How I Accidentally Bent My Best Friend - Chapter 2

“Dear passengers, we have arrived at Yuncheng Airport. The local time is 2:17 PM, and the outdoor temperature is 34 degrees Celsius.”

Listening to the flight attendant’s announcement, Chen Yushu didn’t move until Lu Wei came to wake her. Only then did she open her eyes.

The plane landed, they retrieved their luggage, and exited the airport. The moment they stepped outside, a wave of scorching heat hit them, the blazing sun making it hard to keep their eyes open.

“It’s already September, how is it still this hot?” Lu Wei complained while fanning herself with her hand. “I’ll call a car. Shushu, come this way.”

By September, the south had already cooled into autumn, and both of them were wearing light jackets. They hadn’t expected to be caught off guard by the intense heat upon arriving in the north.

Seeing Lu Wei’s flushed face, Chen Yushu opened a pack of wet wipes and deftly wiped her down to cool her off.

Lu Wei immediately pressed her face against Chen Yushu’s in a playful manner. “Shushu, you’re so considerate. If I were a man, I’d definitely marry you.”

“You’re roasting me get off!” Chen Yushu rolled her eyes and threw the wet wipe at her face in annoyance.

“What’s wrong with calling you considerate?” Lu Wei pushed her luck further, wrapping her arms around Chen Yushu and pressing her head against her neck, their skin sticking together and making the heat even more stifling.

The excessive closeness made Chen Yushu recoil. She immediately shoved Lu Wei away and took a big step back, her expression far from pleased.

Just then, their ride arrived. The driver enthusiastically helped load their luggage into the trunk, and once they settled into the back seat, the cool breeze from the air conditioning made them feel alive again.

As the driver got in, Lu Wei recited the last digits of her phone number to confirm the ride. Glancing at the order, the driver casually asked, “Here for Yun University?”

Lu Wei fastened her seatbelt and replied, “Yep, we’re here to register today.”

Hearing this, the driver’s tone unconsciously carried a note of admiration. “Ah, freshmen at Yun University! That’s really impressive.”

Yun University, short for Yuncheng University, was one of the top three institutions in the country. While it might not quite match the prestige of Huaqing or Yanbei Universities, its excellent location and standout programs made it a close rival, a dream school for countless students.

Lu Wei asked, “Are you from around here, sir?”

The driver replied, “My family’s lived in Yuncheng for generations. I’m a true local.”

“Really?” Lu Wei perked up with interest. “Then could you recommend some fun places or good eats in Yuncheng?”

“Hahaha, you’re asking the right person! I’ve been driving in Yuncheng for over twenty years there’s nowhere I don’t know.” The driver launched into an enthusiastic spiel. “There’s a place called Xiaoqiaopu, college students love it. Just take Bus No. 3 from Yun University’s north gate.”

Lu Wei nodded along, smiling. “Got it. Thanks, sir! We’ll definitely check it out when we have time.”

As the driver chatted away, he suddenly noticed Chen Yushu, who had been silent in the back seat, and asked, “Are you both heading to Yun University? Friends?”

Lu Wei threw an arm around Chen Yushu’s shoulder. “Yep! We’ve been together since elementary school.”

“Oh, childhood friends! Kids these days are really something.”

“I’m nothing special, my little ‘green plum’ here is the real star. If not for a slip-up during the gaokao, she would’ve been the science top scorer in Nanming City!”

The driver turned around in shock. “Nanming? That’s one of the toughest provinces for the gaokao. Not easy at all. Kids these days are truly amazing!”

Chen Yushu had been listening quietly, but upon hearing this, she couldn’t help but speak up: “Lu Wei, stop talking nonsense.”

“Where am I talking nonsense?” Lu Wei propped one hand on her shoulder while pulling down an eyelid and sticking out her tongue in a playful grimace.

Chen Yushu was amused by her mischievous antics, her heart softening involuntarily. She feigned a scolding in a low voice, “You and your wild exaggerations.”

Amid their banter, the car turned onto Yuncheng Avenue. Vehicles dropping off students were streaming in endlessly, all clogging up the main road. Through the window, they could faintly make out the gates of Yun University in the distance.

Given the situation, the cars ahead weren’t moving anytime soon. Lu Wei decisively said, “Driver, we’ll get off here.”

“Got it,” the driver replied, once again helping them unload their suitcases. “Have a great college life!”

Lu Wei waved goodbye. “Thanks, drive safe!”

Once out of the car, they hadn’t stood for long before the scorching sun seemed ready to bake them alive. The initial coolness of the shade faded, and the heat steadily intensified.

Just then, three volunteers, two male and one female jogged up to them. “New freshmen? Which departments are you in? We’ll take you there. You’ll need to check in first.”

Lu Wei said, “I’m in Fine Arts, she’s in Chemistry.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, the two senior boys each grabbed one of their suitcases and started heading in opposite directions. “This way.”

Chen Yushu froze for a moment, then turned to look at Lu Wei.

“Wait, senior Fine Arts is over there, right?” Seeing this, Lu Wei quickly snatched her suitcase back. “I’ll head over later on my own. Thanks anyway.”

The senior’s expression dimmed. He scratched the back of his neck and reluctantly managed a few words. “Alright. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Will do,” Lu Wei replied brightly, then took Chen Yushu’s hand with her other hand. “Come on, let’s get you sorted first.”

Chen Yushu nodded, her gaze lingering on Lu Wei’s profile.

