Chen Yansen wore a faintly wicked smile as he dropped onto the bed beside Meng Jie. The soft mattress sank instantly beneath his weight.
Meng Jie reacted as if she'd been shocked, springing up in alarm.
"W-What are you doing?!"
Her voice trembled. Both hands pressed firmly against his chest, her legs subtly shifting—ready to bolt at any moment.
"I just want to look at you properly," Chen Yansen said calmly. "Relax."
He raised his hands in surrender, then gently rested them on her waist. He didn't move further, exactly as promised, his gaze steady and warm.
Meng Jie froze.
They were too close.
So close she could clearly see her reflection in his eyes. His breath brushed lightly against the tip of her nose.
Fragments of voices suddenly surfaced in her mind.
"Meng Jie, you're really not repeating a year? Just because of Chen Yansen?""He's handsome—if you like him, you have to seize the chance.""Xiaojie, Dad doesn't object to dating in college. But there's one condition—stay away from Chen Yansen."
Her thoughts snapped back to reality.
Looking at him now—sharp brows, bright eyes, a straight nose, lips curved in a faint smile—only one thought remained.
I'm going to date him.
"I'll take you back to your dorm," Chen Yansen said softly, averting his gaze.
His hand withdrew from her waist, leaving behind a fleeting warmth that made her heart tighten.
"I don't want to go back."
The words slipped out before she could stop herself.
"Oh?" He chuckled lightly. "Then what do you want to do?"
Meng Jie leaned forward abruptly.
"Bite you!"
Before he could react, she lunged like a kitten and clumsily bit his lips.
Chen Yansen stiffened.
"…Did I just get kissed by a brat?"
Even he was stunned. Worse—her lack of technique actually hurt.
"Stop. Stop. Stop."
He cupped her head, pulling back slightly, then sighed.
"Chen Yansen! What do you mean by that?!"
She glared at him, furious.
"Your technique is terrible," he said seriously. "You need proper guidance."
"G-Guidance?"
Her mind blanked.
He didn't answer. Instead, his face drew closer—until her lips felt a strange, unfamiliar warmth.
Only then did she understand what he meant.
Time slipped by unnoticed.
Suddenly, a sharp ringtone shattered the moment.
"Shh! Don't talk—my dad!"
Meng Jie jolted awake, pushing him away as she answered the call.
"Dad… I'm in the dorm. My roommates all went out to eat."
Chen Yansen leaned back, watching calmly.
"Dorm life is like a small society," Meng Zhenguo advised anxiously. "Remember to share snacks. Get along well with everyone."
"I know, Dad."
"And remember—stay away from that Chen Yansen."
"Yes, yes, I will," she replied hurriedly. "I need to shower now."
After hanging up, the two exchanged a look—then burst out laughing.
"If we don't leave soon," Chen Yansen said casually, glancing at her watch, "you'll have to share a bed with me."
It was already past nine.
He had no intention of letting her stay. First night at university, overnight rumors—he knew exactly how ugly they could get.
They walked back together.
Along the way, couples embraced in the shadows. Meng Jie stole glances, smiling unconsciously.
"Pearl Lake's even worse," Chen Yansen said lightly. "Every bench has a couple."
"University really is different from high school," she murmured.
Just then—
"Senior Chen!"
Several girls in short skirts hurried over, excitement lighting their faces.
"Meng Jie?! You know Senior Chen too?"
Their eyes widened—especially when they noticed he was holding her hand.
Meng Jie didn't let go. Instead, she held tighter.
"Yes," she said calmly.
After a brief exchange, Chen Yansen stopped.
"I'll walk you this far."
She understood immediately.
The moment he disappeared, her roommates swarmed her.
"Are you really his girlfriend?"
"…Sort of."
In her mind, it was simple. She kissed him. He kissed her back.
How could they not be?
Back at Building 8, the dorm door was still open.
"It's already 9:30," Zhu Xiaopeng muttered. "Is Chen Yansen not coming back tonight?"
"He drives a Mercedes," Tang Zhenzhe scoffed. "Why would he need a girlfriend?"
"Which one of you has even dated?" Meng Xibo pressed eagerly.
Wang Zheng puffed out his chest. "I was a striker. Girls chased me. I finally couldn't resist."
"So you lost your virginity?"
The door swung open.
Chen Yansen stepped in, beer in hand, smiling lazily.
"What? I lost mine too—eventually."