Chapter 22

As the craze for martial arts novels in the black market gradually leveled off, the lives of Chén Zhāoyáng and Lín Xiǎotáng returned to their usual rhythm. They continued to encourage each other in their studies and collaborate on ideas for the convenience store business. That subtle, hazy ambiguity grew richer in their daily interactions, much like a mellow wine that tastes sweeter the longer it is savored. With final exams approaching, the entire campus was immersed in an atmosphere of intense revision, and Chén Zhāoyáng and Lín Xiǎotáng were no exception; every day, they poured all their energy into preparing for the tests. However, a sudden torrential rain shattered this peace. That afternoon, the originally clear blue sky suddenly filled with dark clouds, the heavy gray canopy pressing down so low it felt hard to breathe. Then came a fierce gale, bending the campus trees and rustling their leaves. Pea-sized raindrops poured down with the howling wind, pelting the windows with a crackling din and instantly enveloping the entire world in a curtain of rain. Chén Zhāoyáng and Lín Xiǎotáng had originally planned to go to the library to study after class, but the downpour ruined their plans. The two stood at the classroom doorway, looking helplessly at the pouring rain outside.