Early on Saturday morning, Song He sat in front of the dormitory computer, engrossed in a research paper.
He might have read too many papers. His eyesight had deteriorated a little lately, but it was no big deal. These days, there was no need to worry about vision problems.
The scent of summer was drawing near. The temperature had not risen yet, but when the window was opened, the air carried a summery smell. Flowers and plants flourished across campus, and more and more birds called in the early morning. Occasionally, he heard several unusual bird calls—the kind that would land whoever shot them down and ate them in prison for years.
Suddenly, faint splashing sounds mingled with the birdsong—the sharp patter of water striking the floor.
Song He froze, then instantly perked up. It was the sound of the bathroom in the dormitory next door!
Twenty minutes later, the water stopped. Song He waited anxiously for a while, then left the dormitory and went to knock on the door.
"Huh? How did you know I was back?" Xiang Xiaotong opened the door, curiosity written across her face.
"Telepathy." Song He smiled.
They had not seen each other all winter break, and Teacher Xiang had regained her former beauty. She was no longer as thin and pale as a high school girl. Her figure had become shapely and full again, and even her loose white cotton pajamas could not hide her elasticity.
This time, she had not brought a suitcase stuffed with documents. Instead, she had placed a... bicycle in the corner.
It was not the old-fashioned bicycles seen everywhere around campus, nor was it a conventional bike. It was a small, pearly-white bicycle folded up neatly. It looked quite high-end.
"Guess how much it cost?" Xiang Xiaotong walked to