Chapter 1 (Part 2)

"Well," she said, "I want to transfer back from Hong Kong."

Liang Chen listened quietly, her lips slightly pursed, resembling a faint yet profound smile. She lowered her head slightly, this expression reserved only for herself. "Why don't you talk about that boy of yours?" She turned to Xia Xiaoju, "Is he the one you saw a joke about during the meeting and felt compelled to send it to?"

Xia Xiaoju let out a cold snort, "You are stirring me up like this, yet you don't even mention giving me one."

Do you understand it

Liang Chen nodded knowingly, smiling somewhat teasingly, "So there are still people in the country who are hard to part with? I saw it today, double dating."

He agreed readily, "Alright, if you can guarantee that you will climb once a week while in Beijing!"

A girl who can stand shoulder to shoulder with Mo Mo, without any inferiority. As Xia Xiaoju thought of this, she glanced at her reflection in the shop window by the roadside, wearing a loose T-shirt from a certain project and a pair of well-worn denim shorts. She had rushed out in the morning and had no time to choose carefully. Or rather, this was the state in which she felt most comfortable and most herself; it could not be said to be beautiful, but it was very much Xia Xiaoju. She recalled Mo Jingyan's shy and timid expression from earlier, which evoked a sense of pity. What kind of girl could be compared to her? Or rather, this was the state in which she felt most comfortable and most herself; it could not be said to be beautiful, but it was very much Xia Xiaoju. She thought again of Mo Jingyan's shy and timid expression from earlier, which evoked a sense of pity. What kind of girl could be compared to her? The only one she could think of was Lin You, with the light of the sky and water, flowing clouds, and her youthful figure leaping like a little deer.

Liang Chen said earnestly: "However, do you not plan to go abroad to have a look?"

Xia Xiaoju felt a slight warmth on her face, and her heart was beating a bit faster. "No, it's nothing. That's my buddy. A friend is getting married and has asked us to be the best man and maid of honor."

When I first entered university, I met my master and Momo. At that time, I felt that there was something between them. They cared for each other and shared a certain unspoken understanding, and it felt particularly good to see them together. At that moment, I thought that if I were to experience a romance in school, it should be like theirs

Liang Chen smiled, "That last sentence wasn't said by me; it seems to be from a movie."

On a summer night, the air remains somewhat sultry, yet the sweat that is shed can instead bring a sense of tranquility to the mood. Tall and straight trees stand on either side of the shaded path, their leaves rustling; the frogs in the pond croak loudly.

You are somewhat ... ... unable to articulate your feelings for him

Liang Chen smiled and said, "Forget it, forget it, I was just teasing you. Don't overthink it; just let things take their natural course, which is quite good."

"Don't speak carelessly; if the master hears you, I still want to live!" Fang Tuoyang threatened, "Why are you acting like a gossip tabloid?"

He... we are just teasing each other, and it is quite enjoyable. Xia Xiaoju feigned ease, but he treats me like a buddy, and I don't want to think too much about it. I believe that what is meant for me will naturally come; what is not mine cannot be forced.

Xia Xiaoju blushed and said, "Well, my English is not that good..."

She arranged to meet Xia Xiaoju at 9 o'clock, saying, "This is already quite early for me."

Is this really acceptable? Then I should also seek reimbursement from my boss for being exposed to the wind and sun in the wilderness every day

This question should be directed to sociology and psychology, as I have not conducted any survey analysis. Liang Chen pondered for a moment, "Perhaps it is about those who are fated to meet."

Xia Xiaoju asked: "How is your project application coming along? It's probably quite different from that in the United States, right? Are you adapting well?"

Xia Xiaoju laughed: "As a scientist, your explanation is rather perfunctory, isn't it?"

I recall that it was a line from a Woody Allen film, but I really can't remember the exact words spoken by Liang Chen

The National Outstanding Youth Science Fund, known as "杰青," is awarded to exceptional individuals.

Liang Chen continued to ask: "Then what if he expresses it?"

