Meeting an online friend

“Beep beep beep beep.”

“Xuan, are you afraid to show your face because you think you’re ugly? Don’t worry, the seniors won’t eat you alive.”

“Maybe he’s just scared the freshman girls won’t like him. Look, he never talks in the group chat, only messages people privately. Freshmen these days, huh?”

The person being called out was Chen Zhixuan, an incoming college freshman who had gritted his teeth for three years and finally made it to university. The moment he received his acceptance letter, he’d immediately joined the freshman group chat, pouncing on every new acquaintance like a wolf starved for three days.

“Don’t say nonsense, I wouldn’t call myself handsome, but ugly? Impossible. I’m not one to shy away from the light.” After typing this reply, Chen Zhixuan scrutinized his face in the small mirror beside his computer, as if he were checking for monsters, worried something unsightly might appear.

“Cai Xia, Mingyue, what majors are you two in?” Cai Xia and Mingyue were also freshmen, and just a few days ago, their photos had been posted in the group chat. Chen Zhixuan had thoroughly enjoyed this, tagging them every day, hoping to get acquainted and maybe befriend them first.

“Media studies. What about you?” Mingyue was more talkative than Cai Xia and often played along with the seniors’ jokes.

“I’m in Media too! What a coincidence. We have to meet up when school starts.” In truth, Chen Zhixuan had been assigned to Information and Electronics, not his first choice. The moment he saw his name under that major, all his excitement evaporated—Information and Electronics was notorious for being a “monk’s major,” nearly all boys.

“Really? Then let’s meet at the start of term!” In the blink of an eye, mid-September arrived. The campus was abuzz with seniors busy welcoming new students, watching the incoming freshmen with curious eyes, afraid to miss anyone interesting.

Chen Zhixuan arrived at school early. His dorm was a four-person room with a private bathroom—quite decent, though he was the only one there so far.

“I wonder when my roommates will show up. Let’s see if Mingyue’s here yet—hehehe.”

“Mingyue, Mingyue, come in Mingyue. Have you arrived? I’m in Hongyuan Hall, where are you staying? Lunch is on me later.”

“I just got to my room and haven’t even unpacked. I think I live right across from you, in Mushang Hall. You’re so generous—I’ll definitely come, and I’ll bring a pretty roommate too.” That delighted Chen Zhixuan to no end—two for the price of one.

“Great, I’ll wander around for a bit. Call me when you’re ready.”

Once they’d agreed on a place to eat, Chen Zhixuan, in high spirits, hummed a tune and strolled downstairs with what he felt were cheerful steps.

“We’re on our way now. Where are you?” Mingyue messaged. Chen Zhixuan immediately opened the chat and typed back quickly.

“I’m at the south gate, waiting for you guys by Trash Street. Just come out—let’s meet at the entrance. I’m wearing a blue plaid shirt.” After sending the message, he unconsciously smoothed his hair, using his phone as a makeshift mirror to tidy up. Not bad—maybe not handsome, but clean and presentable for sure.

“Xuan, is that you?” Two tall, fair-skinned girls suddenly stood before him. For a moment, Chen Zhixuan wondered if he was still dreaming. He rubbed his eyes and answered, dazed,

“That’s me. And you are…?”

“Hahaha, I’m Mingyue, and this is my roommate—you can call her Ma.” Once again, Chen Zhixuan was left utterly bewildered…