Cen Zhengnian gently touched her head and said, "Graduation is such a big event in one's life, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I don't want you to have any regrets."
Chu Xia didn't insist that Cen Zhengnian must come, only telling him that she was graduating and had been assigned to the affiliated hospital of the research institute.
Cen Zhengnian knew the time of her graduation ceremony, so he took a day off in advance and informed Yan and Min that he needed to leave early on that day. He worked overtime to finish his tasks in the preceding days, all to clear his schedule for today.
However, Chu Xia didn't need to know about these arrangements; today, all she needed was to graduate happily.
The weather had already turned warm, and today's weather was good. As the sun rose high, Cen Huai'an and Zhang Lu and the others couldn't bear the heat anymore, so they stopped taking photos and quickly ran to the shade to drink water.
Cen Huai'an drank water in big gulps. Recently, he didn't want to hear the word "photos" again. He feared that Zhang Lu would say this place looks good and pull him to take pictures again.
After finishing the water in the flask, Zhang Lu still felt uncomfortably hot. She used her hand to fan herself and said, "I want to eat a popsicle."
"There's a store selling them in the school, just ahead."
Chu Xia stood up, leading a few children to the store. She also wanted to have a popsicle.
Coming out of the small shop, everyone had a popsicle in their hands. Chu Xia and Cen Zhengnian also held many flowers.
Without an umbrella, Chu Xia was afraid of the sun, so she deliberately walked in the shade where there were trees, moving from one side of the road to the other.
Zhang Lu was puzzled, "Aunt, what are you doing?"
"Hiding from the sun. It's too hot."
Zhang Lu: "I want to hide too!"
Jiang Weixi followed suit, saying, "I want to hide too!"
They saw Chu Xia walking in front, taking various irregular routes. Zhang Lu and Jiang Weixi followed, laughing happily as if playing a new game, having a great time.
There were still belongings in Chu Xia's dormitory, not many but needing to be packed up and taken home.
Cen Zhengnian, Cen Huai'an, and a group of people followed to pack up. The girls' dormitory was currently very messy, with girls carrying luggage or various things they wanted to discard, walking around the staircase.
Today, the dormitory management couldn't stop male students from entering. They were busy looking for useful items in the empty space under the stairs on the first floor, along with the cleaning staff.
All the things the girls didn't want in the entire dormitory building were thrown there.
Other girls in the dormitory were also packing their things. Each person seemed to be smiling and talking, but there was a sadness in their eyes as they were about to part.
Chu Xia and Cen Zhengnian packed her things, placing them at the door since the dormitory was too small and crowded for others to enter.
Chu Xia turned back into the dormitory and said goodbye to the other residents. There were eight people in their dormitory, and although there were occasional conflicts, at this moment of parting, those previous disputes seemed less important.
However, those were just minor disputes. If someone in the dormitory had serious character issues, everyone wouldn't simply forget and forgive.
"In the future, may everyone have a bright future. If fate allows, we'll meet again!"
Chu Xia waved to Yang Jin and the others.
Yang Jin and the others also raised their hands, saying, "If fate allows, we'll meet again!"
***
After graduation, it was time to report to the affiliated hospital.
However, there was no rush; it wasn't time to report yet. Chu Xia rested at home for several days.
In the summer breeze, Chu Xia leaned on the sofa, eating watermelon and watching TV, enjoying her leisurely days.
Ever since deciding to attend university, including her university years, Chu Xia had always studied diligently, never slacking off. Now that she had graduated, she could finally take a break.
"Mom, I'm back."
At noon, Cen Huai'an returned from school. As he opened the door, a wave of summer heat entered the house. He changed into slippers and walked inside, seeing Chu Xia enjoying watermelon. He asked, "Is there any watermelon left?"
"In the kitchen. Go cut it yourself," Chu Xia pointed in the direction of the kitchen and added, "Don't wash your face directly with cold water when you're all sweaty."
"I know, Mom!" Cen Huai'an shouted from the kitchen.
Before long, he came out holding half a watermelon and a spoon, sitting on the sofa next to Chu Xia. He said, watching the historical drama on TV, "Mom, our teacher said students who received second prize or above in the league can participate in the summer camp at Jinghua University."
