Feng Qingyi stared at her chat window with Qin Yuchuan, realizing it had been a week since their last contact.
Though life continued as usual during this time, with her diligently attending her daily classes, she felt a lingering sense of melancholy, as if something were missing.
Looking at the Hanfu hanging in her wardrobe and the box of hairpins, Feng Qingyi's mood sank.
If not for the presence of these items, she might have thought everything before was just a dream.
He was definitely real; she even had the photos she secretly took of him that day in her album.
The birthday gift she was preparing for him in the art studio was almost finished, but she didn't know when she would be able to contact him again.
She had grown accustomed to being woken up by him every morning and to chattering away endlessly to him.
He would listen attentively to her trivial stories and offer reasonable advice when she encountered difficulties.
He would encourage her when she lacked confidence and patiently console her when she was upset.
Imperceptibly, he had successfully integrated into her life, becoming an essential part of it.
It went beyond the point system, even transcending the boundaries of friendship.
Feng Qingyi recalled the hug from that day and the faint scent of pine on him.
This seemed to be an emotion she had never experienced before.
Though the school curriculum was as busy as ever, Feng Qingyi was full of energy each day, scheduling her time to the brim.
Lou Xi, Shen Hanyue, and Qu Jingqiu all felt that something was off about her.
The four had lived together for a year, and they thought they understood Feng Qingyi well.
Her current state was completely different from before.
Although she had always been hardworking, she had never seemed so desperate as she did now.
After lunch, when they returned to the dormitory together, everyone was chatting and laughing, but she didn't join in, silently focusing on her studies instead.
Shen Hanyue said, "Qingyi, I hereby declare you the top overachiever in our dorm. What's gotten into you lately? Why have you suddenly turned into such a desperate character?"
"It's nothing, just bored, so I'm reading more," Feng Qingyi replied without looking up.
Shen Hanyue secretly messaged Lou Xi, asking her to find time to chat with Feng Qingyi.
After all, she wasn't good at private conversations, and Lou Xi was the most authoritative in the dorm, so she entrusted the task to her with peace of mind.
Feng Qingyi was called to the rooftop by Lou Xi, feeling a bit puzzled.
"Why did you suddenly bring me here?"
Lou Xi asked, "What's been going on with you lately?"
"Nothing's wrong, I'm fine," Feng Qingyi said.
Lou Xi spoke up, "Does it have anything to do with that online friend you mentioned before?"
"...It has nothing to do with him, don't say that."
"Really? I don't believe you. Tell me about what's going on between you two."
In front of Lou Xi, Feng Qingyi felt she had no secrets. She could discern all issues from her behavior and mannerisms.
"We just met online, chatted for a while, and he seemed like a really nice person."
"Then we just kept talking about daily life stuff, and when I ran into problems, he would help me find solutions."
"This time, I don't know why, but we suddenly lost contact. I can't reach him, so I've been a bit anxious."
Lou Xi was always skeptical about online matters.
"Are you so sure he didn't want to cut off contact with you on purpose?"
"He wouldn't do that." Feng Qingyi was adamant. Even if they had a falling out, she believed he would at least explain things clearly.
Lou Xi scrutinized Feng Qingyi. "Have you fallen for him?"
"What? No, how could I? We're just friends."
Feng Qingyi herself couldn't figure out her feelings for him. She definitely had a good impression of him, but love seemed unlikely. They were just friends.
"Just friends?" Lou Xi thought Feng Qingyi's current behavior resembled that of someone going through a breakup.
Feng Qingyi nodded, "Yes, just friends."
Lou Xi didn't believe Feng Qingyi's words. If they were just friends, her worry and anxiety would be normal.
But she hadn't shown obvious concern during this period.
She should probably know that her friend hadn't met with any mishap.
She didn't seem like someone who would be easily deceived, so being scammed could be ruled out.
It was highly likely that she had fallen for this online friend but hadn't realized it herself.
She wondered what kind of person this online friend of hers was.
From the current situation, he didn't seem very reliable, disappearing without a trace.
"Do you have any other thoughts about him?"
Feng Qingyi sighed, "I've already said we're just ordinary friends. What other thoughts could I have?"
Lou Xi said, "Just be mindful, and stay vigilant."
"Alright, I understand. You don't need to worry about me. I won't be deceived."
"The midterm exams are next month, so I just wanted to study hard during this time."
Feng Qingyi explained to Lou Xi that although she had been very worried about Qin Yuchuan during this period,
worry was one thing, but there was nothing she could do now except focus on herself and wait patiently for news.
Seeing Feng Qingyi's composed expression, Lou Xi didn't pursue the matter further.
Some things needed to be figured out on one's own; others could only offer a few reminders.
In the General's Mansion shrouded by the night, all was quiet.
Under the candlelight in the study, Qin Yuchuan looked at the still-updating phone with growing impatience.
It had been ten days since they lost contact, and the phone was still not done updating.
During this time, her face often came to mind.
They had known each other for just three months, but these short three months seemed to be the happiest time in his twenty-some years of life.
Her existence had changed his tranquil life, showing him a broader world.
He didn't want all of this to be just fleeting; he wanted her to always be there.
Even if not by his side, he wanted to see her every day.
At that moment, Qin Yuchuan noticed that the phone in his hand suddenly emitted a dazzling light.
After the light faded, the phone in his hand returned to its usual appearance.
Qin Yuchuan hurriedly opened it to check and found that several new small icons had been added to the phone.
But he had no interest in looking at those things now; he quickly opened WeChat.
Seeing her messages from a few days ago, Qin Yuchuan hastily replied.
[Yuchuan: My phone was updating these past few days and couldn't be used, so I couldn't contact you.]
[Qin Yuchuan: How have you been these days?]
Qin Yuchuan waited for Feng Qingyi to reply to his message, but the response was long in coming.
At this hour, it was usually their daily video call time, so he decided to video call her anyway.
The phone rang for a long while, but the call wasn't answered. Qin Yuchuan grew a bit worried.
In the past, she would always be in her bedroom by this time. Where could she have gone today?
