By late morning the next day, a few high school classmates showed up late at the gate of the Finance Institute. As soon as Gao Jialiang saw Chen Hansheng, he complained, "Your Finance Institute is really in the middle of nowhere; Jiangling is like a giant rural town. Good thing I went to Xianing University City…"
Before Gao Jialiang could finish, he suddenly spotted Xiao Rongyu approaching and immediately left Chen Hansheng to greet her.
"Xiao Yu'er, I didn't have time to take a good look at Jiangling last time I was here, but now that I've observed it closely, I realize it's like a paradise. I really regret not choosing to study here."
Chen Hansheng and Wang Zibo both shook their heads and spat in mock disdain.
Xiao Rongyu, who was used to such flattery, kept chatting with her two high school female friends. When she turned her head, she noticed that Chen Hansheng was only wearing a padded sweatshirt.
"Aren't you cold?"
Xiao Rongyu was wearing a light pink down jacket, and her concern was clear.
"My down jacket was just washed yesterday; it's not dry yet," Chen Hansheng replied honestly. In reality, his down jacket was hanging in the wardrobe in his dorm, but today he had no intention of wearing it.
"Oh."
Xiao Rongyu looked a bit disappointed but still kindly reminded him, "You shouldn't wash down jackets too often, or they won't stay warm."
"Got it."
Not wanting to dwell on the subject, Chen Hansheng quickly changed the topic with a smile: "It's almost lunchtime. Should we go and see how the food at the Finance Institute stacks up?"
Wang Zibo raised a bag in his hand: "I also brought some roasted duck."
The famous dish from a century-old restaurant was indeed more enticing than the typical cafeteria meals. Chen Hansheng couldn't help but swallow as he gazed at the aromatic, yet not overly greasy, roasted duck.
"You probably don't know the proper way to eat roasted duck, so let me show you."
As he spoke, Chen Hansheng began assembling a thin pancake with sliced scallions, cucumber strips, and thick sauce, taking a big bite.
The blend of savory duck, rich sauce, and fresh vegetables was a perfect harmony, refreshing and not greasy.
After a while, Xiao Rongyu nudged Chen Hansheng with a dazed expression.
"Little Chen, you've taught us with half the duck already."
Chen Hansheng, still chewing the pancake, mumbled, "Just making sure you get it right."
"No need."
Xiao Rongyu laughed, pushing him aside. "Move over, we can manage on our own."
As the group continued with the remaining half of the duck, Chen Hansheng shook his head in mock regret. If Xiao Rongyu hadn't reacted quickly, he might have eaten the whole thing himself.
Suddenly, someone tapped him lightly on the back.
"Class monitor, are these your classmates?"
Chen Hansheng turned to find Shang Yanyan. With her bold lipstick and eyeshadow and wearing high heels, she exuded a mature charm uncommon among college students.
"Yeah, they're my high school classmates."
Pretending to turn, Chen Hansheng subtly avoided Shang Yanyan's arm that was trying to rest on his shoulder.
In a different setting, Chen Hansheng might have enjoyed a deeper chat with this flamboyant college girl, but with Xiao Rongyu nearby, he had to keep his distance.
Xiao Rongyu, having always excelled academically, was beautiful and came from a well-off family. She had been pampered and cherished all her life, making her both sweet and slightly domineering. Even though she liked Chen Hansheng, she held back from expressing it openly. She waited for him to make the first move, as he always had before, so they could solidify their relationship.
But Chen Hansheng either pretended not to understand her signals or focused solely on taking advantage of the physical aspects.
When Xiao Rongyu noticed Shang Yanyan's affectionate gesture, she ignored her meal, her lips still stained with the chocolate-colored sauce, and glared at Chen Hansheng.
Being experienced, Shang Yanyan immediately caught on to Xiao Rongyu's reaction. Knowing she'd crossed a line, she smiled and said, "Class monitor, your high school friends are really pretty, much more so than me."
With that, she turned to get her food, maintaining a perfect balance throughout. Xiao Rongyu, on the other hand, was visibly less composed, her emotions too easily stirred.
But to Chen Hansheng, Xiao Yu'er was his favorite.
As the saying goes: if he is naïve, entice him; if he is experienced, be the anchor of his heart.
Someone like Chen Hansheng could be lured by physical charm, but his heart would always return to the one who provided warmth and stability.
"She's a classmate, and we're all pretty relaxed in our class," Chen Hansheng explained.
Xiao Rongyu didn't respond and took her friends to sit at the next table.
Once Xiao Rongyu had left, Gao Jialiang leaned over to Chen Hansheng and whispered, "Hansheng, I need to ask you something."
"Go ahead."
"I have a roommate who recently went through a breakup and wants to date someone new to move on. I've been helping him find someone."
"And?"
Chen Hansheng studied Gao Jialiang.
Gao Jialiang cleared his throat: "I wanted to ask for the contact info of that girl just now."
"A QQ number would do."
Wang Zibo rolled his eyes in disdain. "That 'roommate' is you, isn't it?"
Ignoring Wang Zibo's comment, Gao Jialiang focused on Chen Hansheng.
After a moment's hesitation, Chen Hansheng handed him Jin Yangming's phone number. "I suggest you don't contact her while on campus. Wait until you're back in the dorm and text her sweet nothings under the covers."
"Got it, thanks, Hansheng."
Having gotten what he wanted, Gao Jialiang soon resumed critiquing the cafeteria food, completely forgetting his sycophantic behavior moments ago.
Meanwhile, standing at the west gate of the Finance Institute was a middle-aged couple—Chen Zhaojun and Liang Meijuan from Hong Kong.
Watching the students come and go, Liang Meijuan sighed, "I still remember when we used to drop him off at kindergarten. It's hard to believe he's already in college."
Chen Zhaojun chuckled warmly.
"Old Chen, what do you think his reaction will be when he sees us?"
Chen Zhaojun thought for a moment. "Hansheng is outgoing, but since we didn't tell him beforehand, he'll probably be surprised."
"Let's not tell him yet—I want to see how he really acts!"
Liang Meijuan said with feigned irritation, though her eyes sparkled with hope. "I do hope he rushes over and hugs me. That rascal was much more obedient when he was little."
As they walked toward the cafeteria, they decided to check out the food.
Chen Hansheng was eating when Wang Zibo suddenly said, "Chen, your mom."
"Why are you insulting me?"
Chen Hansheng reached out to hit him, but Wang Zibo dodged, shouting, "It really is your mom!"
At the next table, Xiao Rongyu also stood up. "Aunt Liang, Uncle Chen, what brings you here?"
Chen Hansheng looked up to see his parents standing nearby, with Liang Meijuan holding out her arms, ready for a hug.
"Dad, Mom."
Chen Hansheng mumbled, "Have you bought your return tickets?"
…