By the time breakfast plates were cleared, Xu Jin had already eaten enough to swear loyalty to the Liang family for three generations.
Grandma Liang hummed happily while stacking dishes. Xu Jin tried to help, but she waved him off like a seasoned commander.
"Sit. You're still recovering. My grandson will handle it."
Liang Chen indeed handled it — sleeves rolled, hands efficient, movements neat and practiced. He washed dishes, wiped the counter, swept away stray crumbs, all without a single wasted motion.
Xu Jin watched from the dining chair, chin resting on his hand.
"So… Professor Liang."
Liang Chen glanced back. "Yes?"
"If the university ever fires you, please open a restaurant. I'll be your first loyal customer."
Liang Chen smiled faintly. "Noted."
Grandma Liang chuckled. "He'd go bankrupt from giving free food to stray cats."
Xu Jin pointed dramatically at Yunhu, who was grooming himself on the sofa.
"The stray cat in question has already stolen my heart and my dignity."
Yunhu flicked his tail, uninterested in the drama.
When the kitchen was spotless again, Liang Chen removed his apron and headed toward his room.
"I need to get ready," he said. "Make yourself comfortable."
Xu Jin blinked.
"…So I just stay here?"
Grandma Liang patted his arm. "Of course. You're our guest."
Xu Jin muttered under his breath, "More like kidnapped by hospitality…"
But he smiled anyway.
Liang Chen's Morning Routine
Inside his room, Liang Chen moved with quiet precision.
White shirt.
Clean pressed trousers.
Simple wristwatch.
A light gray coat draped over his shoulders.
He tied his hair neatly back, adjusting a loose strand behind his ear. His reflection in the mirror was calm, composed — the exact image of a young literature professor who had his life perfectly in order.
Except for one thing.
A small white cat had followed him inside.
Yunhu hopped onto the bed and sat like a loyal guard.
Liang Chen sighed.
"You're staying here today."
Yunhu meowed once.
"No arguments," Liang Chen said, gently scratching his chin. "Your original owner is irresponsible."
From the living room, Xu Jin shouted, "I heard that!"
Grandma Liang laughed.
Liang Chen put on his shoes, grabbed his satchel, and stepped out.
Xu Jin was sitting on the sofa, hair still messy, looking suspiciously like someone who had moved in overnight.
When Liang Chen approached, Xu Jin stood instinctively, as if seeing a superior officer.
"You're leaving already?" Xu Jin asked.
Liang Chen nodded. "University."
Xu Jin rubbed his nose awkwardly.
"…Thank you for last night. And… breakfast. And cleaning. And not letting me die."
Liang Chen blinked, then said gently, "You're welcome."
Xu Jin grinned suddenly.
"If I ever get rich again, I'll hire you."
Liang Chen raised an eyebrow. "As what?"
Xu Jin thought for a moment.
"…Life manager."
Grandma Liang burst out laughing.
Liang Chen shook his head with helpless amusement.
"I'll be back this evening," Liang Chen said. "Rest today."
Xu Jin gave a lazy salute. "Yes, Professor."
Liang Chen left.
The door closed.
The apartment instantly felt quieter.
Xu Jin flopped back on the sofa and stared at the ceiling.
"…So this is how it feels to be taken care of."
Yunhu jumped onto his chest.
Xu Jin narrowed his eyes.
"…You only came because the professor left, right?"
Yunhu meowed.
Xu Jin hugged him anyway.
University — Morning Lecture
The university campus was alive with morning energy.
Students hurried across stone pathways. Trees swayed lightly in the breeze. Notices fluttered on bulletin boards. Somewhere, someone was already late for class.
Liang Chen walked through the main gate, satchel over one shoulder, coat swaying lightly as he moved.
Several students greeted him.
"Good morning, Professor Liang!"
"Morning, sir!"
Liang Chen nodded with gentle smiles, answering each greeting in his calm voice.
He entered the literature building, climbed the stairs, and headed toward his classroom.
Before he reached it, a tall figure leaned casually against the corridor wall — coffee in hand, grin bright as sunlight.
"Morning, Chen."
Liang Chen paused.
"Qiao Yushen."
Qiao Yushen was tall — taller than Liang Chen by a head. Broad-shouldered, athletic, handsome in the kind of way that made freshmen whisper. He was from the history department. Loud. Confident. And entirely immune to embarrassment.
"Still alive after another semester of grading?" Qiao asked.
Liang Chen sighed lightly. "Barely."
Qiao laughed. "You need a vacation. Or a hobby."
"I have a hobby," Liang Chen replied.
Qiao raised a brow. "Oh?"
"…Cooking."
Qiao blinked. "Cooking?"
Liang Chen nodded calmly.
Qiao leaned closer. "Are you free tonight? I suddenly feel like eating."
Liang Chen gave him a polite, empty smile.
"I'm busy."
Qiao clicked his tongue. "Rejected again."
Before Liang Chen could respond, a student rushed down the hallway.
"Professor Liang! Professor Liang!"
A girl stopped in front of them, slightly out of breath.
"I'm sorry, I didn't understand the symbolism in yesterday's poem. Could you explain again?"
Liang Chen's expression softened immediately.
"Of course."
He turned toward her, explaining gently. The student nodded, eyes bright with understanding.
Another student appeared.
"Professor, I have a question too!"
And another.
And another.
Within moments, Liang Chen was surrounded by a small group of students, all eager for clarification, notebooks open, pens ready.
Qiao Yushen watched.
Then clicked his tongue.
"Tsk. Snatched away again."
He took another sip of coffee, shook his head with amusement, and walked off down the corridor.
Inside the Classroom
When the bell rang, Liang Chen stood at the podium.
The chatter settled instantly.
He opened his book.
"Today, we will discuss the idea of longing in classical literature…"
His voice was calm. Clear. Measured.
Students listened attentively, pens moving steadily. Some simply watched him speak, comforted by the gentle rhythm of his words.
Outside, sunlight filtered through tall windows, painting soft gold across wooden desks.
Inside, the world was quiet.
Back at the Apartment
Xu Jin sneezed suddenly.
Yunhu looked up.
Xu Jin rubbed his nose.
"…The professor better not be talking about me."
Yunhu meowed.
Xu Jin grinned.
"Yeah. I miss him too."