Chapter Fifty-Four: Even This Can Be Gossip?
A full moon hung in the sky, surrounded by a tapestry of stars.
After evening self-study, Summer Tree’s phone screen suddenly lit up.
Su Rouxue sent a message:
“Wow, our little brother is getting attention again? *smirk*”
A screenshot quickly followed.
Walking up the stairs of the teaching building, Summer Tree opened the screenshot and was stunned. The textbook tucked under his arm slipped and fell to the floor.
At that moment, his roommate beside him was also absorbed in the gossip, phone in hand.
“This is wild, Summer Tree! Someone actually posted your cousin as your girlfriend on the confession wall!” Liu Zhuang, ever the professional gossip, was always the first to speak up.
“Shocking! Turns out the adorable, handsome freshman’s girlfriend is our Literature Department’s first-year campus beauty, Summer Green? This scene is just too sweet!”
That caption paired with the image of Summer Tree handing his jacket to Summer Green made many believe there was something between them.
As the subject of the rumor, Summer Tree could only feel speechless.
“So, Summer Tree, are you going to explain?”
“Eh… Forget it. Those who know me don’t need an explanation. I can’t be bothered with all that.”
Though the situation gave Summer Tree a headache, he was relaxed about it—his relationship with Summer Green was purely familial, so there was no need to explain to these gossip mongers.
If he did need to explain, it would be to Su Rouxue.
Seeing her message, that smirking emoji, he guessed she must have felt a pang of jealousy when she saw it.
“She’s my cousin!”
Summer Tree replied to Su Rouxue.
“Oh, so that’s how it is!”
On the other end of the screen, her furrowed brows relaxed, and a joyful smile bloomed at her lips.
She knew it—her younger crush was as innocent as ever!
Su Rouxue’s attention shifted to the group chat with her girlfriends, and she hurriedly explained:
“This screenshot is nothing, isn’t that just Summer Tree’s cousin?”
Liu Siqi: “Hm? That makes sense. I knew our little brother would never be two-timing.”
Wang Xiaoyu: “Honestly, it’s hilarious. We’re all a bunch of old aunties and still gossiping every day just like before.”
Lu Xuhan: “The main reason is that the subject of this gossip is our beloved Xue’er! Usually, she’s the one eating our gossip, but now it’s the other way around, so of course it’s fun. Right, Xue’er, hehe @Expert in Younger Men Romance.”
---
Noticing that her nickname had been changed, Su Rouxue’s face turned pale as she frantically typed:
“Hm? Who changed my nickname?”
Wang Xiaoyu: “Haha, if you don’t @ me, I wouldn’t have noticed. Only the group owner can change nicknames.”
Liu Siqi: “This is awkward! *grimace*”
Su Rouxue: “@Sweet Little Darling, Qiqi, I’m going to kill you!!!”
...
Meanwhile, in a dorm room in the girls’ dormitory, a girl was curled up on her bed, crying.
“What’s the meaning of this? Is he really going public and showing off his relationship in school?”
“How cruel, and it’s a fellow freshman girl.”
“Sigh, sigh, sigh…”
“Come on, isn’t this normal? Do you know who this girl is? She’s the campus beauty of the Literature Department, recognized by everyone. Her popularity isn’t as high as Summer Tree’s, but since the start of school she’s been the target of countless confessions.”
Shen Jiawei couldn’t help but laugh at Lin Wanwan’s lifeless expression as she sat at her desk. After two years as roommates, it was the first time she’d seen Wanwan like this.
For days, Lin Wanwan had been obsessing over Summer Tree.
She’d barely gotten over the gossip on the confession wall before the news knocked her down again.
“Campus beauty? Sigh…”
“Yeah, she looks great in the photo. I guess I don’t stand a chance.”
“It’s tough being a hopeless admirer—reduced to unrequited misery.”
“I feel like smashing my head against the wall. I almost regret interviewing freshmen at orientation—if not for that day, I wouldn’t be so emotionally attached to him!”
“I’m starting to dislike myself, always making up stories in my mind and getting upset for no reason.”
Lin Wanwan hugged her blanket tightly, feeling miserable but unwilling to accept defeat.
“You really are silly, but honestly, it’s a normal reaction.”
“In a lifetime, how many people truly make your heart race? If you dare to love, you have to be ready for heartbreak.”
“The hopeless admirer is always the most humble, but I’ve never seen a female admirer so humble. You’re pretty, why not pay attention to handsome guys from other schools?”
Shen Jiawei no longer bothered to persuade her—Lin Wanwan’s mood lately could only be endured by herself.
Lin Wanwan stared at the wall in silence, clenched her fist, and thought weakly to herself: “Then I’ll wait… I refuse to believe I won’t find an opportunity!”
---
Under the streetlights, on the rubber running track, Summer Tree and Summer Green walked together, talking as they strolled.
“People are really bored, gossiping about everything. I’ve already explained to the official confession wall and will post a clarification later. Sorry, cousin, for letting everyone misunderstand you.”
Summer Green looked shyly at Summer Tree. Walking close together, she glanced up and found his profile so captivating.
His looks were enough to make anyone’s heart flutter.
But despite the attraction, Summer Green was clear about their relationship and knew how to talk to him.
“It’s fine, you’re a victim too!”
Summer Tree laughed, unconcerned.
“And your jacket, I’ve already washed it. I’ll bring it to you tomorrow morning—it should be dry.”
“Okay.”
“By the way, cousin, you’ve always been so outstanding. I’m curious—which school is your girlfriend from?”
“Ah… Well, she’s no longer a student.”
Summer Tree’s pupils widened, surprised that Summer Green would bring this up.
“Older than you?”
“Yes, a few years older.”
“A sister-brother romance! Hehe, seems like that’s become popular these past few years.”
Summer Green’s eyes brightened in surprise.
“It’s not a big deal. If you love someone, age isn’t a problem. What about you, cousin? Are you dating anyone?” Summer Tree turned to her with a smile.
“No…”
Summer Green lowered her head shyly.
“You’re so pretty, you must have plenty of admirers. Hasn’t anyone made your heart skip a beat?” Summer Tree blurted out.
“Well, what does it mean to have your heart moved? I’m not sure. Love is something you just let happen. I’m not in a rush—just started college, I want to enjoy some quiet time alone first.”
...