishness.

Zheng Xianwen placed two bags into her hands: "My mother originally wanted you to go down and eat watermelon, but I thought you might not be inclined to move after being in the sun all day for the orientation. So I brought it up for you. The watermelon is cool; it has been frozen for half a day."

The daughter of the rivers and lakes is not particular about trifles, Meng Ti waved her hand with great spirit, indicating her to look at the back row, "Zhou Ming, what is the matter"

Meng Ti emerged from the kitchen after cutting the watermelon. The two individuals in the living room not only knew each other but were also quite familiar, engaged in a discussion about going abroad. Zheng Xianwen wore a smile, speaking freely and sharing all the experiences he had, while Wang Xiru listened attentively, appearing to be diligently processing the information. Meng Ti leaned against the door with the fruit platter, waiting for a moment, and approached only after the two had reached a small pause in their conversation.

I heard that you just returned from abroad. I would like to ask you if you have any experiences regarding applying to foreign universities

She pushed the cart out of the shed and was about to hit the road when Zheng Xianwen stopped her, accurately hanging the soy milk and glutinous rice ball in her hands on the handlebars of her bike, and simply instructed: "Take it to the classroom to eat, don't let yourself get a stomach illness from hunger"

The girl before him had a delicate appearance, her eyes clear and revealing a hint of intelligence; Zheng Xianwen sat down and returned a flawless smile: "Are you a classmate of Xiao Ti? Are you also in the Mathematics Department?"

Zheng Xianwen noticed the rather rough-looking English book on the coffee table, which was an admission guide from certain foreign universities, and naturally continued the conversation: "Are you planning to study abroad?"

Meng Ti was munching on a watermelon and casually said, "I definitely won't go out with a picture book."

Zhou Ming knew that Meng Tixin was soft-hearted and easy to persuade, so he smiled and bowed slightly: "Miss Meng, the books won't grow legs and run away. Let's go to the book market next week? The welcoming event is just for show; you don't need to be there all the time. Just showing your face a little will suffice"

Three people were eating watermelon when Meng Ti casually turned on the television. Zheng Xianwen, who had already had enough to eat at home, took a bite and then set it down. He sat on the sofa next to Meng Ti, casually picked up a few books from the coffee table, and tapped the cover, a bit surprised: "I didn't expect you to still be reading Fan Ye's novel. I can't even remember what story this book is about anymore."

There are many reasons, well, part of it is for my parents. Meng Ti discarded the watermelon rind, tore off a paper towel to wipe her hands and mouth. My brother is already abroad, I want to go again, who will take care of them in their old age? What if they fall ill?

You left, but that doesn't mean you won't come back; I have returned.

Meng Ti naturally would not engage in pleasantries with him, quickly responding with a brief "mm" before riding away. The morning breeze poured down from her neck, cool and gentle, providing a very pleasant sensation

Wang Xiru smiled and said, "You two have made such rapid progress in your relationship since I just returned?"

Zheng Xianwen was sent abroad for study by the government, which is quite different from Wang Xiru's situation. However, he knows many people and has learned quite a bit over time, so naturally, they can engage in conversation.

She nodded slightly and said, "Hello"

Wang Xiru is undoubtedly an exceptional scholar, and when it comes to gossip, she is no less than any female university student. Meng Ti found it amusing and asked, "Where did you hear that from?"

Zheng Xianwen laughed and said, "Don't worry about me"

Two people, one occupying a sofa in the living room. Wang Xiru casually brought up a light topic, teasing her: "By the way, when I returned, the girls in the dorm were talking about you. They said your popularity is on the rise. In these past two days since your welcome, quite a few younger boys have been inquiring about you."

I do have this intention and have sent out a lot of materials, but I haven't received any replies yet. In any case, it still depends on luck. I heard that you... I, like Meng Ti, call you Brother Zheng. Is that okay?

These words truly warmed my heart, and Meng Ti nodded with tears of gratitude: "Thank you, Brother Zheng, you have really gone out of your way."

Of course. Zheng Xianwen said, "What did you hear?"

"It's nothing," Wang Xiru pulled out a few books from her backpack and began to read. Her gaze drifted away from the pages, and she appeared quite spirited. "I have endured even tougher times than this."

