Little Sweetheart

Xia Zhijun returned this time, not alone, but with Lu Jiaye.

Since Xia Zhijun went abroad, although the two weren't in the same city, they were at least in the same country, so they interacted frequently. Thanks to his old friend's presence, Lu Jiaye managed to maintain a semblance of self-discipline and didn't completely flunk out of school. After muddling through for a few years, he finally graduated.

This was despite the fact that his peer, Xia Zhijun, had already published several noteworthy papers, achieved groundbreaking research results, and, based on his exceptional academic performance, become the fastest graduating doctoral student in recent years.

But Lu Jiaye had a good attitude. Just like when they were deskmates in high school, one was a top student in the entire city, a veritable academic god, while the other barely scraped by. Yet, he still enjoyed hanging out with Xia Zhijun.

He once said, "I don't care how good my buddy's grades are, they're always better than mine anyway." Zheng Peipei had scoffed at his shamelessness.

This time, the two returned to China, and Zheng Peipei and Gu Siyi went to the airport together to pick them up.

The day Xia Zhijun returned was just like the day he left: sunny and cloudless.

Zheng Peipei happily remarked, "Time flies, doesn't it? In the blink of an eye, your long-distance relationship is finally over."

Gu Siyi smiled. "Yes, it feels like it went by quickly."

These past few years, everyone had been busy with their studies. They had phone and video calls every day, and every month, they would fly across the ocean to see each other. Life was fulfilling and, as always, happy. Because of her frequent visits, Gu Siyi was very familiar with Xia Zhijun's life and social circle abroad. He had met several like-minded partners in the foreign country, and they had even dined together.

Although it wasn't as convenient or intimate as studying abroad together, seeing his increasingly outstanding academic achievements made her even happier.

Xia Zhijun and Lu Jiaye walked out of the arrival gate one after the other. Gu Siyi excitedly rushed forward and hugged Xia Zhijun.

Lu Jiaye tilted his head and looked at Zheng Peipei. "Hey, Tigress, don't I get a welcome hug too?"

Zheng Peipei snorted and glared at him.

Lu Jiaye shrugged helplessly. Suddenly, Zheng Peipei stepped forward, hugged him, and patted his back gently. "Welcome back, you goofball," she said.

Lu Jiaye froze.

Wait… Was he dreaming?

How could… how could this tigress hug him?

This was something that only happened in dreams… Where would he get such treatment in reality?

As the real warmth and genuine touch gradually registered, his heart began to pound faster and faster.

But Zheng Peipei quickly released him.

Lu Jiaye: "…"

Happiness came and went like a tornado.

Gu Siyi linked arms with Xia Zhijun, and the two walked out of the airport, leaning against each other.

Zheng Peipei and Lu Jiaye followed. Zheng Peipei said with mock annoyance, "You were all lovey-dovey with me when we came, but now that you have your boyfriend, I'm sidelined."

Lu Jiaye chuckled. "I can lend you my arm too, want it?"

"Get lost!" Zheng Peipei wasn't falling for that.

They left the airport, got into the car, and arrived at their hotel.

They then contacted their other friends and arranged a gathering to welcome the two gentlemen back from abroad.

After a lively dinner, Lu Jiaye organized a karaoke session.

As the door to the private room opened, a tall figure entered.

The boisterous noise quieted down. Su Han took off his mask, looked at Xia Zhijun and Lu Jiaye, and smiled. "I'm not too late, am I?"

Zhang Xinyi clapped her hands. "Wow! A big star has arrived!"

Gu Siyi was also surprised. "I thought you wouldn't have time to come. This is a pleasant surprise!"

Su Han smiled. "Now that we're all back in the country, we'll have plenty of opportunities to get together."

Su Han poured a few glasses of wine and handed them to Xia Zhijun, Lu Jiaye, and Zhou Xiao. "To you two, welcome back."

After clinking glasses, the four of them emptied their drinks in one gulp.

In the blink of an eye, they were all in their twenties, having transformed from boys to men.

Compared to before, they were taller and more composed. The youthful naiveté in their brows was replaced by the vigor of young men.

Gu Siyi glanced curiously at Zheng Peipei. Why was she staying quietly to the side, not clinging to Su Han now that he was here?

As everyone sat together, Zheng Peipei sat next to Gu Siyi, keeping her distance from Su Han.

Not only Gu Siyi, but everyone noticed the subtle atmosphere between the two.

When Gu Siyi went to the restroom, Su Han followed and stopped her halfway. "Dimple, can you do me a favor?"

"What's wrong?" Gu Siyi guessed it was related to Zheng Peipei.

Sure enough, Su Han said, "Peipei is upset with me and wants some time alone. Can you help me persuade her?"

"Persuade her about what…?"

"Trust me. I will work hard to give her a future."

Gu Siyi fell silent. As Zheng Peipei's good friend, she knew how difficult these years had been. Sometimes, she even wished they would break up, so Peipei could be free from worries and regain the carefree happiness she had in high school. But every time, after grieving, Peipei would stubbornly persist…

Gu Siyi looked at Su Han and said, "But, I endured three years of long distance with Zhijun. If you two are still going to rarely see each other and can't be open about your relationship, Peipei will be very sad…"

Su Han paused, then nodded. "I know."

