Chapter 4 – Campus Encounter
Lin Mo hadn't planned to return to his old university.
The decision came to him almost subconsciously, like revisiting a wound—not to reopen it, but to confirm it no longer hurt.
The campus gates stood the same as always. Old stone pillars. Faded banners welcoming new students. Couples walking hand in hand, laughter echoing across paths shaded by plane trees.
Once, this place had represented everything he wanted: stability, love, a future.
Now?
It felt small.
Lin Mo walked through the main square, hands in his pockets, calm gaze sweeping over the crowd. His posture alone separated him from the students around him—unhurried, grounded, unbothered.
That was when someone collided with his chest.
"Oof—!"
A soft body stumbled backward.
Lin Mo reached out instinctively, steadying her by the wrist.
"I'm sorry! I wasn't looking where I—"
The voice stopped.
So did time.
She looked up at him with wide, startled eyes.
Chen Yao.
She was wearing a simple white dress, hair tied back in a low ponytail, textbooks pressed tightly against her chest as if they were armor. Her face still held that gentle innocence that made people lower their voices around her.
"Lin… Mo?" she asked softly, as if afraid saying his name too loudly would break something.
He released her wrist immediately, taking a half-step back.
"Chen Yao," he said, smiling faintly. "Long time."
Her cheeks flushed.
"You… you look different."
So did she—but in a way that made his chest tighten unexpectedly.
"Different how?" he asked.
She hesitated, eyes darting briefly over his clothes, his watch, the subtle confidence in his stance.
"Calmer," she said finally. "Like you're not worried anymore."
Lin Mo chuckled quietly.
"That obvious?"
She nodded, then laughed softly, embarrassed. "I didn't mean it like—"
"It's fine," he said. "Want coffee?"
Her eyes widened again. "Now?"
"If you're free."
She bit her lip, conflicted. Then nodded.
"I have an hour."
The campus café smelled like roasted beans and nostalgia.
They sat across from each other near the window. Sunlight spilled over the table, warming Chen Yao's fingers as she wrapped them around her cup.
"You disappeared after graduation," she said. "Everyone thought you went abroad."
"I disappeared," Lin Mo corrected. "Just not that far."
She studied him carefully.
They'd never been close before—not like lovers. More like… parallel lines that had occasionally brushed against each other. She remembered him as quiet, polite, always holding himself back.
This Lin Mo?
He looked at her directly.
Not aggressively.
Just… assured.
"So," he said, "how have you been?"
Her smile softened. "Busy. Studying. Working part-time at the library. Same old."
She paused. "You?"
Lin Mo glanced at his phone as it vibrated.
+300,000 yuan
He ignored it.
"Better," he said.
She laughed. "That's vague."
"Life's clearer when you stop begging it to be fair," he replied.
Her eyes lingered on him longer than before.
[Emotional Resonance Detected]
[Affection Trend: Rising]
The system chimed quietly.
Chen Yao stirred her coffee absentmindedly. "You sound… experienced."
Lin Mo smiled. "Experience comes whether you want it or not."
When it was time to leave, he stood first and casually placed his phone on the counter.
"I'll pay."
"Oh—no, I can—"
The cashier announced the total.
Lin Mo paid without blinking.
Chen Yao froze.
"That was… a lot."
"Coffee tastes better when you don't count," he said lightly.
She laughed—but her heart beat faster.
As they stepped outside, she hesitated.
"Lin Mo… would you like to meet again?"
The question was soft.
Vulnerable.
The system pulsed.
[Sponsorship Opportunity Available: Chen Yao]
Lin Mo looked at her—really looked.
Pure. Uncomplicated. Warm.
A contrast to the cold steel world he was stepping into.
"I'd like that," he said.
Her smile bloomed.
Behind her eyes, something shifted.