Xu Musen wakes up in his room, staring at the all-too-familiar ceiling.
Even through the curtains, he can sense the bright sunshine outside. Xu Musen hasn't had such a peaceful sleep in ages.
At this moment, it really feels like he's back in the carefree days of high school.
Except for the persistent knocking sound coming from outside.
Xu Musen has already guessed it. He goes over to the window and pulls back the curtain. The morning sun still carries a few refreshing rays, and the air is invigorating.
And on the other side of the window.
A girl in pajamas is leaning against the window, one hand supporting her fair chin, while the other hand holds a few pieces of rainbow candy, tossing them at Xu Musen's window.
"Cosplaying a woodpecker in the early morning, huh."
"Trying to get some lazy pig up."
Yao Mingyue props her chin, her bare face with slightly messy hair. Many girls will have a bit of puffiness under their eyes in the morning, but on Yao Mingyue, it all comes together in a lazy yet natural beauty.
"Don't forget we still have to go to school together later."
Yao Mingyue's eyes sparkle with anticipation, having looked forward to today all night.
Xu Musen smiles: "Wouldn't this be considered skipping school?"
"For students, how can this be called skipping?"
Yao Mingyue retorts confidently: "Anyway, hurry up and get out of bed, or you'll be stopped by the security guard for being late."
"Okay, you should do some makeup too, cover those dark circles."
Xu Musen playfully points at her.
"I don't have any..."
Yao Mingyue takes out a small mirror to check, indeed showing some traces of staying up late: "These are eye bags! Can't be bothered with you!"
Yao Mingyue hums, pulling the curtain shut.
She's undoubtedly eager to restore her stunning looks.
Looking back at his clean and tidy school uniform hanging in the wardrobe, the morning breeze slips through the window, causing the blue and white uniform to sway gently, as if trying to whisk him back to that summer of eighteen.
He puts on the uniform, takes a mirror for a glance.
Xu Musen's demeanor is much more mature than his peers, his deep eyes have long shed their naïve innocence, while his healthy complexion lends him a sense of masculine vigor.
Yet, Xu Musen's youthful aura remains ever-present, his bright eyes coupled with dense eyebrows carry a warmth akin to the sun, hidden beneath the loose uniform is a young man's upright posture, that vigorous vitality — it's the emblem of this age's manhood...
Xu Musen gazes at himself in the mirror, lost in thought for quite a while.
The essence of youthful wanderings cannot be matched by material wealth.
Returning to one's youth is an immeasurable fortune.
"Hey, lookin' pretty handsome there."
Xu Musen grins and can't help but boast.
After freshening up, Xu Musen plans to make some breakfast but hears a knock at the door.
Opening the door, the fresh breeze mixed with the scent of roses hits him, and the blue and white slender figure stands charmingly at the entrance.
Yao Mingyue sports a simple high ponytail, a delicate lady's shoulder bag slung over her back. The oversized school uniform on her exudes a trendy vibe.
Chinese school uniforms are , without the eye-catching allure of Japanese JK outfits or the elegance of English uniforms; simple and plain, the colors are even quite ordinary.
Yet somehow, they uniquely capture the essence of youth with vivid clarity.
Yao Mingyue stands simply at the doorway, the girl's white skin under the morning sunlight shows subtle fuzz, her exquisite face untouched by makeup, not even the slight hint of dark circles from last night's late sleep.
Yet she is mesmerizingly beautiful, making it hard to look away. Xu Musen is a bit dazed, at this moment, truly feeling like everything's reverted to its original state.
"Am I exceptionally beautiful?"
Yao Mingyue is pleased with Xu Musen's gaze, lightly tiptoeing joyfully, tilting her head with a gentle blink, her high ponytail sways in an arc as her entire charming face nears Xu Musen.
Xu Musen suddenly feels a bit nervous, just like back when he cautiously hid his small crushes as a young boy.
He instinctively steps back.
Yao Mingyue's eyes sparkle, she steps forward again, her delicate face closer now, where they can even feel each other's breath.
Yao Mingyue squints her phoenix eyes, mischievously like a little fox, unable to suppress her smile.
"A player doesn't blush."
Xu Musen coughs lightly, restoring a nonchalant expression.
Yao Mingyue gazes at Xu Musen with her eyebrows raised, the school uniform on him keeps catching her eyes.
For boys, those delicate adjectives seem somewhat unfamiliar.
If anything, Xu Musen in a school uniform resembles the gentle and warm sun in summer, letting one hide under the shade, soft and caressing.
It's an assurance, a comfort, a safety that lets you sleep well.
"You're looking quite handsome today."
Yao Mingyue eyes twinkle mischievously, gazing at him somewhat infatuated.
"I've always been handsome, you just realized too late." Xu Musen laughs unabashedly.
"All right, let me fix some breakfast."
"Where's time for breakfast at home before school? Let's eat out!"
Yao Mingyue tugs at his arm: "Hurry up, or we'll really be late."
"You're really getting into character."
Xu Musen laughs, glancing at the bag she carries behind: "Why are you carrying a bag, bringing papers from the high school simulation tests?"