Is it from a residential neighborhood?

A letter? Lin Xia’s first reaction was to think of You Zi Wang, the dazzlingly talented and incomparably handsome wanderer from “A Life of Romance.” In her previous life, Lin Xia had read widely, though she seldom ventured into that particular genre. Only Tianlai Ziyuan’s “A Life of Romance” had left a lasting impression on her.

That one classic line from the book had not only delighted her, but she had committed it firmly to memory: Rather than chasing after high positions and wealth with dust-stained carriages and weary horses, better to drift in a small boat, admiring willows along the shore. To laugh at life, and live with romance for a lifetime.

Yet the You Xin standing before her now was difficult to associate with that legendary figure from the story. Lin Xia studied his face for a while; aside from the similarity in their names, she couldn’t find the slightest resemblance. That face, in two words: utterly ordinary.

So utterly ordinary that Lin Xia could find no words to describe his features. However, it was his eyes that set him apart.

Gentle as water.

Yes, that was it. His eyes shimmered with a watery luster, exuding warmth and tenderness.

Looking into those eyes, Lin Xia felt her heart grow calm at once. She hadn’t even felt this way listening to Teacher Liu play “Fishermen’s Song at Dusk.” Startled by her own reaction, her brows rose in surprise.

“I’m here for piano lessons. How about you? What brings you over?” You Xin asked. His voice, like his eyes, was so gentle one could easily lose themselves in it.

Xie Xitong, on the other hand, was completely unfazed. She laughed and said, “I’m here to accompany Xia Xia for her piano practice. By the way, you haven’t met Xia Xia yet, have you?” Then she introduced them: “This is my good friend, Lin Xia. Xia Xia, this is You Xin. He lives in our neighborhood, too—his father and mine are good friends, so we practically grew up together.”

After the introductions, Lin Xia smiled. “Hello.”

“Hello,” You Xin replied, curving his lips in a gentle arc.

Such tenderness in that smile made Lin Xia’s heart cry out in disbelief—there really was someone in this world who could make you forget his appearance and remember only his warmth.

Standing beside him, you would lay down all your guard and worries, feeling nothing but a gentle warmth suffusing your whole being.

Because of his smile, even those otherwise plain black eyes seemed to glow with a quiet light, making his gentle demeanor even more distinct.

Wasn’t this the kind of person who should only exist in novels?

“So you’re the famous Lin Xia,” You Xin said with a smile, “forgive me for not recognizing you sooner.”

It should have been a teasing remark, but from his lips, it was so gentle, so… comforting.

Serene as a clear breeze, bright as the moon.

“Oh? Am I really that famous?” Lin Xia turned to Xie Xitong, puzzled.

Xie Xitong replied with pride, “Of course! Just look at who your friend is—how could you not be famous?”

Lin Xia: …

You Xin merely kept smiling softly, and said to Xie Xitong, “Let’s talk outside.”

Only then did Lin Xia realize that the three of them were nearly blocking the narrow hallway. She couldn’t help but warm to You Xin even more—such a thoughtful young man was a rarity in modern times.

It was just after class, so people were continually emerging from the rooms, squeezing past the three of them.

The three went downstairs, said goodbye to Teacher Liu, and wandered along the street.

“Hey, I knew you were learning piano, but I didn’t know you were taking lessons here! Why did you choose this place? It’s not exactly famous,” Xie Xitong asked.

“It’s close to home—more convenient,” You Xin answered every question with perfect patience and good temper.

No wonder Xie Xitong didn’t get along with Liu Ziqing; everyone around her was so impossibly good-natured. Everyone spoiled her—Chen Zimo, cold as he was, would do anything she asked.

Only when facing Liu Ziqing did she sometimes suffer setbacks; no wonder she couldn’t stand it.

“So what made you want to learn piano now? I remember when Aunt tried to persuade you before, you refused no matter what,” You Xin asked.

“Xia Xia wanted to take piano lessons. As her good friend, how could I not support her and go with her?” Xie Xitong replied.

“You still haven’t answered me, though—why did you ask that earlier?” Since Xie Xitong avoided answering, Lin Xia turned to You Xin.

He replied…