Night settled gently over the city.
After they entered Senior Year Three, not only did they have just half a day off every Sunday, but their evening study sessions on weekdays also gained an extra period, ending at ten thirty instead of nine forty-five.
Most of the students were already used to it, though. Lin Meng Qiu, for example, had often studied until eleven before returning to the dormitory since the previous semester. Wen Zhixia lived off campus, and although she went home earlier, she also continued reading after she got back and only went to sleep after eleven.
Barely getting half a day off was little different from getting none, and with no afternoon nap either, neither girl studied too late that night. After class, they each headed back to wash up and sleep.
After taking Little Cicada home, Chen Shi'an returned home too.
Soft light filled the living room, and the nature documentary Blue Planet was playing on the television. Li Wanyue was curled up on the sofa, with Fat Cat lying beside her legs. Girl and cat were watching the television intently.
Hearing the door open, the girl and cat turned their heads in unison.
"Shi'an, are you done with classes?"
"Meow."
"Yep."
Chen Shi'an set down his backpack and changed into his house slippers. "Where did you and Sister Wanyin go tonight, Xiao Yue?"
"Sis took me for a walk along the West River, and then we went on a sightseeing cruise together. Shi'an, there's a late-night snack on the dining table that Sis brought back for you."
"Okay. Where's Sister Wanyin?"
"Sis is taking a shower. She should be almost done."
Li Wanyue pointed toward the bathroom, where the faint sound of running water could be heard.
Chen Shi'an nodded. In no hurry, he came