"Go out? Where to?" Shu Yuxin repeated instinctively.

She wasn’t sure if this was just a routine club activity—but Yan Zhikai actually offering to pay? That surprised her.

If it really was a club trip, with so many members… was he *that* loaded?

"Mm," Yan Zhikai nodded, confirming her guess. "It’s for us club members to hang out, bond a bit, get to know each other. You can suggest the spot—we’re thinking amusement park for now."

Peng Xiaoxiao shot her hand up, eyes sparkling. "I vote amusement park! Are we going to Lighter Paradise Park?"

"Mm."

"Yes! I’ve heard Lighter Paradise Park in Minghai City is amazing. Let’s go there!"

Peng Xiaoxiao seemed unusually excited. Shu Yuxin studied her a moment, then asked hesitantly, "Aren’t any of you going home?"

"The National Day holiday’s eight days long!" Peng Xiaoxiao leaned in, grabbing Yuxin’s hand. "Even if you go home, you wouldn’t stay cooped up all week—that’s boring! You don’t wanna just stay home, right?"

Shu Yuxin hesitated.

Truth was, she *had* planned to go home. She was basically a homebody. Back in middle school, holidays meant staying indoors—almost always. Only once did she go out: junior high third year, an anime convention in their city with classmates. Small event, but fun.

Deep down, she *did* want to go out… but only with close friends. Right now, only Jiang Zixuan and Peng Xiaoxiao felt familiar. Others? Just acquaintances. She worried she’d feel stiff around them.

Noticing Yuxin’s uneasy expression, Peng Xiaoxiao rushed to persuade her: "No way! Come with us! Eight-day holiday—staying home’s so dull. Go out for two days, *then* go home!"

Seeing Yuxin still wavering, she added, "Yuxin~! Please? If you skip it, I’ll be the only girl there… I’d feel awkward too. C’mon? Pretty please?"

Shu Yuxin paused. "Where… are you staying?"

"Hotel," Yan Zhikai answered without hesitation. "If it’s Lighter Paradise Park, I’ll book suites nearby."

"A hotel…" Shu Yuxin murmured softly.

If it’s a hotel… she’d likely share a room with Peng Xiaoxiao…

Late night. Quiet. Just the two of them…

A little thrill shot through her.

Humans were weird. Days ago, she’d shared a dorm room with Peng Xiaoxiao and two other girls for nearly a month—zero excitement. Maybe a tiny flutter that one night Peng climbed into her bed… but now? Just *imagining* a hotel room made her pulse quicken.

From that first shower as a girl—curiosity sending her to cloud nine—to now, where even bathing felt ordinary… she’d thought she’d fully accepted her new self. Her body. Other girls.

"Hmm… Zixuan, what about you?" After a beat, she turned to her best friend.

Jiang Zixuan spread his hands with a grin. "I don’t mind. Going home just means an empty house anyway."

"Is your place near Lighter Paradise Park? We could crash at yours," Yan Zhikai suggested, tilting toward him with a sidelong glance.

Jiang Zixuan shot him a look. "Nice dream. Sorry—my place is in Wu’an District."

Wu’an District was where Shu Yuxin lived too, at Minghai City’s northern tip. Yunhai District—home to Nanhu College and Lighter Paradise Park—sat at the southern end. The two districts faced each other across the entire city.

Yan Zhikai clicked his tongue. "Fine. Guess I *have* to foot the bill."

Peng Xiaoxiao kept her eyes locked on Shu Yuxin. "You? In or out?"

"Ah… I’ll go if Zixuan goes," Shu Yuxin said slowly, nodding. "Staying home *is* kinda boring."

Peng Xiaoxiao cheered and patted her shoulder. "Yes! We’ll hit the haunted house together!"

Shu Yuxin froze mid-motion.

Jiang Zixuan noticed but smoothly shifted focus to Yan Zhikai. "How many people are actually going?"

"Not sure. Some haven’t decided about going home," Yan Zhikai shrugged. "Probably under ten. Only a few regulars hang at the club; others live far and leave early."

