Cheng Lu wasn't upset that Xu Xiuwen hadn't replied to her messages or called her back. In fact, she sounded quite cheerful.
Xu Xiuwen felt even more apologetic. He hesitated for a moment, then said, "I'm sorry, Lulu."
He usually called her Cheng Lu; this was the first time he called her Lulu. Cheng Lu didn't find it odd. She smiled and said, "No need to apologize, I never said I was mad."
Xu Xiuwen acknowledged with a hum, refraining from offering any further explanation.
"I miss you, Lulu," he said tenderly.
Cheng Lu smiled, "I don't believe you..."
She paused and then continued, "Why is your mouth so sweet today? Tell me, did you do something to betray me?"
Xu Xiuwen deliberately sounded distressed, "Why can't you think better of me? Besides, the campus is deserted; what could I possibly do to betray you?"
Cheng Lu thought for a moment, realizing he had a point, and then laughed.
"Anyway, I don't care. You're my fool, and you must think of me every day, got it?"
Xu Xiuwen hummed in agreement, "Don't worry, you're the only one in my heart. I don't even glance at other girls."
"Sweet talker." Cheng Lu laughed again and then fell silent.
Xu Xiuwen almost thought the call had dropped. He checked and saw it hadn't. Just as he was about to ask, he heard Cheng Lu whisper, "I miss you too."
"What?"
"Never mind if you didn't hear it!" Cheng Lu laughed.
"Hehe, I heard you, you said you miss me."
"Fine, I admit it," Cheng Lu didn't deny, "I realized after coming back that I'm not used to not seeing you."
Xu Xiuwen laughed proudly, "Then why weren't you nicer to me at school?"
Cheng Lu retorted, "And you didn't like it?"
Xu Xiuwen chuckled, "I like it, of course I do. I like you however you are, especially without clothes, that's my favorite."
"You pervert!" Cheng Lu scolded, then added, "In your dreams. I'm not letting you see."
"If not now, eventually you will. When we get married, you won't be able to refuse."
Hearing the word "marriage," Cheng Lu fell silent.
She said softly, "Pig, I can't wait for that day to come."
A girl saying she hopes the day you marry her comes soon—Xu Xiuwen didn't know how other guys would react, but he was deeply moved.
He stayed silent for a few seconds before saying earnestly, "I can't wait to marry you either."
They chatted for a while longer before Xu Xiuwen found a reason to end the call.
…
Xu Xiuwen adjusted his mood and then opened Tang Weiwei's message. It was simple: "I'm home."
Just four words, with no additional content. Xu Xiuwen thought about sending a concerned reply but ended up calling instead.
Tang Weiwei answered quickly.
"Hello, this is Tang Weiwei." She always introduced herself this way, as if worried the other person might not know who she was.
"Weiwei, you're home?"
"Yes, just got home not long ago. What about you?"
"I'm still at school."
Tang Weiwei asked with concern, "Oh, couldn't you get a ticket?"
Sensing her worry, Xu Xiuwen laughed. He explained, "Don't worry, I'm taking a bus home. Even if I can't get a ticket, I can always take a taxi. It's not that expensive."
Tang Weiwei was reassured. Xu Xiuwen noticed her silence and asked, "Weiwei, have you seen your grandma yet?"
"Yes, I have."
"How is she?"
"She's in good health."
Tang Weiwei was always like this—answering whatever he asked, like an obedient child. Xu Xiuwen suddenly asked with a smile, "Did you ask your grandma if she's okay with you dating?"
Tang Weiwei blushed, stammering and unable to respond. Just then, her grandma called her from inside the house.
She breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said, "Grandma's calling me."
Tang Weiwei never hung up first; she always waited for the other person to end the call. Knowing her habit, Xu Xiuwen ended the call.
…
Xiao Youran's message asked him, "Did you go home today?"
This time, Xu Xiuwen didn't call but replied with a message, "There are some things at school; I can't go home just yet."
Xiao Youran replied immediately, "When will you be back? Tomorrow is the Little New Year, and then the New Year's soon after. If you don't come back, Aunt Ning will worry."
Seeing the words "Aunt Ning," Xu Xiuwen thought of his mother and sighed.
"I know. I'll resolve things as soon as possible and come home. I have some things to do, so let's talk later."
Next was Shen Minyao's message, informing him she had returned to Dalian. The message was sent in the morning, indicating she had arrived then.
Xu Xiuwen replied simply, "Glad you made it home safely."
Shen Minyao replied immediately with a short "Mm."
Then, Xu Xiuwen checked the messages from other girls, all telling him they had arrived home safely. He replied to each, "Glad you made it home safely."
After messaging the girls, Xu Xiuwen called his mom but couldn't reach her. He sent a message instead, saying he'd be home in a couple of days and not to worry.
Putting down his phone, Xu Xiuwen decided to take a nap to recharge.
He hadn't slept long when An Shishi returned with two packed meals. Xu Xiuwen put on his coat and joined her for dinner.
After dinner, they felt sleepy and fell asleep holding each other. Xu Xiuwen woke in the middle of the night, feeling refreshed. With a beautiful woman by his side, he didn't pretend to be a gentleman. He woke An Shishi, and they began making love, continuing until nearly dawn.
They slept until noon the next day. The winter sun shone through the window, waking Xu Xiuwen with a growling stomach. He saw An Shishi still asleep, her face tear-streaked, evidence of their passionate night.
Xu Xiuwen woke her up, and they dressed, washed, and went out to eat.
Since the same auntie was on duty, Xu Xiuwen didn't have to hide or make excuses. He left the girls' dorm openly, even greeting the dorm supervisor.
They went to a restaurant on East Street. After lunch, Xu Xiuwen didn't take An Shishi back to the dorm for more lovemaking; he had other things to do.