Upon hearing this, Chu Xia sat up straight. Her eyes moved from the TV to Cen Huai'an's face. "That's great! You should participate and broaden your horizons."
Cen Huai'an had known that his mom and dad wouldn't oppose this matter; they would only support him. However, hearing Chu Xia's approval still couldn't suppress the joy in his heart.
"The teacher said there's no fee for the summer camp, but participants need to cover their own accommodation, meals, and transportation expenses. The school has made arrangements, and all you need to do is give the money to the teacher."
Saying this, Cen Huai'an looked up at Chu Xia, his expression serious. "Mom, can you take me to withdraw money from my bankbook? I'll cover the expenses for the summer camp myself."
Cen Huai'an had accumulated quite a sum in his little savings, receiving a good amount each year from New Year's gifts. He wasn't extravagant with his spending.
The family's system of little red flowers was still in place, and Cen Huai'an had exchanged enough for what he wanted.
So Chu Xia didn't insist on providing him with money, nodding and saying, "Alright, I'll take you tomorrow."
***
No. 4 High School.
Zhang Lu's teacher also talked about the summer camp, and she loved participating in such activities. It allowed her to broaden her horizons and make many new friends.
However, she didn't know if An'an would go. If he did, they could be companions again.
Zhang Lu was filling out the summer camp application form, and Tang Song was behind her. Seeing her actions, he took out the application form that he had tossed into the trash can and earnestly filled out every item with a pen.
After completing the entire form, Zhang Lu stood up to hand it over to the teacher. Behind her, Tang Song grabbed the back of her clothes.
Zhang Lu turned back with a puzzled look, "What's the matter?"
Tang Song handed her the form, saying, "Help me submit it too."
Zhang Lu instantly showed a big smile on her face, "You're going to the summer camp too! I'm going too, so we'll be together!"
She took the application form from Tang Song's hand and walked towards the podium, not hearing Tang Song quietly mutter, "Hmm."
When Zhang Lu returned, Liu Hongyu was sitting next to Tang Song, looking at the two with envy. "You guys are really lucky!"
Zhang Lu turned to look at him, raising a finger and wagging it left and right, "Your words are not accurate. We're not lucky; it's about competence! Liu Hongyu, ever since the city competition ended, you've been sarcastic. If you don't work harder, don't even talk about getting second prize in the city competition. By then, you won't even pass the school-level selections!"
Liu Hongyu was hit right in his thoughts. He had indeed been jealous of Zhang Lu and Tang Song since the city competition, wondering why they could enter the national math competition while he couldn't. He regretted not performing well on the day of the exam.
Seeing Zhang Lu's clear eyes reflecting all the expressions on his face, he suddenly felt how ugly he was at this moment and shamefully rested his head on the desk.
Zhang Lu snorted and patted Tang Song's desk, saying, "If he says those things again, don't endure it."
Tang Song looked up at Zhang Lu's carefree face and nodded, "Okay."
***
When Chu Xia went to the affiliated hospital to register with various required documents, it happened to be a rainy day.
Fortunately, the affiliated hospital was close to the residential area. She wore a raincoat, wrapped the documents in another layer of rainproof material, and carried an umbrella to the hospital.
As Chu Xia arrived at the hospital, her feet and lower legs were soaked despite wearing sandals, but the rest of her body remained dry.
Standing at the hospital entrance, she closed the umbrella, took off the raincoat and folded it. While tidying up, a boy with a large black umbrella hurriedly rushed in, shaking the umbrella vigorously.
The raindrops on the umbrella splashed all over Chu Xia, who, quick to react, managed to dodge, but some rainwater still landed on her.
She quickly checked the documents in her hand, thankfully not having unwrapped the rainproof covering. Otherwise, the water from the rainproof material would have spilled onto the documents.
Chu Xia took out a handkerchief, wiping the water off her face while frowning at the boy. "Comrade, could you be more careful when folding your umbrella? You splashed water all over me."
The boy looked at the rainwater on Chu Xia's body and face, immediately smiled and said, "Sorry, I have urgent business at the hospital and didn't pay attention."
Without waiting for Chu Xia to respond, he walked directly inside with his umbrella.
Chu Xia watched his actions and the expression he had just shown when speaking. Clearly, she didn't think there was anything wrong, but her impression of this boy wasn't great.
