Jiang Yubai was like a dull, silent gourd, quietly ascending the steps. Gazing at the distant rolling mountains, his thoughts swayed with the shifting tree shadows. These mountains and trees could disturb his calm state of mind. He sighed softly and reluctantly asked, "Will you be even busier in the future?"
"Busy with what?" Lin Zhixia didn't understand.
Jiang Yubai's voice gradually lowered: "From May to August this year, you were too busy to find time for me."
Lin Zhixia explained: "I encountered special circumstances this year. I was too eager for quick success, desperately wanting to achieve great things. But now I've figured it out - academic pursuits require steady and solid progress. I can't afford to be anxious, as that would lower my efficiency in the laboratory."
Jiang Yubai turned his face away: "Research pressure is immense. Even the smartest people encounter bottlenecks. If you're feeling anxious, you can talk to me. Don't bear it alone."
His voice was particularly pleasant, and the lines of his profile were simply perfect. Lin Zhixia stole a glance at him and replied: "You're always so understanding... If you ever have anything on your mind, you should tell me too. I'll always be your best friend."
Jiang Yubai remained silent.
Besides Lin Zhixia, Jiang Yubai had other friends. He had met several boys in high school, and they often gathered to play tennis. Jiang Yubai used to struggle with wrist control, frequently hitting the tennis ball out of bounds. Over the past two years, he had practiced diligently and improved his skills rapidly.
Another high school classmate of Jiang Yubai owned a horse ranch in Beijing. At the beginning of this month, Jiang Yubai and his classmates had spent two full days horseback riding at the ranch. He had felt genuinely happy and carefree - a simple, unburdened kind of joy. He had never thought about deliberately approaching any friend, let alone paying attention to their QQ status... Yet Lin Zhixia had broken all of Jiang Yubai's friendship principles.
He reread her text messages, recorded how often she called him, and logged into QQ just to wait for her.
During July, when she was at her busiest, he suspected she had forgotten about him.
One night in July, Jiang Yubai flipped through the first volume of "Human Observation Diary" before bed. He read what nine-year-old Lin Zhixia had written: "Perhaps after I graduate from elementary school, Jiang Yubai will still be my best friend."
Jiang Yubai thought to himself that during elementary and middle school, he and Lin Zhixia had shared campus life and similar life trajectories. But in high school and college, their intersections became fewer. Lin Zhixia was moving further ahead, while he completely failed to understand her research topics and experimental content.
He closed the notebook and placed it by his pillow.
That night, he couldn't sleep.
He tossed and turned, restless.
He sat up in bed, leaning against the headboard, adjusting his mental state throughout the long, silent night.
He knew that Lin Zhixia was passionate about "Quantum Computing." "Quantum Computing" could significantly improve computer efficiency. Scientists predicted that "Quantum Computing" would become a milestone of the fourth industrial revolution in human history.
Compared to such "major transformations in human technology," Jiang Yubai felt utterly insignificant.
Lin Zhixia was devoted to her career, and Jiang Yubai shouldn't disturb her - holding this mindset, he waited until the end of August.
Then he met Lin Zhixia.The mountains and peaks of Xiangshan stood majestic and vast, with ever-changing scenery. Jiang Yubai had brought a digital camera, but he didn’t take any photos. Distractedly admiring the view, he sorted through his thoughts—even though he had always maintained boundaries, he had still uncontrollably allowed himself to step beyond the confines of friendship with Lin Zhixia. Now, he was just an ordinary fifteen-year-old high school student, unfortunately aware of his own hopeless crush.
With this in mind, Jiang Yubai turned his face and met Lin Zhixia’s gaze.
Lin Zhixia observed him for three seconds and sincerely praised, “You’re getting more and more handsome.”
Jiang Yubai calmly replied, “Thank you.”
Lin Zhixia remained completely unaware of his tumultuous inner thoughts. She continued, “Has your voice changed? It sounds better and better.”
This time, he didn’t say thank you. Instead, he asked, “Have you ever complimented anyone else like this?”
Lin Zhixia answered truthfully, “Only you.”
He smiled faintly. “Mm.”
Fallen leaves swirled in the wind, drifting past their eyes. Lin Zhixia reached out to grab one but missed. Jiang Yubai opened his palm, and a leaf happened to fall right into it. Lin Zhixia poked the leaf’s veins with a finger, making his palm itch slightly, as if a kitten had scratched him.
“A green maple leaf,” Lin Zhixia described.
Jiang Yubai naturally said, “It’s for you.”
