Before arriving in Zhaoge, Su Wei had already learned much about the Royal Academy of Zhaoge. This place was more than just a university—it was a "holy site," a pilgrimage destination for scientists across generations.
Founded in 1256 AD, the Royal Academy of Zhaoge began as a modest imperial academy. Yet within its walls emerged countless innovators. What once taught poetry, literature, and etiquette gradually transformed into a comprehensive institution. Beyond core humanities, subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology were introduced. With the Age of Exploration, it became a global hub for researchers to exchange ideas. Thanks to the academy, the Grand Zhou Empire’s technology and national strength consistently ranked among the world’s best.
To be blunt: without the Royal Academy of Zhaoge, Grand Zhou would never have reached the world’s pinnacle. Now, Su Wei stood here—at this world-class institution—ready to begin her journey. Silently, she vowed: though she had no cheat codes or overpowered advantages, a diploma from this academy would let her choose any company she desired.
Zhaoge was eighteen hours ahead of Tianhai. While it was nearly 1 a.m. there, morning light already bathed Zhaoge at 7 a.m. Summer dawn glowed brightly at the entrance, where welcoming seniors gathered. Su Wei’s striking appearance instantly drew attention. A swarm of eager upperclassmen surrounded her—startling her.
“Freshman, what’s your major? I’ll take you!”
“Back off! Don’t scare her. Freshman, I’m from Student Union—follow me…”
“Get lost! Student Union? Pfft. Freshman, look at his shifty eyes—he’s trouble.”
Watching them fawn over her, Su Wei’s lips twitched. Spotting senior girls nearby with utterly unimpressed expressions, she walked over.
“Senior, could you show me the way?”
After a brief pause of surprise, the girl smiled warmly. “Of course.”
She took Su Wei’s hand, shot a provocative glance at the dejected boys, and strutted away proudly.
All the way, the senior chattered nonstop—prying into every detail, nearly digging up Su Wei’s entire family history. But Su Wei knew little about her own background, leaving little to share. The senior seemed slightly annoyed… yet tolerated it. After all, beauty is justice!
“Your dorm’s Building 9? Lucky you!”
“Is there something special about it?”
“Totally! Brand-new renovation this year. Rumor says it even has an on-site medical room. So jealous! Oh—how much was your tuition?”
“Uh… I don’t know.”
Su Wei offered an awkward smile. Honestly, this whole trip had been one cringe after another. No matter the question, she had zero answers.
“You’re such a scatterbrain,” the senior sighed, shaking her head.
She led Su Wei inside. A stout dorm aunt stood guard at the entrance, eyes sharp and wide—as if scanning for cross-dressing intruders. But seeing Su Wei, her expression softened instantly.
“Oh my, what a lovely girl! Show me your admission letter—I’ll pick you a good room.”
“Thank you, Auntie~”
Su Wei beamed. So good looks brought perks too!
The aunt glanced at the letter, paused slightly, then checked her screen.
“Computer Software Engineering? A girl in *this* major? You’ll go bald!”
“Uh… I think my family chose it.”
“Tsk.” She muttered something like *“Such a pretty girl—what a waste,”* then scanned the system.
“Dorm 316. Corner spot: quiet, near the fire exit, right beside security and medical offices. Perfect. One roommate’s already moved in—very pretty. Honestly? She kinda looks like Empress Mingde.”
Still talking, she handed Su Wei a key and student ID. “Key’s for your room. Remote, water, and power cards—I gave those to your roommate. This card gets 450 yuan monthly—enough for cafeteria meals. For supermarket runs, top it up yourself. Recharge station’s next to the canteen. Or use the machine on the first floor with your bank card…”
Su Wei memorized every word, thanked the aunt, then the senior.
“I won’t walk you in. Elevator’s on the first floor.”
“Got it! Thank you, senior—I’ll treat you sometime!”
“Deal! Let’s add friends.”
The senior pulled out her phone, opened the “ChuanYin” app. Su Wei fumbled with hers, found the same app—and froze. *99+ unread messages.* No time for this chaos. She quickly added the senior, then dragged her suitcase into the elevator.
“316…”
After circling past the medical office and security room, she found it. Through the semi-transparent door, she glimpsed three nurses and a doctor inside, four fully armed guards in the security booth. *This academy’s insane. Does a dorm really need all this?*
Well… it *was* the Royal Academy of Zhaoge. Excellence was expected.
She unlocked the door. Sunlight spilled in. And there—on the balcony—sat a girl of breathtaking beauty. One hand held a book; the other propped her chin. Silky hair cascaded like a waterfall. Fresh blooms adorned the balcony. Steam curled from a teacup on the round table. A scene too poetic for words.
Hearing the door, the girl glanced slightly toward Su Wei. That single look sent a flutter through Su Wei’s chest.
“…Hello. I’m Su Wei. I’m your new roommate.”
