Time flew by, and before they knew it, late August had arrived. Since the journey was long, the siblings set off days early to enroll at Augustus College in the capital.

On their departure day, the entire town gathered to see them off. Amid gongs, drums, and warm blessings, Ouyang Tao and Ouyang Xue began their academic journey.

Aboard the maglev train to the capital, Ouyang Xue was slightly excited. With her Augustus College student ID, she could ride for free—and naturally chose a first-class soft sleeper compartment to try something new.

Unlike her last trip—when she’d saved money by buying a standing ticket and squeezed like a sardine among crowds—this cabin was a cozy, climate-controlled space. Their double room was spacious: two fold-down beds, a nightstand and foldable table by the window, a service bell, a mini-fridge by the door, a wall-mounted TV, and even a tiny shower. Everything was perfectly equipped.

The moment they entered, Ouyang Xue kicked off her shoes and rolled onto the bed. Finding it delightfully soft, she started bouncing happily. "Wow! Brother, it’s so soft and bouncy!"

"Heh, look how thrilled you are," Ouyang Tao said warmly. He stowed their luggage, sat quietly, and smiled as he watched his sister.

After bouncing awhile, Ouyang Xue opened the nightstand. Finding it empty, she turned to the mini-fridge. "Brother, there are so many drinks! Can I have one?"

"Mm, but only the ones without price tags are free."

"Got it." She rummaged inside. "I’ll take orange juice. What about you?"

"Chocolate milk."

Ouyang Xue then settled down, humming softly as she sipped bottled juice and swung her legs, gazing out the window. This was only her second time leaving their small hometown. Unlike her nervousness during the entrance exams, she now felt free to marvel at the vast world beyond—a sight many villagers would never see in their lifetimes.

Ouyang Tao, by contrast, remained calm. Though he’d lost all memories of his past, he faintly sensed he’d experienced this before. Who was he once? Why did the accident happen? What life might he have lived without it? Those lost memories might never return, but he couldn’t stop wondering.

"Brother, what’s wrong? Are you upset?" Ouyang Xue’s voice pulled him back.

"Hm? No, I was just… heh, surprised I got accepted. And that I can stay with A Xue."

"Hehe, me too!" Ouyang Xue beamed, lowering her head. To her, "getting into Augustus College" and "staying with Brother" mattered equally. She’d once hesitated, fearing separation. It felt like a miracle they could still be together.

Silence filled the room as they basked in the quiet, tender moment.

Then Ouyang Tao ruined it. "But A Xue can’t stay with me forever, right?"

Ouyang Xue froze, blinking in confusion. "Huh? Why not?"

"Because you’ll marry someday, heh."

"What?! Brother, stop saying weird things! I’d never marry just anyone! Never!" Her face flushed crimson as she shook her head wildly, waving her hands.

He’d only meant to tease, but her reaction stunned him. "Alright, alright—even if you don’t marry, I’ll find a bride someday."

"What… how could you… No! I… hate this! Hmph!" Her emotions surged. She hurled the empty juice bottle at his face, then buried herself under the blanket.

"Uh… guess I overdid the joke," Ouyang Tao sighed. He recognized this—her signature move when angry.

To outsiders, Ouyang Xue was a fierce genius mage. But deep down, she was just a little girl who got upset, craved affection, and loved to pout.

After a while, he leaned closer. "A Xue, still mad?"

"Hmph!" came the muffled reply from under the covers.

"Come on, it was just a joke. I’m sorry, okay?"

"Hmph! I don’t believe you."

When coaxing failed, he turned stern. "If you don’t come out now, I’ll get angry."

"Guh…" A pause. "Be angry then. I’m… not scared of you."

"Really? I’ll count to three. Then I’m spanking your bottom."

"You… you wouldn’t dare!"

"One… two—"

"Ah, fine! I surrender!" She popped out, sitting straight but pouting. "Meanie. You always use that trick…"

For Ouyang Tao, her emergence meant victory. "Heh, don’t be mad. I was wrong to joke. A Xue’s so understanding—she’ll forgive me, right?"

"Mm… I’ll… barely forgive you." She was only 30% angry; the rest was playful acting. His sincere apology made her shy. "But as compensation, I want yummy food!"

"Deal. Lunch at the dining car—my treat."

"Yay! Brother’s the best!" Her bright smile warmed his heart. In moments like this, he felt those forgotten years didn’t matter. Only the present counted.

Still, he missed why she’d truly been upset.

"...We’re not even blood-related," Ouyang Xue muttered softly.