Chapter 93: A Day on Campus and a Glimpse of Adult Life

The university campus, as expected, was considerably larger than a middle school. Even though it was summer vacation, a continuous stream of pedestrians and students still bustled along its shaded pathways.

Tang Ruoxi, holding a parasol, squinted as she surveyed her surroundings. She sighed softly, “It’s only been two months since graduation, but it feels like university life is already a distant memory. I won’t have the chance to return to campus again.”

“Actually, graduating is quite nice,” Lin Duo offered her thoughts. “You don’t have to go to school every day; you can do whatever you want.”

“That’s why you’re still too young,” Tang Ruoxi replied, playfully pinching Lin Duo’s cheek with a hint of envy. “The adult world isn’t as wonderful as you imagine. Look at your skin—it’s so flawless you don’t need any makeup at all. In ancient times, your age was called the ‘Jade Age,’ considered the most beautiful time for a young woman. At my age, in ancient times, I’d probably be considered an old hag, wouldn’t I?”

“Sister, you look very young, just like the senior students at my school!” Lin Duo had already mastered a few flattering remarks.

“What a sweet talker! Alright, let’s go see the great lawn. It’s quite a scenic spot on campus.”

****

And so, Lin Duo followed Tang Ruoxi, touring all the main attractions of the campus. The two, resembling sisters, became a beautiful sight themselves amidst the summer campus, drawing numerous admiring gazes.

Eventually, they settled onto a bench nestled in a heavily shaded area, seeking a brief respite. There was nothing more pleasant in summer than to hide in the cool shade and let a gentle breeze drift by.

Lin Duo tidied her bangs slightly, resting her chin in her hands. She watched the students passing by with a touch of envy, wondering when she, too, would become a university student like them.

Tang Ruoxi seemed particularly fond of Lin Duo’s long hair, picking up a strand and twirling it between her fingers. “Xiaoduo, do you have any older brothers or sisters?”

“No, I’m an only child.” Lin Duo had never spoken of Lin Cheng to anyone.

“Is that so? I’m an only child too. I’ve always wanted a younger sister, preferably one as pretty and adorable as you.”

“If only I had an older sister like you…” A shadow of sadness crossed Lin Duo’s face.

For a moment, neither spoke, simply savoring the cool tranquility beneath the scorching sun.

Just then, a neat-looking young man wearing glasses approached them, initiating a conversation with Tang Ruoxi. “Excuse me, I feel like you strongly resemble someone I know. Would you mind exchanging contact information?”

“Pfft, what a cheesy pickup line! But I already have a boyfriend!” Tang Ruoxi’s eyes suddenly lit up, and she playfully pushed Lin Duo forward. “However, this little sister here is still single. Are you interested in chatting with her about life and ideals?”

The bespectacled young man shook his head repeatedly. “I’m not a lolicon… though she does look like she’s in high school, so she’s not exactly a loli either… Uh, little sister, how about we get to know each other?”

“Hmph!” Lin Duo turned her face away, refusing to look at him.

The young man, finding no interest, reluctantly left. Yet, Lin Duo’s delicate, adorable face lingered persistently in his mind. Finally, he slapped his forehead, a revelation dawning on him. ‘Amitabha, it turns out this old monk is a lolicon! No wonder I’ve never found a girlfriend in university! Hmm, I should visit a middle school campus someday…’

On the bench, Lin Duo stamped her foot in mild exasperation. “Sister, why did you push me out there?”

“It was just a joke! He wouldn’t dare kidnap you. But can you tell your big sister what your ideal Prince Charming is like?”

“Prince Charming, huh…” Lin Duo began to ponder intensely. “First, he has to be tall, at least 180 centimeters, so I feel safe. Then, he needs to be strong, because I’m very, very weak and need someone to help me carry things. Of course, he must be devoted to me and treat me well—cheaters can just die! And then… hmm… let me think…”

“He has to be rich!” Tang Ruoxi interjected abruptly.

“Huh? Rich?”

