"Hm?" Jiang Yihuai raised an eyebrow.

  "Do you dare to save my fingerprint in the lock?" Shi Muxi pointed at the door's lock, her face filled with grievance, like a little puppy that had been wronged. "I've waited for you at the door so many times! Look—my hands, my legs—one, two, three... so many mosquito bites. Do you really have the heart to let me get bitten like this again?"

  Jiang Yihuai: "I don't."

  "Yay!" Shi Muxi jumped up excitedly. "Actually, I did it on purpose! I just wanted to save my fingerprint so I can come see you anytime I want!"

  The man chuckled. "You're still like a child..."

  Jiang Yihuai saved her fingerprint.

  Thinking about the millet porridge she specially brought today and the red bumps on her hands and legs, he reached into his pocket. "This is my secondary card. The spending limit is 100,000 per month. Buy yourself something nice."

  Shi Muxi bit her lip nervously. "No, no... How can I take your money?"

  "A woman spending a man's money—it's only natural."

  "Is that so..."

  "Just take it. Don't feel burdened."

  "Then... alright!" Shi Muxi's eyes sparkled. "I'll bring you more millet porridge tomorrow!"

  Jiang Yihuai waved his hand. "No need."

  It didn’t taste right. No matter how many times he ate it, it wouldn’t be the same.

  —

  After a full day of studying, Su Yumian parted ways with He Songcheng outside the library.

  He Songcheng, known for ranking first in both rounds of his postgraduate entrance exams, was experienced in preparing for exams. He even marked some key points for her.

  Su Yumian had originally wanted to treat him to a meal, but he got a call from his roommate and had to leave early. They agreed to study again the next day.

  The June heat was intensifying.

  Feeling the wave of warmth hitting her, Su Yumian went home and turned on the air conditioner, finally feeling alive again.

  She opened the fridge, pnning to make garlic broccoli, stir-fried asparagus with pork, and corn rib soup.

  No matter what, she wouldn’t mistreat herself.

  No matter what, she wouldn’t let her stomach suffer.

  Just as she finished cooking, she heard a faint noise outside the door. Thinking it might be Shao Wenbai returning, she opened the door but saw no neighbor—just the cleaning dy.

  "Miss? Do you need something?"

  Su Yumian shook her head. "No, it's nothing."

  The next day, she arrived at the library at the agreed time. She brought breakfast for He Songcheng. Since he didn’t let her pay for his breakfast yesterday, it was only fair to return the favor.

  He Songcheng scratched his head, clearly not used to this. "T-Thanks. You’re too kind."

  Su Yumian sat by the window, her usual spot. The light was great, and it was quiet—perfect for studying. What she didn’t expect was to see Shi Muxi there.

  Today, she had come alone.

  Su Yumian didn’t know if Shi Muxi had deliberately chosen this spot, nor did she care. She calmly took out her books and papers and started working through practice problems. On the other hand, Shi Muxi, sitting nearby, seemed distracted. She kept gncing toward Su Yumian.

  Su Yumian acted as if she didn’t notice, flipping through her book occasionally. Her serious expression carried a quiet beauty.

  Even Shi Muxi had to admit—at this moment, Su Yumian was breathtakingly beautiful. Maybe this was why Jiang Yihuai couldn't forget her, even after their breakup?

  Shi Muxi tightened her grip on her pen, remembering that day in the haunted house—when Jiang Yihuai left her behind and ran to Su Yumian without hesitation.

  He was really panicked.

  Before, she had no right to interfere. But now, she was Jiang Yihuai’s official girlfriend.

  She couldn’t lose.

  —

  He Songcheng had been preparing for his PhD exams since his first year of graduate school. He had developed an effective study routine. Under his guidance, Su Yumian’s efficiency improved significantly.

  By noon, she had completed two full sets of exam papers. When He Songcheng graded them, he was surprised to find that her accuracy was as high as 95%.

  He had heard that she graduated three years ago and had only recently picked up her studies again.

  This is… insane!

  No wonder Professor Ouyang valued her so much.

  Su Yumian had no idea what he was thinking. She got up to go to the restroom. Seeing this, Shi Muxi immediately followed. "Wait."

  Su Yumian turned around, unsurprised to see her. "Something wrong?"

  "Last night, I brought him millet porridge. He really liked it—finished every drop."

  Shi Muxi smiled, revealing two dimples. "Not only that, Huai-ge even… let me stay the night."

  "I never knew he could be so rough yet passionate. I barely slept at all."

  She spoke suggestively, lowering her gaze, her eyeshes trembling—pying the part of a woman who had just been thoroughly loved. Su Yumian felt a sting in her heart. Her breath caught in her throat.

  "Jealous?" Shi Muxi whispered near her ear. "Regret it? Too bad. You missed your chance."

  Unexpectedly, Su Yumian smiled. Looking straight at Shi Muxi, she spoke slowly and clearly, "how do you know… you're the only one he's done this with?"

  Shi Muxi’s face turned pale.

  Su Yumian continued, her tone indifferent, "for all you know, you're just one of many. And definitely not the st."

  Without waiting for a response, she brushed past her and left.

  After finishing the st question, He Songcheng realized the seat next to him had been empty for a long time. He picked up his phone, about to send a message, when he saw Su Yumian walking back.

  Turning his head, he noticed her pale face. Concerned, he asked, "Are you okay? Do you feel unwell?"

  Su Yumian dug her nails into her palm, forcing herself to calm down. She shook her head. "I'm fine. Maybe it’s just the heat. Let's continue."

  He Songcheng: "Alright."

  By 5 PM, their study session ended.

  Remembering the missed dinner from the day before, He Songcheng suggested, "I heard a new hotpot pce nearby is really good. Want to check it out? My treat."

  Su Yumian stood there quietly.

  Others wouldn’t notice, but she knew—her thoughts had been wandering all afternoon.

  Hearing his invitation, she apologized, "Sorry, I’m not feeling well today. Next time?"

  He Songcheng didn’t mind. "No problem. I’ll treat you another time."

  —

  Back home, Su Yumian colpsed onto the couch, drained.

  The little goldfish in her tank had grown quite a bit. Bubbles rose from its mouth as it swam around. Watching it, drowsiness crept over her.

  When she woke up again, the sky was completely dark. Grabbing her phone, she saw it was already 8 PM. No wonder she felt hungry. Slipping on her slippers, she headed to the kitchen—only to remember that she had run out of groceries.

  She had pnned to go shopping that afternoon but had completely forgotten. Since the supermarket was still open, she grabbed her keys and left. There weren’t many vegetables left, but the seafood section still had fresh fish and shrimp.

  She picked out a bck fish and suddenly craved sour soup fvor, so she walked to the seasoning aisle.

  Just as she reached for a pack of pickled mustard greens, her fingers brushed against a warm hand.