Mr. Shu chattered on for five or six minutes before finally pausing, giving Shu Yuxin a chance to slip in.

“I know, I know! I’ve got it all—no need to repeat. Making friends can’t be rushed. Building connections takes time.”

“As long as you know,” Mr. Shu sighed in relief. “Just reminding you. You’re heading out with Jiang Zixuan, right? Good. Someone to watch your back helps. Times have changed. You’re a young woman now—stay mindful. School’s unfamiliar territory. Don’t walk alone. Stick with friends. Avoid strangers. Money scammers are bad enough… but those who specifically prey on girls…”

“Ugh, I know, I know! I’m not that naive!” Shu Yuxin cut in quickly, sensing another lecture brewing. “I’m not a kid. Jiang Zixuan and I will stick together—it’ll be fine, right?”

“Alright, alright. Just stay safe,” Mr. Shu relented, dropping the long speech. “Um… enough money on hand? Need a transfer?”

“Plenty. No need.”

“Good, good. Anything else?”

“Nope. Hanging up now.”

“Take care of yourself over there.”

…

After the call ended, Shu Yuxin checked the log and let out a slow breath.

Since middle school began, family calls had always been like this. Fewer chances to go home, less time, and she rarely initiated calls. Conversations grew scarce—so her family cherished these moments. Though they repeated the same warnings endlessly, really, they just wanted to hear her voice a little longer.

Shu Yuxin understood. She understood many things—she just never knew how to respond.

She tucked her phone away, climbed down from the windowsill, and returned to the living room. Jiang Zixuan and Peng Xiaoxiao were still deep in the new games. Some were unfamiliar even to him, so he played with quiet focus.

Peng Xiaoxiao sat cross-legged on the sofa, watching. Spotting Shu Yuxin, she waved. “Why’d changing pants take so long? Come play! This one’s fun.”

“Family call,” Shu Yuxin sat beside her, tilting her head with a smile. “Why not the activity room? Only one PS here—taking turns is fun?”

Peng Xiaoxiao leaned back slightly and stretched lazily, no care for appearances. “Activity room was empty. Wei Zhanpeng had back-to-back classes. Playing solo’s boring. Heard Yan Zhikai was coming here, so I tagged along.”

She added with a grin, “It’s livelier.”

Shu Yuxin nudged her shoulder teasingly. “You’ve been hanging close with Wei Zhanpeng lately?”

“Crushing him’s too satisfying,” Peng Xiaoxiao lit up. “Listen—he bragged about 200+ hours in *Forza Horizon*. A few days later? I left him in the dust.”

Shu Yuxin shot her a sidelong glance. “You’ve played tons of racing games too.”

“Different! I mained *Need for Speed* before. *Forza*’s handling felt totally off at first. Took two days to adjust.” Peng Xiaoxiao hugged her knees, rocking slightly with a chuckle. “But *Forza*’s seriously fun. Try it—we’ll race together.”

“I’ll pass. Sim racers make me dizzy.” Shu Yuxin shook her head.

Peng Xiaoxiao didn’t push it, grinning to herself. “Wei Zhanpeng kept boasting about lap times. Yesterday? He never passed me once. So satisfying.”

“Ever consider… he let you win?” Jiang Zixuan chimed in during a gameplay pause, lips quirking faintly.

Peng Xiaoxiao froze, then muttered, “Doubt that guy has that much emotional intelligence.”

Jiang Zixuan just smiled softly and said nothing more.

Silence settled as all three sank into the game. Time slipped away. Blink—and it was 5:30 PM.

Rain still poured. The sky darkened heavily—without checking, you’d think it was 8 PM. Peng Xiaoxiao peered toward the balcony and sighed. “Ugh… this rain won’t quit…”

“No umbrella?” Shu Yuxin asked gently.

“I brought one, but braving this downpour back to the dorm? No thanks.” She groaned. “Ahhh—I wish I could rent off-campus too! Spacious, comfy… no more rain runs!”

