Early the next morning, Su Zelin opened his eyes.

The fresh morning breeze wafted by, bringing with it intermittent, elusive scents.

Feeling a slight stir in his heart, he jumped out of bed and casually walked over to the window.

Looking down through the window lattice, he saw his childhood friend in the neighboring yard.

Qin Shiqing didn’t have the bad habit of sleeping in either; she pretty much went to bed early and rose early every day.

Sure enough, she was watering the roses.

The girl had planted these flowers in her childhood, and they now sprawled across the entire garden wall.

Summer was the season when roses were in full bloom, and on this sunny morning, the neighboring yard was a canvas of vibrant colors, bursting with life, proudly displaying their most beautiful side.

Today was the birthday of his childhood friend.

Having been reborn for more than three years, Qin Shiqing had transformed from a seventeen-year-old high school girl into a soon-to-be university graduate.

Youth is fleeting, and a young girl’s flower-like years vanish in an instant.

At twenty years of age, she was indeed a young lady now!

Su Zelin just secretly watched the graceful figure of his childhood friend from upstairs, making no sound.

Qin Shiqing seemed to sense something and suddenly turned her head, spotting the mischievous boy by the window.

"Xiaolinzi, morning!"

The girl smiled brightly, complementing the garden full of roses.

"Morning!"

Since he was discovered, Su Zelin made no attempt to hide and casually asked, "Qin Shiqing, do you have any wishes today?"

In his past life, he felt sorry for his childhood friend, so every year he tried to fulfill one of her wishes, of course within his means and not too extreme.

"Hmm, a wish, let me see. I’d like to bring my grandma over for a meal; she hasn’t been to the city for a while. Can you accompany me to the countryside this afternoon?"

Qin Shiqing asked.

"Sure, it’s a small matter!"

The mischievous boy agreed without hesitation.

It was simple, and he had no reason to refuse.

"Let’s do it that way, I’m going to freshen up!"

Su Zelin left the window, walked out of the bedroom, and went to the bathroom, looking at himself in the mirror.

His fair face was still full of collagen, yet beneath this youthful body was a heart that had been through many vicissitudes.

Only the experience of rebirth had smoothed over the previous pain.

"I’m doing well now and can’t let that kind of pain happen again!"

Su Zelin murmured to the mirror.

Flowers bloom and wither, relationships come and go, these are facts he needs to accept.

The day didn’t have any special programs; Qin Shiqing invited Lu Haoran, Xiaoyanzi, and a few high school dorm mates to have milk tea together, making it livelier than previous gatherings.

At the Ice Beauty Leisure Bar in the Commercial City, the girls chattered animatedly.

With the end of their third year, they were about to graduate, and the topics were noticeably different from before.

Freshman year was all about interesting stories and experiences at their respective schools, joining clubs, complaining about the weather and the food, and so on.

Sophomore year was filled with bragging about their achievements, like joining the student council, participating in cultural soirées, passing the CET-4, or winning debate competitions.

By the end of junior year, the main discussions were about career prospects, and those who had partners also shared their relationship issues.

"I originally planned to stay in Jiangcheng City after graduation to work hard with my significant other, but my parents insist I go home, saying I’m not allowed to leave the province. It’s driving me crazy; I don’t even know how to tell my significant other and can only drag it out!"

Such issues didn’t only happen to Pan Yun and Liu Yanbin; Qin Shiqing’s roommates faced the same troubles.

"My significant other’s family is quite wealthy, they’re local nouveau riche. I’m just afraid his parents have high expectations and I don’t dare to meet the family, fearing they won’t be satisfied!"

"You should consider yourself lucky. My boyfriend’s family is dirt poor, with two brothers and three sisters. My goodness, I really don’t understand why they’d keep having kids when they’re so poor. I must have been blind back then, inexplicably taking a liking to him. I’m considering whether to break up when we graduate!"

"..."

The girls’ complaints revealed that every family has its own difficulties.

Comparing her situation, Xiaoyanzi felt Lu Haoran was actually quite good.

Both she and her boyfriend were from Jianglan, so distance wasn’t an issue.

His family’s conditions weren’t the best, but they weren’t poor either, just one son. Importantly, they were locals, and they had an apartment in the city, which was a significant aspect.

Their families hadn’t met yet, though her boyfriend had been caught a few times when dropping her home. Her parents later asked about Lu Haoran and didn’t object, feeling that being dependable was what mattered most.

Dependability isn’t the most attractive trait in high school, but when it comes to marriage and starting a family, it’s found to be crucial. If the man isn’t reliable, no matter how handsome, wealthy, talented, or charming he is, it doesn’t help.

Yes, I’m talking about Su Zelin, that guy.

If she really had such a boyfriend, watching him flirt around would be exhausting!

Thinking of this, Xiaoyanzi lowered her voice and said to Lu Haoran beside her, "Haoran, how about coming over to my place for a meal in a few days?"

Many people wait until the second semester of senior year or after graduation to introduce their partner to their family, but those like Tang Yan are usually in long-distance relationships. Since she and Lu Haoran are from the same town, introducing him earlier isn’t a problem.

"Meet your parents?"

Lu Haoran was both surprised and delighted.

He really hadn’t expected Xiaoyanzi to bring this up suddenly.

If he really met the parents, that would not only affirm their relationship but even show intentions of establishing a family.

He had originally worried if he and Xiaoyanzi would part ways after graduation, but Tang Yan’s words gave the honest guy a reassurance.