Xia Xiaoju exclaimed, "Wow, Teacher Liang, you should not be teaching atmospheric science; you should be teaching marriage and family."

Xia Xiaoju lost her balance and nearly bumped into him, taking a step forward and stepping on Fang Tuo's foot

It is you who did not explain clearly

Xia Xiaoju retorted, "Then I must be lacking in ambition!"

Xia Xiaoju was busy explaining, "The couple I mentioned who are getting married is the one. It just occurred to me, what do you think are the circumstances under which reconciliation is possible? Or rather, what is the likelihood of it happening?"

She shook her arms and said, "No more talking, let's go for a run! In a little while, I will drive you back."

Xia Xiaoju held up her ice cream, watching Fang Tuo's back. He seemed to be humming a tune effortlessly, yet he did not speak again for a while. She let out a soft sigh, shook her head, and smiled self-deprecatingly, thinking to herself, what does this have to do with you

By the way, how is the person that Huang Jun introduced to you before?

You definitely have no problem! Just like the Chinese table tennis team, whether it's a big ball or a small ball, 11 points or 21 points, no matter how the rules change, it won't affect your performance. Xia Xiaoju chuckled and said, "Our boss said you are a promising talent, and in a couple of years, you won't be going anywhere. I'll just cling to you and later switch careers to pursue a doctor's degree with you!"

Liang Chen smiled: "Who says fate is not scientific? It may be controlled by many variables, but at this stage, we simply do not know which variables are at play and what roles they each play."

Fang Tuo took the ice cream, had a bite, then took a big bite, and handed it back to Xia Xiaoju, saying, "It's all their fault for not setting a good example for the junior disciple. After that, he lost interest in his studies and only thought about pretty girls."

Xia Xiaoju had a look of being choked, "This is the first time I know that you liked Momo!"

In the following year, Fang Tuo took new team members for training, and Ning Ning also went to Nami Village. This time, she was the only one going to provide education support; she waited in the village for Fang Tuo to return, as his girlfriend

"What impression do they have of you? Is there still any contact?" Fang Tuo grasped the connecting ring in front of her and pulled it hard, "The rope is tied right here"

That was the most spirited time of youth, standing at the summit of the snow-capped mountain, with the beloved girl waiting for his return at the foot of the mountain

Two people were talking as they exited the outdoor equipment store and bought a large ice cream at the nearby ice cream parlor. This has been their usual practice, as it is more economical than purchasing two small cups separately.

No, I can't explain it clearly, it's just a buddy relationship. At this stage, it's quite good, and he hasn't shown any particular response.

Continuing the previous topic, Xia Xiaoju asked: "Why are you not concerned about her at all? Didn't you say she is your ideal type?"

If someone ignores you, you don't have to take it out on me

Fang Tuo pretended to look down on her with disdain, saying, "Forget it, you even changed for him?! You can't handle something this complicated; you should just find someone simple, who won't laugh at you for eating watermelon without spitting out the seeds." While speaking, he helped her adjust the waist strap of the seatbelt, "This part needs to be threaded back through, yes, like this, it's safer."

She had just wanted to ask Fang Tuo, "If Ning Ning comes back, and if she still wants to be with you, would you agree..."

Fang Tuo placed his hands in his pockets and replied softly, "I did not ask."

She has completely broken up with that person

Xia Xiaoju nodded, "That makes sense"

Another couple would be the soon-to-be bride and groom, right? Liang Chen recalled, They are quite a match, the bride is very beautiful

On that day, Xia Xiaoju was very eager to go for a run. Upon returning home, she sent a text message to Liang Chen, stating that she had eaten a large meal and dessert, exceeding her calorie limit, and was in urgent need of exercise. Liang Chen replied: "Let's run together, I also ate too much."