However, in a hurry to register, Chu Xia quickly wiped off the water from the rainproof material and entered the hospital to find the human resources department to handle the onboarding process.
Not familiar with the hospital's layout, when she finally asked a nurse and found the human resources department, the boy who had splashed her with water was also inside.
Chu Xia's smile instantly disappeared from her face, and the boy, seeing her, also showed surprise in his eyes. However, neither of them spoke. After a brief eye contact, they each looked away.
"You're also here to report for duty?"
The person in the human resources department extended their hand towards her when they saw her. "Give me the documents."
Chu Xia's smile returned to her face as she handed over the various documents in her hand.
"Luo Chu Xia. Alright, everyone's here. You two are the last ones for this round of new staff arriving at the hospital, and both of you are assigned to the Traditional Chinese Medicine department. Follow me."
Chu Xia glanced at the boy, thinking only one word in her mind: unlucky!
After the human resources department staff checked the materials of the two, they were led into a room that resembled a conference room, already occupied by many people.
"You'll wait here for a while. The hospital director will come over to hold a meeting with you later."
This was the process for new employees. Chu Xia had asked others about it before, so she silently found a seat and sat down.
After a considerable wait, the hospital director finally arrived. He didn't say much, just a few words of encouragement, and was hurriedly called away by a nurse.
Next, it was the human resources department staff who took Chu Xia and others on a tour of the hospital, introducing them to the department heads responsible for assigning the newly allocated doctors.
Chu Xia and the boy were assigned to a male doctor around fifty years old, Dr. Lin, the director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine department.
Upon seeing the two, Dr. Lin's expression remained indifferent. "How long have you been involved in traditional Chinese medicine?"
In this life, Chu Xia had only formally studied traditional Chinese medicine in university. Before that, she had been self-taught. She explained this to Dr. Lin.
The boy, wearing a smiling face, added, "I started learning it in university just like her. However, Director, my performance during university..."
"No need to mention that. University achievements don't matter here; I'm only interested in your individual capabilities. Luo Chu Xia, Cheng Jun, both of you will intern under Dr. Yan."
New employees at the hospital wouldn't immediately start treating patients; they had to go through an internship, and specific duties would be assigned based on their performance during the internship.
Compared to Dr. Lin, Dr. Yan seemed much more amiable. Upon seeing Chu Xia and Cheng Jun, he maintained a continuous smile. "Ah, finally, they've sent me two promising talents. Both of you are graduates in traditional Chinese medicine, and both have potential. Work hard!"
Chu Xia nodded, "Yes."
Cheng Jun, clearly one to please superiors, had an especially large smile on his face. He looked at Dr. Yan and said, "Teacher, rest assured. In the future, I will listen to whatever you say. I guarantee to study diligently during the internship, not to disappoint you and the hospital leadership's expectations."
Dr. Yan patted his shoulder, "Good, you have a high level of awareness."
And so, Chu Xia's internship at the hospital began, alongside a colleague she didn't like from the very beginning.
Cheng Jun was eager to climb the career ladder. He arrived at the department earliest every day, ensuring the consultation room was spotless, opening windows, and pouring a cup of hot water for Dr. Yan.
Chu Xia couldn't match his dedication. If it weren't for the unpleasant incident at the hospital gate during the initial reporting, she might have admired his commitment.
Not everyone could consistently wake up early every day to please others. Even if he had an ulterior motive, it wouldn't make him entirely detestable.
However, due to their unfavorable first encounter, Chu Xia and Cheng Jun maintained a strictly professional relationship during working hours. Except when necessary, they refrained from engaging in too much conversation.
Dr. Yan had a considerable number of patients every day, but most were seeking traditional Chinese medicine for health maintenance. Other ailments led people to prefer Western medicine.
Dr. Yan was easygoing in general interactions, but when it came to traditional Chinese medicine, he was strict with both Chu Xia and Cheng Jun.
"It doesn't matter how you behave in regular situations, but when it comes to treating patients and saving lives, there must be no room for error. Life is not a trivial matter. Chu Xia, the prescription you gave to the patient is excellent; it seems your fundamental knowledge is quite solid. Cheng Jun, why did you prescribe medication this way?"
Cheng Jun looked uneasy, scratching his head, "I thought the patient had a common cold with cough."
