The winter break passed quietly, busy and fulfilling. After their "speculator" adventure at the gates of the Cultural Palace, Chén Zhāoyáng and Lín Xiǎotáng not only pocketed a small fortune, but also gained a deeper appreciation for each other's tacit understanding and courage. This experience made the hazy, unspoken affection between them grow richer, like a cup of hot chocolate on a winter's day—warm and sweet.
On the first day of the new semester, sunlight filtered through a thin layer of clouds, scattering gently across the campus and gilding every corner with a golden glow. With their schoolbags on their backs and hands intertwined, Chén Zhāoyáng and Lín Xiǎotáng strolled along the campus paths. They chatted and laughed, sharing little anecdotes from the winter break as they passed familiar classrooms and playgrounds, scenes of their past endeavors feeling as though they had happened only yesterday.
"Chén Zhāoyáng, in this new semester, we have to work hard together again!" Lín Xiǎotáng raised her head to look at Chén Zhāoyáng, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Chapter 60