The morning sun streamed through the kitchen window, painting golden stripes across the countertop where Han Yao, her face flushed with determination, stirred a pot of rice. Her exams were starting today, and she needed to be at the hall as early as possible.
An Jing, their neighbor, stood beside her, chopping lettuce and onions with practiced ease. A tear escaped her eye, and she dabbed at it with the back of her hand. "Yao, don't you think you should bathe now?" she asked, her voice muffled by the onion fumes.
Han Yao, her nose wrinkled in concentration, took a spoonful of rice and tasted it. "Don't worry, Sister Jing, I've got it covered," she replied, her voice a bit muffled from the rice in her mouth.
"I think I'll have to speak to Brother Jingzhi..." An Jing began, but her sentence was cut short by a voice booming from behind them. They both jumped, startled.
"About what? Yawn... morning guys," Han Jingzhi drawled, appearing behind them, stretching his back and yawning widely.
Han Yao, unable to resist the opportunity, giggled. "Brother Jingzhi, keep your mouth away from the food! You could contaminate it!"
"Heik!..." Han Jingzhi's face flushed red with embarrassment. He rushed forward, grabbing Han Yao by the shoulders and tousling her hair. "You bad girl... I wonder what has gotten into you lately... or perhaps is it An Jing?" He turned to An Jing, who immediately raised her hands in defense and shook her head. "I know nothing about it!"
He sighed, turning back to Han Yao and continuing to ruffle her hair. She laughed, her face crinkling with delight, as if he were tickling her.
"Brother, I have exams today!" Han Yao shouted, her laughter subsiding as she felt his grip soften. She wriggled free and escaped into the bathroom.
Han Jingzhi sighed and shook his head, watching her go. He turned back to An Jing, who was now carefully setting up the table. "So, um..." he joined her and began, "are you free this weekend? I'm looking for a cheap restaurant to take Yao to."
An Jing smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Of course, I'm free. Let's find a place with good food and good scenery."
"Good Scenery?" Han Jingzhi raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on his lips. "You mean you're not just coming for the food?"
An Jing laughed, swatting his arm playfully. "Of course, I'm coming for the food! But I wouldn't mind a good scenery as well."
'Mmh... cool' He thought happy they'd become casual with each other.
Han Yao emerged from the bathroom, her hair still damp with water and her face glowing with a fresh, youthful energy. "What are you guys talking about?" she asked, joining them at the table.
"Just planning a weekend outing," Han Jingzhi replied, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "We're going to find a cheap restaurant that serves delicious food, and An Jing is joining us."
"Really?" Han Yao's eyes widened in surprise. "That's great! I've been wanting to try that new ramen place downtown. They say it's the best in the city."
"Ramen, huh?" Han Jingzhi chuckled. "I'm not sure that's what I had in mind. But I'm sure we can find something that everyone enjoys."
"Don't worry, Brother Jingzhi," An Jing said, her voice soft but firm. "I'm sure we can find something that everyone enjoys. And besides, i can tell Yao loves ramen."
Han Yao grinned, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Ramen it is!"
"Alright, alright," Han Jingzhi conceded with a sigh. "Ramen it is. But only if you promise to study hard for your exams."
Han Yao rolled her eyes, but a smile played on her lips. "Don't worry, Brother Jingzhi. I'm going to ace those exams. And then we can celebrate with a big bowl of ramen."
As they ate breakfast, Han Yao regaled them with stories of her recent adventures in the library. She recounted her encounters with the eccentric librarian, her struggles with the library's labyrinthine stacks, and her discovery of a hidden collection of rare books tucked away in a quiet corner of the building.
An Jing listened with rapt attention, occasionally interjecting with questions or comments. Han Jingzhi, meanwhile, was engrossed in his phone, occasionally glancing up to chuckle at Han Yao's stories.
"You know, Yao," An Jing said, her voice thoughtful, "you're really lucky to be able to spend so much time in the library. I wish I had the time and energy for that."
"You can always come with me," Han Yao offered, her voice filled with genuine warmth. "We can explore the library together. It's much more fun with a friend."
"I know," An Jing replied, a wistful smile on her lips. "But I'm so busy with work. And besides, I'm not as much of a bookworm as you."
"Nonsense," Han Yao said, shaking her head. "You're just as much of a bookworm as me. You just need to let yourself loose."
"Maybe you're right," An Jing said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Maybe I should take a break from work and go on an adventure in the library with you."
"I'd love that," Han Yao said, her eyes shining with excitement. "We can go to that new exhibit on ancient manuscripts. They have the first edition of Shakespeare's Hamlet!"
"The first edition of Hamlet?" An Jing shuddered, her eyes wide with mock horror. "I don't know about that. I'm not sure my heart can handle that."
"Don't worry," Han Yao said, her voice teasing. "I'll hold your hand. And besides, it's all part of the adventure."
As they finished breakfast, Han Yao prepared to leave for school. Han Jingzhi sighed and shook his head, a fond smile playing on his lips. "Alright, alright. Go get your A's. We'll be cheering you on."
Han Yao, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, winked at An Jing before grabbing her bag and rushing out the door.
"See you later, sister Jing," she called back, her voice fading as she headed out of the apartment.
With a brief greeting An Jing went back to her apartment and Han Jingzhi on the other hand went back into his room and logged in back into the game.