After a long and exhausting day, Feng Yan returned to her dormitory. She was grateful for the solitude as her roommate's bed was empty, and the silence allowed her to clear her mind. She headed to the bathroom, splashed some cold water on her face, and quickly freshened up before lying down to sleep. The room was dim, illuminated only by the soft glow of the moon filtering through the window.
An hour passed in peaceful quiet until the door creaked open softly. Feng Yan, ever alert, instantly woke up, though she kept her eyes closed. She heard the quiet shuffle of footsteps, and soon enough, the bathroom door clicked shut. The sounds of running water were muffled behind the door as the new girl silently freshened up. Feng Yan's sharp senses picked up every detail, but she remained still, feigning sleep.
The girl returned, moving with an admirable grace and consideration, careful not to disturb Feng Yan. It was a simple act, but it left an impression. As the girl settled into her bed, Feng Yan opened her eyes briefly, contemplating the new presence in her space. She made a mental note of her quiet entrance and how she seemed to respect her roommate's rest.
In the morning, Feng Yan woke before dawn and went for a short jog to clear her mind. The cool morning air revitalized her as she ran through the quiet campus, thoughts of the day ahead drifting through her mind. She returned to the dorm just as the first rays of sunlight bathed the room in a soft golden glow.
Inside, she found the girl sitting up on her bed, clearly waiting for her. Feng Yan sensed no malice from her, only curiosity and perhaps a hint of nervousness. When their eyes met, the girl offered a polite smile, breaking the morning silence.
"Hi, I'm Su Ying," she introduced herself, her voice sweet and sincere. Feng Yan could see that her eyes matched her tone—there was no pretense, only honesty.
Feng Yan appraised her silently for a moment, recalling how considerate Su Ying had been the previous night. Without a word, the girl had respected her space and moved silently, which made a good impression on Feng Yan.
"I'm Feng Yan," she replied calmly, offering a small nod in return. Though her tone was neutral, she felt a certain warmth toward this girl, sensing no ill will.
As they settled into an easy rhythm, Su Ying shared some snacks she had packed with Feng Yan, chatting in a friendly, unassuming way. Feng Yan, not used to the easy friendliness of others, found herself appreciating the simplicity of Su Ying's gestures. It was a rare thing to find someone who was both kind and sincere.
When it was time for classes, the two girls went their separate ways, having exchanged only a few words but forming a tentative bond of mutual respect.
During class, Feng Yan's focus remained on her books. She knew exams were approaching, and her mind was sharp and intent on absorbing as much information as possible. She flipped through the pages silently, her eyes skimming over the words while her thoughts stayed organized and methodical.
It wasn't long before Du Fan arrived in class. His presence was quieter than usual, but there was an unmistakable gratitude in his gaze. As soon as he saw Feng Yan, his eyes softened, filled with emotions he wasn't able to express aloud. Feng Yan acknowledged him with a simple nod, her expression calm, but she understood the depth of his feelings. There was no need for words—he was thanking her in the silent way only they could understand.
During the break, Du Fan finally approached her. His voice was low, meant only for her ears. "My father woke up this morning," he said, his tone filled with both relief and restraint. "But... it's still a secret within the house, just like you said."
Feng Yan met his eyes, giving him a knowing look. "Good. Keep it that way. Until you have the full truth, no one should know."
Du Fan nodded, his gratitude palpable. "Thank you," he whispered, the weight of his words hanging between them.
Feng Yan didn't reply verbally. She merely looked at him, understanding everything without needing to speak. The bond between them was growing, forged in trust and the mutual knowledge that they were now bound by something larger than themselves.