The start of school

Jinghong College started its term on September 12.

Gu Jiangfeng couldn't get away from work at his company, and Gu Shen Ci was still preparing for his upcoming concerts, so Gu Shuoyan and Zhao Wanling were the only family members taking Gu Zhiyue to register at the college.

There were two large suitcases in the trunk. Gu Shuoyan drove, while Zhao Wanling and Gu Zhiyue sat in the back. Reluctant to part with him, Zhao Wanling kept reminding Gu Zhiyue to take care of himself at school, eat properly, and keep calling home.

"Mom, he can come home whenever he doesn't have classes," Gu Shuoyan said. "Besides, Jinghong gives students three days off every half month."

"I'm just worried that Xiao Yue won't take good care of himself at school."

Gu Zhiyue smiled and patted Zhao Wanling's hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, Mom. I can look after myself. I boarded at school for three years in high school. I can at least manage that much."

Zhao Wanling laughed at his words. "No matter how independent their children are, parents still can't help worrying."

Since it was the first day of term, family members were allowed to accompany new students inside for registration.

Gu Shuoyan helped Gu Zhiyue carry his luggage to his dorm room, after which the mother and her two sons planned to have a meal together at the cafeteria.

Gu Zhiyue sighed. "Why do you and the others start a week later than us freshmen, Shuoyan? Do we have an extra week of classes?"

"Jinghong has always done it this way," Gu Shuoyan said. "Freshmen start a week early, but actual classes begin at the same time as the other years. This week is for getting familiar with campus and meeting your advisor and classmates. It also gives you time to sort out any start-of-term issues."

"Besides, every year has a different start date. The sophomores will be back in a couple of days."

"So that's how it works. Shuoyan, how's the cafeteria? Which stall is good?"

"They're actually all pretty good. It just depends on what flavors you prefer."

"I ate at the cafeteria once when your brother started school," Zhao Wanling said. "Now I get to try it again."

Gu Zhiyue thought for a moment. "I want something spicy. Shuoyan, which stall would you recommend?"

Gu Shuoyan snapped his fingers. "There's a stall that makes really good spicy dry-tossed noodles, and they have free sour plum juice, too. Come on, I'll take you to try it."

Every stall in the cafeteria was open. Several people were lined up to order at some, while others didn't have a single customer. The aroma of food drifted through the air, along with the hubbub of conversation.

"Dad, I've been wearing the monitor the whole time. Don't worry." Luo Yunhe sat by the wall in the cafeteria, mixing his rice noodles with his chopsticks while holding his phone to his ear and talking to Luo Weirong.

"I brought all my medication, and I've kept the monitor on. Jinghong has pretty good medical facilities, too. There won't be any problems. Don't worry."

Luo Weirong sighed. "I'd thought hiring tutors to teach you at home would be enough, but you insisted on going to school."

Luo Yunhe smiled as he chewed. "I never got to experience boarding at school in high school. So many people say university life is an experience you absolutely can't miss. I had to try it for myself, no matter what."

"All right. Take care of yourself. Go to the hospital as soon as you feel even a little unwell. Remember to wear your monitor every day, and keep your medication on you at all times. Understand?"

"Yes, I understand. I'll take care of myself."

Luo Yunhe hung up and lowered his head to continue eating his rice noodles. Someone lightly tapped his shoulder twice. He turned to find Gu Zhiyue holding a bowl in one hand, his eyes full of delighted surprise. "Luo Yunhe! I didn't expect you to be here, too!"

"Gu Zhiyue! What a coincidence! It must be fate!"

Gu Zhiyue sat down beside Luo Yunhe, while Gu Shuoyan and Zhao Wanling sat across from them.

"When fate comes calling, there's no stopping it," Luo Yunhe marveled. "Who would've thought we'd end up at the same school?"

Gu Zhiyue nodded. "Yeah, what a coincidence."

Zhao Wanling wore a kindly smile. "I'm Zhiyue's mother, dear. He mentioned you to me a couple of days ago. You're the first friend he's made here."

Luo Yunhe dipped his head slightly. "Hello, Auntie. I'm very happy to have met Gu Zhiyue, too."

Gu Shuoyan clicked his tongue. "You're both so skinny. Eat more. Your senior will have your backs at school from now on."

Luo Yunhe smiled. "Thank you, but my health isn't very good, so I can't eat just anything."

Zhao Wanling took a few sips of sour plum juice and told Luo Yunhe, "A relative on my side of the family has heart problems, too. The cardiologist treating him is one of Anzhou's top specialists. Once my relative gives me the doctor's number, I'll pass it to Xiao Yue and have him give it to you."

Luo Yunhe felt a slight ache in his heart. "Thank you, Auntie."

"There's no need to be so polite with me. You're Xiao Yue's friend. When our child's friend needs help, how could we parents ignore it? And you're about the same age. Who wouldn't want their child to have more people looking out for them while they're away from home?"

Gu Zhiyue swallowed his food. "Don't overthink it. I'm the one who wants to help you. When the doctor comes, just cooperate with the examination and treatment."

"All right. Thank you."

After eating at the cafeteria, Gu Shuoyan and Gu Zhiyue finished setting up Gu Zhiyue's dorm room, then helped Luo Yunhe finish arranging his as well. Only then did Zhao Wanling and Gu Shuoyan leave the school.

"Sweetheart, take care of yourself and eat properly."

"Mom, you've told me five or six times already."

"That's because I'm afraid you'll get lazy and skip meals. Don't eat too many instant noodles, either. They may taste good, but eating too much is never good for you."

"Okay, I'll remember."

"Mom, people have to eat," Gu Shuoyan said. "He won't let himself go hungry. Let's get in the car."

Zhao Wanling stroked Gu Zhiyue's face. "All right. You'll be home in half a month anyway. It's only fifteen days."

Gu Zhiyue watched them get into the car. Once it drove farther and farther away and disappeared from sight, he raised his arms and stretched. "Let's go back to the dorm."

"Why don't we walk around some more?" Luo Yunhe suggested. "The temperature's pretty nice for a walk right now."

Gu Zhiyue nodded in agreement. "Sure. I'd only be lying around if I went back anyway."

As they walked, Luo Yunhe asked, "Gu Zhiyue, um... about the doctor..."

Gu Zhiyue turned to look at Luo Yunhe. "What? Are you still thinking about how to thank me? Didn't I tell you this is something I want to do?"

"I wanted to ask, what if I ask you for help myself in the future? Since your family's connections really do make it easier to find medical resources."

"Then I'll help," Gu Zhiyue said without hesitation. "My family does charity work all the time. Who knows how much we've donated to impoverished mountain regions, nursing homes, and orphanages? We don't even know a single one of the people we've helped. Now you're standing right in front of me, needing help. Why wouldn't I help you?"

"That's true, but we've only met a few times, and you're already doing so much for me."

"Just think of it as people our age feeling an affinity for each other. I've only just started university, too, so I can't bear to see you unable to attend because of your health when you've only just started. I've seen people struggling with illness, so I don't want to see you, someone close at hand, suffer. That's why I'm helping you."

Luo Yunhe looked at Gu Zhiyue. After four or five seconds of silence, he smiled, at ease. "My grandma makes amazing iron-pot stewed goose. If you get the chance, you have to come home with me and try it."

"High five. It's a deal."