"You thought! You thought! Did you seriously examine the patient? Did you inquire about the specific symptoms? What were you thinking during the pulse examination?"
Cheng Jun seemed oblivious to Dr. Yan's anger and continued to smile, "Teacher, it was my carelessness this time. I won't make the same mistake again. Give me another chance, and I promise not to repeat it."
Dr. Yan furrowed his eyebrows, slamming the table, "Cheng Jun, don't give me that casual smiling face! Do you know that the prescription you just prescribed will make the patient's cough worse? This shows a lack of respect for the patient and your profession! If you haven't figured this out, you are not suitable to be a reputable doctor."
Cheng Jun finally wiped off the smile from his face, continuously bowing and apologizing to Dr. Yan. Panic was evident on his face as he said, "Teacher, I really know I was wrong. I'm sorry. I will change, there won't be a next time."
Dr. Yan spoke a few more words, and seeing Cheng Jun's sincere apology, he stopped using a harsh tone, advising him with a sincere tone, "I'm being tough on you for your own good. Review all the knowledge related to the case we discussed today carefully at home. I will ask you again in a couple of days."
Cheng Jun kept his head down, appearing as if whatever Dr. Yan said was acceptable. He obediently nodded, "I understand, Teacher."
Chu Xia stood by the side, witnessing the entire process of Dr. Yan scolding Cheng Jun. She felt no sympathy for him.
Despite Cheng Jun's quick and sincere apology, Chu Xia couldn't shake the feeling that he hadn't truly grasped Dr. Yan's concerns.
In the afternoon, after work hours, Chu Xia left the hospital with her bag. As she was about to head home, passing by the side of the hospital building, she witnessed Cheng Jun forcefully kicking the wall.
"Damn it, questioning and questioning, what's there to question? I just made a mistake, is it necessary for him to keep harping on it? Old man! Damn old coot!"
Chu Xia's expression turned cold, "Cheng Jun."
Cheng Jun was startled, jumping at the sound of Chu Xia's voice. When he turned around and saw her, his face turned ashen, "You... just now... you didn't hear anything, right?"
"Cheng Jun, those words of yours, you can say them directly to the teacher. Don't waste the teacher's efforts, teaching someone who doesn't appreciate it."
"What are you talking about?" Cheng Jun's face displayed a mixture of embarrassment and anger. He raised his fist threateningly, "Just because the teacher favors you doesn't mean I won't dare to hit you. Mind your own business, or I'll beat you to a pulp!"
He glared with an intimidating look, appearing more like a violent lunatic than a doctor saving lives.
Chu Xia took two steps back, adopting a defensive stance, "This is the affiliated hospital of the research institute, under military jurisdiction. There are military patrols nearby. Dare to lay a hand on me? If you dare, don't expect to stay in this hospital!"
Cheng Jun certainly didn't dare. He came to the affiliated hospital of the research institute with the hope of promotion. Despite its remote location, this hospital had connections with the research institute and the military. Doing well here could open doors to higher-level hospitals.
He lowered his hand, chuckled, and said, "Haha, don't be so serious. I was just joking with you. What I said just now was because I have to memorize too much, and I spoke impulsively. Those weren't my true feelings, Chu Xia, don't take it seriously."
Chu Xia looked at Cheng Jun. Despite the smile on his face, the sinister look in his eyes had not subsided, making his expression seem quite discordant.
Given that he was a grown man, Chu Xia didn't want to engage in a direct conflict with him. She simply said, "Say whatever you want; I don't care about your affairs."
After saying this, she turned around and walked away. It was only when she was out of Cheng Jun's line of sight that Chu Xia breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a cold sweat on her back.
She had been too impulsive just now, driven by anger and the knowledge of military personnel in the vicinity.
Cheng Jun, a person like him, could find opportunities for promotion in other industries. In a medical profession, being non-professional could harm both others and oneself.
Chu Xia didn't want to wait until she witnessed him causing real harm to someone before being forcibly dismissed.
So, when she returned home, Chu Xia continued thinking about this matter, her forehead furrowed in thought.
When Cen Zhengnian came back, he saw Chu Xia in such a state. He walked over, poured a glass of water, and handed it to her, asking, "What happened? Did you encounter any difficulties at the hospital?"
