On a corner of the shopping street stood a café with distinctive décor.
Judging by its interior and the little blackboard near the entrance, where the day's new offerings were written in colored chalk, the owner was probably someone who appreciated life's little pleasures. Since it was working hours, however, only a handful of customers were inside.
Pushing open the glass door decorated with wind chimes and paper cranes, Lu Zhou entered and quickly spotted his senior sitting by the window, raising an arm to wave at him with a delighted expression.
She looked much the same as she had just after the New Year. Her long black hair was tied back, with a few loose strands framing the lovely contours of her face. A khaki coat, a thin white turtleneck sweater, and black over-the-knee boots gave her the same simple, polished, yet fashionable look as always.
And his senior was not alone.
Beside her, Lu Zhou spotted an unexpected acquaintance.
"It's been a long time, Academician Lu." The mature woman seated beside Chen Yushan nodded at him with a smile and spoke in a refined voice. "Thank you for looking after my daughter."
"You're too kind, Madam Yang." Although he was somewhat surprised to see her here, Lu Zhou did not show much of it. After sitting down opposite them, he gave them a polite, friendly smile. "Academician is an academic title. It sounds far too formal. Just call me Professor Lu, or use my name."
This acquaintance was none other than his young student's mother, Yang Danyun.
He remembered that it had been seven years ago. Back then, when he had still been carefully budgeting for his living expenses and tuition, she had helped him quite a bit. They had gradually lost touch only after he went to