Chapter Thirty-Two: Natsuki, Could You Be a Little More Outgoing?

"Xia Shu, I think there might be something wrong with my body. Lately, during each day’s military training, I keep feeling these sudden spasms in my head, like everything just goes blank for a moment. Sigh."

After a full day of training, Lin Xiang let out a sigh of relief. As he came back to his senses, he threw an arm over Xia Shu’s shoulder and began to confide in him.

"Maybe you’ve just been overindulging! Honestly, your complexion doesn’t look too great right now," Xia Shu replied with a laugh, glancing at Lin Xiang and tossing in a couple of teasing remarks.

"It’s such a strange feeling, as if I’m being controlled. Really, every time I’m standing in formation, it feels like something suddenly invades my body, and then my mind just goes blank for a second," Lin Xiang said, his brows furrowing deeply. He really wished he could make Xia Shu understand what he was experiencing.

After all, he’d already gone through this several times during last week’s training.

"I’m not really sure either," Xia Shu offered, "but if I were you, I’d find some time to get a check-up at the hospital."

"Ah… alright," Lin Xiang replied, abruptly cutting himself off and heaving another long sigh. His gaze drifted ahead, his brows rising slightly as he gave Xia Shu a light slap on the back. "You lucky dog, looks like there’s someone waiting for you up ahead."

"Hmm?" Xia Shu paused, following Lin Xiang’s line of sight, only to see a senior girl not far away, smiling and waving at him.

"Junior, would you like to have dinner together?" Lin Wanwan walked over with light steps, her hazel eyes glowing with gentle warmth. Two adorable dimples appeared on her cheeks, her clear gaze reminiscent of rippling water, exuding a delicate serenity. The curve of her lips was as perfect as a crescent moon.

The boys in their class watched the scene unfold, all with looks of envy in their eyes.

By the time they reached college, everyone gradually realized that an attractive appearance really was like holding an extra ticket in life. Whether it was joining various student organizations, or the student council, those with good looks always seemed to have a special advantage. And when it came to finding someone they liked, the good-looking ones had so many more options—they didn’t even have to make the first move.

"Is there something you wanted to talk about?" Xia Shu asked.

"Just a simple dinner, and maybe to discuss tomorrow’s interview," Lin Wanwan replied, her smile courteous and reserved. In truth, she had plenty she wanted to say—like how she’d like to be friends with Xia Shu. But with so many people watching, she really couldn’t bring herself to say more.

Xia Shu gave an awkward smile, scratching his head. He was, after all, spoken for—so when a girl invited him out, he always felt conflicted about what to do.

Especially when the invitation was couched as ‘business.’ It was hard to refuse. After a moment’s thought, he simply called Lin Xiang, as well as Wang Yang and Liu Zhuang who were just catching up to them. "Sure," he replied cheerfully, "my roommates and I were just heading to the dining hall. You can get to know all of us."

"…Alright…" Lin Wanwan’s smile froze for a moment. She’d never expected Xia Shu to respond like this.

Sure, he’d accepted her invitation, but why bring along a whole group? A whole group! Junior, what are you doing? Don’t you understand what I mean? I just wanted to have dinner with you alone, you blockhead! Lin Wanwan was already venting endlessly in her mind, though she managed to keep her composure on the surface.

"Wow, senior, you’re adorable! Xia Shu, aren’t you going to introduce us?" Liu Zhuang was eager, stepping forward with enthusiasm. He couldn’t help but be drawn in by Lin Wanwan’s sweet and lovely appearance.

Wang Yang, too, was full of envy. Watching Lin Wanwan up close, he found her beauty stirring something in his heart.

"This is our senior from the university’s arts troupe. You guys can get to know each other. She did my interview the other day," Xia Shu replied, nodding in her direction—though, truthfully, he wasn’t even sure what her name was.

Seeing the boys beside Xia Shu being so forward, Lin Wanwan’s smile grew even more awkward. The atmosphere felt off. But things had already reached this point; all she could do was steel herself and follow Xia Shu’s group toward the dining hall.

"Xia Shu, that’s not much of an introduction, is it? At least tell us our senior’s name!" Liu Zhuang piped up. "Never mind, senior, I’m Liu Zhuang, Xia Shu’s roommate. What’s your name?"

One had to admit, the world really was full of natural-born social butterflies. Liu Zhuang was the very definition of one.

"I’m Lin Wanwan," she replied.

All the way to the dining hall, it was Liu Zhuang who kept the conversation going, while Xia Shu walked quietly at the front. Lin Wanwan’s smile gradually faded. She was starting to regret not just going back to the dorm with Shen Jiawei. Even though her tone was casual, Liu Zhuang remained as energetic as ever. He began his performance in earnest.

He asked about the senior’s hobbies. He started boasting about their similarities. And so on…

Xia Shu and the others couldn’t help but exchange glances, wanting to give Liu Zhuang a thumbs-up right then and there.

Finally, at the dining hall, with food ordered, Lin Wanwan managed to seize a moment to talk to Xia Shu alone. She deliberately sat across from him, asking with genuine concern, "Junior, where are you from?"

"Pan County," he replied.

"Pan County… Yes, I’ve heard it’s a lovely place. So, you’ve been at school for a week now. Are you getting used to the food here?" she continued.

"It’s alright," he answered.

"Mmm." Lin Wanwan felt even her toes curl with tension. Junior, what is going on with you? Why are you so bad at conversation? At that moment, how she wished Xia Shu could be a little more like Liu Zhuang—at least give her something to talk about.

Lifting his head, Xia Shu glanced over, and his eyes suddenly widened. Not far behind Lin Wanwan, he spotted a familiar silhouette eating in the dining hall, her gaze meeting his with an amused smile.

He hurriedly pulled out his phone, opening the chat with Su Rouxue, and sent a message:

"Darling, you’re not following me, are you?"

"No way. I just finished class and came to the dining hall."

"But you said you don’t often eat here." [stunned emoji]

"Yeah, just every now and then. [giggle emoji] The girl in front of you really is… quite cute!"

"Ahhhh…"