The midday sun was dazzlingly bright as the two of them walked out of the restaurant hand in hand. As they walked side by side on the tree-shaded sidewalk of Chunxi Road, golden beams of light filtered through the dense leaves, casting halos on their faces, making them appear very bright.
"What time are you heading to the school this afternoon?" Cen Jin looked down at their synchronized steps, knowing that he had deliberately slowed his pace, and a sweet curve appeared at the corner of her mouth. Eyeing his ruggedly handsome face enveloped by layers of light, she softly asked.
"Four o’clock." Jiang Baizhou glanced at her from the corner of his eye, replied with a slight smile, then paused for a moment before asking back, "What time do you finish work today?"
"I’ve been quite free these last few days. It’s only Ling Ran who has taken on a project and is busy. I can finish work anytime. Why?"
"Do you want to come to the school and listen to my lecture tonight?"
"Listen to your lecture?" Cen Jin widened her eyes in surprise, glancing sideways at him, then pondered for a moment, "Come to think of it, ever since you started working at the university and became an associate professor, I haven’t heard your lectures. Moreover... after graduating from university, I’ve been busy with work, and attending lectures seems like such a distant memory."
"So... would you like to come?"
Cen Jin raised an eyebrow, tilted her head as if contemplating something, then nodded, "Sure! I’ll reluctantly agree. Speaking of which, it’s been a while since I’ve been to your university. I can take the chance to have a look around."
The university where Jiang Baizhou is currently employed is the same one he previously attended. After graduation, Jiang Baizhou originally planned to open his own clinic, but due to the strong recommendations of a few old professors at the university, he became an associate professor. They persuaded him to stay on as a consultant teacher, so he ended up partially employed at the university. Earlier this year, at the request of another old professor, who was his greatest mentor during his studies and his time as an associate professor, he took a short-term position at a university in another province. Now that he’s back, it’s only natural for him to return to the school as a teaching consultant.
"Alright." Jiang Baizhou responded softly, "Just take a taxi over, and send me a WeChat once you arrive."
When they reached the intersection, Cen Jin noticed a hint of fatigue and weariness on his brow, so she stopped walking and stepped aside to face him. Looking up, she asked, "Were you very busy this morning?"
"But you look so tired, is it because you didn’t sleep well last night?"
Jiang Baizhou raised an eyebrow, looking at her with a meaningful expression, "Just a dream, nothing serious."
"Oh, that’s good then." Cen Jin, appearing reassured, nodded and withdrew her small hand from his large one. "It’s still early, so go back and rest for a bit. I’ll message you later when I come over."
"Alright, okay." Jiang Baizhou responded softly, raising a hand to smooth down her hair, "It’s hot out, bring an umbrella next time you come out at noon."
"Go back to the studio!"
Back at the studio, Ye Lingran lay on the sofa and immediately sat up when she heard footsteps. Seeing the joyful expression on Cen Jin’s face, the happiness radiating from her seemed to envelop the whole studio, even affecting her, making her burst into laughter. "Cen Jin, can’t you tone down that smile a bit? Afraid others won’t know you’re in love?"
Cen Jin was startled, staring at her blankly, "I... Ling Ran, how did you know...?"
"You want to ask how I knew you’re in love?" Ye Lingran put down her phone, smiling as she sighed.
Cen Jin walked over to the single sofa and nodded, looking at her with an expression of great effort.