Sunlight streamed through the leaves onto a path on the university campus. A gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers. Wang Yi wore plain clothes, standing tall with a hint of seriousness and concentration in her eyes. She looked around campus with a notebook in hand, clearly on a mission but somewhat lost because she didn’t know her way around.
Just then, Zhou Shiyu bounced past. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail, and her youthful face beamed with a bright smile. Wang Yi spotted her and hesitated before finally walking over.
“Hello, could I ask you something?” Wang Yi’s voice was steady and polite.
Zhou Shiyu stopped and looked curiously at the stranger before her, her eyes sparkling. “Hi! What is it?”
“Could you tell me how to get to the university library?” Wang Yi asked.
“Sure! Follow this path straight ahead, then turn right at the second intersection. Keep going a little farther and you’ll see it.” As she spoke, Zhou Shiyu pointed the way.
Wang Yi listened carefully and nodded in thanks. “Thank you.”
Zhou Shiyu smiled, revealing two adorable little canine teeth. “You’re welcome. Are you here on business?”
Wang Yi hesitated and didn’t reveal much, simply answering, “Yes, I have something to take care of.”
After their brief exchange, they went their separate ways. Neither of them could have imagined that this chance encounter would, in the days to come, weave together a different kind of story