He sat next to Chu Xia, his eyes fixed on her, expressing concern.
Holding the cup with both hands, Chu Xia turned to look at Cen Zhengnian and narrated the whole incident with Cheng Jun.
Hearing about Cheng Jun's threat to Chu Xia, Cen Zhengnian's brow furrowed deeply. He reached out and held Chu Xia's hand, asking, "Are you okay? Did he lay hands on you?"
"No, let me finish."
Cen Zhengnian's frown did not ease as he said, "Next time you encounter such a situation, don't confront someone like him directly. Call me selfish, but I just want you to be safe. Other matters must be considered only when you are safe. Otherwise, I would rather you not do them."
Chu Xia pursed her lips and looked at Cen Zhengnian with determination.
Cen Zhengnian looked back at her, his expression serious.
Chu Xia nestled into his embrace. "I understand. I won't act impulsively next time."
Cen Zhengnian patted her shoulder. "You can be impulsive when I'm around." Because he would protect her.
Chu Xia chuckled. "What if that person really fights with you, and you can't beat them? What if you end up getting beaten?"
Cen Zhengnian sighed. "There's nothing I can do about that. As long as you're safe."
Chu Xia's smile widened. She laughed for a while and then continued to tell Cen Zhengnian about what happened next, asking for his advice.
"You did well back there. Men like Cheng Jun easily hold grudges. Your response helps protect yourself. You don't need to worry too much about someone like him; he won't make it through the internship."
Chu Xia tilted her head up to look at him while in his embrace, catching a glimpse of his rolling Adam's apple. Unable to resist, she reached out and touched it. "Why?"
Chu Xia actually understood that someone like Cheng Jun wouldn't go far. He wanted to achieve his goals but lacked patience, and someone as experienced as Dr. Yan wouldn't be fooled for long.
She just wanted to hear Cen Zhengnian's explanation again.
Cen Zhengnian grabbed her hand, his Adam's apple moving again. His magnetic and steady voice emerged from his mouth. "Cheng Jun vented his dissatisfaction directly at the hospital entrance. Someone who can't control their nature like that, even if they try to please others, will quickly reveal their true colors."
Chu Xia nodded, saying, "Hmm."
"Mom!" She was about to say something when the sound of the door opening and Cen Huai'an's voice talking reached them simultaneously.
Chu Xia immediately pushed away from Cen Zhengnian with force, sat up straight, ran her fingers through her hair, took a sip of water, and casually looked toward the direction of the door. "An'an, school's over?"
Cen Huai'an lowered his eyes while changing shoes, as if he hadn't seen anything. "Hmm."
"Mom, our teacher said the volunteer forms and documents have been submitted. Once summer vacation arrives, I can go to the summer camp."
"Sure, when it's your day off on Sunday, I'll take you to the department store to buy things you need for the summer camp."
"Okay." Cen Huai'an nodded, finally lifting his head.
Cen Zhengnian, who was pushed onto the sofa by Chu Xia, had now sat up straight. Both he and Chu Xia had the appearance of nothing happening.
In the evening, Cen Huai'an opened the letters sent by his friends from the northwest and Liangzhou.
He had met the friends from the northwest before, but it had been a long time since he had seen them.
Brother Bang was older than him and was currently in junior high school.
His grades had improved, not at the top, but it was no problem for him to enter high school.
An'an, a new game arcade recently opened near our school. Many of my classmates go there to play games every day. I've been there once, and it's not difficult. However, the difficulty adjustments in the slot machines are interesting. You can completely control how much money you make. Do you have these kinds of game machines there?
In Brother Bang's letter, he showed great interest in slot machines, not in playing them but in how to make money from them.
Cen Huai'an furrowed his brows and picked up a pen to write: We have them here too. However, I haven't been there. But I know that slot machines that can be manipulated to control the odds are used for gambling. Brother Bang, this is not the right path. I know you want to make money quickly, but if you use this method, you'll sink deeper into the mud. When you want to come out, it might be too late.
We're still very young, and there will be more opportunities in the future. Don't let the current distractions blind your eyes. Brother Bang, I'm still waiting for you to come to the capital and go to college with me. The future is bright, but if you take the wrong path, everything will be different. Brother Bang, I hope we both have a good future!
