Gu Beichen and Xu Le rode to the vicinity of Lighthouse University. The gatekeeper this time seemed different from the previous ones; he recognized Xu Le at first sight.
"Isn't this Le? That uniform... have you become a Night Watcher?"
Someone I know?
Xu Le looked at him somewhat guiltily. People he did not know particularly well but who seemed enthusiastic were the most troublesome.
He could find no trace of this man in those scattered fragments of memory, so he could only smile and say:
"Yes, sir."
"Oh, right, how has Old Zhou been lately? He hasn't come to work for a while. Do you know how he's doing?"
"Old Zhou? He passed away."
"Ah, gone so young? I heard he still had a wife and child... ah, life's unpredictable, one absurd twist after another!"
"Yes, nothing in life is certain." Xu Le nodded.
"Then go get on with your business. I won't keep you."
"All right."
"Oh, right, one more thing."
Xu Le stopped and looked at the gatekeeper in confusion.
"What is it?"
"May you have a bright future, Le."
Whether because he sensed the man's sincerity or for some other reason, Xu Le nodded to the gatekeeper.
"Thank you."
After passing through the university gates, Gu Beichen led Xu Le down a path he had seldom taken.
Judging by Gu Beichen's familiarity with the surroundings, he probably came here often.
"Le, heh. That name makes you sound like a helper at a street food stall."
"Idiot."
"But did you know, Xu Le? I came out of Lighthouse University's Transcendent Society too, though I was specially admitted. In terms of seniority, I started four years before you. You should call me your senior."
Listening to Gu Beichen seriously analyze their seniority, Xu Le had no intention