He ruffled his messy hair. "Fewer’s better—easier to organize. And cheaper rooms for me."

Peng Xiaoxiao chuckled. "The *second* part’s the real reason, huh? Why *are* you treating us? Do all clubs do this?"

"Definitely not. Ours just meets up during long breaks," he said. Paused. "Why I’m paying? Who knows?"

Before anyone replied, he checked his phone, gathered his things, and headed for the door. "Time’s up. Anything else—group chat. I’m off to study."

Only after the door clicked shut did Peng Xiaoxiao click her tongue. "Guess that’s what being rich looks like."

Shu Yuxin shot a sidelong glance at Jiang Zixuan, smiling beside her.

She almost said *he’s* rich too—but bit it back.

"No afternoon classes today?" Jiang Zixuan poured them water, casually changing topics.

"Nah. Schedule’s light these first weeks," Peng Xiaoxiao said. With a cheerful "heave-ho," she flopped onto the sofa. "Ahhh~ This sofa’s heaven! I wanna live here!"

"If you want, crash in Yuxin’s room. Her bed fits two," Jiang Zixuan said, handing cups over with a smile.

Peng Xiaoxiao fantasized two seconds—then shook her head. "Nah. Broke."

*Truth was, she didn’t wanna be a third wheel.*

Shu Yuxin sipped water and sat beside Jiang Zixuan. "How’s the dorm lately? Cheng Xiaonan hasn’t been bringing guys in again, has she?"

"Nope. I warned the dorm auntie—she’s been strict," Peng Xiaoxiao said, rolling onto her back with a frustrated sigh. "But I *really* can’t stand that bitch Cheng Xiaonan. Struts around like royalty daily. How do guys even fall for that?"

"She’s probably totally different around guys…" Shu Yuxin murmured.

The topic soured Peng Xiaoxiao’s mood. She wailed, kicking her legs midair. "Ugh—! Why’d I get *that* roommate?! I wanna move out too!"

After thrashing, she draped her legs over the sofa, lying limp like a lazybones. "Wish I were rich… without effort. Someone hook me up with a rich second-gen heir…"

Shu Yuxin gently nudged Jiang Zixuan toward her. "Here. Rich second-gen."

Jiang Zixuan: "…"

Peng Xiaoxiao blinked, stunned.

"Ahem—still game?" Jiang Zixuan swiftly pivoted. "Bought new releases recently. Wanna try?"

Peng Xiaoxiao bolted upright. "Yes! Show me!"

While they browsed games, Shu Yuxin finished her tea, set the cup down, and grabbed her package. "You play ahead. I need to change pants."

All that hesitation—her pant leg was nearly dry now.

After days of "renovation," Shu Yuxin’s room looked new. Larger than Jiang Zixuan’s, but only held a big bed and wardrobe. No space for more. So she’d bought a lap desk online and placed it on the windowsill.

The sill was wide—she could even sleep there with a blanket. Facing the balcony direction, it offered a nice view. She loved the spot, though sunlight sometimes stung.

After changing, she climbed onto the sill, set the package on the desk, and sat cross-legged facing the window.

Rain still poured. Though only 2–3 PM, the sky was pitch black. After staring awhile, she dialed her dad.

She’d call to say she wasn’t coming home for National Day.

The phone rang long before connecting. Then came that warmly familiar voice: "Yuxin?"

"Mm. Dad, I might not come home for National Day. Planning to go out with Jiang Zixuan and others for a couple days." Hearing his voice, a soft smile touched her lips.

"Not coming? Perfect—we were gonna call! We’re in Yuntao City. House is empty. If you go home, head to the old place." A pause. Her dad chuckled warmly. "Going out with friends is great! College is for making connections. These friends? Future networks in society…"

And just like that, his lecture flowed—networking, friends, social skills—the same old talk that had long bored her ears numb. She couldn’t squeeze in a word, only murmuring "Mm" or "Oh" while listening blankly.

She was pretty sure Dad had already forgotten why she called.