The routine of revising was dull and tedious, but Su Yumian was surprisingly used to it.

  Another day of studying ended, and as she got home, she rubbed her shoulders, pnning to rest early. But just then, she received a call from Professor Ouyang.

  The professor first asked about her progress.

  Su Yumian gave a simple update.

  Ouyang Wenqiu didn’t ask further, seemingly reassured about her.

  Su Yumian chuckled, then heard the professor say, “Come to my house tomorrow morning.”

  Before she could respond, the call ended hurriedly, as if worried she would refuse.

  —

  The next day, Su Yumian got up early, spending half an hour preparing breakfast. Of course, she also made an extra portion for her neighbor, Shao Wenbai.

  Last night, even after she went to bed, she hadn’t heard his door open. She figured he had probably pulled another all-nighter in the b.

  As she opened her door, she ran into him just returning home.

  It had been two weeks since that rainy night. Normally neat and composed, he now had wrinkled sleeves, and the exhaustion between his brows was unmistakable—probably another sleepless night in the b.

  Remembering the conversation she had overheard st time, she guessed he was facing some difficulties in his research.

  She didn’t ask, simply raising the thermos in her hand.

  “I simmered this millet porridge overnight. After staying up all night, your stomach might not feel great. This will warm you up.”

  Shao Wenbai had never felt unwell before, even after pulling all-nighters. But these past few days, his irregur eating habits had left his stomach aching. He had been craving something light—her porridge came at the perfect time.

  “Thank you.”

  “You were the one who walked me home that night—I should be thanking you,” she said with a small smile.

  Shao Wenbai raised an eyebrow. “We’re neighbors. It was on the way.”

  Then he asked, “Are you heading out?”

  Su Yumian nodded. “The professor asked me to visit her. Probably something important.”

  She checked her watch. It was about time to leave.

  “I’ll get going. Eat the porridge and eggs while they’re warm.”

  “Alright.”

  Watching her figure disappear around the staircase, Shao Wenbai finally entered his apartment.

  Opening the thermos, a warm, sweet fragrance filled the air.

  The millet porridge had been slow-cooked to a soft consistency, with pumpkin added for a mild sweetness. He took a sip—the taste was just right, neither too sweet nor bnd, blending perfectly with the aroma of the grains.

  The eggs were just simple boiled eggs. He usually didn’t like them, but feeling their warmth in his hands, he peeled one anyway.

  Hmm, not as bad as he expected.

  —

  On a weekday, the subway was so packed that there was barely any room to stand.

  By the time Su Yumian squeezed her way out, she almost felt like she was going to be fttened. Luckily, she was quick on her feet and managed to escape unscathed.

  She had registered her name during her st visit to the professor’s house, so this time, the security guard let her through directly.

  When she rang the doorbell, however, it wasn’t the professor who answered.

  A young man looked at her and let out a surprised “Oh!”—as if suddenly remembering something. “It’s you?”

  He Songcheng had come to collect some materials. Hearing the doorbell, he had gone to open the door, and the moment he saw Su Yumian, she looked oddly familiar.

  Then it clicked—he had seen her outside the university gate that day. She had rushed over, grabbed him, and anxiously asked about the professor’s health, looking as if she was about to cry.

  Su Yumian was momentarily stunned before recognizing him as well. Just as she was about to speak, a voice called from inside—

  “Is that Yumian?”

  He Songcheng stepped aside to let her in.

  “Professor.”

  She carried a box of water chestnut cakes she had bought on the way, slipped off her shoes at the entrance, and stepped inside.

  “You’re just in time,” Ouyang Wenqiu said, adjusting her reading gsses. “I’m sorting through some materials—come help me check if I’ve found the right ones.”

  Su Yumian set down her things and walked over. On the table y a fully English book on gene sequencing, an advanced topic in bioinformatics.

  “You have a good memory. I remember there’s a book in this series specifically about genetic testing, but I can’t seem to find it.”

  Su Yumian didn’t have a photographic memory, but she tended to remember key points well.

  She had just skimmed through that book in the library two days ago. Her eyes scanned the bookshelf, and soon, she spotted it. “Professor, is this the one you’re looking for?”

  Ouyang Wenqiu gnced at the cover. “Yes, yes! That’s the one! You’re sharp—I’ve been searching for ages, and it was right in front of me…”

  Then she turned to He Songcheng. “Songcheng, take this book along with these research papers. It should be enough for reference. If you need more, let me know.”

  “Thank you, Professor.”

  He Songcheng accepted them.

  He was currently working on his graduate thesis and had come over early upon hearing that Professor Ouyang had the original copies of some important references.

  Then Ouyang Wenqiu remembered to introduce the two. “Yumian was my student before, and soon, she’ll be my student again.”

  He Songcheng was briefly stunned before realizing, “You’re applying for her graduate program?”

  The professor chuckled, then turned to Su Yumian. “He’s He Songcheng, a second-year grad student preparing for his Ph.D. He’s also reviewing these days—you two can keep each other company.”

  Su Yumian nodded slightly. “Hello, senior. I’m Su Yumian.”

  So she was also one of Professor Ouyang’s students. Realizing this, He Songcheng took out his phone and added her on WeChat.

  “That’s great! We can study together at the library and discuss academic questions.”

  After chatting for a bit, He Songcheng had to leave for css.

  Su Yumian then took out the water chestnut cakes, pting them in the kitchen.

  Seeing them, Ouyang Wenqiu beamed. “It’s been so long since I had these! You went out of your way to buy them?”

  The ones from East City’s old shop were famous but notoriously hard to get.

  Su Yumian didn’t mention that she had waited in line for nearly an hour. “I just happened to pass by and picked some up.”

  “You don’t have to go out of your way next time. Just bring yourself! The house has everything, and that shop is far and always crowded.”

  Su Yumian hugged the elderly professor’s arm, acting pyfully. “It’s not far—it’s quick.”

  The professor patted her head. “Alright, no more acting cute. I have two sets of exam questions for you. Go work on them.”

  “You didn’t just call me over to make me do practice tests, did you?” She pouted dramatically.

  “Less talking, more studying,” the professor said with a smirk.

  “Got it, I’ll start now.”

  Watching her energetic figure, Ouyang Wenqiu smiled warmly.

  —

  She spent the entire day at the professor’s house, even making a hearty dinner before leaving in the evening.

  That night, while reviewing at home, Su Yumian’s phone buzzed.

  He Songcheng: Going to the library tomorrow? Wanna go together?

  Su Yumian thought for a moment before replying: Sure. See you tomorrow.

  —

  The next morning, when she arrived at the library, she immediately spotted He Songcheng waiting by the entrance.

  “Have you eaten? I brought you breakfast.”

  Since he had passed by the cafeteria on the way, he had picked up an extra meal.

  Su Yumian thanked him and quickly ate the bun and soy milk before the two headed inside together.

  He Songcheng had already reserved seats on the second floor. As the elevator doors opened, Su Yumian was about to step inside when someone suddenly rushed forward, squeezing in ahead of her.

  It was Shi Muxi and her roommate.