Fortune Across the World

Chapter 47:

Lu Weixi stared blankly at the hand holding hers. By the time she realized what was happening, she was already being led forward. Her face flushed with warmth, yet she didn't want to let go. She allowed Qiyu to guide her, silently watching the strong back in front of her. How wonderful would it be to be cherished and cared for like this forever...

Behind them, Lu Weiming and Qing'er exchanged wide-eyed glances, overwhelmed by the day's events. Lu Weiming couldn't help but give Ding Qiyu a thumbs-up. He thought, Brother Yu had only just openly acknowledged his feelings last night, and today he was already making bold advances. Brother Yu was indeed impressive-Weixi, with her reserved nature, had already let him hold her hand!

...

The group finally reached the end of Persistence Path before collapsing from exhaustion. As they stepped onto the final stair, Ding Qiyu reluctantly let go of Lu Weixi's hand and looked ahead at the academy's main gate. The red wood and black tiles, the eaves soaring like wings, and the large vermilion doors opened inward, with the plaque above reading "Cang Huan." Guards and blue-robed scholars stood in neat rows at the entrance, just like at the mountain gate.

Ding Qiyu turned back to the path, looking down at the sea of clouds, the mist-covered mountains, and the road they had traveled, feeling a surge of pride and exhilaration. She couldn't help but take a deep breath of the fresh air and recite, "Standing atop the peak, all mountains appear small!"

Lu Weiming, his legs trembling and barely able to stand, looked at Ding Qiyu with confusion, asking, "Brother Yu, what do you eat to grow like this? You were still reciting poetry with such vigor! Aren't you tired?"

Ding Qiyu turned to him with a smile, "Haha, I'm tired too. Let's go find our residence and rest." She felt as if her body was about to fall apart, but the success of completing Persistence Path while carrying her luggage-and holding her beloved's hand-made her fatigue seem insignificant.

After handing over their identification documents for verification, a blue-robed scholar led the four of them through several courtyards. At an intersection, he said, "Fellow students, the path east leads to the male dormitories, while the path west leads to the female dormitories. The day after tomorrow, at the first hour of the morning, a guide will come to take you to the enrollment ceremony. Please collect your books and supplies from the blue-tiled building over there before the ceremony."

Ding Qiyu listened carefully and realized these blue-robed scholars were called Qingyi attendants. As the attendant was about to leave, she quickly stopped him and bowed, asking, "Excuse me, may we go to the female dormitories? We'd like to help them carry their luggage."

The Qingyi attendant nodded patiently, "Yes, you can. The academy does not restrict interactions between students. As long as everyone's safety is ensured, there are no limitations. Specific rules will be explained at the enrollment ceremony."

Ding Qiyu was excited-no restrictions on interactions meant she could visit Weixi often! Her joy was evident as she thanked the attendant and then said to Lu Weiming, "Brother Weiming, let's take Weixi's and Qing'er's luggage to the west side first, then head to the east side."

On the west side, they showed their documents to the female guards at the entrance and entered the female students' dormitory area, surprised to find each student had a small courtyard of their own. Though small, each courtyard was private, with four rooms: a large and a small bedroom, a study, and a washroom. Ding Qiyu felt relieved to have her own space.

Lu Weixi's courtyard was in a secluded corner, near the dormitory's high perimeter wall. The courtyard was clean and tidy, and the rooms were fully furnished with new supplies. Ding Qiyu and Lu Weiming set down their luggage, finding nothing more to help with, and took their leave after a few words.