Heartbeat Engine

In her third year of college, Su Baizhou didn't have many classes left. Plus, since she had already secured a spot for postgraduate studies, she was busy with part-time jobs. Her family wasn't particularly wealthy, but as a computer science prodigy, she had plenty of ways to earn money.

That morning, after staying up unusually late the night before, Su Baizhou finally woke up around noon. Her elegant figure was curled up on the bed, her smooth, fair legs tangled with the blanket, and the collar of her pajamas slightly slipped, revealing a patch of soft, pale skin. She looked lazily adorable, like a sleepy kitten—hard to believe she was known as the "Ice Queen" of Jiang University.

As for why she stayed up late… she wasn't quite sure herself. She just did.

Every time she was about to fall asleep, even the faintest notification from her phone would snap her wide awake.

She didn't know what exactly she was expecting.

After waking up, she checked her phone and saw a friend request.

[Luò Yè Guī Gēn] sent a friend request.

Note: Luo Ye.

Seeing the name, Su Baizhou rolled her eyes.

This junior… who adds a girl like this and expects her to accept?

Without hesitation, she accepted the request.

Her QQ was filled with photos from university events—part of her duties as the student council president. But she immediately set Luo Ye's access to private, not wanting a gaming acquaintance to see her work-related posts.

She couldn't help but wonder how this little guy would react once he realized his gaming buddy was the president of Jiang University's student council.

Meanwhile, after finishing their morning classes, Luo Ye and his three roommates dragged their exhausted selves to a small restaurant across from campus.

Though they'd only been sitting in class, back-to-back lectures all morning were mentally draining.

Worse still, they had a full schedule for the afternoon and even an evening self-study session.

It was Monday—hell Monday.

"Three beef noodle bowls."

"Black pepper grilled pork with rice."

"Chicken gizzard noodles, light on the broth."

The boss turned to Luo Ye. "What about you, handsome?"

Luo Ye seemed lost in thought, so Wang Dachui gave him a nudge.

"Hey, Luo Ye! Zoning out when it's time to eat? That's a problem, man!"

"Huh? Oh… uh, braised chicken with rice noodles… two portions."

Everyone stared.

Wang Dachui's face twitched. "Do you even hear yourself?"

"He's clearly fried from class. Just give him the same beef noodles as me. Beef builds strength."

When the noodles were finally in front of Luo Ye, he was still dazed.

Shen Qiao sighed. "Bro, you're wearing your crush on your face…"

"I am NOT!" Luo Ye snapped, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

"And you," Shen Qiao turned to Li Haoyang with a smirk, "hitting it off with Liu Bingxin from military training? What's with the goofy grin?"

Luo Ye looked annoyed; Li Haoyang just laughed sheepishly.

"No way!" Wang Dachui's jaw dropped. "You're with Bingxin?"

"Hehe, not yet, but she asked me to go shopping tonight!"

Shen Qiao raised an eyebrow. "Moving fast, huh? Watch out—don't get played by a pro."

"I won't let you badmouth Bingxin!" Wang Dachui jumped in before Li Haoyang could react.

Shen Qiao nearly facepalmed. You're the real simp here.

After the meal, Luo Ye stared at his powered-off phone, conflicted.

He had to turn it on to pay.

It had been over three hours since he sent the friend request to the "Goddess Senior."

What if I turn it on and see that she rejected me?

"Yo, Luo Ye, what's the holdup? Hurry up already!"

With a grimace, Luo Ye powered on his phone.

[Please enter your password]

362589…

As soon as the screen lit up, a notification popped up:

[Su Baizhou has accepted your friend request.]

Pure joy spread across Luo Ye's face.

He paid in record time, then dashed over to his roommates.

Seeing his expression, Shen Qiao chuckled. "Looks like she accepted. But hey, this is just the beginning."

"I know," Luo Ye nodded.

Still, being able to add the goddess on WeChat was enough to make his day.

After a long day of classes, everyone was visibly drained—except Li Haoyang, energized by his date plans.

"Hey, aren't you guys coming with me?" he asked as his roommates headed toward the dorm.

"Wait, we can come?" Wang Dachui perked up instantly.

"Yeah, Bingxin's bringing a roommate, so she told me to bring mine."

"Bro! You're the best!" Wang Dachui threw an arm around him.

"I'm out," Shen Qiao shrugged, heading back alone.

"I'll—" Luo Ye started, but Wang Dachui dragged him along.

"You're coming. Gotta learn from your bro's smooth moves."

Meanwhile, Su Baizhou returned to the girls' dorm to grab some things she'd left behind.

Only she and Qin Yuwen were around; their other two roommates were busy with internships and startups.

Qin Yuwen, whose family was loaded, was just chilling with no plans.

After tidying up, Su Baizhou found herself staring blankly into space.

That little stutterer added me, but hasn't messaged yet?

You added me, and now you expect ME to start the conversation?

Annoyed but amused, she finally sent a message:

[Who are you?]

At that exact moment, Luo Ye was at the mall, pretending not to exist while watching Wang Dachui try to flirt.

Liu Bingxin's looks were stunning, but her roommate was even more breathtaking—it was Tang Enqi, the campus beauty he'd had a crush on for three years in high school.

Well… this is awkward. Should've stayed in the dorm.

Hearing the notification, he checked his phone.

The goddess senior had messaged him.

She doesn't even know who I am. Of course not.

Heart pounding, he typed:

[I'm Luo Ye.]

Then he hesitated.

Too formal.

Thinking back to how popular she was on campus, he added:

[I'm your fan.]

Su Baizhou's lips curled into a faint smile.

[I'm not a celebrity. I don't need fans.]

Luo Ye's heart sank.

She doesn't need fans… does that mean she doesn't need ME?

What if she deletes me?

He stared at his phone, unsure how to reply.

Su Baizhou, waiting, frowned.

Did I scare the little stutterer?

Then a new message popped up:

[Chat screenshot]

Luo Ye: [Senior Qin, I'm doomed…]

Su Baizhou couldn't help it—she burst out laughing.