Chapter 262: Chapter 262
Ye Ling found herself unable to sleep, and Zhang Linong lowered his head to speak with her. She wasn’t worried about others overhearing, nor did she overthink it. Especially when she started talking about her grandmother, the words flowed more freely—from her childhood mischief, making her grandmother angry, to dealing with the regret of her grandmother’s passing. She spoke slowly; her voice in the darkness was like a gentle stream, calming the chaotic hearts of those who listened. Liu Zhiyuan’s brows furrowed and then relaxed repeatedly, while Xiang Weilai’s gaze remained calm, staring at the upper bunk as if lost in deep thoughts, with a distant and pensive look.
As Ye Ling talked about her grandmother, she gradually drifted off to sleep. Zhang Linong, watching her sleep on the bunk, slightly curved his lips into a smile, and the compartment finally settled into real silence.
The next morning, Ye Ling was naturally awakened by Zhao Guodong’s loud voice. Upon raising her head, she saw porridge and steamed buns placed on the table. She pursed her lips and smiled. Ever since she got on the train and left home, she felt as if the sky had broadened. They had boarded the train yesterday morning, and by today’s evening, around five o’clock, they would disembark. Everyone was excited, but Ye Ling remained the quietest. She was naturally handed her bag by Zhang Linong as they got off, while Zhao Guodong pulled her quickly forward, undeterred by onlookers. Seeing how grown-up they’ve become, Ye Ling felt a bit helpless about being dragged along but didn’t pull her hand back out of consideration for Zhao Guodong’s pride.
The eight of them together, with Ye Ling being the only girl, naturally drew attention. The eight spirited young men gathered in one group were enough to warrant a second glance. Particularly when the group turned up at the reception of the National Defense University, even the reception staff were momentarily taken aback. However, during admissions, they had heard about a private enterprise whose eight children had all been accepted, so they soon realized what was happening upon seeing the eight youths together.
After checking the admission notices of the eight, the staff led them to a bus. As they sat on the bus heading to the school, they initially gazed curiously out the windows. Ye Ling was curious too, but having lived two lifetimes, she maintained a steady demeanor, unlike Zhao Guodong and the others who chattered incessantly. Instead, she sat quietly at the back, similar to Liu Zhiyuan and the others.
By the time they arrived at the school that evening, it was already dark. They were taken to collect their personal supplies before heading to their dormitories. As the only girl who had arrived so late, after collecting her things, Ye Ling was taken to her accommodation. The dormitory was still empty, but Ye Ling found eight beds inside. She realized that the dormitory could accommodate eight people. Approaching the beds, she noticed that each one had a name tag next to it, indicating that, unlike in high school, they couldn’t choose their beds freely. Ye Ling found her assigned bed, which was the lower bunk on the west side near the window—a prime spot for sleeping. Just as she finished placing her belongings, she heard footsteps behind her. Ye Ling turned to see two people emerging from the doorway. The person in front appeared to be pampered at home, while the one behind carried two washbasins, leaving the former with empty hands.
The dormitory beds were aligned on both sides, with four tables in the middle, arranged in pairs. A half-high bookshelf sat atop them, partially screening the beds on either side.
"Oh, someone’s already here," remarked the girl who entered last, noticing Ye Ling tidying her bed. Chapters first released on NovєlFіre.net
Ye Ling remained silent, continuing with her task.
Seeing that the first arrival didn’t turn around to greet them, Dong Minghui sneered, placing her things on the table with some difficulty. Upon seeing her name on an upper bunk, Ma Yue casually switched name tags with the lower bunk.
Ye Ling noticed this and frowned slightly in disapproval but didn’t interfere. Placing her basin under her bed, she had just finished organizing when she saw Xiang Weilai waving at the door, holding a lunch box in his other hand. Upon seeing this, Ye Ling promptly got up and walked over. Her movements naturally caught the attention of the two inside, who looked outside to see Xiang Weilai standing there in a breeze-like manner, one hand in his pocket and the other holding a lunch box, smiling gently.
Ma Yue and Dong Minghui, having grown up in the same compound, were familiar with many such peers, but none smiled as gently as the boy outside the door.
"Why you?" Ye Ling was surprised to see that it was Xiang Weilai bringing her food.
Xiang Weilai raised an eyebrow, "Why not me?"
Ye Ling was taken aback, realizing it was Xiang Weilai who brought her food. His tone and attitude made Ye Ling blush, causing her to subconsciously bite her lower lip, glaring at Xiang Weilai without realizing it.
"I finished early, so I took the liberty to bring this," Xiang Weilai said, noticing Ye Ling’s shyness and refraining from teasing her further. He passed the lunch box to her. "Eat up. You can return the lunch box to the cafeteria at breakfast tomorrow. I borrowed it from the cafeteria."
Ye Ling took the lunch box with her ears burning. "Thank you so much."
Xiang Weilai gave her a quick, warm glance before striding off. Though reluctant to part, he knew this was a good start and wasn’t in a rush.
Ye Ling walked back inside with the lunch box, finding the two inside staring at her. She nodded in greeting, only to receive a cold snort in return. Ye Ling smiled inwardly, having expected this reaction, she didn’t dwell on it. She pulled over a chair by her bed, sat down, and opened the lunch box, revealing two steamed buns and stir-fried eggs with tomatoes underneath.
Having eaten boxed meals on the train for two days, it was incomparable to cafeteria food. Ye Ling had a hearty appetite and only finished eating after Dong Minghui helped Ma Yue tidy her bed. She polished off the half-box of food and two buns, leaving the lunch box impeccably clean.
Dong Minghui finished making Ma Yue’s bed before preparing her own. Like Ma Yue, she swapped her name tag with the lower bunk. Ye Ling, still in the room, couldn’t miss these actions, which endeared her even less to the pair. Later that night, another girl arrived, but it was too late for Ye Ling to take a closer look. (To be continued. If you work, you are welcome to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)