In mid-September 2015, as the scorching heat persisted in London, the grueling military training for the freshmen at A University finally came to an end.
The once enthusiastic freshmen, filled with dreams and ambitions about university life, had their edges worn down under the blazing sun, their skin several shades darker after weeks of intense training.
On the evening of Sunday, September 14th, the School of Journalism and Communication held a freshmen orientation meeting.
As Rachel and her roommates arrived at the entrance of the school building, the setting sun painted the clouds in crimson hues, casting a soothing and lazy light on the lush green climbing walls. The tension accumulated from days of military training finally relaxed.
Passing by in small groups, students had traded their camouflage outfits for regular clothes, feeling a bit out of place. Yet, when they saw Rachel, they couldn't help but stop and admire.
"Rachel, you are stunning!"
"Way more beautiful than during training!"
"But why haven't you tanned at all? The heavens are biased!"
Rachel had a unique blend of coolness and sweetness in her appearance, with pale skin and distinctive bone structure, giving off an aloof vibe that made her seem unapproachable. Yet, her smiles and expressions exuded sweetness, making her highly recognizable.
During the past two weeks of military training, Rachel had gained some fame in her freshman class due to an elegant military pose photo, earning her the title of a little goddess. Despite the compliments, she politely smiled, not really affected by them.
As they reached the entrance of the building, a girl walked out from inside. Rachel's roommate Camila enthusiastically greeted, "Hi, Bailey!" Rachel looked up and saw a beautiful girl in a green dress, with delicate makeup enhancing her refined features and chestnut-colored French Barbie curls, adding a playful charm.
Camila introduced their group to Bailey, who greeted them warmly. When Bailey's eyes met Rachel's, a hint of awe flickered in her gaze, and she smiled generously.
Camila, leading them to the second-floor multimedia classroom, began gossiping. "I heard Bailey is now dating the campus heartthrob."
Ariana, curious about gossip, asked, "Who's the heartthrob? Who is it?"
Having been at the military base since the beginning of the semester, they had just returned to school and hadn't caught up on campus rumors. However, Camila, being active on the school forum, had all the latest news. She continued, "After the new freshmen arrived this year, a new round of selection began for the heartthrob, and last year's winner managed to retain the title. I heard he's a sophomore from the School of Economics and Management."
Rachel, gazing at the sunset outside, subtly caught a few key words:
Sophomore.
School of Economics and Management.
She paused briefly, a striking face suddenly appearing in her mind.
Camila sent a few links to the dorm chat group from the school forum: "New Heartthrob Chosen!"
Rachel's phone lay within reach. She tried to ignore it but ended up involuntarily clicking the link. On the page, she saw the top vote-getter: Brooke.
Accompanying the name was a photo depicting a tall, casually poised guy in a hallway, sunlight dancing on his face, exuding a self-assured and vibrant charm.
Seeing his name, Rachel's mind momentarily blurred. Back when she was choosing universities after high school, Brooke's face in the university's promotional video had caught her attention, influencing her decision to attend A University.
She should have realized he was a prominent figure on campus.
The dean and class advisors began their speeches, outlining the academic schedule and emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities, taking the stage, and upholding social responsibilities in university life.
As Camila briefed them in the dorm chat about the heartthrob's background, Rachel subtly tried to switch her focus back to the lecture, turning her attention away from the phone screen and her wandering thoughts.
After the meeting ended, many students gathered around teachers and senior students to chat and exchange contact information. Rachel also joined them in adding contacts.
Turning around, she spotted Bailey approaching. For some reason, Rachel instinctively turned away, pretending not to see her, but Bailey approached with enthusiasm, complimenting, "You're really beautiful, freshman. I've heard about you already."
Rachel's lips curved in a subtle smile. "Thank you, senior."
London's transition from summer to autumn had no specific date, with this year's summer notably prolonged. Exiting the school's south gate, Rachel felt the warm night breeze on her face, still carrying a hint of heat.
Suddenly craving watermelon, she liked it chilled.
There was a fruit store near the south gate where she could get some.
