"Do you think if we take a photo of the buildings here, our brother could find us based on it?" Lin Wanning teased with a laugh as they entered University T.
"That sounds like a fun idea to try!" Li Qingxue was immediately intrigued by the suggestion and eagerly pulled Hu Yuying along to give it a shot.
Hu Yuying felt a flicker of anticipation in her heart—if Long Aotian saw that she’d come to visit him, would he be happy?
"Lower your phone a bit and shoot from below—it’ll make you look taller."
Hearing the voice, they instinctively turned toward the speaker.
Seeing it was a beautiful girl, Li Qingxue smiled and said, "Thank you."
Shen Mengjie wasn’t sure how to describe the expression on the girl’s face—perhaps it reminded her of the kind of pure, genuine joy she herself had once known.
This ethereal, cool-faced girl looked familiar.
Her gaze lingered longer on Hu Yuying.
Noticing she was being watched, Hu Yuying politely greeted, "Hello."Her voice was soft and sweet, carrying a gentle warmth.
Shen Mengjie paused for a moment before smiling back. "Hello."
It wasn’t just her imagination—there was something about this girl that faintly reminded her of Long Aotian...
"You’re not from University T, are you?"
The three shook their heads.
"I overheard you talking about taking a photo—would you like some help?"
Since one of them would have to be behind the camera, they couldn’t all be in the shot together. If possible, they’d prefer to appear in the same photo.
"Then thank you!" Li Qingxue beamed, her youthful energy radiating as her dimples peeked through, adding a touch of playful charm.
She happily handed her phone to Shen Mengjie and joined Hu Yuying and Lin Wanning.
"Thank you," Hu Yuying added softly, her eyes warm and sincere.
As the three stood together, even Shen Mengjie couldn’t help but stare for a second.
But she quickly composed herself, crouching down to take the photo.
"All done."
She returned the phone to Li Qingxue with a smile.
After admiring the photo, the trio thanked Shen Mengjie again.
"No need, it was nothing. Are you here to meet someone?" Shen Mengjie asked carefully.
"Yeah, my best friend’s boyfriend studies here."
"Qingxue!" Hu Yuying’s cheeks flushed pink as she lightly scolded her, signaling her to stop oversharing.
Hearing this, Shen Mengjie studied Hu Yuying more closely.
A memory surfaced—when she’d tricked Long Aotian into coming to the field, he’d once said, "She always says she’s the luckiest person in the world, but I’m the one who’s lucky to have her."
Now, seeing how easily flustered she was, it made sense.
"Long Aotian from the Sports Department."
"If it’s the Sports Department, they’re probably in specialized training right now. I can take you there—you might find him."
The three were surprised. In such a vast campus, they’d randomly met someone who actually knew where Long Aotian was.
Noticing their astonishment, Shen Mengjie smiled faintly. "I’m in the Sports Department too. Long Aotian is pretty well-known there, so that’s how I knew."
"Long Aotian is that famous?" Li Qingxue couldn’t hide her surprise.
"Yeah, he’s got a lot of friends." As she said this, she subtly pursed her lips.
Then her gaze returned to Hu Yuying. "Have you known Long Aotian for long?"
Realizing she might have sounded too eager, she quickly added, "Sorry, I’m just a little nosy and curious..."
Gossip and curiosity were things every girl indulged in—even Hu Yuying was no exception—so she just smiled. "It’s fine. We met back in our senior year of high school."
As they talked, Shen Mengjie led the three to the sports field.
Despite the crowd, Hu Yuying spotted Long Aotian instantly. Pointing excitedly, she turned to Li Qingxue and Lin Wanning. "Look, there’s Long Aotian!"
Li Qingxue, Lin Wanning, and even Shen Mengjie followed her finger before finally noticing him.
Under the afternoon sun, the young man stood on the basketball court, his loose jersey damp with sweat.
The ball spun in his hands as he pivoted, his movements swift and fluid. He dashed across the court, channeling raw power and speed.
A quick breakthrough, a smooth shot—swish!
As the ball sailed through the hoop, he raised a triumphant fist, his sweat-streaked face lit with a bright, dazzling grin.
"Long Aotian, go get 'em!!"
Hearing the cheer, Long Aotian turned. His eyes widened briefly before he grinned and waved, jogging toward the sidelines.
His back straight, his steps light, his gaze locked onto Hu Yuying with nothing but adoration.
"You came?"
Without thinking, he draped his jacket over her shoulders.
Hu Yuying gazed up at him, letting him fuss over her. Rising on her toes, she gently wiped the sweat from his forehead with her fingertips.
"Uh, hello? We’re still here too," Li Qingxue deadpanned.
"Brother," Lin Wanning chimed in.
"How’d you find me?" Long Aotian asked, ruffling Hu Yuying’s hair.
The three glanced around, but the girl who’d guided them was nowhere in sight.
"A girl from your department brought us here."
"Huh? She was just here a second ago."
"Maybe she left once she saw we found you."
"Bro, go shower already—you’re getting sweat all over Yuying’s head," Lin Wanning teased.
"I don’t mind. Long Aotian can do whatever he wants," Hu Yuying insisted. She really didn’t care—in fact, she liked it.
Sometimes when he held her while sleeping, his warmth made her sweat, but he never complained. Instead, he’d gently wipe it away for her.
So what did it matter? It was just Long Aotian being Long Aotian.
Taking Lin Wanning’s advice, Long Aotian led them to a bench near the dorm. "Wait here—I’ll be quick."
After making sure they were settled, he jogged off toward the dorm.
Watching his retreating figure from a distance, Shen Mengjie absentmindedly lifted a hand to her own hair, mimicking the way he’d touched Hu Yuying’s.
That vibrant, radiant version of Long Aotian—she’d never seen him like that around anyone else...
...