Chapter Fifty-Five: The Arrival of the Short Holiday

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What happens if college students don’t date? Internet users joke about it this way:

College student = eat + drink + date
Because: eat + drink = pig
Therefore: college student = pig + date
So, if a college student doesn’t date, they’ll turn into a pig.

Yet, finding the right person to date is no easy task! On university campuses, due to the nature of different majors, there’s often a gender imbalance. After entering society and starting work, most people’s social circles also become quite limited. Thus, if you encounter someone who truly makes your heart race, perhaps you should dare to take a chance!

After chatting for a while with Xia Qingqing on the track, Xia Shu managed to persuade her to come home with him for the National Day holiday. When the conversation shifted to her family, it was clear that Xia Qingqing’s spirits dropped. As her cousin, Xia Shu comforted her patiently, his sympathy evident.

“If you ever need my help at school, just send me a message,” he said.

“Okay, thank you, cousin!”

After waving goodbye, Xia Qingqing watched Xia Shu’s retreating figure, her eyes reflecting a complex light. Moonlight fell across her lively, beautiful face, and a gentle, sweet smile played about her lips. In her heart, she thought, “After all these years, cousin is still so considerate and understanding. Such a wonderful, warm man—if only he weren’t my cousin. Sigh, his girlfriend is truly lucky!”

Spending the day with Xia Shu, Xia Qingqing felt completely at ease. Girls her age are very sensitive about matters of the heart; even when facing her own cousin, if the feeling is right, it’s hard to suppress a flutter of attraction. Still, she knew her boundaries. No matter how much she liked her cousin, it could only be a hidden affection.

Only after Xia Shu’s figure disappeared did Xia Qingqing turn back toward the dorm. She promptly posted a screenshot on social media clarifying her relationship with Xia Shu on the campus confession board. The onlookers once again gathered, their comments flooding the screen, but after seeing enough of these remarks, they began to feel dull and unremarkable.

If one had to sum it up, it would be: the bystanders these days really have too much free time! After all, who among normal people has the energy to keep such a close eye on someone else’s private life all day?

When Xia Shu returned to his dorm, Liu Zhuang immediately brought up the topic.

“You’re back, Xia! Hey, I didn’t expect you to have such a pretty cousin. Think I’ve got a shot at becoming your brother-in-law?”

Liu Zhuang never held back—he’d boldly voice whatever came to mind.

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“What nonsense? Go bother some other girl,” Xia Shu replied. “But if you really have the skills to win over my cousin, that’s your business. I won’t stand in your way.”

He teased lightly, then sat at his desk and opened his laptop.

“Sigh, looks like after military training I’ll have to sign up for the gym. Once I slim down and make a comeback, you’ll help set us up, right?” Liu Zhuang grinned.

“You wish. But if by some miracle you actually manage to lose the weight, maybe I’ll help a little,” Xia Shu chuckled, not believing Liu Zhuang had that much determination. Just looking at the pile of snacks under his desk was enough to make anyone doubt it.

This guy’s appetite was about as much as the other three roommates combined—weight loss wouldn’t be an easy feat.

“We’ll see, then!” Liu Zhuang laughed.

…

Time flew by, and as military training drew to a close, all the freshmen presented the results of their month-long training, and then came the Freshman Gala.

At night, the stadium was aglow and crowded with people. As the freshman representative, Xia Shu took the stage to give a speech, becoming the center of attention. But to him, it was all just a ceremony.

This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival was special—it coincided with National Day. Upon waking, still in bed, Xia Shu received greetings from various friends.

“Happy Mid-Autumn, junior! I left some mooncakes on the delivery shelf downstairs in your dorm. Grab them when you have time!”

“Okay, thank you, senior.”

…

“Cousin, happy Mid-Autumn!”

“Same to you! Did you get any mooncakes?”

“Yes, I bought some online. Did you buy any, cousin?”

“No, but my family sent some from home. I’ll bring you some later.”

“Thank you, cousin! I won’t be polite, then.”

…

“Shu, what does your girlfriend look like, anyway? You’ve been keeping her a secret from us, haven’t you?”

“She’s good-looking and a great person, haha.”

“Got a photo? Is she from Cloud City?”

“Yeah, she’s from Cloud City.”

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“Send a photo, let us take a look. Are you bringing her home for National Day?”

“You’ll meet her in person one day. I’m not sure if she’ll go home with me for the holiday yet!”

…

“What time is your and your cousin’s train?”

“Six o’clock this evening—high-speed rail, we’ll arrive just after midnight.”

“Alright, I’ll pick you up with your uncle when you get in.”

“Okay.”

…

At that moment, Su Rouxue, who slept beside Xia Shu, also woke up. She looked at Xia Shu, who was on his phone, wrapped her arms around his waist, leaned on his shoulder, and said, “You’re up early!”

“Yeah, too many messages. It’s Mid-Autumn today, and we’re heading home tonight. Baby, do you want to come with me?” Xia Shu stroked Su Rouxue’s hair, gazing at her with pampered affection.

“I’d like to, but it feels a little soon. Besides, my family wants me home tonight too, so I’m a bit torn.”

Su Rouxue raised her brows slightly. According to her original plan, she thought Xia Shu wouldn’t go home over the holiday, so she could spend the eight-day break with her younger brother in lazy bliss. But as the holiday approached, she’d received many invitations and her family was urging her, which left her conflicted.

“Just come with me,” Xia Shu decided. Although it was only an eight-day holiday, if he couldn’t spend it with Su Rouxue, he’d feel a pang of regret. After enduring military training, now basking in the warmth of her bed, he wanted nothing more than to linger with her for a few more days. Unfortunately, his family kept urging him home, and if not for his cousin, he wouldn’t have gone back at all this National Day.

“Alright, I’ll listen to you. Anyway, I’ll just be in your city. I can meet your best friends, but as for family, we’ll tell them about us another time!” Su Rouxue nodded with a smile.

“It’s still early. Let’s do what we love to do, hmm…”

“You insatiable thing—wasn’t last night enough for you?”

…

…