Zhou Yi gave a faint smile. "It's nothing."
With that, he handed out the milk tea he was holding.
"I wasn’t sure what flavors you’d like, so I just ordered the most popular ones from the shop."
Xie Tingwan’s roommate, a cute bespectacled girl, giggled and asked, "Oh wow, there’s even some for us, handsome?"
Zhou Yi chuckled. "Of course. I bought five cups—just pick whichever one you like."
He held up the five cups of milk tea.
"Thanks, handsome!"
"Today we’re lucky because of Tingwan—getting free milk tea from a hottie!"
"Ooh, they have my favorite jasmine flavor!"
"It’s from that shop near the school gate, the left one. Their stuff is pretty pricey."
After Xie Tingwan’s roommates each took a cup, they thanked Zhou Yi one by one.
Once they had all chosen, the remaining cup was Zhou Yi’s.
When Xie Tingwan pulled her drink out of the bag, she realized it was hot.
She took a sip, the straw between her lips, and thought to herself how considerate Zhou Yi was.
Of course, this was another pro tip:
If you’re buying milk tea for a girl without her knowing, it’s best to get it hot—just in case it’s that time of the month.
"Let me walk you back to the dorm first," Zhou Yi offered.
Xie Tingwan smiled softly and nodded, falling into step beside him.
Her roommates, ever perceptive, automatically kept their distance, giving the two some space.
As Zhou Yi and Xie Tingwan walked ahead, they drew plenty of glances.
The onlookers outside the classroom gradually dispersed, though Xie Tingwan’s classmates couldn’t help but gossip as they watched the pair walking shoulder-to-shoulder.
"Don’t tell me Xie Tingwan’s actually into this guy? She’s my goddess—my heart’s breaking."
"Old Xu, just give it up. Even if it weren’t Zhou Yi, it’d be someone else. It was never gonna be us."
"Ah well, at least Zhou Yi’s good-looking and loaded. I guess you could say... they make a handsome couple."
Zhou Yi had been holding his cup of milk tea the whole time without drinking it. Xie Tingwan glanced at him curiously. "Aren’t you going to have any?"
"I’m not really into milk tea."
"Huh? Then why did you buy an extra cup?"
"I was worried there might not be enough options. If there was a flavor you didn’t like, you’d still have a backup."
Xie Tingwan paused, stunned by his thoughtfulness.
[Xie Tingwan’s affection +1]
"Thank you, Zhou Yi. You’re really so considerate."
"It’s nothing. Having the honor of treating my senior to milk tea is more than enough."
His attitude toward her this afternoon seemed different from during the exam earlier—was it just her imagination?
He didn’t seem as distant anymore.
She wasn’t sure what had caused the change, but she definitely preferred this gentle, attentive version of him.
With a playful grin, she teased, "You’re so meticulous—I bet you’ve had plenty of girlfriends, huh?"
Zhou Yi shook his head. "Only one, and... well, never mind. Let’s not talk about her."
A shadow crossed his face at the mention of his past relationship, and Xie Tingwan could tell he’d been hurt.
"Don’t worry about it. With your looks and charm, I’m sure girls are lining up for you. No need to dwell on the past."
"Yeah, I’ve moved on. What about you, Senior? How many boyfriends have you had?"
"No need to be so formal—just call me Tingwan. I’ve actually never been in a relationship before."
She took a sip of the sweet milk tea, a contented smile on her lips.
Walking side by side along the campus path, they looked no different from any other couple on campus.
The truth was, Xie Tingwan had never dated because she’d poured all her energy into becoming the best version of herself.
For her, matters of the heart weren’t even hers to decide.
The thought dimmed the light in her eyes. If she could, she’d love to live a carefree life—not this exhausting, relentless grind.
Before long, they reached the entrance of the girls’ dormitory.
Xie Tingwan waved with a smile. "Wait here—I’ll be right back!"
The moment she stepped into the dorm, her roommates pounced with teasing grins. She laughed, a little flustered.
After rifling through her closet, she changed into a white knit sweater and jeans—simple and comfortable for a gaming session.
Zhou Yi only had to wait about five minutes before she reappeared, holding something in her hand.
"Here, this is for you."
In her palm lay a fountain pen.
Zhou Yi took it. "Why the sudden gift?"
Tilting her head, she smiled. "Just returning the favor. You treated me and my roommates to milk tea—it’s only fair I give you something back."
As they walked toward the internet café near the school gate, Zhou Yi frowned slightly.
"But this isn’t an equal exchange. Your pen is way more valuable than a few cups of milk tea."
"Then think of it as my challenge to you."
"A challenge? Because I beat you in the competition?"
"Mm. Actually, I should thank you. If you hadn’t taken first place this time, I might’ve stayed stuck in my old complacency. You reminded me that I still have a long way to go."
She’d won plenty of awards over the years, which had lulled her into thinking she was already exceptional. But the truth was, she hadn’t even come close to her own standards.
Lately, she’d slacked off a bit in her studies—a dangerous sign she couldn’t afford to ignore.
"You’re already amazing. Don’t push yourself too hard."
[Xie Tingwan’s affection +1]
She knew Zhou Yi meant well, but there were things she couldn’t explain to him.
If she didn’t push herself now, others would do it for her later.
No matter how much she achieved, in her father’s eyes, she’d always pale in comparison to her two older brothers.
Forcing a bright smile, she nodded. "Yeah, I know."
When they arrived at the first internet café, the air was thick with cigarette smoke, and the owner informed them there were no private rooms left.
They had to switch to a slightly pricier but much cleaner gaming lounge, where Zhou Yi booked a two-person booth.
"What games do you usually play, Zhou Yi?"
"PUBG."
"Oh, I’m not very good at that one. Don’t blame me if I suck."
"Don’t worry, I’m pretty average too."
They settled in and started a match.
Though Xie Tingwan was far from skilled, she played with intense focus, her eyes glued to the screen as she coordinated well with Zhou Yi.
While he picked off enemies with precise shots, she trailed behind, scavenging for gear.
Every time gunfire erupted, Zhou Yi stepped in to protect her—dropping opponents with a single bullet, effortlessly cool.
Now she understood why her roommates loved gaming with their boyfriends. It was fun, sure, but that feeling of being shielded? Addictive.
Somehow, by playing it safe, she managed to survive until the final circle.
Then, just as the match reached its climax, Zhou Yi deliberately let himself get eliminated.
He stood up and moved behind Xie Tingwan’s chair.
Her fingers tensed over the keyboard.
"I—I think I’m done for. There’s no way I can take them. What do I do, Zhou Yi?"
Gaming had never been Xie Tingwan's forte, and in this unfamiliar territory, she naturally lacked confidence.
They had fought hard to reach the final round—she didn’t want to lose now.
Zhou Yi leaned down and took her hand.
"I'll teach you."