By the time the sun was high in the sky, Xia Miao woke from her slumber. Opening her eyes, she found herself still in the same cozy bedroom. The heavy curtains were drawn, casting the room in dim light—likely the reason she had slept so long.
Once fully awake, she confirmed it again: she hadn’t been daydreaming. She really did have a boyfriend now, and she had even boldly moved in with him.
Sprawled on the bed, Xia Miao felt a strange mix of emotions.
She couldn’t figure it out—were those memories of her working life just a figment of her imagination?
The bedroom door creaked open, and in walked Shen Chi, dressed in casual homewear, moving quietly. Seeing his girlfriend already awake, he leaned over, half his weight pressing onto her.
Brushing aside the strands of hair tangled across her face, he drew close, their noses almost touching, and chuckled softly. "Miao Miao, hungry?"
Xia Miao couldn’t handle the overwhelming proximity of his handsome face, radiating youthful charm. She averted her gaze slightly and murmured, "A little."
"Then get up. I’ve already made lunch."
It was already eleven—breakfast time had long passed. Sleeping straight through to lunch? Life had truly become decadent.
Shen Chi pulled her out of bed. He really was the perfect boyfriend, almost to the point of making Xia Miao feel embarrassed.
Her clothes for the day were already laid out. Even the toothpaste was neatly squeezed onto her toothbrush. As she brushed her teeth and washed her face, Shen Chi stood behind her, deftly gathering her long hair in his hands.
Staring at her reflection in the mirror, he asked softly, "Miao Miao, what kind of braid today?"
Xia Miao thought for a moment. "A fishtail."
Shen Chi nodded, dividing her thick, silky hair into two sections before further splitting one into smaller strands. His slender fingers wove effortlessly through her dark locks.
Suddenly, Xia Miao remembered.
Countless mornings had begun like this—Shen Chi styling the hair of his lazy, couch-potato girlfriend. Scenes like today had happened many times before. It was precisely because of his boundless indulgence and impeccable "service attitude" (which, of course, extended to the bedroom) that Xia Miao had gradually turned into a complete sloth.
She couldn’t even imagine how she’d survive without Shen Chi.
Today was the weekend—no classes, but Shen Chi had a part-time job.
After tidying up post-meal, he packed freshly cut fruit into a container and placed it in the fridge. Then he walked back, bending down to hug his girlfriend, who was curled up on the sofa scrolling through her phone.
"Miao Miao, try not to order takeout. There’s fruit in the fridge if you get hungry. I’ll be back late tonight, so wait for me—I’ll cook something delicious when I return."
Xia Miao nodded. "Got it."
He kissed her once more. "Wait for me."
For some reason, as he turned to leave, Xia Miao instinctively reached out and wrapped her arms around his lean waist. The feel of his body was nice—though it was even better when his muscles tensed, his waistline flexing with a hint of wildness.
Shen Chi glanced down at her. "Miao Miao?"
Xia Miao was just as surprised by her own impulsive embrace. Often, she had this inexplicable feeling—her body moved faster than her mind, especially when it came to Shen Chi. It was as if some strange passion controlled her.
As if there was no reason needed—she adored him completely.
When Xia Miao stayed silent, Shen Chi leaned in, gently cupping her cheek and gazing into her eyes. "Miao Miao, what’s wrong?"
In that moment, another thought struck her.
Did she even need another reason to love a guy like him?
She squeezed his hand. "I’ll wait for you."
A faint smile flickered in Shen Chi’s dark eyes. "Mm. I’ll bring back your favorite dessert."
He wasn’t one to wear his emotions openly—the most obvious fluctuations probably happened when he held her and whispered, "Just a little rub." But right now, Xia Miao could sense the joy radiating from him.
Shen Chi might not have understood why his girlfriend had grown distant lately, but now she was back to her usual self—just as affectionate and reliant on him as before. The gloom that had settled over him vanished instantly.
After Shen Chi left, the apartment fell silent.
Xia Miao couldn’t help but reflect—Shen Chi was busy every day, while she lazed around doing nothing. Wasn’t that a bit too heartless?
She tossed and turned on the sofa, but soon another question popped into her mind.
It was strange. She usually had plenty of hangers-on clamoring to hang out during breaks. Why was her phone so quiet today?
The moment the thought crossed her mind, a message popped up.
"Xia Miao, let’s hang out!"
The sender was the young master of the Song Family—Song Zhugong. They’d known each other since childhood, moving in the same social circles and crossing paths at countless parties.
But Song Zhugong was the rebellious type. Instead of obeying his family’s orders to attend university, he’d struck out on his own, declaring he’d start a business. Back then, he’d gone around pitching grandiose ideas to rich kids, trying to secure investments. Few took him seriously, but out of pity, Xia Miao had tossed him some pocket money.
At first, Xia Miao wasn’t keen on going out, but then she reconsidered and replied:
"Send me the address."
Downtown at the arcade, the place was packed with young people.
The moment Xia Miao appeared, someone immediately rushed over.
"Xia Miao! Damn, it’s rare to get you out for fun!"
Song Zhugong was decently good-looking, dressed in hip-hop style, exuding a carefree vibe. These days, he ran a small but thriving media studio—though he still didn’t give off "successful entrepreneur" energy.
He’d brought along a few friends—both guys and girls—who all eyed Xia Miao with curiosity.
In Xia Miao’s memories, Song Zhugong should’ve looked like his older, more mature self from ten years later. Seeing his youthful, energetic appearance now took some getting used to.
A guy with shoulder-length hair couldn’t hold back. "Song, this is the famous friend you’ve been talking about?"
Song Zhugong puffed up proudly. "Yep. Meet the biggest investor in our studio! When I was fighting with my family, if it weren’t for Xia Miao’s support, where would I be now?"
Clearly, Song Zhugong had mentioned her often. The others’ eyes lit up with enthusiasm, greeting her warmly.
One bold guy piped up, "Miss Xia, do you have a boyfriend? If not, what do you think of me?"
