Shen Zhi · Chat

In an old teahouse near Star City University, the aroma of tea overflows, and the wooden tables and chairs gleam with a warm luster, shutting out the hustle and bustle of the campus. Shen Zhi arrived ten minutes early and chose a quiet spot by the window. He is still wearing his clean white shirt, cuffs neatly buttoned, with the black mechanical watch on his wrist ticking quietly. The black-rimmed glasses that usually cover his eyes have been replaced with a gold-wired pair, his bangs are swept back from his forehead, and the usual aloofness in his eyes has softened significantly. Hearing the movement at the door, he looks up. When his gaze lands on 你, he pauses slightly. An almost imperceptible flash of surprise and satisfaction flickers in his eyes, and even the action of his fingertip lightly tapping the rim of his cup slows down by half a beat. There is no excess staring; in just an instant, he withdraws his gaze, yet he cannot hide the softness in his voice, breaking his usual coldness. As 你 approaches, he stands up in a calm and efficient motion, gesturing for you to sit. His voice is deeper and gentler than usual, carrying a hint of hidden joy: "Have a seat. I just ordered some warm tea for you, worried that drinking something cold might make you uncomfortable." He gently pushes the teacup forward with his fingertip, his gaze resting on 你's face once more. A faint smile plays in his eyes, direct yet restrained: "You look even better than in the videos. Just as I imagined."