Parting with Brother Meng and Brother Jiang brought little sadness. It only meant the end of their days living together. All three lived in the Jade Capital, and even after graduation, they would not vanish from one another's lives. As the saying went, the stage at the top was only so big. They were bound to cross paths often.
"Brother Jiang, I'll come watch you in the Finals."
"Good."
"Junior Brother Meng, study hard."
"...Brother Chen, you worry too much. Hurry along."
"Woof~"
Peach copied Chen Shu and called out a farewell to the two of them. Then Peach trotted after Chen Shu and pattered down the stairs.
The dorm supervisor sat fanning herself.
"Goodbye, ma'am."
"Take care."
"Woof~"
"Is that a cat or a dog?"
"A dog."
"Cat~"
"Oh! It can talk!"
"Hahaha..."
The man and the cat left the dormitory building, then Locust Court.
The little creature was eager to get home, trotting cheerfully ahead the whole way. At the thought of going home, Peach was in a wonderful mood. Peach went straight to where the bike was parked, hopped lightly onto the tiny scooter, then turned to hurry Chen Shu along.
Chen Shu could only smile helplessly.
Half an hour later, they were back at the Small Courtyard.
Peach first went to the neighbors' gate and peered through a crack into their yard. Who knew what Peach was looking for, or whether Peach found it? Then Peach turned and ran back into the Small Courtyard, pretending not to understand a word Chen Shu said from behind.
"For you."
Chen Shu held out his hand to Ning Qing. A special bright-yellow crystal lay in his palm, with what looked like light flowing inside it.
Ning Qing took it. It felt warm.
After studying it closely, she looked up