Meng Ti contemplated for a moment and indeed found no good reason to refuse, thus being pushed into action. She had a strong affection for the School of Mathematics and the university, and generally would not decline to contribute in any way. Moreover, having been accustomed to welcoming new students, she remembered her childhood days of observing others during orientation, and now that she was grown, participating herself was not a big deal. The only unexpected aspect was that it seemed as if the heavens were conspiring against all the new students; the weather was strangely hot, as the autumn heat returned after a brief respite of two days. The mornings and evenings were bearable, but at noon, it was truly sweltering, making everyone feel like ants on a hot pan, desperate to jump around.

Wang Xiru had already settled into her designated seat, remaining still and composed, which was quite advantageous. She quickly darted over to sit beside her, and the class bell rang punctually. The time during the class passed swiftly, and soon the first short lesson came to an end. Wang Xiru watched her as she gulped down soy milk without a care for her image, swallowing glutinous rice balls whole, and couldn't help but laugh: "It's rare to see you having breakfast in the classroom." The time during the class passed swiftly, and soon the first short lesson came to an end. Wang Xiru watched her as she gulped down soy milk without a care for her image, swallowing glutinous rice balls whole, and couldn't help but laugh: "It's rare to see you having breakfast in the classroom."

This heartfelt expression brought an unusual sense of reassurance to Zheng Xianwen, making him feel completely at ease. He said, "That's good, I fully support you. Ati, I support your decision wholeheartedly"

To be honest, Meng Ti definitely would not worry about him. In her impression, Zheng Xianwen has never been someone to cause concern; and the next day, she suddenly became busy, leaving no time to think about others' matters

Indeed, warmth is just one aspect; sometimes, even in the absence of the male students, one must assist in guiding others and be responsible for answering various peculiar questions from parents at any time. After a weekend, I found myself severely dehydrated. At the same time, I successfully completed my task, as most of the new college students remembered the senior female student from the fourth year, who was truly as beautiful as jade and orchid, with a gentle and patient personality, always considerate towards others. Various pieces of information about her quickly spread to every corner of the college.

Wang Xiru shook her head and said: "Do not get agitated, be mindful of the impact. You are also the most beautiful woman in our institution, a representative figure, so please do not bring shame to our institution"

Meng Ti couldn't help but smile, tilting her head to look at him: "Brother Zheng, you start work tomorrow, right? I wonder if you'll get used to the work environment here in the country."

Wang Xiru deeply understood the principle that "a thousand words are not as good as a moment of silence." She cast a calm glance at Zheng Xianwen, whose demeanor and appearance were indeed of an exceptional standard, no wonder Meng Ti had harbored a secret crush on him for many years

Zhou Ming, as the class monitor and a capable member of the former student council, is responsible for conveying various orders to Class 1 of the senior Mathematics Department. For Meng Ti and Wang Xi Ru, his presence often signifies work and hard labor. Indeed, Zhou Ming cleared his throat and began to speak: "New students will be enrolling this weekend, and we need someone to welcome them. I hope that the two strong and charismatic senior sisters can take their positions at the Mathematics College's welcome desk, serving as a beautiful facade.

Meng Ti did not agree: "But my parents are getting older. What if something happens when I'm not around? Brother Zheng, you know that our family's blood type is quite rare; I'm the only one in the country. I cannot bear that possibility. As for studying, personal cultivation is what matters; one can learn anywhere. Even if I cannot connect with the international community at that time, there is still classmate Wang Xiru. She will always lend me a hand, won't she?" Even if I cannot connect with the international community at that time, there is still classmate Wang Xiru. She will always lend me a hand, won't she?

Absolutely impossible! Meng Ti was so excited that she almost sprayed out her soy milk, "We have always been like this"

"We were originally in the same dormitory." Wang Xiru casually placed the book in her hand on the light-colored coffee table

She subtly paused her tone, and Meng Ti originally intended to ask further. Just as she was about to speak, she was interrupted by the visitor Zheng Xianwen, who stood outside the door holding a watermelon and a large pile of fruit snacks. Meng Ti was both surprised and delighted, and immediately welcomed him into the house

In an instant, it felt as if he had returned to his childhood. He habitually took care of her, and she naturally accepted it as a matter of course

Meng Ti touched her face and said to the book in disbelief: "Really?"

"Am I someone who casually flatters others?" Wang Xiru looked at her with an almost observational gaze, pointing at a large family photo on the wall, "You can see for yourself the difference between how you used to be and how you are now. However, you are becoming less and less like yourself."

