June 1st, in the morning.
The chirping of birds outside was exceptionally clear.
Zhou Li opened his eyes and fumbled for his phone to check the time—it was only seven o'clock.
A voice came from beside him, "You're awake? When are we having breakfast?"
Zhou Li turned his head to look.
Chang Xiaoxiang's bed was empty. He had tidied up his quilt and bedding, leaving only a wooden board and a coir mattress. Huai Xu was lying on the smooth coir mattress, watching him.
Zhou Li: ...
Pushing Tuanzi aside, he got out of bed and walked to the balcony, whispering in a minuscule voice, "Didn't you sleep at home last night?"
"I came over in the middle of the night."
"What did you come here for?"
"I came because I wanted to!" Huai Xu followed him to the balcony. "No one tied me up with a rope."
"Doesn't the coir mattress feel prickly to sleep on?"
"I don't mind the prickliness."
"...Suit yourself."
Zhou Li started to brush his teeth.