Nearby, there were other tourists.
A few young people carrying backpacks took large strides, crossing two steps at a time with their long legs. They seemed to be in a mountain-climbing race, rushing forward competitively. On the long and steep mountain path, no one complained of exhaustion or fell behind, showcasing their excellent physical fitness and remarkable competitive spirit.
Lin Zhixia noticed that this group carried purple backpacks printed with the words “Tsinghua University.”
Thinking of her alma mater, Lin Zhixia felt a surge of determination and refused to fall behind, chasing after them. But she couldn’t keep up with the Tsinghua students and was left far behind. The stone steps were uneven, and as she stepped back, Jiang Yubai immediately steadied her. She leaned into him, holding on tightly, like a yacht braving the waves heading for the safest harbor.
“Be careful,” he reminded her.
But Lin Zhixia said, “It’s strange. I just thought about it—I dared to run fast on the steps because you were beside me… If my roommate had come with me, I would only have climbed slowly.”
Her slender fingers wrapped around his arm like vines, and she added, “Actually, I wouldn’t have fallen. I was standing steadily.”
Jiang Yubai casually remarked, “Then treat me as your roommate. Walk slowly and don’t run around recklessly.”
His words were unintentional.
Lin Zhixia laughed heartily and teased him without restraint, “How could you be my roommate?”
Jiang Yubai’s ears grew warm. Without Lin Zhixia pointing it out, he knew they had turned red again, but he wasn’t flustered at all. He had already come to understand his own heart. If Lin Zhixia just said a few more words, enough for him to fully adapt, he would no longer feel embarrassed.
They walked along the mountain path, stopping and going, until they reached the famous Biyun Temple.
Biyun Temple in Xiangshan Park was built during the Yuan Dynasty and has a history of over six hundred years. Inside the temple lies the “Water Spring Courtyard,” where spring water gushes from rock crevices, gathering into a pool. The gentle sound of flowing water and the shimmering ripples attract visitors to pause and listen to the spring."The Water Spring Courtyard" featured an artificial hill constructed from Taihu stones, where mountains and waters converged under serene sunlight. Jiang Yubai stood near the spring pond, the lighting and composition were absolutely perfect, prompting Lin Zhixia to raise her camera and take a photo of him.
Jiang Yubai then suggested taking a few group photos together. Lin Zhixia happily agreed.
He discussed with her that from then on, every time they went out together, they could take a bunch of group photos as mementos.
Jiang Yubai's tone was gentle and his attitude sincere, clearly showing he valued friendship deeply. Moved by his words, Lin Zhixia readily agreed.
After their trip to Fragrant Hills Park concluded, Jiang Yubai had collected numerous scenic travel photos. He saved them on his computer in a newly created folder named "Summer Strawberry."
"Summer Strawberry" was Lin Zhixia's QQ screen name.
Jiang Yubai's QQ friends list contained over forty people.
Yet he only remembered Lin Zhixia's screen name.
This was definitely more than just friendship.
In early September, a steady rain fell over the city, its dense droplets drifting incessantly. Even with an umbrella, Lin Zhixia couldn't avoid the dampness, so she simply wore a raincoat. She left home early and took the subway to Beijing Railway Station.
Her Dad, Mom, and Brother had all arrived in Beijing.
Her Brother had been admitted to a 985 university and was assigned to the computer science program. He chose computer science because he heard the internet industry offered quick money—graduates could start working right after their bachelor's degree with a monthly salary of at least ten thousand yuan, excellent benefits, and a relaxed work atmosphere... In short, he was willing to study hard for four years in university in exchange for a high-return job.
After hearing his description, Lin Zhixia questioned, "Is the work atmosphere really that relaxed? I heard from seniors in the computer science department that many of them go bald before they even turn thirty."
Lin Zeqiu didn't argue back.
Outside Beijing Station, the crowd was bustling and noisy, with volunteers from various universities waiting to welcome the freshmen. Despite the chilly rain, their enthusiasm remained undampened.
Dad took out two umbrellas, handing one to Lin Zeqiu and the other to his wife. Dragging the suitcase, he smiled broadly and said, "Qiuqiu, since you're new to Beijing, if there's anything you're not familiar with, ask your sister more often. She's been in university for a year now and knows a lot..."
Lin Zhixia immediately responded, "Okay, okay, I'll take good care of Brother!"
Lin Zeqiu looked down at her.
She stood on her tiptoes: "Brother, I'm 165 centimeters tall now."
Lin Zeqiu raised his hand and patted her head.
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