In the enormous waiting room, people came and went. The announcements echoed repeatedly. Gu Yu looked out through the full glass window at the blazing sun outside; the outline of the entire city was clearly visible.
This was the place he had lived for over a decade, where everything was familiar to him. And he was about to leave. The unfamiliar place name on the ticket seemed to foretell a future of dense forests, with an unpredictable path ahead.
It was almost a one-way trip. No one would be waiting for him in that familiar home. He had no safe haven, and looking back, there was no way back.
Yun Qianxin had said a few days ago that she would go ahead to Linyang to handle some affairs. She asked Gu Yu if he wanted to go together, but he refused. He wanted to stay a few more days in that house if possible.
But now he had no choice but to leave. The announcement soon called his train number. He pocketed the ticket that the Dean of Students had helped him buy, grabbed his suitcase, and walked through the ticket gate.
The journey was long, a full seven hours. The scenery along the way flashed by outside the window. Gu Yu stared blankly, the arrival chimes of each station ringing in his ears.
At six in the evening, the station announcement called out “Linyang.” Gu Yu got off the train, followed the scattered crowd out of the station, and looked at the modern city outside. He couldn’t find any familiar feeling except for the black McLaren.
He pulled his suitcase over. The woman by the car gave him a warm, soft hug.
“Long time no see, Xiao Yu.”
“It’s only been a few days, Sis Qianxin. Did you miss me that much?”
“Of course. Not seeing Xiao Yu for these few days has been so boring and lonely for me.”
Yun Qianxin said while opening the trunk and helping Gu Yu put his luggage in.
“Is this all you brought?”
“Yeah, I didn’t really have much to bring.”
“Then get in the car. Let’s go before it gets too dark. If you need anything, you can buy it at school. Do you have enough money?”
“You’ve already given me a lot, Sis Qianxin. Even if it’s not enough, I’d be too embarrassed to ask you for more.”
“Why be so polite with your sister, silly.”
Yun Qianxin tapped Gu Yu on the forehead and pushed him into the passenger seat.
“Alright then, let’s go?”
“Yeah, let’s go.”
The McLaren sped along the road. Gu Yu fastened his seatbelt. The bright and colorful scenes outside flashed by rapidly. The evening in his hometown was silent, like an old person in their twilight years. Linyang was completely different.
The city’s lights were coming on, the streets were bustling with neon and activity, and loud pedestrians came and went, as if heralding a lively and prosperous night.
Gu Yu looked ahead. The spacious and majestic gate of Linyang University appeared before him after a few dozen minutes. The large characters on the boulder by the entrance were vigorous and powerful. Two or three security guards sat nearby chatting.
Yun Qianxin stopped the car and turned to look at Gu Yu.
“Are you sure you don’t want to live with your sister? It won’t be convenient for me to take care of you.”
“Sis Qianxin, just take care of yourself. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
“If anything comes up, remember to tell your sister. If you ever want to move out, you can let me know anytime.”
“Mm, I understand. See you, Sis Qianxin.”
Gu Yu opened the door, got out, grabbed his suitcase, and walked through the school gate.
The slender figure gradually receded into the distance. The red and green dots on her phone screen slowly separated. Yun Qianxin licked her lips with her soft tongue, and a smile extended from the corner of her mouth.
‘The prey is already in the net. The time to have him all to myself is very, very close. When that time comes, you’ll pay ten times over for this moment of refusal. As long as you obediently behave, your sister will be very gentle, Xiao Yu.’
It was a standard four-person dorm. Gu Yu was the last to arrive. Clumsily dragging his bedding bag into the dorm, he took a long time to make his bed, using up the last bit of strength in his body.
Linyang University wasn’t one of the top universities in the country, but it was still a key school with strong faculty, excellent dormitory conditions, and complete facilities—all very new.
“You must be the last roommate. Hello, I’m Zhao Yuanqiu.”
A hand extended from the adjacent bed, and the boy greeted him warmly.
“Hello, I’m Gu Yu.”
Gu Yu shook hands and looked over the boy in front of him. He was about the same height as Gu Yu, with a clean face, looked gentle and refined, and was quite handsome. The other two classmates also introduced themselves. Su Ziyuan, a tall, sturdy, slightly dark-skinned guy who looked honest and kind. Wang Xiao was a boy a bit shorter than Gu Yu, thin and small, as pale as a girl.
Zhao Yuanqiu was the most talkative among the four. He clapped his hands and said loudly,
“From now on, we’re roommates living under the same roof. Let’s get along. If any of you need help, you can come to me. I’ll do my best.”
“Then you should be the dorm head?”
“I agree.”
“I have no objections.”
“Alright, since you all trust me, I won’t refuse.”
Zhao Yuanqiu looked at the darkening sky outside and proposed,
“Has everyone had dinner? How about we go out and eat together? I’m from Linyang, so I know this area pretty well.”
The other three responded in agreement and followed Zhao Yuanqiu out. Right across from the school was a street. Walking along it not far would lead to the bustling downtown of Linyang. They decided to walk. Gu Yu and Zhao Yuanqiu walked side by side in front, with Wang Xiao and Su Ziyuan behind them.
The summer night was slightly cool. A gentle breeze brushed against the boy’s face, bringing a trace of cold. Zhao Yuanqiu enthusiastically talked about Linyang’s local snacks and specialties. Gu Yu had only had breakfast before boarding the train, and he hadn’t eaten anything since then; he was so hungry that his stomach was stuck to his back.
This kind of atmosphere was much better than Gu Yu had imagined. The pain of parting was still raw and bleeding, but he would eventually meet more people, eventually move forward. By then, he would surely be able to let go of these regrets.
Suddenly, a phone rang. Gu Yu recognized it as his own. He answered.
“Hey, have you arrived at school?”
The girl’s voice was still lively and cute. As soon as she spoke, the three pairs of eyes beside him were drawn over.
“Boss, you care about me that much?”
“I’m in Luyang, pretty close to your place. I’ll come find you to hang out when I have time.”
“Luyang… that seems a bit far.”
Gu Yu glanced back at the three people’s gazes and said awkwardly.
“Less nonsense. Anyway, you gave up on Luo Ming. You’re not forbidding me from chasing after her, are you?”
“I didn’t give up… Forget it, Boss, as long as you’re happy.”
Zhao Yuanqiu listened to their familiar banter, revealing a meaningful smile. He asked softly,
“Gu Yu, this is…”
“Is there someone next to you?”
He Yu also heard Zhao Yuanqiu’s voice.
“My roommates. We’re outside. They’re asking what you are to me.”
“I see.”
He Yu raised her voice.
“Hello, Gu Yu’s roommates. I’m his licking dog.”
“Hey, Boss, don’t say that nonsense.”
“It’s not that far off. I’ll hang up now. You guys have fun.”
“Wait, Boss, do you know… which university Luo Ming is at?”
“How would I know? Anyway, she’s not on my end.”
He Yu finished and hung up.