A carp suddenly sat up, remaining dazed on the bed for a moment as her mind gradually returned to reality. She picked up the alarm clock on the bedside and was startled to find that it was already 7:30. Remembering that she had a class during the first period, she hurriedly changed her clothes, her movements so swift that she accidentally knocked the book "The Journey Against the Current" to the floor while reaching for her clothes. Heartbroken, she picked it up and placed it back by her pillow before rushing into the bathroom to wash up. This novel was truly a boundless poison, akin to a fine wine that had been stored for many years. The first reading did not seem impactful, but by the second reading, its effects suddenly emerged. The details were so vivid that even her dreams were filled with that snake-like alley, where she wandered aimlessly, unable to find release.

Meng Ti tore off a tissue to wipe the sweat from her hands, and then said: "I still really like it; one could say I never tire of it."

"You wouldn't know since you don't live in the dormitory, but I have lived here for these years, so there's nothing I don't know," Wang Xiru said with a smile. "To be honest, Meng Ti, over the four years of university, you have truly become more and more beautiful. Everyone feels this way. You had a bit of baby fat in your freshman year, but now you are truly a beauty like jade"

Although her response was quick, her tone was very assured, clearly reflecting thoughts that had been deeply considered. Zheng Xianwen asked: "Why?"

Having woken up, it was already evening. She leisurely emerged from her bedroom, preparing to find something to eat. Wang Xiru, looking exhausted, came to the door. She had spent the entire day attending classes and had returned to find that the water heater in her dormitory was irreparably broken, so she came over to take a shower. Meng Ti immediately extended her hands in welcome and ordered takeout while Wang Xiru was showering.

Meng Ti does not understand: "In the past, we could still understand it, but now we are all in our fourth year. What were the second and third years for? I originally planned to take some time to visit the book market this weekend, but Xi Ru has to work, so she can't go either"

I also do not want it, but Brother Zheng insists on giving it to me

"Alright, I will go wash up. Brother Zheng, please stay and eat with us," she said. As she turned around, she saw Wang Xiru, who was hugging a book like a treasure, sitting on the sofa with her knees drawn up, smiling with her lips pursed. Meng Ti noticed the profound meaning behind her smile, a fleeting moment of embarrassment passed, and she quickly introduced the two before heading into the kitchen with a watermelon, picking up a knife and slicing the watermelon with a crisp sound.

At this time, it was naturally impossible to have breakfast; even heating up milk and bread in the microwave was a luxury. She only had time to comb her hair, grab her backpack and keys, and then she left the house

This is indeed correct. Meng Ti has known Wang Xiru for three years. While I cannot speak to other aspects, her perseverance is truly admirable. In order to pursue her dream of studying abroad, for the past three years, she has almost woken up an hour and a half earlier than others every morning, standing in the garden by the lake to memorize vocabulary and texts, and listening to recordings to correct her pronunciation. Her excellent grades are entirely to be expected

Meng Ti woke up from a nightmare, drenched in cold sweat

The takeout tastes quite good, and after taking a shower, Wang Xiru feels much better. The two of them sat in the living room and finished their meal. Meng Ti tidied up the coffee table and then reached to lift her backpack, which was heavy enough that she could barely raise it with one hand. She shook her head and said, "You really shouldn't overexert yourself. With classes and writing papers, how can you manage? Just watching you makes me feel heartbroken"

She was lost in her own chaotic thoughts when Zheng Xianwen changed the subject: "Your classmate plans to go abroad, what do you think about that? Aren't your grades not very good?"

She rushed down to the ground floor and happened to run into Zheng Xianwen, who was returning from a morning jog while carrying breakfast. Zheng Xianwen, looking refreshed and surprised, stared at her. She hurriedly greeted him while unlocking her car, thinking to herself that this was the downside of having childhood friends in the neighborhood; he had seen her in all sorts of disheveled appearances, so how could there possibly be a future between them

Meng Ti was completely unaware that she had become a role model for those who came after her. On Sunday evening, she finally found a moment to slip away, rushed home, took a shower, and then buried her head in sleep. Interacting with people is the most exhausting, and doing so in the sweltering summer is even more torturous

Wang Xiru had long disguised herself as a silent plant, and at this moment, she aptly interjected: "If that day were to come, of course."