“Work part-time, find roommates—rent in Weiyaers,” Jiang Zixuan set down his controller with a smile. “Yan Zhikai’s group does that.”

“Yan Zhikai?” Peng Xiaoxiao blinked. “He rents off-campus?”

“Yeah. Two floors down. Shares with Zhang Houlin. Didn’t he mention it?”

She shook her head. “Never said a word.”

Jiang Zixuan shrugged. “Some places here are cheap. Two splitting rent can manage with part-time work—though conditions aren’t great.”

“Easier said than done… jobs are hard to find,” Peng Xiaoxiao grumbled.

“Can’t help there.”

Shu Yuxin stared blankly at the TV screen.

Peng Xiaoxiao’s words stirred her thoughts. Without Jiang Zixuan’s help, she couldn’t have moved out either. If Peng Xiaoxiao knew she lived here rent-free… she’d be stunned.

But in return, Shu Yuxin had become his meal-time caretaker.

Hmm… speaking of which—wasn’t it time to prep dinner?

She checked her phone.

Just then, Peng Xiaoxiao asked, “Dinner plan? Ordering takeout? If yes, I’ll join. Stay later—no rush.”

Jiang Zixuan shot Shu Yuxin a knowing, faintly amused look.

Shu Yuxin froze, phone in hand, expression tight.

Truthfully, she didn’t want to reveal her role yet… Logically, cooking wasn’t strange without context. She knew that. But… it felt awkward. Embarrassing.

Yet ordering takeout would make her feel useless. Even if he didn’t mind, *she* would.

Ugh. So conflicted.

Noticing their silence, clueless Peng Xiaoxiao tilted her head. “What’s up?”

“Ah—nothing! What do you feel like eating?” Shu Yuxin snapped back.

Peng Xiaoxiao pulled out her phone. “Anything. Split an order? Treat ourselves?”

Shu Yuxin turned to Jiang Zixuan. “You?”

He paused thoughtfully, then flashed a mischievous grin. “Sliced potatoes.”

Shu Yuxin: “….”

Blatant hint.

“Sliced potatoes? You like that?” Oblivious Peng Xiaoxiao mused. “I do too, but nearby spots make them too thick—basically chunks.”

Jiang Zixuan chuckled meaningfully. “You just haven’t tasted the *real* good ones.”

“Oh? Someone makes them well?”

His gaze locked onto Shu Yuxin.

After a beat, Shu Yuxin rolled her eyes. “Fine. I’ll whip up a few dishes with what’s in the fridge. Skip takeout.”

She slid off the sofa, walked to the kitchen, tied on the apron hanging by the wall, and opened the fridge.

Peng Xiaoxiao’s face went blank. She watched, stunned, as Shu Yuxin gathered ingredients and vanished into the kitchen—then gasped.

“Holy crap! Yuxin, you *cook*?!”

“A little. Barely edible,” Shu Yuxin’s slightly helpless voice floated out. “Stay for dinner?”

Peng Xiaoxiao missed the nuance entirely. Thrilled like she’d found treasure, she bounced off the sofa and dashed over. “Of course! If you’re cooking, how could I refuse? Haha! I always pictured you as the delicate young lady type! Never expected this! You’re amazing, Yuxin!”

“Just don’t regret it when you eat.”

Shu Yuxin was too shy to admit she’d only started cooking recently.

Peng Xiaoxiao didn’t care. The fact alone fascinated her. She crowded close. “Need help? Slicing potatoes? I’ll do it!”

Though not an only child, Peng Xiaoxiao was the youngest—and only daughter—at home. Spoiled princess status meant kitchen time was rare.

But her heart genuinely wanted to help.

Alas, Shu Yuxin gently shooed her out moments later. “Go play. I’m begging you.”

Peng Xiaoxiao’s slicing technique was terrifying. Shu Yuxin watched with bated breath, fearing for her fingers.

…Though her own slices weren’t exactly perfect either.