The bus finally came to a slow halt in front of the mountain lodge.
After hours of winding roads and endless green slopes, the sudden stillness made everyone sway forward slightly. One by one, students stood, stretching stiff limbs, grabbing backpacks and luggage. The air outside was cool, carrying the faint scent of pine and damp earth.
Zihan stepped down from the bus with Xu Feng beside him.
The lodge wasn't luxurious—more like a renovated mountain inn—but it was neat, with wooden beams and stone steps that blended into the surroundings. Clouds drifted low, brushing the treetops, giving the place a quiet, secluded feel.
At the entrance, the team leader clapped his hands.
"Alright, everyone line up. I'll be distributing room keys. Two per room. Check your numbers carefully."
Metal keys clinked as they were handed out.
Zihan received his key, glanced at the number, and nodded. Xu Feng leaned over to peek.
"Same room," Xu Feng said with a grin. "Looks like you're stuck with me."
Zihan gave a small hum in response and turned toward the staircase without wasting time.
Behind them, Shen Rui stood clutching her key, fingers tightening when she saw the number.
Beside her.
Her heart skipped.
Jiang Ran noticed immediately and nudged her arm. "Hey… isn't that beside Zihan's room?"
Shen Rui tried to keep her expression calm, but her eyes betrayed her excitement. "It is."
Ever since she transferred in her second year, Zihan had been… different to her. Quiet, distant, always at the top of the rankings. A scholarship student who never acted inferior, never acted superior either. He existed in his own steady world, untouched by gossip or noise.
And somehow, that had drawn her in.
Jiang Ran smirked. "Fate, huh? This trip might finally be your chance."
Shen Rui lowered her head, lips curving shyly. Yes… this is the best time.
Upstairs, Zihan and Xu Feng unpacked quickly.
Zihan placed his clothes neatly into the wardrobe, movements efficient and unhurried. Xu Feng tossed his bag onto the bed and flopped down dramatically.
"Field trips are supposed to be relaxing," Xu Feng sighed. "Why do I feel like I need another vacation already?"
Zihan zipped his bag closed. "Lunch first."
"Straight to the point, as always." Xu Feng laughed. "Alright, let's go before the food disappears."
Outside, Shen Rui had already stepped into the corridor.
She stood near Zihan's door, pretending to scroll through her phone, though the screen remained dark. Every sound made her glance up—footsteps, voices, the creak of wood.
Calm down, she told herself. Just a normal conversation.
The door opened.
Zihan stepped out, followed by Xu Feng, who was still complaining about his hunger.
Shen Rui straightened instantly.
"Zihan," she called softly.
He paused, eyes lifting to meet hers. His expression remained neutral, polite but distant.
"Yes?"
Jiang Ran hurried over from the opposite room, linking arms with Shen Rui as if to give her courage. "You guys going for lunch?"
Xu Feng answered before Zihan could. "Yeah, we were just heading out."
Shen Rui exchanged a quick look with Jiang Ran, then asked, carefully, "Can… can we join you?"
There was a brief silence.
Zihan didn't respond. His gaze shifted away, already turning toward the stairs.
For a moment, Shen Rui's heart sank.
"Sure," Xu Feng said easily, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "More people, more fun."
Relief washed over Shen Rui's face. "Thank you."
The four of them headed down together.
The restaurant wasn't far—a small mountain eatery with wide windows overlooking a valley blanketed in mist. The sound of running water drifted faintly from somewhere below.
They found a table near the window.
Zihan sat down first, back straight, eyes fixed on the scenery outside. Xu Feng took the seat opposite him. Jiang Ran sat across from Shen Rui, already chatting animatedly about the trip.
Shen Rui hesitated for half a second—
Then chose the seat beside Zihan.
No—slightly behind him. Close enough to feel his presence, yet not too bold.
She smoothed her skirt, hands folded in her lap, stealing glances at him from the corner of her eye.
Zihan remained silent throughout.
He responded only when necessary—short answers, polite nods. When the menu arrived, he ordered quickly, efficiently, as if food was merely fuel.
Shen Rui tried to join the conversation, laughing at Jiang Ran's jokes, occasionally directing a question toward Zihan.
"What do you think about the weather here?""Have you been to mountains like this before?"
Each time, he replied calmly. Briefly. Never opening a door.
Still, she didn't give up.
Sitting this close is enough for now, she thought. At least I'm here.
Outside, the mist thickened, swallowing the distant trees.
And Zihan, unaware of the quiet calculations beside him, stared out the window—his reflection faint in the glass—feeling a strange, unexplainable restlessness settle in his chest.
As if something important was approaching.
Just not yet.