The Cinnabar Mole of a Beijing Circle Tycoon

The early summer breeze always carries a sweet, warm wave.

The sycamore-lined avenue at Kyoto University is shaded by dense foliage, and sunlight filters through the layers of leaves, creating dappled patterns of gold leaf on the ground.

The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of gardenias, as well as a special atmosphere called "graduation," a mixture of sorrow and anticipation.

Standing at the school gate, Lu Ying looked up at the plaque with the four large characters "Beijing University" engraved on it, feeling as if she had been transported to another world.

A full month has passed since her wedding, and during that month, they went to Northern Europe.

Watch the Northern Lights in the fjords of Norway, soak in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, and feed pigeons on the streets of Denmark.

Back from our honeymoon, before we even had a chance to properly tidy up our new home, we received a notification from our counselor that today was graduation day.

As senior students, they had already defended their graduation theses and their jobs were basically settled.

This graduation photo marks the end of the students' university life.

As soon as Lu Ying arrived at the academy's assembly point, she was rushed into the arms of two figures.

"Yingying, you're finally back." Xiang Yu was wearing her graduation gown, her hat askew, still looking as dashing as ever.

Lin Huihui held up a parasol. "Yingying, you're finally back."

Shen Qingyao, dressed in her graduation gown with a white cheongsam underneath, looked even fairer than before. She hugged Lu Ying's arm and smiled brightly, "Yingying, you've gotten a little tanned."

Lu Ying happily replied, "I missed you all so much, I'm your darlings."

"How was your honeymoon?" Xiang Yu raised an eyebrow. "We need to check if Gu Xizhou has been mistreating you."

"He wouldn't dare." Lu Ying couldn't hide the tenderness in her eyes as she mentioned Gu Xizhou. "He took very good care of me."

"Tsk tsk tsk," Xiang Yu said with a look of disgust, "You're in trouble, you've fallen in love."

Sunlight fell on their profiles, outlining soft contours.

The four of them stood together, dressed in matching graduation gowns, their black robes flamboyant and radiant in the early summer breeze.

The process of taking the class group photo was both lively and chaotic.

The students straightened each other's graduation gowns, adjusted their caps, laughed and joked, some held up banners, and some made peace signs.

When the photographer shouted "three, two, one," the graduating class all showed their most beautiful expressions.

After the class group photo was taken, it was time for the four of them to have some private time together.

A week ago, they decided to hire a professional photographer to take some graduation photos of them as best friends.

"This is a testament to our four years of youth, so it has to be photographed beautifully. When we're old, we can look back at it and proudly say, 'Look how beautiful I was back then!'"

The photographer was found by Lin Huihui; he was very experienced and had brought a full set of equipment, already waiting at the school gate.

From the steps in front of the library to the path through the ginkgo forest, and then to the gardenia bushes below the girls' dormitory, their figures can be seen everywhere.

They took a serious group photo, the four of them standing side by side with gentle smiles; they took a funny group photo, with Xiang Yu pinching Lin Huihui's face and Lu Ying and Shen Qingyao making a "surrender" gesture; they took an intimate group photo, the four of them hugging each other, forehead to forehead.

The sun is just right, the breeze is not dry.

The camera lens captured four youthful, vibrant faces, a testament to the bond forged through four years of close companionship.

Looking at herself in the camera, with her best friend by her side and her alma mater, which had been the backdrop for four years of her youth, Lu Ying suddenly realized that whether it was getting married or graduating, it was a new stage in her life.

No matter what stage she reaches, these precious people will always be her source of confidence.

Under the willow trees by the artificial lake, the photographer had them sit on the lawn and pose naturally.

"Shen Qingyao, move a little closer to Lu Ying."

"Xiang Yu, smile even brighter."

"Lin Huihui, hold the balloon higher."

The shutter clicked away, capturing this beautiful moment.

Shen Qingyao's gaze swept across the shimmering lake surface and landed on the sycamore-lined avenue not far away.

After taking several sets of photos, the four of them looked at the results and were very satisfied.

The photographer said, "For the last group, let's go to the stone monument at the school gate and take a final group photo."

The four readily agreed, packed their things, and headed towards the school gate.

Just as they reached the corner of Wutong Avenue, Lin Huihui's eyes suddenly lit up, and she tugged at Shen Qingyao's sleeve: "Yaoyao, isn't that Mr. Meng?"

Shen Qingyao looked in the direction she pointed, and suddenly stopped in her tracks.

At the end of the sycamore-lined avenue, in the sunniest spot, stood a man.

He was wearing a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, revealing his sleek wrists.

He wore light gray casual pants, had a tall and straight posture, and handsome features; it was Meng Jiangyu.

He held a large bunch of sunflowers in his hands, blooming vibrantly and flamboyantly on the sycamore-lined avenue.

Meng Jiangyu seemed to have seen them long ago, a gentle smile on his lips, as he slowly walked towards them.

Lu Ying, Xiang Yu, and Lin Huihui exchanged a glance, and all saw a knowing smile in each other's eyes.

As Meng Jiangyu drew closer, Shen Qingyao's heart raced. He was so handsome!

Meng Jiangyu walked up to them, his gaze passing over Lu Ying, Xiang Yu, and Lin Huihui, and landing directly on Shen Qingyao.

His eyes were so gentle they could melt your heart, like a gentle breeze in early summer.

"Shen Qingyao, happy graduation." He called her name, his voice deep and pleasant.

After saying that, he stepped forward and handed the bunch of sunflowers to Shen Qingyao.

The sunflower petals still had glistening water droplets on them, and they exuded a rich floral fragrance.

Sunlight falls on the petals, refracting a dazzling light.

Shen Qingyao looked up and met Meng Jiangyu's gentle eyes, in which her image was clearly reflected.

The air around them seemed to sweeten. Shen Qingyao took the sunflower, saying, "I love sunflowers the most."

Meng Jiangyu took Shen Qingyao's hand. "Baby, are you done filming?"

"Almost done, just one more set of photos at the school gate and we'll be done."

An hour later, the best friend finished taking photos, and instantly, only Shen Qingyao and Meng Jiangyu were left at the school gate, along with the photographer who was holding a camera and standing not far away.

Shen Qingyao stood next to Meng Jiangyu, holding a sunflower. He turned slightly to the side and naturally put his arm on her shoulder.

The sunlight fell on them, casting long, intertwined shadows.

"Look at the camera and smile," the photographer shouted.

Shen Qingyao raised her head, a gentle smile appearing on her lips. Meng Jiangyu turned his head to look at her profile, his eyes overflowing with tenderness.

The shutter clicked, capturing this tender moment.