Chapter 37: An Invitation to the Winter Camp

As Li Xiao drove, he casually briefed them on the Professor Li they were about to meet, using a light tone.

“Professor Li is a well-respected scholar in the computer science department. He has mentored many outstanding students and is very approachable. Just relax and chat with him—think of it as getting advice from an elder.”

His words effectively eased the tension in the car.

Jiang Qing gradually relaxed, occasionally asking a question or two about Peking University’s campus. Li Xiao patiently answered each one.

The meeting was arranged in a quiet tea room near the university, in a private booth.

Professor Li, around fifty years old, wore glasses and exuded an intellectual elegance. True to description, he was entirely without airs.

He first looked over Jiang Qing’s transcript and certificates from several science competitions, then asked a few questions about her programming foundation and learning interests.

Initially, Jiang Qing was a bit reserved. But when they touched on algorithm logic, her eyes lit up, and her responses became smoother, even offering some of her own insights.

Professor Li listened attentively, nodding from time to time, a look of appreciation in his eyes.

After about half an hour, he closed Jiang Qing’s resume and smiled.

“Your foundation is solid, your thinking is clear, and your passion for computer science is genuine—that’s rare.”

He turned to Li Xiao and Jiang Yu.

“Comrade Jiang Qing’s overall qualifications make her highly competitive for our department’s independent recruitment. I happen to have a resource available.”

He took a color brochure from his briefcase and handed it to Jiang Qing.

“Every winter break, the department runs a ‘Sprout’ programming winter camp for top high school seniors. It lasts two weeks, led by professors and PhD students, focusing on cutting-edge directions and practical projects. Places are limited—usually by recommendation. If you’re interested, I can give you a spot. It will greatly help you prepare for the independent recruitment interview and your future university studies.”

Jiang Qing took the brochure, her fingers trembling slightly as she looked at the words “Peking University Computer Science Department” and the camp photos. She looked at Jiang Yu, then at Li Xiao, too excited to speak.

“Thank you, Professor Li!”

Jiang Yu quickly thanked him on his sister’s behalf, his own voice a little tight. He knew how rare this opportunity was.

“Thank you, Professor!” Jiang Qing finally found her voice and stood to bow respectfully.

Professor Li waved his hand with a smile. “You’re the one who’s excellent. I’ll have my assistant email the details and schedule to the address Mr. Li left. Keep up your momentum and prepare well.”

They left the tea room at a little past four in the afternoon. The setting sun cast a pale golden glow over the cold streets.

Jiang Qing clutched the brochure, her smile unwavering as she chattered excitedly about what the winter camp might involve, her eyes full of anticipation.

Suddenly, her eyes sparkling, she turned to the two of them. “Brother, Li-gege, let’s celebrate at home!”

Jiang Yu’s heart softened at his sister’s rare display of joy. He nodded. “Okay. What do you want to eat?”

“Hotpot! Winter is perfect for hotpot!” Jiang Qing said immediately.

“Alright.” Li Xiao chimed in with a smile, naturally slipping an arm around Jiang Yu’s shoulder and pulling him gently. “Let’s head to the supermarket first.”

The gesture made Jiang Yu’s body stiffen for a moment, his ears starting to burn. He didn’t push away, just mumbled a vague “Mm.”

The supermarket was bustling, filled with the lively sounds of daily life.

Jiang Qing pushed the cart, excitedly picking out ingredients ahead—beef rolls, lamb rolls, shrimp paste, tripe, various vegetables and tofu products…

Jiang Yu followed behind, occasionally grabbing seasonings from shelves she couldn’t reach.

Li Xiao stayed close to Jiang Yu’s side, his gaze mostly fixed on Jiang Yu.

As they passed a chilled display, Jiang Yu bent down to grab hotpot ingredients from the bottom shelf.

Just as he straightened up, a warm, large hand suddenly gripped the hand hanging at his side.

Startled, Jiang Yu turned his head sharply.

Li Xiao stood right beside him, facing the shelves, looking as if he was earnestly selecting dipping sauces.

He even lightly traced his fingertip across Jiang Yu’s palm.

“Let go,” Jiang Yu said in a low voice, his heart inexplicably racing a few beats. His fingers instinctively curled, but he didn’t immediately pull away.

“No.” Li Xiao replied just as quietly, a hint of laughter and stubbornness in his tone. His thumb brushed against the inside of Jiang Yu’s wrist as if by accident. “A reward.”

“What reward?” Jiang Yu felt his ears burning and shot him a glare, but under the bright supermarket lights, it lacked any real force.

“For my good behavior today…” Li Xiao finally turned his head, giving him a quick, deep, and mischievous look. “Running around, making connections with the professor… don’t I deserve a little reward?”

Jiang Yu was rendered speechless by this twisted logic, his cheeks flushed with anger. But his hand was still trapped in Li Xiao’s, the warmth spreading from their touching skin, making half his body feel numb.

“You…” He was about to say more when Jiang Qing’s voice came from nearby.

“Brother! Li-gege! Should we get these meatballs?” Jiang Qing turned around, holding a box of fish balls.

The moment she turned, Li Xiao instantly let go and, with perfect naturalness, reached for a bottle of shacha sauce from the shelf, his voice casual. “This brand of dipping sauce is pretty good.”

Jiang Yu quickly shoved his hand back into his down jacket pocket, the phantom warmth of Li Xiao’s palm still lingering, his heart pounding like a drum.

He cleared his throat and nodded at Jiang Qing. “Take them. Get as many as you like.”

Jiang Qing looked at her brother’s slightly red face, then at Li Xiao’s serious expression as he studied the sauce bottle. Her big eyes blinked, and she pursed her lips in a smile, saying nothing as she turned to continue shopping.

Back home, the small rented apartment felt especially warm and lively with the three of them bustling around.

Jiang Yu tied on an apron and prepared ingredients in the kitchen, washing vegetables.

Li Xiao took off his coat, rolled up the sleeves of his sweater, and naturally helped on the side—handing plates, receiving washed veggies. His movements were practiced, unlike someone who had never lifted a finger.

Jiang Qing set out bowls and chopsticks, mixed dipping sauces, and arranged the drinks on the table.

Soon, the hotpot was bubbling on the induction cooker, red oil roiling and fragrant steam spreading everywhere.

The three sat around the small folding table. Frost gradually formed on the window glass, sealing out the cold outside.

“To my sister getting the winter camp spot!” Li Xiao raised his glass of juice.

“Congrats, little sister!” Jiang Yu also raised his glass, his eyes full of tenderness as he looked at Jiang Qing’s happy face.

“Thanks, big brother! Thanks, Li-gege!” Jiang Qing clinked glasses and took a big gulp.

The meal lasted a long time. They ate and talked, mostly Jiang Qing speaking about her expectations for the camp and her dreams of college life.

Jiang Yu mostly listened quietly, occasionally putting a piece of meat in her bowl.

Li Xiao would laugh and chime in when Jiang Qing said something funny, but his gaze kept drifting to Jiang Yu beside him.

He watched Jiang Yu’s profile, softened by the steam, his eyelashes trembling slightly when he looked down, and his lips, flushed and glistening from the spicy broth.

Li Xiao’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. Under the table, his knee brushed against Jiang Yu’s.

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