Dawn had yet to break, and Cloud Roost City lay shrouded in deep indigo at five in the morning.
A chill lingered in the air. Chen Shi'an woke punctually as usual, washed up quietly, and returned to the living room.
A fantastic experience. Absolutely amazing.
In the middle of the living room, he had sorted the cycling equipment that had been piled there for days.
With practiced, quiet movements, he began securing his luggage to the bicycle that had accompanied him to and from school.
The rear panniers held his tent, blankets, clothes, and cookware, while spare parts and tools went into the front panniers. Waterproof covers fitted snugly over them, and mesh bags hung at the sides to secure water bottles and miscellaneous items-
The whole loading process was orderly, broken only by the occasional faint clink of metal buckles and rustle of fabric.
The sleepy Fat Cat was awake too, sitting on the dining table and watching Chen Shi'an bustle about with curiosity.
Unlike Li Wanyin and the others, Fat Ink would be going with him this time.
Just as Chen Shi'an was securing the last bundle to the bicycle's crossbar, the bedroom door behind him eased open a crack.
Chen Shi'an and Black Cat turned to look in unison.
Warm yellow light spilled out, illuminating Li Wanyin's tired yet unusually clear eyes.
She had clearly just woken up. A thick house jacket was draped loosely over her roomy beige pajamas, and her long hair fell somewhat tousled over her shoulders.
"Shi'an... are you leaving already?"
Li Wanyin's voice was husky with sleep. She hurried over to him, her eyes full of concern and reluctance to part.
Chen Shi'an straightened, a little surprised, and smiled. "Why not sleep a little longer, Sister Wanyin? It's still early."
"How could