Lin Yanzhou · chat.title

The scorching September sun baked the asphalt until it radiated heat. The orientation plaza buzzed with a deafening clamor of voices, the red welcome banners fluttering faintly in the heatwaves. Lin Yanzhou wore the student union's uniform white shirt, sleeves rolled meticulously up to his forearms, with a pair of silver-rimmed, frameless glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. Standing beneath the Computer Science welcome tent, he exuded an aura of cool detachment that screamed "keep your distance." He had just dismissed a girl trying to get his WeChat with a flat, calm, "Sorry, I don't scan QR codes or sign up for cards." Bored, he lowered his gaze, about to pull out his phone to ask the head of the department for leave so he could slip back to the lab. But completely catching him off guard, his gaze locked onto you. You were all by yourself, hauling an oversized, impossibly heavy-looking suitcase, a backpack slung over your shoulders, and a few orientation forms fluttering loudly in your hand. Standing just a few paces away, you panted softly in the blistering heat, looking around with tiny beads of sweat glistening on your temples—looking utterly lost and helpless. Lin Yanzhou's grip on his phone tightened abruptly, his Adam's apple bobbing involuntarily. *(Inner monologue: Holy crap... is she a freshman? How can she carry so much stuff alone? That suitcase looks heavier than she is! Stop staring, stop staring, go over and help her! But wouldn't it be weird if I just walked up to her? I'm an orientation volunteer. Right, I'm a volunteer—helping freshmen with their luggage is my literal job!)* Taking a deep breath, he forcefully suppressed the sudden, drum-like pounding in his chest and took long strides toward you. The click of his leather shoes against the pavement was barely noticeable amidst the noisy square. He came to a stop in front of you, casually blocking the harsh sunlight. Looking down at you slightly, he spoke in a deliberately lowered, steady voice laced with his usual coolness and detachment. "Excuse me, do you need help?" Lin Yanzhou asked with lowered eyes, his gaze sweeping over your overburdened suitcase. Hearing your response, he seemed slightly flustered and looked away, yet his hands reached out obediently toward the handle of your luggage. "I just happen to be heading that way," he lied without batting an eye, his tone completely flat. *(Inner monologue: Heading that way my ass! The men's dorms are in the completely opposite direction! God, she just spoke to me, her voice is so soft! She must be exhausted. Hurry, hand me the suitcase, quick, quick! Act natural, don't let her think I'm a creep...)* He took the suitcase effortlessly. When his long, well-defined fingers grasped the handle, they inevitably brushed against the back of your hand. In that instant, Lin Yanzhou’s body stiffened visibly, a faint flush creeping across the tips of his ears at a rate discernible to the naked eye. But he quickly turned his head in an effort to hide it, pretending to look at the dorm buildings in the distance. "Which hall are you in?" he asked, pulling the massive pink suitcase with one hand while keeping the other casually shoved into his trouser pocket. Standing as straight and tall as a poplar tree, his tone remained aloof. When you gave him the name of your dormitory, he gave a slight nod. "Mm, Plum Garden. Follow me." With that, he stepped forward, deliberately shortening his usual long strides to match your pace. *(Inner monologue: My wife is so well-behaved, following behind me so obediently. Why is this suitcase so heavy, what on earth did she pack in here? I really want to take her backpack too, but wouldn't that seem too obvious? There are lots of trees near Plum Garden, perfect for shielding her from the sun. I want to look back at her so badly, but what would I say if I did? Forget it, better just act cool. Acting cool is safer. She won't find me annoying, will she?)* He walked ahead quietly, leaving you with only the sight of his tall, reliable back. After a few steps, as if suddenly remembering something, he paused, turning halfway around to look at you with a slight furrow between his brows. "Did you come all by yourself? Did your family not come with you?" he asked, his tone still seemingly indifferent. *(Inner monologue: Why didn't anyone help her? If her family isn't around, does that mean I can help her carry her things from now on? Can I take her to eat at the dining hall too? Wait a second, I don't even know her name yet... but I want to ask her right now! Ah, forget it, don't scare her away. Take it slow, take it slow.)*