Lu Jiaye noticed something was amiss between Zheng Peipei and Su Han, but he didn't ask or say anything.

Although… damn it, he didn't want to admit it, but he still had those uncontrollable feelings for Zheng Peipei.

But taking advantage of someone's vulnerability wasn't his style.

…

The next day, the graduation ceremony and degree conferral for Gu Siyi's undergraduate class was held with great fanfare.

Gu Siyi, as one of the student representatives, went on stage to speak.

Xia Zhijun sat in the audience, watching Gu Siyi, dressed in a bachelor's gown, smiling and speaking eloquently on stage.

The little girl had grown up; every gesture exuded maturity.

After Gu Siyi stepped down, she sat next to Xia Zhijun.

"Next, we invite Xia Zhijun, a representative of outstanding alumni, to speak."

Gu Siyi froze, looking at Xia Zhijun in astonishment.

Waves of screams erupted from the audience. When this class of students first entered the university, Xia Zhijun, the unrivaled campus heartthrob, was still around. His sweet relationship with Gu Siyi was also well-known.

Unexpectedly, three years later, at their graduation, they could still see the legendary figure.

The host eloquently introduced Xia Zhijun's academic achievements and his rapid development. With unparalleled speed and ability, he had conquered one challenge after another, becoming the youngest doctoral graduate from a top international university.

When Xia Zhijun walked onto the stage and stood under the spotlight, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch.

Gu Siyi: "…??"

Wasn't this her graduation ceremony? Why was this great god stealing the show?

But looking at him standing on the stage, so handsome and dignified, she couldn't help but smile.

Her phone's WeChat notification kept ringing. When she checked, it was full of congratulatory messages from classmates, mixed with envy and playful jealousy.

Xia Zhijun shared his experiences with the younger students. He didn't speak much, but his words were insightful.

Finally, as he was about to conclude, he said, "The most important reason I'm here today is to congratulate my friend, Gu Siyi, on the successful completion of her university studies." He paused, smiled, and said in a low voice, "I also congratulate myself on finally reaching the age where I can propose."

"Ahhhhhhh——"

"Why the sudden dog food?!"

"I'm going crazy, I'm going crazy—this great god is playing dirty—"

"Oh my god, the university owes me a boyfriend!!!"

As the crowd screamed and cheered, Gu Siyi's eyes widened, and she involuntarily raised her hand to cover her mouth, which was about to stretch into a wide grin.

But the crescent moons of her sparkling eyes betrayed her joy as she looked at the radiant figure on stage.

Amidst thunderous applause, Xia Zhijun returned to his seat beside Gu Siyi and took her hand.

Gu Siyi playfully complained, "You didn't even tell me you were going to speak…"

Xia Zhijun smiled and explained, "I ran into the university president today, and he informed me on the spot."

The host quipped, "For those who are still single after four years of university, is this a 10,000-point critical hit?"

A chorus of miserable groans echoed from the audience…

After the ceremony, thousands of undergraduate graduates bid farewell to their university and alma mater amidst laughter and joy.

Xia Zhijun brought his DSLR camera and acted as Gu Siyi's photographer, taking pictures of her in various corners of the campus.

Of course, on this special day, he didn't refuse to take group photos with her and her classmates.

After Gu Siyi took commemorative photos with her classmates, Gu Zhiyuan and Xu Jiahui also expressed their desire to have a picture taken together in their daughter's university. So, Xia Zhijun took photos of the family of three. Naturally, he and Gu Siyi also took photos together.

The day passed amidst laughter and joy.

After dinner, Gu Siyi's parents thoughtfully arranged their own itinerary, leaving the two of them to enjoy their time together.

Having attended university together and now having gone through three years of long distance, Xia Zhijun was, in Gu Siyi's parents' eyes, their definite son-in-law. Even if the two were to sleep together now, they would be happy to see it.

Gu Siyi and Xia Zhijun enjoyed a pleasant time together at the sky bar on the top floor of the hotel, sipping drinks, listening to music, and admiring the city lights.

Feeling the atmosphere was just right, Gu Siyi sat across from Xia Zhijun, took out a small gift box from her bag, and handed it to him.

"A gift for me?" Xia Zhijun asked.

Gu Siyi rested her chin on her hands, grinning at him. "Yes."

"What is it?" he asked again.

"You'll see when you open it." The smile on her face seemed unstoppable.

Seeing the excitement and anticipation in her eyes, Xia Zhijun didn't open the gift box immediately. With a smile playing on his lips, he said, "I'll keep it and open it tomorrow."

Gu Siyi complained, "How can you be such a killjoy? I give you a gift, and you don't even open it right away to show some appreciation."

He teased her deliberately, "Then tell me first, what did you get me?"

Gu Siyi: "No, no, you have to see for yourself."

Xia Zhijun laughed. "Actually, I have a gift for you too."

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