For a moment, Xiang Yu felt her heart filled with a mix of emotions—touched, bittersweet, confused, and expectant—simple yet complex. She looked at Lu Heng, noticing the tiny beads of sweat at his hairline. She couldn't help but smile at him, with a shyness and playful reproach that she herself didn't fully understand. Xiang Yu ran towards Lu Heng, light and joyful. She stopped in front of him, looking up and saying, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" But without waiting for his response, she took his arm, "Let's get something to eat. You haven't had dinner, have you?" Lu Heng's face turned red, and he leaned down, his forehead almost touching hers, "I missed you. Did you miss me?" Xiang Yu could hear her heart beating, her face hot but filled with joy. In two lifetimes, she never felt she had a true girlhood, but now, she recognized the joy in her heart—that secret, silent happiness. It was clear and unmistakable, the joy of a young girl she had never experienced before.
Xue Min saw Xiang Yu like this, filled with happiness, so different from her usual distant and aloof demeanor. Her eyes seemed more lively and expressive because of this joy, almost glowing. But she was holding someone else's hand, and her smile was for someone else. Xue Min looked self-mockingly at the bag in his hand. It contained sunscreen and some heatstroke medicine. He knew Xiang Yu wouldn't accept it, but he couldn't help but bring it to her. He had silently cared for her for many years, but she had never shown any interest in him. If he hadn't persistently pursued her, Xiang Yu might not even recognize him. What did it matter if he was outstanding, popular, or had many girls confessing to him? The one he liked didn't care for him at all. Xue Min felt dejected, but his face remained calm. Knowing he had no right, he still couldn't control himself and walked towards her. He intentionally approached Xiang Yu and called out, "What a coincidence, Xiang Yu. I was just looking for you."
Xiang Yu was momentarily stunned when she saw Xue Min and frowned slightly, "Mr.Xue, do you need something?"
"Not much, just some details about the club. I thought you might need these during the military training, so I bought you some things," he said, handing her the bag without looking at Lu Heng.
"No need, Mr.Xue," Xiang Yu said, pulling Lu Heng closer, "My boyfriend already took care of everything. Thank you. How about we talk about the club activities tomorrow?"
Xue Min felt a pang of bitterness, but his resilient nature made him act casual. "Alright, we'll discuss the details tomorrow. I already bought these, so take them as a spare. I'll leave now." He shoved the bag into Xiang Yu's hands and walked away before she could refuse.
Xiang Yu looked at Lu Heng, feeling a bit helpless. As expected, he seemed angry. "I know him," Lu Heng said before Xiang Yu could speak. "He was that famous senior student in school, right?"
Xiang Yu nodded, trying to soothe him, "Yes, he knows you're my boyfriend." She took his hand again, "What do you want to eat? I'm really hungry."
Because of the dormitory curfew, Lu Heng left after they finished eating. Xiang Yu watched him board the bus and waved goodbye.