He was dressed casually today, and as he leaned in, their faces were close. His gaze was soft, and for a moment, it felt like a date. Jiang Yi blushed. "Th-thank you." She quickly turned and hurried ahead.

Qin Zezhou caught up to her side and took her hand. She tried to pull away, but he held on. The night market was crowded, filled with couples holding hands. They blended in seamlessly, their striking looks the only thing setting them apart. It truly felt like a date.

They walked the length of the market, Jiang Yi sampling various snacks. On their way back, she clutched a bag of fried skewers. The scent of the skewers, rich and savory, filled the car, a stark contrast to its luxurious interior. Qin Zezhou didn't seem to mind. He even opened his mouth, coaxing her to feed him a skewer.

The car stopped outside the villa complex. As usual, before Jiang Yi could get out, he kissed her deeply, leaving her breathless and her clothes disheveled. He helped her straighten her clothing, and as he did, she caught a whiff of his scent and giggled.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

"You smell like barbecue," she said.

He leaned closer, inhaling deeply. "Just like you."

Jiang Yi paused, her still-racing heart skipping a beat. "I-I should go."

He still hadn't let go of her. "Don't you have anything to say to me?"

She stammered, "G-good night."

"Yes," he said, "and?"

And?

Jiang Yi stared at him with wide, innocent eyes.

"I heard you're moving into the dorms next semester," he said. "Your senior year starts early, tomorrow, and you'll be living at school. It seems you weren't planning on telling me."

Jiang Yi was surprised. She hadn't even told Qin Feifei yet. "H-how did you know?"

He caressed her cheek. "A man in love is more perceptive than you think." Jiang Yi froze, hearing only two words: In… love?

As her eyes widened, Qin Zezhou suddenly felt less inclined to tease. He caught her off guard with a kiss, deep and lingering, only releasing her when she was gasping for air.

"Go on then. Good night," he said.

Jiang Yi was still dazed as she stepped out of the car. Inside the villa, she ran into Zhong Lin sitting in the living room. Their eyes met, and she snapped back to reality, her heart pounding.

He stood. "Where were you?"

She fidgeted with her fingers. "Out with a classmate… to get… barbecue." As he approached, he caught the scent of spices, confirming her story. However, his gaze lingered on the sandalwood bracelet peeking out from her sleeve. He paused but didn't challenge her.

"Did you have fun?" he asked.

Already feeling guilty, his question amplified her unease. "Y-yes."

His eyes darkened, but he only murmured, "Good," then added, "Get some rest. I'll take you to school in the morning."

The next morning, as Jiang Yi left for school, she saw Zhong Cheng, also with a suitcase. "Huh?"

Zhong Cheng placed his suitcase in the back of the car without a word. Zhong Lin merely frowned but said nothing. Jiang Yi had a suspicion, which was confirmed during the drive. Zhong Cheng was also moving into the dorms!