Hearing his voice, Autumn snapped out of her thoughts. For once, a rare blush crept up her face before she quickly forced herself back to calm.
"No, I was just… I've heard a lot about you, Senior. You've been the top student in physics for the entire senior year, haven't you?"
Peter Gu smiled lightly. "Can't help it—talent has a way of being noticed, even when I try to stay low-profile."
Autumn's lips curved slightly in amusement.
Summer Lin, watching from the side, almost dropped her books. Since when did her stoic, ice-block cousin know how to joke?
"By the way," Peter said, "you know Ryan Lin, right? He was at the competition with me. He came back today."
Peter remembered that Autumn used to have many friends in Class A. She would often visit their classroom, and Ryan Lin was among that group—though, from what he recalled, none of those 'friends' had ever treated her kindly.
Autumn's faint smile flattened. "He's back? That's good."
That's good — at least he didn't die out there.
Sensing the shift in her tone, Peter felt a twinge of guilt, wondering if he'd said something wrong.
"I won second place in the competition," he said casually, his tone smooth and warm. "As a small celebration, why don't I treat you both to dinner?"
Summer's eyes lit up instantly, her dimples appearing again as she beamed. "Really?! Yes, please!"
Her cousin was usually so aloof. Even though they went to the same school, they rarely interacted outside of family gatherings. But tonight, she could actually eat with her idol!
Both of them turned to look at Autumn.
Autumn smiled politely. "I'll pass. I need to go home and pack up some things."
"Pack up?" Summer tilted her head. "Are you going on a trip? You're skipping class tomorrow?"
Autumn shook her head. "I'm thinking about renting a place nearby. My current home's too far from school—it's not very convenient."
Peter looked up. "I can help with that. I know someone who's just about to rent out their apartment. I can arrange a visit for you in a few days."
Autumn's eyes brightened. That was perfect—it would save her a lot of time.
Without hesitation, she nodded. "That would be great. Then let me treat you to dinner tonight as thanks in advance."
Peter didn't refuse and smiled in agreement.
After buying their study materials, the three of them went back to Autumn's house to help her pack.
The key clicked in the lock, and the door opened to a pitch-black, empty living room.
Autumn flicked on the lights and turned back to the two behind her.
"Come in and sit for a while. I'll pack quickly, and then we can go."
She poured them each a glass of water, placed some fruit and snacks on the coffee table, and turned to head upstairs.
"Autumn, do you want me to help you pack? It'll be faster with two people," Summer offered, eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
She truly adored Autumn—both her looks and her gentle personality.
Autumn glanced briefly at Peter and shook her head. "No need. Keep your cousin company for a bit. I don't have much to pack—just a few clothes."
Summer's shoulders slumped slightly as she nodded. "Alright then."
She had been hoping to see what Autumn's bedroom looked like… but now she was stuck here babysitting him.
Summer shot her cousin a look of pure annoyance.
Beside her, Peter sighed inwardly, catching her glare.(I didn't even ask for company. And seriously, what's with the attitude?)
Autumn left them and went upstairs.
It was still early—by this time, Auntie Zhang should've been home, maybe even finished dinner.But the house was empty.
Autumn frowned. Had she really started slacking this blatantly?
She pulled out her phone and dialed Auntie Zhang.
It rang for a long time before the call was finally picked up.
"Hello, Miss James, what is it?"
Auntie Zhang's tone was filled with impatience, background noise spilling through—children crying, dishes clattering.
Autumn's brows knitted tighter. Taking a deep breath, she tried to keep her tone even. "Where are you right now? It's supposed to be working hours."
A pause. Then Auntie Zhang said, "Oh, right! Young Master said they wouldn't be home for dinner tonight, told me not to cook, and gave me the day off. Said I should go home and rest."
Then, in an almost self-righteous tone, she added, "Those were the young master's orders. If you have a problem, talk to him."
Before Autumn could reply, the sound of a child wailing tore through the speaker.
"Oh dear, Miss James, I can't talk now—my grandson's hungry."
Then came a muttered complaint, soft but clear enough to hear through the phone."Such a waste of time… Miss Anna never makes such a fuss."
Click. The line went dead.
A vein pulsed on Autumn's temple. Such rudeness—how did this woman even get hired?
When her father came back, she was definitely firing her.
Still, Auntie Zhang's words echoed in her head, stirring a faint pang of loneliness.
Ryan Lin had returned today. Of course, they'd all be out celebrating together.
She forced the thought aside, quietly zipping open her suitcase.
She only packed a few sets of clothes and some skincare essentials. After all, she wasn't leaving permanently—just giving them the house for a while.
But really, why should she be the one to make space for them?She wasn't running a charity.
Dragging her 24-inch white suitcase downstairs, she said calmly, "Let's go. Dinner time."
Peter immediately stepped forward to take it from her.
Caught off guard by the gesture, Autumn blinked, then smiled politely. "It's okay, I can carry it."
But Peter's tone was unusually firm for once. "I've got it."
Before she could protest again, he had already taken the suitcase and walked toward the door.
Autumn sighed softly and followed behind.
Summer, lounging on the sofa, rested her chin on her palm, watching the two of them thoughtfully.
Since when had her cold, no-nonsense cousin become so… considerate?
If she remembered correctly, he used to be the definition of a steel-hearted straight man.
During a family hiking trip once, their aunt had asked him to carry a bag. He'd pretended not to hear, sprinted ahead, and climbed all the way up the mountain without looking back.
And now… this?
"Where are we eating?" Summer asked as she hurried to catch up.
Autumn lowered her eyes. "Let's go to One-Pin Pavilion. The food there is really good."
"What?!" Summer gasped. "But isn't One-Pin Pavilion a members-only restaurant?"