On a rainy night, the school beauty knocked on my door and asked for shelter

The door opened, and the deliveryman brought several books that Su Yuqing had ordered online. One of the books had the title "Complete Guide for College Freshmen" on its cover.

Su Yuqing returned with the book in her arms, her blush still fresh. Noticing Chen Mo's gaze, she pointed to the book somewhat shyly and explained, "Um... I... I read online that university is very different from high school, so I wanted to find out more beforehand."

She was explaining why she bought the book, and also apologizing for the deliveryman interrupting the pleasant atmosphere because of her purchase.

Looking at her shy yet earnest expression, Chen Mo's heart melted completely, and his annoyance at being disturbed vanished.

He walked over and naturally ruffled her hair, his gesture full of doting affection and comfort.

"Yes, it's good to take a look beforehand, so you're not too worried." His voice was gentle, with a reassuring calmness. "Don't worry, university isn't that scary. On the contrary, there will be many new experiences and opportunities."

"For example?" Su Yuqing looked at Chen Mo curiously.

Chen Mo paused, looked into her eyes, and smiled, "For example, teachers won't interfere with college students' relationships. They can experience walking hand in hand with their crush on campus openly and honestly."

Upon hearing this, Su Yuqing couldn't help but picture that scene in her mind.

The thought that many classmates might stare at her as she walked made her blush instantly.

Chen Mo looked at her and his heart stirred slightly.

The door closed gently, shutting out the last trace of outside noise.

The air inside seemed to still carry the lingering warmth and awkwardness of the interrupted romance.

Su Yuqing held the books, her fingertips still slightly warm. The blush on her face hadn't faded, and she avoided looking at Chen Mo, muttering softly, "I...I'll go put the books away..."

Like a frightened little rabbit, she quickly ran back to her room with her book in her arms.

Chen Mo watched her flee in panic, and couldn't help but smile, his eyes filled with tenderness and doting affection.

Su Yuqing was in her room, leaning against the door, her heart still pounding.

She placed the "Complete Guide to College Freshmen" in the most conspicuous position on her desk, her fingertips lightly tracing the cover.

Chen Mo's words echoed in my ears again: "...You can experience walking hand in hand with someone you like openly on campus..."

Just imagining that scene makes my cheeks flush again, but this time, besides shyness, a secret anticipation and sweetness also rise deep in my heart.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but then she heard a slight noise coming from the kitchen outside the door.

She hesitated for a moment, then pushed open the door and went out.

Only a few ambient lights were on in the living room, casting a soft and warm glow.

Chen Mo was facing away from her, busy at the kitchen counter.

A faint, comforting aroma of rice filled the air, mingled with a hint of sweetness.

"What are you doing?" Su Yuqing approached, her voice slightly hoarse from just calming down.

Chen Mo turned around at the sound of his voice. The warm yellow light outlined his tall profile, and his eyes were filled with an unyielding gentleness: "You don't seem to have eaten much tonight. Make some dessert. There's not much left in the fridge, so I'll just make a simple sweet porridge."

He held a spoon in his hand, gently stirring the bubbling white porridge in the small pot. The rice grains were already cooked until soft and fluffy.

In the small bowl next to her were a few washed, bright red strawberries and a small carton of her favorite yogurt.

"Sweet porridge?" Su Yuqing leaned closer to the pot, looking at the bubbling rice porridge with anticipation. Girls always seem to have two stomachs, one for rice and the other for sweets.

Chen Mo smiled gently at her and continued with his work. He picked up the yogurt, carefully scooped a few spoonfuls of thick yogurt, and poured it over the cooked hot porridge.

The white yogurt instantly spread across the boiling porridge, like pure white clouds.

He picked up a few more strawberries, quickly diced them with a fruit knife, and sprinkled them evenly over the yogurt cloud.

Bright red strawberry pieces dot the white yogurt and glistening rice porridge, creating an enticing visual effect.

Finally, add some osmanthus honey, and instantly a rich, sweet aroma wafts from the kitchen, heading straight for Su Yuqing's nostrils.

"Here, yogurt and strawberry porridge." Chen Mo handed her the bowl of porridge, which was still warm. "Be careful, it's hot."

Su Yuqing took the bowl, and the warmth spread from her fingertips to her heart.

She looked down at the simple yet heartfelt dessert in the bowl, the aroma of rice, milk, strawberries, and osmanthus mingling around her nose.

She scooped up a small spoonful, blew on it, and carefully put it into her mouth.

The warm rice porridge has a natural sweetness, mixed with the slight sourness and rich milky aroma of yogurt, and has a smooth and creamy texture.

When you bite into the slightly cool strawberry chunks, the sweet juice bursts in your mouth, bringing a refreshing surprise.

With the sweetness of osmanthus honey as a base, the acidity of yogurt and strawberries is completely suppressed, only playing a slight supporting role. The whole mouth is sweet and rich, which is very delicious.

All the complex emotions—the shyness of being interrupted, the anticipation of the future, and the peace of mind of being well taken care of at this moment—melted into this sweet and warm bowl of porridge.

"Is it good?" Chen Mo also served himself a small bowl, sat down next to her, and looked at her intently.

"Mmm!" Su Yuqing nodded vigorously, her eyes curving into crescents, her cheeks flushing a lovely red from the heat of the food. "It's especially delicious! It's sweet and sour, very comforting."

The two sat on the living room carpet, back to back on the sofa, knees touching, sharing the late-night sweet porridge in the soft light.

There weren't many words exchanged; the spoon occasionally tapped against the bowl, making a soft sound, and a sense of quiet contentment filled the air.

After finishing their porridge, they casually placed their bowls and spoons on the coffee table next to them, and neither of them got up immediately.

Su Yuqing hugged her knees, her head tilted slightly, seemingly a little sleepy.

Chen Mo naturally adjusted his posture so that she could lean more comfortably on his shoulder.

Su Yuqing was initially a little stiff, but Chen Mo's clean and refreshing scent and the warmth from his shoulder quickly relaxed her, and she gently and comfortably rested her head on his shoulder.

Chen Mo also tilted his head slightly, his cheek gently pressed against the top of her head, feeling her soft hair and even breathing.

They nestled together quietly like that.

Chen Mo picked up the remote and casually tuned to a channel playing a soothing documentary. The volume was very low, almost like background noise.

Su Yuqing half-closed her eyes, her fingers unconsciously twirling a loose thread on Chen Mo's loungewear.

As the two young people sensed each other's presence, a restless urge began to stir within them. (End of Chapter)