As her roommates headed back to their dorm, Rachel rode her bike alone down the dim main road, heading south.
She tried to blend in with the group, but often found solace in solitude, enjoying the freedom and tranquility it offered.
At the fruit store near the south gate, Rachel bought a half-chilled watermelon. The owner helped cut and pack it in two boxes, as Rachel took out her phone to pay.
Just after she finished the transaction, a call came in, displaying the name: Savannah.
Rachel answered, hearing a warm and caring voice on the other end: "Rachel, is the military training over? When are you coming home? Madelyn will make some delicious food for you when you come back."
Feeling warmth in her heart from Savannah's voice, Rachel softly replied, "Yes, Mom. The semester is starting officially. I'll come back during the National Day holiday."
Savannah is her mom's bestie, a woman who, despite no blood ties, became like a second mom to her. She's been spoiling her with gifts since birth. When Rachel's mom passed away, Savannah couldn't bear to see her in distress. Eventually, she brought her to her home in London, using her connections to help her transfer schools. She has a son, a bit older than Rachel, named Brooke.
In this world, Savannah was one of the closest people to her.
Savannah inquired about Rachel's adjustment at school and her relationships with her roommates.
Rachel assured her everything was fine and reminded Savannah to take care of herself.
Lastly, Savannah unexpectedly asked, "Have you seen your brother at school? He came home over the weekend, and I asked him to bring you something. Did he give it to you?"
Not wanting to worry Savannah too much, Rachel nodded absently, answering, "Yes, he did."
Savannah seemed satisfied and chuckled, "That boy can be reliable when he wants to be. Okay, if you need anything at school, just ask your brother, alright?"
Rachel replied with a soft "Yes."
Unless absolutely necessary, she would avoid contacting him.
Ending the call, she leisurely rode back to her dorm.
In the female student dormitory at A University, the ground floor served as a bicycle parking area, divided by numerous columns into hidden corners.
As the night deepened, only the swaying shadows of trees and the continuous chirping of cicadas remained.
Couples were embracing and kissing in the dim corners, veiled in ambiguity.
As Rachel found a spot, parked her bike, and secured it, she looked up and recognized a familiar figure.
A tall guy stood lazily under the corridor, one hand in his pocket, the dim light elongating his shadow, with a girl leaning against him.
Even though his face wasn't fully visible, his smooth contours and sharp features hinted at a sense of superiority and arrogance.
Rachel recognized him and recalled Savannah's mention of him bringing her something.
Just as she was about to approach, she heard a blurry female voice ask him, "Where did you go tonight?"
Brooke's tone was lazy, "What? Checking up on me?"
Rachel suddenly realized he wasn't alone.
She pretended not to have seen anything, and as she looked away, she caught a glimpse of the girl's red clothing.
Wanting to confirm, she peeked inside, seeing the vibrant red crop top alongside denim shorts, revealing a fair waist and long, polished legs.
Seductive and alluring.
The girl had her back to Rachel, her face hidden in the dark corner, only her fingertips teasingly visible through the thin fabric.
With the moonlight lingering, obscuring half of his face, Brooke occasionally glanced at the girl, murmuring an affirmative "Hmm," smiling and exuding a hormone-laden nonchalance that seemed aloof yet libertine.
Just based on that devilishly handsome face, he could make any girl's heart race and cheeks blush.
She distinctly remembered his girlfriend tonight was wearing a green dress.
Recalling Camila's words, she thought about his notorious reputation as a playboy.
Rachel took the bag of fruit from her bike basket, lifted her gaze for one last look, finding Brooke still portraying his carefree demeanor.
Internal ripples surged within Rachel, much like tossing a stone into water. Her gaze, which she hadn't managed to shift away, was accurately captured by him.
In a moment of bewilderment, she pretended to be composed, gradually averted her attention, and tried to act as if she hadn't noticed anything.
The next moment, she turned around swiftly and decisively.
As she watched the girl move away with lighter steps, Brooke lowered his gaze to look at the item in his hand, raising an eyebrow slightly.
Shouldn't she run or something?