We sat in silence for a while and Lie Yuanyun spoke up.
"So umm, how about you guys talk about yourselves. Your family and all that. I'll start.
My parents are both office workers and we basically have a comfortable life. I was able to attend this school because of a scholarship. I'm an only child. Errr what else what else, my birthday yes. My birthday is 9 April. I'm 18 years old."
Zhao Runchu went next
"I'm an illegitimate child"
There was a few seconds of silence. I couldn't help but speak up
"That's it?"
"Don't people particularly hate illegitimate children?"
I looked at Lie Yuanyun and he also looked confused
"No... Not really "
"I don't think a child should have to bare the consequences of their parents actions "
Mu Haoran smiled and patted him on the shoulder
"See, I told you not to think too much "
"So what else is there to know about you?"
"I have an older brother. He's okay. My stepmom, not so much. The old man doesn't care about me. I was born in January. On the 8th day. I'm also 18 years old. My family is a bit wealthy I guess. My dad stuffed me in here even though my score wasn't up to the limit"
"Then Mu Haoran you go next"
"My parents are also a little wealthy. I am an only child. I got in because my score was high enough so I didn't have to go through the back door. My birthday is 12 June. I am also 18 years old."
"Okay. It's my turn. I don't know if I mentioned, I have an older sister. My family is well off. I got in because I got a particularly high score. My birthday is 2 February. I'm 18 years old as well"
"So Zhao Runchu is the oldest, followed by me and Lie Yuanyun. Mu Haoran is the youngest. What about relationships? Are any of you in a relationship?"
They all echoed a bunch of nos and not yet's. I smiled
"I guess that means it's just me."
Lie Yuanyun leaned towards me with a gossipy expression on his face
"You're in a relationship? With who? Is she pretty? Does she go to this school?"
"First of all, it's a he. He graduated already. He's the most handsome man I have ever set my eyes on. The way he laughs, the way he talks, everything about him makes me go crazy"
There was a bout of oooooos and ahhhhhhhs
"Hey you're lucky. You already have someone. We're all single dogs here"
Amidst the teasing and laughing, the atmosphere in the room became more relaxed. Lie Yuanyun smiled. "Thanks for sharing, everyone. It's nice to know more about each other."
Zhao Runchu looked thoughtful, his expression softening. "I never thought about it, but I guess we all have our own struggles."
I leaned back in my chair, reflecting on our shared experiences. "We may come from different backgrounds, but we're all here now, we have to live together for four years so let's make this work."
The conversation flowed easily from there, with topics ranging from our favorite hobbies to our plans for the future. As we talked, I noticed the tension in Zhao Runchu's body easing, his responses becoming more open and honest.
Lie Yuanyun asked, "So, Zhao Runchu, what do you like to do in your free time?"
Zhao Runchu shrugged. "I don't really have any hobbies."
Mu Haoran chimed in, "That's not true! You're really good at video games, aren't you?"
Zhao Runchu shifted awkwardly, as if reluctant to acknowledge Mu Haoran's comment. He scratched the back of his head. "Well, I guess I'm okay. Not a pro or anything."
Mu Haoran laughed. "Since when did you become so modest? You're definitely better than I am. Don't you remember the time we played that battle royale game? You single-handedly wiped out two squads!"
I raised an eyebrow at that. "Really? You're pretty good. Pull me in sometime."
Zhao Runchu shrugged again, though a small smile crept onto his face. "Yeah sure but It's just a hobby, nothing serious. I play when I need to get my mind off things."
Lie Yuanyun leaned forward, intrigued. "Do you ever think about going pro? I mean, people are making serious money in e-sports these days."
Zhao Runchu shook his head. "Nah, it's just something to pass the time."
I nodded, understanding where he was coming from. The conversation had veered into something casual and light, but it was clear that for Zhao Runchu, video games were an escape from the complexities of his personal life. His reluctance to pursue it seriously made sense.
"What about you, Lie Yuanyun?" I asked, turning the attention back to him. "Any secret hobbies?"
Lie Yuanyun grinned mischievously. "Well, if we're talking hobbies, I guess you could say I'm a bit of a singer. Though I wouldn't call it a 'secret' since I'm always humming or singing something. You've probably heard me. I hum all the time, even without realizing it. I'm not trying to be a pop star or anything, but I do love singing. I was actually part of the choir back in high school."
"That's cool," I said. "Do you plan on doing something with that while you're here? Join a club maybe?"
He nodded enthusiastically. "Definitely! I heard the university has an awesome choir group. I'm planning on auditioning once I'm settled in. It's just something I enjoy doing, you know? It helps me relax, especially after a long day."
Mu Haoran clapped his hands. "You should do it! Maybe one day we'll see you performing on a big stage."
I chimed in from the side
"If you decide to debut you can always come to my company"
We all laughed at the image of Lie Yuanyun performing in front of a packed auditorium, though I could tell he was serious about it.
"Alright, Mu Haoran," I said, turning to the last member of our group. What do you like to do in your free time?"
Mu Haoran leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. "Me? I don't really have anything special like Zhao Runchu's gaming or Lie Yuanyun's singing. I'm more of a sports guy. I like running, playing basketball, stuff like that. Keeps me in shape."
Lie Yuanyun let out a low whistle. "You must be pretty good if you're into basketball."
"I'm decent," Mu Haoran replied with a smile. "But I'm nowhere near pro level. I just like the thrill of it. You know, pushing yourself physically, improving little by little. Plus, it's a great way to clear your mind."
I looked him up and down again. So blatantly that he raised a brow
"I didn't peg you for a gym bro. My first opinion of you was actually gentle scum. You know weak needs to be protected scholar type"
His hand flew to his chest in mock horror
"Did you just call me a lady in distress in a roundabout way?"
We all burst out laughing again. Just like that the unfamiliarity had disappeared leaving a group of young men with different stories.