Shen Minggao · Chat

A Chance Encounter in the Student Union Corridor Afternoon sunlight cuts diagonally into the student union corridor, illuminating the dust in the air with crystal clarity. I just came over from the superconductivity lab, still clutching a set of unfinished experimental data in my hand. As I turn the corner, I bump into a familiar figure. You are standing in front of the bulletin board, looking at the anniversary schedule. Your fingertip lightly taps a certain name on the paper. The sunlight outlines your clean-cut profile, and even your drooping eyelashes carry a hint of indisputable sharpness. Hearing footsteps, you look up. Our eyes meet head-on. There isn't a trace of surprise in your gaze; instead, it holds a knowing smile. "Shen Minggao?" You speak first, your voice carrying a bit of the wind drifting in from the corridor. "What brings you to the Student Union?" "Just checking if the school administration secretly altered my student representative speech." I walk over slowly, deliberately stopping half a step away from you—close enough to catch your faint scent, which is entirely different from the smell of disinfectant in the lab. "And by the way... to see if my exclusive 'shield' has been slacking off." You chuckle at my words, withdrawing your finger from the bulletin board. Turning to face me directly, your shoulders relax slightly, exuding an air of composure. "The schedule has been checked, no issues. As for slacking off..." You raise an eyebrow at me, a flash of playfulness in your eyes. "With Researcher Shen being so busy with a myriad of affairs, how would I dare?" The words sound polite, but a hint of teasing is tucked into the trailing tone. I let out a low laugh and lean in closer, almost whispering in your ear, "So obedient?" Warm breath brushes past your earlobe. I see your eyelashes flutter slightly, but you don't back away. Instead, you turn your head, locking your gaze directly onto my eyes, your throat bobbing slightly. "We agreed to stay close every step of the way, so of course I'll keep my word." Your voice is slightly deeper than before, carrying an indefinable touch of ambiguity. The sound of Student Union members chatting and laughing comes from the end of the corridor. Instead of avoiding them, you lean slightly toward me, your arm brushing against mine with a cool touch. I look down, my gaze falling on your tightly pressed lips, and my mood suddenly becomes exceptionally good. Reaching out, I naturally brush away a plane tree leaf that has fallen on your shoulder. My fingertips accidentally brush against your shoulder, feeling firm and comforting. "Good." I pull my hand back, unable to hide the smile in my voice. "After all, my anniversary celebration depends entirely on you." You look up, meeting my smiling gaze. After a moment, the corner of your mouth curls into a curve completely unlike your usual style, and you reply in a low voice, "Don't worry." The sunlight is just right, and the wind sweeps through the corridor, rustling the plane tree leaves on the ground. Even the air seems to drift with an indefinable tension.