Xia Xiaoju, your English was quite good back then; you could even construct sentences using 'no matter', 'would rather', and you also knew how to use 'should' to express the subjunctive mood... By the way, I just saw a comment under 'Tears': back then, I still understood what a coordinate bond was... Haha

Sure, but our group is also working hard. The girls have already been pestering me to buy them face masks

When we discuss what kind of two people can be together, we often mention values, personality, interests, appearance, and social status compatibility. However, fate may be even more important. Sometimes we do not emphasize the significance of fate because we cannot control it, which may make us feel powerless in matters of love

He is quite good, very talented, has a good sense of humor, and is quite a gentleman. I have a good impression of him

"It wasn't you who suddenly pulled me!" she retorted, "Who says I am ignoring him? He has invited me to several art exhibitions and we have also been to the National Grand Theatre to attend concerts."

Fang Tuo laughed, "It looks like an orange." He tossed over a seatbelt, "This one is quite useful, it's wide enough, and it's comfortable to hang on. You should try it for size, and later I'll get you a special price.

Indeed, the groom is quite anxious, having purchased the wedding dress before the wedding date was set. Xiaojun chuckled, saying, "It's not quite that simple; it's a long story. Every family has its own difficulties. However, a friend mentioned that popular styles at good bridal shops are hard to book, and they require alterations, so they decided to act early. After all, their relationship is so strong that they will eventually get married."

It is different, and adjustments are still ongoing. Liang Chen smiled calmly, saying, "Every place has its own rules. If you want to play with others, you must abide by their rules."

"Can I just wear ordinary sneakers, a helmet, and borrow a safety belt from Momo?" Xiaojul hesitated, "I can hardly climb a few times a year, and I have to get a bunch of other things. My little dormitory can't fit any more."

On such a night, why seek troubles for oneself

This ... ... we have known each other for a long time, it is unlikely ... ...

My ideal love is between Momo and the Master

He spoke lightly and casually, but Xia Xiaoju had heard bits and pieces of his story. When Fang Tuo first went to Xuebaoding for mountaineering, he encountered volunteers from the same school who were going to Nami Village for teaching support, among whom was Ning Ning from the dance troupe. The teaching support team stayed for three weeks, during which the mountaineering team had completed all their training, reached the summit, and descended. However, Fang Tuo did not return to Beijing with everyone else, but chose to stay with the teaching support team.

After lunch, the four of them split into two groups. Fang Tuo and Xia Xiaoju went to a nearby outdoor equipment store, where Xia Xiaoju needed to replenish some quick-drying clothing and similar items. Fang Tuo strongly encouraged her to acquire her own climbing gear, saying, "In a couple of days, when you go outdoors with us, you can bring everything else, but you must have your own harness, helmet, and shoes, right?"

"It's a bit large." The helmet obstructs half of her vision, she glanced at the mirror, "and it doesn't look like climbing gear, it looks like something a construction foreman would wear."

Fang Tuo mentioned that it was not the first time he had met Ning Ning, he just hadn't paid attention before. During their conversation, he realized that she was the same girl who had danced the lead in "Tage" with Mo Jingyan at the party. At that time, he thought it was truly a fateful connection.

Liang Chen was taken aback

"I knew you would laugh at me, what about you? What about Ning Ning? Aren't you going to mention that she has contacted you again?"

"You should practice more. You climb mountains all day long; learning some climbing techniques would be beneficial for you." Fang Tuo picked up an orange helmet and placed it on her head, "This suits you very well."

Fang Tuo laughed, pulling hard on the front edge of her helmet, "You look foolish."

I can't understand, so he can explain it to me, right? Isn't it said that this makes boys feel particularly accomplished? We can't just go to the botanical garden and I explain the flowers and plants to him

As two individuals discussed the plan to go rock climbing in the wilderness with Shao Sheng and others, Xia Xiaoju, while fastening her safety harness, remarked: "The situation with Momo and the young master is indeed a bit complicated. If it were me, I wouldn't know how to explain it to my family, but it would also be quite inappropriate not to mention it."

Xia Xiaoju recalled Ning Ning, and feeling it inappropriate to discuss this matter with Mo Jingyan, she asked Liang Chen: "Teacher Liang, what do you think is the likelihood of former lovers rekindling their old feelings?"