Cen Huai'an was afraid that Brother Bang would actually find a way to place a slot machine at the school gate. Since childhood, Chu Xia had warned him strictly against touching things related to gambling.
He was also afraid that Brother Bang would get involved in such things.
Nowadays, those who can operate gaming arcades usually have connections, engaging in more than just one business.
Since sending out the letter, Cen Huai'an had been waiting for Brother Bang's reply. After so many years without seeing each other, he was afraid that Brother Bang had changed and would not want to listen to what he had to say.
Meanwhile, Brother Bang and his friends in Liangzhou received Cen Huai'an's letter.
Brother Bang now had the appearance of a young man, with a crew cut and an intimidating aura when he raised his eyebrows. Despite his good looks, he inexplicably made people afraid.
"This Xiao Po Lan's letter, let's read it together?"
Brother Bang shook the letter, pulled it out with one hand, and opened it with a flick, instantly attracting the attention of Moazi and the others.
After reading the letter, Moazi looked puzzled, "Is the slot machine as scary as An'an says? Isn't it just a game machine?"
Moazi didn't have as much self-control as Brother Bang. If he wasn't doing business every day, he would go to the game arcade to play a few rounds.
Brother Bang kicked him in the butt, "In the capital, Xiao Po Lan is there, and you're in Liangzhou. Who has seen more?"
Moazi ran a few steps forward after being kicked, rubbed his butt, and ran back, muttering, "Brother Bang, even if I haven't seen as much as An'an, do you have to kick my butt every time? It hurts a lot."
Brother Bang raised his eyelids and looked at him, "If you go to the game arcade again in the future, I can make you hurt more."
The voice was not loud, but Moazi shivered and immediately shook his head, "Brother Bang, I won't go there anymore."
Although he liked playing games, he could sense Brother Bang's intentions. If he continued to be obsessed, what awaited him would be Brother Bang's more severe methods.
Brother Bang wouldn't give up on his brothers, but he would use various methods to bring back those who had gone astray.
"Don't mention the arcade slot machines in the future. Let's focus on our little business."
Brother Bang looked towards the distance, determined to go to the capital. He wouldn't break the appointment with Cen Huai'an.
***
Capital City.
Cen Huai'an received Brother Bang's reply, and upon reading the contents of the letter, he finally felt relieved.
The relationship between Chu Xia and Cheng Jun in the hospital became even more distant. Cheng Jun noticed that Chu Xia didn't mention those things to Dr. Yan, and he finally let go of the worry that had been hanging over him.
He wanted to talk to Chu Xia more, but she refused to engage with him, simply saying, "I just want to work well in the hospital. You don't need to say anything to me."
However, the more outstanding Chu Xia performed in the hospital, the more Cheng Jun was scolded by Dr. Yan. His emotions became increasingly unstable, and Chu Xia felt like he was a time bomb, ready to explode at any moment.
"Doctor, Cheng Jun's emotions seem off."
Cheng Jun was scolded again by Dr. Yan. He clenched his fists tightly, although he admitted his mistake on his face, he didn't stay in the consultation room for long and left with an excuse.
"I know." Dr. Yan continued to smile, "Chu Xia, focus on your learning. I know how to handle things."
Chu Xia looked at Dr. Yan and met his wise eyes, which seemed to see through everything. She was momentarily stunned.
Indeed, at Dr. Yan's age and with his experience, he had probably encountered all kinds of people. Despite Cheng Jun's efforts to hide his true nature, Dr. Yan wouldn't be easily fooled.
Chu Xia nodded, "I understand, Doctor."
***
In early July, Cen Huai'an finished the school's final exams, and he began preparing for the summer camp.
Not needing many clothes for the summer, and with the teachers already informing that bedding would be provided at the camp, Chu Xia had given Cen Huai'an a bedsheet and a duvet cover. Thick blankets wouldn't be necessary in the summer.
The luggage was brought by Jiang Zhida, specifically ordered from Guangzhou. Each had a suitcase with wheels, and currently, only Guangzhou had such factories.
Knowing that the two were going to the summer camp, he deliberately bought and sent them to the two kids.
"Our younger generations from the Jiang family are doing well. As an elder, it's perfectly normal for me to express my support."
