After the welcome party, the students of H University enjoyed a seven-day break for National Day.
That very night, after much persuasion from his three persistent friends, Leon Chen agreed to join Lily Lin's dormitory group for a meal at "Four Seas," a moderately upscale restaurant.
Seeing his friends dressed to the nines, Leon couldn't help but find Michael Fang's matchmaking demeanor rather amusing.
"Oh, by the way, we've invited a stunning beauty to join us. Hope you don't mind," his three friends exchanged mischievous glances.
"Since you guys invited her, I have no objections," Leon replied, though he had a bad feeling about it.
A while later, Lily Lin and her three dorm mates arrived.
Having met briefly at the welcome party, introductions were easier this time. Yet, Daniel Zhang and Michael Fang kept praising how Lily Lin and Michael were a perfect match, making Lily blush like a red apple. Leon quickly told them to stop joking around and to sit down and order.
Just then, Michael received a text message. He looked up and said to Leon, "Our stunning guest seems to be lost. Could you go fetch her?"
"Shall I go instead?" Cynthia asked with a blink.
"No need. Let Leon play the host…"
"Who is it? Why the mystery?" Leon asked.
"You'll see. You won't be disappointed," Michael said with a grin.
Leon walked to the entrance. Even before reaching the stairs, he saw a beautiful girl turning heads wherever she went.
She carried a delicate handbag and wore a light blue pleated skirt that fell just below her knees. The tailored fabric accentuated her graceful curves with a hint of shyness. Her fair skin seemed even more luminous against her outfit.
It could be said that her beauty was as natural and unadorned as a lotus blooming from clear water.
Serena Su!
Leon was stunned.
Upon seeing Leon, Serena's wandering gaze settled.
She greeted him with a charming smile.
Leon was puzzled: How did Michael manage to invite Serena?
"Hi," Serena's sweet voice greeted him as she approached.
Leon smiled, "I didn't expect it to be you."
"Am I not welcome?" Serena teased.
"Of course not. You look stunning, Serena," Leon complimented sincerely.
In Leon's eyes, Serena could easily be considered the school's top beauty. However, she never made a show of her looks or sought attention. He remembered Michael joking that if there were to be a perfect couple in the Computer Science Department, Leon and Serena would undoubtedly take the crown.
Both gave off the same low-key, serene vibe.
Seeing Leon bringing a girl, Celia and the others were momentarily taken aback.
Michael and the others chuckled while Leon gave them a disdainful look before making introductions.
Once seated, the group started chatting. Leon, Serena, and Lily were naturally the quiet listeners.
They discussed various topics, from national news to the university's culture and recent events. Michael spoke passionately, making the girls from Lily's dorm nod in agreement.
Daniel and the eldest among them weren't as enthusiastic, chatting casually over beers. Leon's attention, however, was on Lily. Sitting beside her, Serena occasionally whispered something to Lily, making the two beautiful girls a delightful sight.
"I recently met Isabella Xiang, the belle of the Computer Science Department. She's truly stunning," Cynthia suddenly said with admiration.
At the mention of Isabella, the group shared a knowing look.
"Of course, Isabella is on par with Grace Wang," someone commented.
"Indeed, Isabella is one of H University's 'Four Beauties,'" Michael said, listing them as if reciting a litany.
"What's the 'Four Beauties'?" they asked, curious.
"Cool beauty Isabella Xiang, stunning beauty Grace Wang, seductive beauty Sienna, and exceptional beauty Moonlight," Serena explained. "
"Didn't expect you to know so much about this, Serena," Leon said, as he wasn't very interested himself.
Serena smiled faintly, "It's not just men who care about beauties."
"I'd love to see them," Celia fantasized.
"That's difficult. Even after a year at H University, apart from our class monitor, I've barely seen the other three beauties," Michael lamented.
Cynthia was intrigued, "H University is so profound. In Europe, I've never heard of such a thing."
"That's nothing. The campus newspaper is full of news and gossip. There used to be a top ten beauties list, but it was too outdated and got replaced," Michael explained.
"Does Isabella have a boyfriend? She seems so cold. I wouldn't dare approach her," Cynthia sighed.
Everyone else could relate to that sentiment.
"No man has dared to pursue Isabella," John nodded.
"Yeah. Just looking at her eyes makes you feel like she can see right through you. It's intimidating," Daniel added.
Michael agreed, "Leon, what do you think?"
"She's okay," Leon recalled Isabella delivering a message for the student council. To him, Isabella just seemed cold on the outside.
"You guys are lucky," Cynthia chuckled. "Leon, don't be a heart breaker."
"Not possible," Leon laughed.
After leaving the restaurant, it was quite late.
Michael suggested going to karaoke, but Lily looked tired. Leon, knowing she wasn't used to spending much time with other men, didn't say anything and let Celia and Wendy take her back to the dorm. Cynthia decided to go to karaoke.
Leon expected Serena to make an excuse to leave as well. He didn't think she would enjoy the noisy atmosphere of a karaoke bar. Surprisingly, Serena didn't refuse and even sang a few songs, impressing everyone with her professional-sounding performance.
After a while at the karaoke bar, Leon stepped outside to get some fresh air and received a few texts about Lily.
"Hey, whispering sweet nothings?" A gentle voice drifted into his ear.
Serena approached, bringing with her a delicate fragrance.
"No. I'm not good with sweet talk," Leon smiled.
"That won't do. Even the shyest girls love to hear caring words from someone they like," Serena teased. "Did something happen between you and Lily?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Because I noticed you two kept a deliberate half-meter distance. It seemed intentional," Serena's eyes were as clear as spring water.
Leon admired her keen observation. "Are girls always this perceptive?"
"Maybe…" Serena gazed into the distance, her eyes reflecting a myriad of unspoken thoughts. Leon couldn't help but want to understand her better.
But in the end, he just nodded quietly.
He remembered a saying: A girl's thoughts are unfathomable...