“Yes! He has to be rich!” Tang Ruoxi sighed softly at this point. “You’re still a student, after all, with your parents supporting you, so you don’t realize how difficult it is to live independently.”

“As for money, as long as two people work hard together, isn’t enough, enough?”

“That’s why I said you’re still a child.” Tang Ruoxi tenderly brushed Lin Duo’s bangs from her forehead. “If there’s no money, then after graduation, two people can only squeeze into a tiny rented room, working overtime late every day just to earn money, and buying a house or a car will be a distant dream. Especially for girls, youth only lasts a few years, and the girl’s parents will definitely pressure the boy’s family to buy a house early, but then…”

Tang Ruoxi abruptly stopped speaking, her gaze drifting elsewhere with a complex expression. Lin Duo, only half understanding these matters, didn’t know how to respond and simply sat quietly beside her.

Fortunately, Tang Ruoxi’s mood soon brightened. She flashed Lin Duo a radiant smile. “Alright, we’ve pretty much seen the campus. Now, let’s officially go shopping!”

****

Being near a university, various clothing stores, accessory shops, and cosmetic boutiques were naturally abundant. Tang Ruoxi particularly enjoyed having Lin Duo try on all sorts of cute, light dresses, then taking pictures with her phone as souvenirs. Of course, she tried on many outfits herself. Ultimately, Lin Duo only bought one item, while Tang Ruoxi purchased several.

Next, the two browsed the cosmetic counters in a large department store. Seeing the vast array of different cosmetic products, Lin Duo felt her head spin slightly. “Big Sister, do you use all of these?”

Tang Ruoxi patiently explained, “More or less. But at your age, you don’t need makeup; just focus on skincare. If you ever want to learn how to apply makeup, I can teach you!”

While men often felt that women’s shopping took forever, to the women themselves, time seemed to fly by. By the time they finished shopping, it was already almost dinner time. Tang Ruoxi proactively invited Lin Duo to stay for dinner, and Lin Duo, without much thought, agreed.

Back at the rented apartment, Yuan Dingchu frowned slightly upon seeing the pile of shopping bags in Tang Ruoxi’s hands. “You bought quite a lot this time, didn’t you?”

Tang Ruoxi retorted without hesitation, “Hmph, I haven’t been shopping in ages! Shouldn’t I buy a little extra this time?”

“Alright, alright…” Yuan Dingchu didn’t pursue the matter further. “By the way, I just got back from work and I’m exhausted. How about we just order takeout for dinner tonight?”

To his surprise, Tang Ruoxi was quite displeased. “A guest is still here! How can we order takeout? Besides, takeout food isn’t very hygienic!”

“Then will you make dinner?” Yuan Dingchu’s expression grew increasingly impatient.

Tang Ruoxi’s voice also rose a notch. “Hey, what did you say when you were pursuing me? Didn’t you promise that you’d do all the housework from then on?”

“You!”

Just as a marital spat seemed imminent, Lin Duo quickly intervened. “Um, my mom just messaged me again, asking me to come home early. So, I won’t be staying for dinner. I’m sorry!”

Yuan Dingchu and Tang Ruoxi temporarily ceased their argument. It was Yuan Dingchu who gave a wry smile, patting Lin Duo’s head. “I’m the one who should apologize. I promised to help you with your studies, but it looks like it’ll have to be next time.”

“It’s alright, Big Brother. Work comes first, after all; I understand.” Lin Duo’s large eyes shone like black gemstones. “Then I’ll head back now. Big Brother and Big Sister, please don’t argue. All the difficulties in life can be overcome if two people work together!”

On her way home, Lin Duo keenly sensed that there were some issues in Yuan Dingchu and Tang Ruoxi’s relationship. However, this was not something an outsider like herself could intervene in. Moreover, she had to attend an intensive class tomorrow, so her most pressing concern should still be her homework.

📚 Also on NHV Novels

How can I, the Holy Son, marry someone?

BattleFemale ProtagonistMarriage

Read Now →
Not interested