When Chu Xia declined, Jiang Zhida said this directly and handed the two suitcases to Zhang Lu and Cen Huai'an.
***
"Mom, I need to bring my Go set."
Cen Huai'an said as he placed the Go set into the suitcase, and he also took a few books. He had given all the supernatural novels he had previously bought to Zhang Lu; he didn't want to read any of them again.
Most of the clothes were packed by Cen Huai'an himself, and Chu Xia just checked to make sure he didn't forget anything.
Once everything was confirmed, including the herbal pack she made for preventing heatstroke, tea that could be brewed directly, and even mosquito nets with menthol oil, Chu Xia felt at ease letting Cen Huai'an close the suitcase.
In addition to Cen Huai'an, there was another student who won second prize in the physics competition for junior high school students. They were both going to the summer camp together.
The Capital Summer Camp included not only mathematics but also outstanding high school students and students from other subjects.
Teacher Zhang personally accompanied these two students to the summer camp, and the school covered the expenses. It was a matter of glory for the school, so they didn't hesitate to provide support.
Since it was being sent to Jinghua University, which was in the capital, Chu Xia specifically asked Dr. Yan for a day off and personally sent Cen Huai'an off.
"Mom, I can go by myself. You can go to work," Cen Huai'an said.
Chu Xia rubbed his head. "I also want to visit Jinghua University, not just send you off."
Cen Huai'an looked at Chu Xia without saying anything. He understood that this was just an excuse for his mom; she could visit Jinghua University anytime without needing to take a special day off.
However, Cen Huai'an didn't say anything, just looked at Chu Xia with a warm feeling in his heart.
The next day, Chu Xia and Teacher Zhang took the two students on a bus from the research institute to Jinghua University. It wasn't a short distance.
Zhang Lu, Tang Song, and the other students from their school who were heading to Jinghua University also set out.
Jinghua University was vast, with several entrance gates.
Chu Xia and Cen Huai'an got off the bus at the west gate. As soon as they got off, they saw four majestic calligraphy characters carved on the gray-white marble overhead – Jinghua University. The grand and magnificent atmosphere immediately greeted them.
Despite being in the capital for a while, it was Chu Xia's first visit to Jinghua University.
Before this, whenever Chu Xia took Huai'an out, they would often visit famous attractions in the capital, such as the Great Wall, Fragrant Hills in autumn, and the Summer Palace. They had been to these places together.
She had initially thought about taking An'an to visit universities as well, but the opportunity hadn't presented itself. Today was a good chance.
Cen Huai'an also looked up at the gate of Jinghua University, feeling a surge of pride in his heart. He thought that he would like to come back to this place in the future.
Teacher Zhang and the other student also stared at the gate. The four of them stood at the entrance like four statues, all with identical poses.
Just as another bus stopped, a group of students and teachers disembarked.
"An'an!"
Zhang Lu spotted Cen Huai'an and excitedly ran over, the sound of her suitcase clattering. This attracted the attention of other students.
"Sister." Cen Huai'an turned his head to see Zhang Lu, and his expression softened.
Zhang Lu ran over, calling out to Chu Xia with great excitement, "Auntie, you're here too!"
"Coming to see Jinghua University. Back in the day, I was almost a student here too."
Both Cen Huai'an and Zhang Lu remembered Chu Xia's college entrance exam scores. If she had chosen to apply to Jinghua University, she would have had a guaranteed admission.
Zhang Lu laughed, "Auntie, do you regret it now? My mom used to regret that you didn't apply to Jinghua University."
"No regrets, just a bit nostalgic."
Teacher Zhang looked at Chu Xia curiously, and the attention of others also shifted to her. Someone who almost entered Jinghua University must have exceptionally high grades.
No wonder they could cultivate such an outstanding talent like Cen Huai'an.
A group of people couldn't stay at the gate all the time, gazing at someone else's entrance. They proceeded into Jinghua University to find the reception for the summer camp.
Jinghua University had everything arranged. Each gate had students responsible for this task. After entering, students participating in the summer camp would be guided by these students to their accommodations and informed about the upcoming activities.
Chu Xia followed Cen Huai'an, listening to the Jinghua University students talk about the history of the university and its various buildings.
The students attending the summer camp stayed in the university dormitories, with girls in one building and boys in another, quite a distance apart.