Today, Lu Wei wore a deep blue denim jacket, loosely draped over her elbows, revealing arms as pale as porcelain. Her blue-gray wavy curls cascaded down, making her snow-white skin stand out even more. Unrestrained and bold, she was the brightest presence in the crowd.

A breeze stirred her hair, a few strands brushing against Chen Yushu’s arm, tickling lightly. Suddenly, the summer heat didn’t feel so oppressive anymore. Her heart bloomed with joy.

She realized she liked Lu Wei. More than she had ever imagined.

With guidance from a few seniors, the two quickly completed their freshman check-ins and headed to their respective dorms.

Lu Wei was assigned to Dormitory No. 7, while Chen Yushu was in No. 9. The two buildings faced each other across a greenbelt, the straight-line distance not too far.

“Starving. Let’s drop off our stuff and grab some food,” Lu Wei said, waving before heading to her dorm.

Chen Yushu hummed in agreement, standing still as she watched that flash of blue disappear. A faint ache settled in her chest. In middle school and high school, they had shared a dorm room, sleeping in bunk beds.

Refusing the help of another eager senior, she carried her luggage alone to the fourth floor. Catching her breath outside Room 4008, she hesitated for a moment before pulling out her key and opening the door. A quick glance confirmed the room was empty, and she exhaled in relief before taking a proper look at the place she’d call home for the next four years.

The dorm was a four-person setup beds above, desks below in a minimalist style with light wood tones. The walkway was spacious, the balcony bright, with rows of lush plants basking in the sunlight, their leaves glossy. Further in was the private bathroom…

Wait where was the shower?

Chen Yushu frowned slightly, unable to believe her eyes as she circled the bathroom no showerhead! Not even a hot water faucet!

How could such a large bathroom not have a single shower installed?

She felt a twinge of frustration, suddenly picturing the communal bathhouses common in northern China. Instantly, she had the urge to grab her suitcase and bolt.

Just then, Lu Wei called, asking if she was ready and saying she was waiting downstairs.

“There’s no shower in the dorm!” Chen Yushu exclaimed breathlessly as she hurried downstairs, still panting.

Lu Wei had taken off her jacket, wearing only a rainbow-striped tank top paired with dark skinny jeans. Her slender waist and tall frame accentuated her 167 cm height to perfection.

Chen Yushu was momentarily captivated, only to see Lu Wei’s pupils dilate in shock, her mouth forming an “O.” “N-no way! How are we supposed to shower then?”

“Probably a public bathhouse!” Chen Yushu gritted her teeth, puffing up like a martyr about to face execution.

Pfft

Lu Wei burst into laughter, clutching Chen Yushu’s shoulder as she doubled over.

“Lu Wei!!”

Lu Wei immediately stifled her laughter and suddenly pulled Chen Yushu aside. “Someone’s coming.”

A few volunteers carrying suitcases passed by them.

Chen Yushu lost her balance and stumbled straight into Lu Wei’s arms. The faint scent of sweat and shampoo filled her nose, her arm brushing against the soft, prominent curve. The touch of bare skin against skin sent a scorching sensation through her, making her heart skip a beat before pounding wildly.

“Careful, come here.” Oblivious, Lu Wei tugged Chen Yushu’s arm and shifted them further aside.

Chen Yushu licked her dry lips and exhaled softly.

“Why is your face so red?” Lu Wei crouched down to look at her, her ash-blue hair slipping over her shoulder, then aimed the mini fan at her. “Feeling cooler now?”

Chen Yushu tensed up, the more she tried to relax, the more awkward she felt, her breath tightening.

“What’s wrong?” Lu Wei frowned, leaning even closer until their faces were almost touching, her warm breath fanning over Chen Yushu’s skin, sending tingles down her spine.

Chen Yushu lifted her gaze and was abruptly met with a pair of bright, peach-blossom eyes.

Lu Wei’s eyes were large, her double eyelids layered in a way that made them deep and expressive, the outer corners curving upward beautifully. Her long, thick lashes curled distinctly.

“Are you getting heatstroke?” Lu Wei murmured, pressing her forehead directly against Chen Yushu’s.

Instantly, Chen Yushu’s breath hitched. Startled, she pushed Lu Wei away by the shoulders. “It’s nothing, just a bit hot. Let’s go eat.”

“Oh.” Lu Wei followed, slightly confused, still directing the mini fan at the back of Chen Yushu’s neck.

Only then did Chen Yushu notice the pink mini fan in Lu Wei’s hand. “Where’d you get that?”

“A roommate gave it to me.”

Chen Yushu gave it another glance, and a sour feeling bubbled up inside her. “Already getting gifts? And it hasn’t even been that long.”

“She lent it to me because it’s so hot outside. Don’t underestimate this little thing…”

Lu Wei could be incredibly perceptive at times, yet frighteningly oblivious at others like right now.

Not only did she fail to notice Chen Yushu’s irritation, but she also kept waving the fan in front of her face, fiddling with it incessantly.

Chen Yushu felt a lump of frustration in his chest, extremely uncomfortable. He pushed her fan aside with his hand and quickened his pace. “Stop fanning me, I’m not hot.”

“What’s wrong? Hey, Chen Yushu, wait for me!” Lu Wei scratched her head in confusion, quickly turned off the fan, and hurried after him.

The walk was silent, and the two eventually found a noodle shop. Only then did Lu Wei belatedly realize that Chen Yushu might be angry.

But why?