“Roommates?”
“Sure. Rent’s split fifty-fifty, but you cover all the utilities—water, electricity, gas. Deal?”
That’s how Lin Yue and Zhao Ming, lifelong best friends, decided to become roommates and put down roots in the bustling metropolis of Jin’an, a city where every square foot costs a fortune.
Lin Yue and Zhao Ming had been inseparable since they were toddlers, the kind of “partners in crime” who always had each other’s backs. In their minds, the idea that a guy and a girl living together needed to be careful about rumors was just nonsense.
Zhao Ming’s mom, Ms. Zhao, wasn’t so sure. She’d always been wary, afraid that one day, Lin Yue would become her daughter-in-law without her noticing. Not that Lin Yue was a bad kid—she just had a wild streak that was hard to handle.
Passing notes and cracking sunflower seeds in class? That was Lin Yue. Chasing boys right into the boys’ bathroom? Also her. Smacking a volleyball so hard it gave a classmate a bloody nose? Still her. And skipping morning exercises or wearing the wrong uniform? You guessed it—Lin Yue again. Ms. Zhao, who happened to be Lin Yue’s homeroom teacher, once shouted in exasperation, “You troublemaker! If anyone ever marries you, it’ll be their bad luck!”
While Ms. Zhao fumed at the front of the classroom, Lin Yue was busy passing a note to Zhao Ming in the back: “Did you hear that? As long as you don’t try to marry me, we can stay bros forever.”
“In your dreams. I wouldn’t marry a monkey,” Zhao Ming scribbled back, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips.
Lin Yue, skinny as a rake but always brimming with energy, grinned back, her laughter only silenced when Ms. Zhao hurled a piece of chalk at her.
Time flew by, and Lin Yue and Zhao Ming stuck together through thick and thin.
“Lin Yue, which college are you aiming for?” Zhao Ming asked one afternoon, his eyes serious.
Lin Yue frowned, pretending to think hard. “Wherever you go, I’ll go. What, planning to ditch me and go solo?”
Zhao Ming couldn’t help but laugh, his dimples deepening. “We’re in our junior year now. If you don’t buckle down, forget about the same college—you might not even get into the same city as me.”
“Are you doubting me? I’m a genius! I’ll let you get a head start, but don’t think you can leave me behind!” Lin Yue shot back, though inside she was a little worried.
After thinking it over, Lin Yue switched from science to liberal arts the next day, and her grades soared.
The year of the college entrance exams, the Lin family’s apartment complex produced two top scorers: Lin Yue, the liberal arts champion, and Zhao Ming, the science champ.
They both got into Huashan University in Xicheng, even landing in the same department and the same class.
“You two…” Lin Yue’s roommate and Zhao Ming’s roommate asked curiously during a group dinner.
“Brother and sister,” Lin Yue replied.
“Siblings,” Zhao Ming echoed.
Their friends burst out laughing, amused by the pair’s banter. Even Lin Yue laughed so hard she nearly choked, while Zhao Ming just smirked and focused on his food, ignoring the rest of the table.
At a nearby table, a few girls kept sneaking glances at Zhao Ming, who looked especially handsome as he ate, his dimples showing whenever he chewed. It was the kind of face you wanted to reach out and touch, but no one dared.
Even Lin Yue, usually oblivious, noticed the attention. Zhao Ming, however, seemed completely unfazed.
Lin Yue nudged Zhao Ming. “Ever thought of opening a restaurant? You could just sell your looks. People would pay just to see you eat.”
“And what would you do?” Zhao Ming asked, eyebrow raised.
“Isn’t it obvious? I’d handle the cash register!”
Zhao Ming was good-looking, but Lin Yue never ogled him. Maybe it was because they were too close, or maybe because his talent outshone his appearance.
Zhao Ming studied Lin Yue for a moment, then noticed a smudge of sauce at the corner of her mouth. He grabbed a napkin and wiped it away, muttering, “Greedy and money-obsessed.”
Everyone thought Lin Yue was just joking, and even she forgot about it. But a month later, Zhao Ming really did open a small café near campus.
The p
lace was cozy, selling desserts, fresh juices, and ice cream. Zhao Ming hired a part-time worker to run the shop most days, but Lin Yue often dragged him over to “taste-test” everything, claiming it was for quality control.
By sophomore year, the café was so popular that Zhao Ming expanded, adding more staff and private booths for couples, thanks to Lin Yue’s suggestion.
Their roommates were in awe. “Zhao Ming’s a real business whiz. He’s already making money before graduation, and he’s got a loyal foodie fan. Too bad she eats for free.”
Lin Yue didn’t care. She was used to the teasing and just tuned it out. After all, she’d earned her reputation as the café’s number one freeloader.
Zhao Ming just smiled at Lin Yue. Only she could eat there every day for four years, turning snacks into meals and finally putting on some healthy weight.
During college, Lin Yue complained about gaining weight from all the sweets, but that never stopped her from heading to the café. She grew out her hair to hide her rounder cheeks, and by graduation, she’d transformed from a scrappy tomboy into a stunning beauty.
Rumor had it Lin Yue was the real boss of the café, or that Zhao Ming opened it just to keep her fed. Zhao Ming just laughed off the gossip, and Lin Yue, as always, didn’t care. They kept calling each other “bro,” never crossing the line.
With his entrepreneurial experience, Zhao Ming opened a hotpot restaurant with two friends near the university after graduation.
He tried to rope Lin Yue in as a partner, but she refused. She wasn’t interested in running a business—she dreamed of donning a sharp suit and conquering the corporate world.
“So, you’re the one ditching me now?” Zhao Ming joked.
Lin Yue clapped him on the shoulder. “Who said that? We’re still living together, aren’t we? If my career tanks, I can always mooch off you.”
She laughed, and everyone else did too. Other people relied on their parents; she relied on Zhao Ming. It was just how things had always been.
Zhao Ming nodded. “You’re welcome to mooch anytime.” He wanted her to chase her dreams without worry. With their shared apartment and his businesses as a safety net, Lin Yue never had to fear failure.
One evening, Lin Yue remembered all the allowance she’d saved up during college. She dashed to her room, grabbed a bank card, and tossed it to Zhao Ming. “Here, use this for emergencies at the restaurant. I saved it all thanks to you anyway.”
“What, not saving it for your dowry?” Zhao Ming teased, his eyes soft.
“Dowry?” Lin Yue scoffed, arms crossed. “When I get married, it’ll be for love. Who cares about money and gifts?”
Zhao Ming’s smile faded a little. He ruffled her hair and asked quietly, “So, when will you finally understand what love really is?”
Chapter 01
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