A few days later, it was time for Danni to return to university. The morning felt bittersweet—filled with lingering glances, soft smiles, and silent promises. Chen Ke drove her black Porsche 911 GT3 to campus, the sleek hum of the engine contrasting with the softness that lingered between them.
As they pulled up near the university gates, Chen Ke put the car in park. Before Danni could unbuckle her seatbelt, Chen Ke reached out, her fingers gently brushing Danni's hand.
"Wait," Chen Ke said, her lips curling into a mischievous smirk. "We need to go over the 'not-to-do' list."
Danni laughed softly, shaking her head. "Ke Ke, really?"
"Yes, really," Chen Ke replied with mock seriousness. She pulled out her phone, scrolling through an exaggerated list of instructions.
"Alright," Chen Ke began, her voice firm but playful. "Number one—no hanging out with sketchy people, especially boys who annoy you."
Danni rolled her eyes, but her heart felt warm. "Got it."
"Number two—don't overwork yourself with late-night studying. Sleep is essential."
Danni smirked. "Look who's talking."
Chen Ke ignored the jab, her smirk unwavering. "Number three—don't skip meals, even if you're busy. And no cafeteria fights this time."
Danni let out a chuckle. "I'll try my best."
"And most importantly..." Chen Ke leaned closer, her expression softening. "Don't miss me too much."
Danni's heart fluttered. "Too late," she whispered.
Chen Ke reached over and tucked a stray strand of hair behind Danni's ear, her touch lingering. "I mean it, Ny Ny. Stay safe, okay?"
Danni nodded, and before she could say anything more, Chen Ke leaned in to kiss her, a soft but lingering kiss that conveyed everything words couldn't.
When the kiss ended, Danni opened the door and stepped out, slinging her bag over her shoulder. She turned back to look at Chen Ke, her eyes filled with a mix of excitement and longing.
Chen Ke gave her a wink. "Go conquer the world, Ny Ny."
Danni smiled and waved as she walked toward the campus gates. Chen Ke stayed parked, watching her until she disappeared from sight.
With a deep sigh, Chen Ke put the car in gear and drove away, the familiar weight of responsibilities settling back on her shoulders. As much as she hated the distance, she knew she had to go back to work. Meetings, clients, and business expansions were waiting for her.
Still, her mind stayed with Danni. As she sped along the highway, Chen Ke's phone pinged with a notification. She glanced at it during a stoplight—a simple message from Danni.
Danni: "Already missing you. ❤️"
Chen Ke smiled softly, her heart a little lighter. No matter how chaotic things got, knowing Danni was hers made it all worth it.
Chen Ke: "Me too. I'll be back soon. Promise. No slapping boys this time, okay?"
With that, she put the phone away, ready to dive back into her world of work—but with the comforting thought that Danni would be waiting when she returned.
Back on campus, Danni's life quickly picked up pace. She found herself immersed in lectures, group projects, and late-night study sessions with her friends, Ye ShuQi, Chen Nanxi, and Zhu Yixin. Days flew by with lively conversations, shared meals, and spontaneous outings.
