Going home for the New Year during the winter break, I encountered a cool school girl on the high-sp

Lin Muxi became more and more excited as she spoke:
"You'll meet new friends and start a new life over there, while I'll only be able to learn about you through the screen. What am I going to do? I'm already starting to feel sad even before you've left."

Qin Yao reached out and gently grasped Lin Muxi's hand, her eyes firm and bright, her tone serious and unwavering:
"How could that be? Absolutely not. In my heart, even if one day I forget everyone else, I will never forget you."

You're my best friend, irreplaceable by anyone.

Lin Muxi nodded slightly, her eyes a little red, and softly replied, "Okay~"

"..."

That night, the two chatted for a long time, as if they wanted to say everything they would say about the next few years.

Before we knew it, the sky was beginning to lighten, and a faint sense of melancholy filled the room, mixed with anticipation for our future lives.

The morning sunlight streamed gently into the room through the cracks in the window.

Chen Chen slowly opened his eyes. There was no one beside him. He hadn't been able to fall asleep for a long time last night.

The first thing I do when I wake up is check if anyone is next to me.

Chen Chen was a little surprised that Lin Muxi didn't come over last night.

"It seems they had a lot to talk about last night."

I stretched and got out of bed.

After leaving the house, he subconsciously glanced at the closed door next door.

After a moment's thought, I decided not to disturb the people who were still resting in the room.

Then he turned and headed for the stairs.

Downstairs, a bustling and lively scene unfolded.

Liu Xiuying and Chen Jianwen were busy at work.

Chen Jianwen sat on a small stool, intently processing the tail of a snail with scissors.

Meanwhile, Liu Xiuying was busy killing chickens and ducks in the small courtyard next door.

The courtyard was filled with the faint scent of poultry feathers, mixed with the fresh morning air.

Without much thought, Chen Chen understood that his parents were busy preparing all these things so that he could take them with him.

Watching his parents' busy figures, Chen Chen felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He raised his voice and called out with deep emotion, "Dad!"

mom."

Liu Xiuying and Chen Jianwen both looked up when they heard the sound.

A kind smile appeared on Liu Xiuying's face, but her hands didn't stop moving as she said:
"Son's awake. Why didn't you sleep a little longer?"

Chen Jianwen then shouted at the top of his lungs:

"Kid, get up! Come help me cut the snails. I caught some more yesterday, there are too many. It'll be faster if the two of you work together."

Chen Chen strode over, squatted down next to Chen Jianwen, and looked at the pile of snails, saying:

"You've collected so many snails!"

Chen Jianwen laughed and said, "You guys love to eat, so whether you make a little or a lot, you might as well make more and bring some back for your roommates. It won't go to waste."

Liu Xiuying chimed in, "That's right. I've cooked some congee with preserved egg and lean pork in the pot. Go and scoop some out for yourself, and then you can help me out after you've finished."

Chen Chen felt a lump in his throat, knowing all too well how much his parents had sacrificed for him.

I am studying far away from home and have very few opportunities to spend time with them.

As time goes by, there will likely be even less time left.

Seeing his parents tirelessly preparing food for him again today, Chen Chen felt a pang of guilt. He took a deep breath and said:
"Dad, Mom, I'm doing fine at school. Don't worry about me so much. Take good care of yourselves and eat and drink well."

Liu Xiuying stopped what she was doing and looked at him intently:
"As long as you're doing well, we're relieved. This food is just a token of our appreciation. You can take it back with you; it's very convenient as you don't need to heat it up."

Chen Jianwen also chimed in:
"Yes, we make convenient ready-to-eat meals. But you should eat them as soon as possible, otherwise they might spoil."

"Call me whenever you want some, and your mom and I will make it and ship it over."

Chen Chen nodded vigorously: "I know, I remember everything you said."

"Go have breakfast."

Chen Chen responded softly, "Yes."

Then he turned and walked toward the kitchen.

Inside the kitchen, the air was filled with the aroma of cooking, and the pot of porridge on the stove was steaming hot, emitting an enticing fragrance.

Chen Chen skillfully picked up the bowl and ladled a full bowl of preserved egg and lean pork congee from the pot. The thick broth in the congee was filled with tender pieces of preserved egg and shredded pork, making it look very tempting.

He carried the bowl and slowly walked out of the kitchen.

Chen Chen slowly walked out of the kitchen carrying a bowl and found a place to sit down. He gently blew on the steaming porridge, scooped up a small spoonful and put it in his mouth; the familiar taste instantly spread across his taste buds.

"It's delicious, Mom. Your porridge is the best."

At this moment, Chen Jianwen also finished his work, went into the house, washed his hands, and sat down to the side.

"Dad, have you eaten?"

"I've already eaten."

The bowl of porridge was quickly emptied, and Chen Chen stood up to scoop out another bowl.

After we finished eating, I picked up a pair of scissors and helped clean the snails.

The soft morning light filtered through the gaps in the curtains, gently spilling into the bedroom.

Lin Muxi slowly woke up from her drowsy state, her consciousness still in a state between sleep and wakefulness.

She habitually reached out her hand, subconsciously reaching out to touch that familiar figure beside her.

"Ok?"

Lin Muxi's hand touched something soft, and she couldn't help but feel puzzled. She paused, muttering to herself:
"Something feels off about the feel of it?"

She frowned slightly, trying to clear her head, her mind still hazy as she thought, "My senior isn't that soft..."

Lin Muxi slowly opened her eyes, her previously sleepy gaze instantly clearing.
Because what came into her view was not the familiar silhouette of her senior, but Qin Yao's speechless face.

Lin Muxi reacted as if electrocuted, quickly withdrawing her outstretched hand. A blush instantly spread across her face, and she stammered an explanation:
"I...I thought..."

Qin Yao raised an eyebrow, a half-smile on her face, and replied, "What did you think? Did you think I was your senior?"

After a long talk with Lin Muxi last night, Qin Yao has regained her usual liveliness today.
Lin Muxi gently bit her lower lip, looking somewhat embarrassed, and stammered:
"I...I just woke up, my mind is still foggy, I haven't reacted yet."

Qin Yao couldn't help but chuckle, gently tapping Lin Muxi's forehead and teasingly saying:
"Look at you, so pathetic. It's just one night, and you're already thinking like this. Looks like your senior is really infatuated with you."

Lin Muxi pretended to be angry and slapped her hand away, feigning annoyance: "No way! It's just a habitual action."

Qin Yao turned to the side, glanced at the alarm clock on the bedside table, and couldn't help but sigh softly:
"It's already past eleven o'clock. Sigh, another day has passed like this."

"What? It's past eleven o'clock!"

Lin Muxi's eyes widened instantly, her voice filled with surprise and panic. (End of Chapter)