Chapter 9 | The Last Winter Before the College Entrance Examination

The December wind grew cold.The leaves on the trees on campus had mostly fallen.A thin layer of frost often covered the playground in the mornings.The days of senior year were growing increasingly stressful.Every day was filled with tests, explanations, and review.Time seemed to be pressed tightly together.But Lin Nian and Zhou Yu were slowly developing a fixed habit.Every evening.A window seat in the library.She sat on the left.He sat on the right.A small, warm yellow desk lamp sat between the tables.That evening, Lin Nian arrived a little earlier than usual.She had just sat down.The library door was pushed open.A cold wind blew in.Zhou Yu walked in.He was wearing a dark coat and carrying a paper bag.Seeing Lin Nian, he smiled."So early."Lin Nian nodded.“There’s not much homework today.”Zhou Yu sat down.He placed the paper bag on the table.Lin Nian glanced at it.“What’s this?”Zhou Yu asked casually.“I bought it on the way.”Lin Nian opened the bag.Inside was a scarf.Gray.Simple.She was stunned.“For me?”Zhou Yu nodded.“It’s been so cold lately.”Lin Nian was a little flustered.“Actually, you don’t need to…”Zhou Yu interrupted her:“Just consider it a thank you for teaching me math.”Lin Nian looked at the scarf.She was silent for a moment.Then she said softly:“Thank you.”She wrapped the scarf around her neck.It was warm.Zhou Yu glanced at it.Suddenly he smiled.“It’s quite pretty.”Lin Nian blushed slightly.She lowered her head to do her homework.After a while, she whispered,"Actually, your math has improved too."Zhou Yu said proudly,"Of course.""After all, I have a great teacher to guide me."Lin Nian couldn't help but smile.The library was quiet in winter.Occasionally, white mist could be seen outside the window.The two studied until after ten o'clock.The librarian began reminding them to turn off the lights.They walked out of the library together.The campus was colder than usual at night.The wind made them shiver.Zhou Yu glanced at Lin Nian."Is your scarf warm?"Lin Nian nodded."Very warm."Zhou Yu smiled."That's good."When they reached the edge of the playground,Lin Nian suddenly stopped."Wait a minute."Zhou Yu was taken aback."What's wrong?"Lin Nian put down her bag.She took out a small box from it.She handed it to him.“For you.”Zhou Yu was a little surprised.“What?”Lin Nian said:“Open it and see.”Zhou Yu opened the box.Inside was a black wristband.The kind used for basketball.Zhou Yu was stunned.“When did you buy this?”Lin Nian said:“A few days ago.”“I saw it at a sports store.”Zhou Yu picked up the wristband.He put it on.It fit perfectly.He smiled happily.“It looks pretty cool.”Lin Nian looked at him.“I hope you can use it during your game.”Zhou Yu suddenly said:“Then are you coming to see it?”Lin Nian was taken aback.“When?”Zhou Yu said:“There’s a friendly match before winter break.”Lin Nian thought for a moment.“If you don’t have extra classes.”Zhou Yu nodded.“Then I’ll take that as a yes.”They continued walking towards the school gate.The winter night was quiet.The streetlights cast a warm yellow glow.She reached the alleyway entrance.Lin Nian stopped.“I’m here.”Zhou Yu nodded.“Mm.”Lin Nian was about to leave.Zhou Yu suddenly said:“Lin Nian.”She turned around.“What’s wrong?”Zhou Yu looked at the scarf she was wearing.He suddenly felt a little nervous.But he still spoke.“After the college entrance exam.”“Let’s go see the sea.”Lin Nian was stunned.“See the sea?”Zhou Yu nodded.“I’ve always wanted to see it.”“And…”He paused.Lin Nian looked at him.“And what?”Zhou Yu smiled.“I’ll tell you later.”Lin Nian looked at him for a moment.Then she nodded gently.“Okay.”She turned and walked into the alley.A gray scarf swayed gently in the wind.Zhou Yu stood under the streetlamp.Watching her back.The winter wind was cold.But suddenly, he felt a warmth in his heart.It was the last winter of their senior year of high school.They hadn't confessed their feelings yet.But everyone could see it.Some things.had already quietly happened.And the sea they had promised to meet.was also waiting.The day the college entrance exams ended.