Unhappily, Zhang Lu pouted and said to Cen Huai'an and Tang Song, "Well, I'm closest to you guys, and I wanted to have meals together every day. Now, it's so far away; I can only eat by myself."
Cen Huai'an pursed his lips and thought for a moment before saying, "We can eat together for lunch and dinner."
Tang Song glanced at Zhang Lu, and upon hearing Cen Huai'an's words, he opened and closed his mouth again.
Today was the registration day for the summer camp, and there were no other arrangements. Students were free to explore the campus.
Since they had already paid for meals and accommodation, Cen Huai'an and the others were given meal vouchers to use in the university cafeteria.
Chu Xia came to explore Jinghua University and spent the afternoon with Cen Huai'an, Zhang Lu, and Tang Song. However, she focused on indoor buildings because it was hot outside.
When Chu Xia felt tired, she bid farewell to Cen Huai'an, Zhang Lu, and Tang Song, saying, "An'an, if you miss me, give me a call. Lu Lu, the same goes for you. I'm leaving."
Cen Huai'an watched Chu Xia walk out of the gate of Jinghua University, and suddenly, his emotions lowered.
Zhang Lu glanced at Chu Xia's departing figure, then back at Cen Huai'an, reaching out to grab his hand and starting to run. "Huai'an, I heard the cafeteria has something delicious today. We need to hurry, or we won't get any!"
Cen Huai'an's melancholic emotions in his heart disappeared all at once.
***
This summer camp was attended by outstanding students from across the country, not just from the capital.
Although Cen Huai'an had gathered information about this, he couldn't help but feel surprised and delighted when he saw Xiao He during the summer camp.
In the evening, there was a gathering for all the students at the summer camp, a opening ceremony hosted by teachers, outlining the events for the next half-month.
Cen Huai'an and Zhang Lu arrived a bit late and went to the section designated for mathematics, with physics students seated nearby.
Casually glancing around, Cen Huai'an spotted Xiao He sitting upright, earnestly looking ahead.
Cen Huai'an stopped Zhang Lu, who was about to move forward. "Sister, I saw a familiar friend."
"Who?" Zhang Lu looked around but didn't see anyone familiar.
"It's a friend from Ganzhou. I'll go say hi."
"I'm coming with you!" Zhang Lu quickly caught up.
"Xiao He."
Cen Huai'an approached Xiao He and patted his shoulder.
Hearing a familiar voice, Xiao He immediately turned his eyes, but his expression remained unchanged. "I guessed you would come to the summer camp."
Cen Huai'an looked at him. "You didn't tell me you participated in the physics competition."
Xiao He nodded, smiling and pursing his lips. "I wanted to see your reaction when I suddenly came to the capital. Besides, initially, I wasn't sure if I could make it."
Zhang Lu watched the two with curiosity. They claimed to be friends, but the atmosphere between them was quite strange, leaving her with a puzzled look.
Cen Huai'an and Xiao He introduced Zhang Lu. Zhang Lu put aside her thoughts and showed a warm smile, saying, "Hello, I'm Zhang Lu, An'an's cousin. Like An'an, I participated in the math competition."
"Hello, sister. I'm Xiao He."
After exchanging a few words with Xiao He, Cen Huai'an noticed the time was about to start, so he returned to his seat with Zhang Lu.
Tang Song moved the books from their seats and had been saving their spots.
After the opening ceremony, Xiao He and Cen Huai'an went back to their dormitory together. On the way, Xiao He asked, "Did you bring the Go set?"
"Yes."
"Let's play a game when we get back to the dorm." Xiao He's face showed determination, a look Cen Huai'an was very familiar with.
Tang Song looked at the two. Go? He hadn't learned how to play.
Cen Huai'an replied, "Sure."
Xiao He had never won against Cen Huai'an in a game of Go, but every time he met Cen Huai'an, he wanted to play in the hope of winning one day.
Tang Song and Xiao He were not in the same dormitory as Cen Huai'an. Cen Huai'an's roommates were students from other schools whom he didn't know well.
When Xiao He and Tang Song entered, their roommates wore puzzled expressions.
It wasn't until the two spread out the paper Go board and took out the pieces that their roommates, along with Tang Song, became interested and gathered around.