My Demon Friends

Chapter 757

And just like that, the new term began.

During the class meeting, Zhou Qianqian, still wearing that indifferent expression, said to everyone, "Let me tell you, in university, time flies ever faster. You don't feel it much in the first two years, but junior year passes by before you know it, and then suddenly, graduation is just a blink away.

"For this last semester at school, I won't emphasize studying too much. Those who want to pursue a career in our major should study harder. Those who don't, make your plans early.

"Making plans early, planning ahead is always a good thing.

"But you shouldn't skip too many classes...

"Play fewer video games.

"You should all try to attend the job fairs, or at least make an appearance. It's good just to take a look.

"..."

The theme of this class meeting was different from the usual platitudes about safety, studies, and so on; an atmosphere of impending departure from school began to settle in.

A rare quietness and solemnity appeared on the students' faces.

「The class meeting ended.」

Even as everyone dispersed, it was quieter than usual, with much less chattering or shouting.

Zhou Li walked with his roommates, overhearing a nearby classmate exclaim, "With this major, I don't even know what to do after graduation. I haven't done well in my studies either; the future looks bleak..."

This was a common sentiment among life science students.

Chang Xiaoxiang said helplessly, "I'm even starting to think about taking the civil service exam."

Liu Zhengming, once very shy, had become quite normal, but now he too seemed worried and helpless. "If things don't work out, I'll just sign up for a coding class and learn to program."

Chang Xiaoxiang spread his hands. "Forget about work, I don't even know where to find an internship."

Chen Yang, on the other hand, said, "My uncle said that after this semester ends, he'll arrange a position for me at his company for an internship, to get that internship requirement done. Then, if all goes well, I'll continue working there. But I don't want to."

"That's so good, though."

"You don't know how blessed you are."

"By the way, Dorm Leader, what do you plan to do after graduation?" All three turned their gazes toward Zhou Li.

"Me?..." Zhou Li thought for a moment, smiled, then said in a lowered voice, "I plan to get our marriage certificate with Brother Nan first, um, if I'm still alive after graduation."

"Holy shit!"

"This..."

"OH!!"

The three reacted strongly but all kept their voices down because Zhou Li had spoken very softly.

Chang Xiaoxiang leaned in, his face flushed with excitement. "Have you and Brother Nan thought it through?"

"Not yet."

"Then..."

"It's still early. I'll persuade her later."

"Er..."

The three looked at each other, happy and excited for him, yet also anxious. They wondered how he would persuade Brother Nan; it was unimaginable, and they couldn't offer any help. Brother Nan was such a peculiar and radiant person; the usual approaches wouldn't work on her. But it seemed their Dorm Leader was full of confidence.

Zhou Li gradually fell behind them, turning his head to look for Brother Nan.

Brother Nan was chatting with Zhou Qianqian.

Zhou Qianqian, holding a child, said to Brother Nan, "Why haven't you been online much lately? I've even dropped a rank! Have you been busy dating?"

"Didn't you just tell us to play fewer games?"

"You... Your issue isn't really about playing games. You're like this whether you play games or not. You're a lost cause. You might as well carry me to a higher rank."

"I've been busy lately."

"HMPH..."

Just then, Zhou Li felt someone tug at his clothes. He looked down and saw someone right in front of him, looking up at him. Her fair, tender, round face seemed especially soft; because of the height difference and being too close, he hadn't noticed her at first.

"Cousin."

"Hmm?"

"What are your plans for after this semester ends?" Baozi asked timidly. "Are you going to work? Will you be interning?"

"I don't have any plans."

"Are you going to work? Will you be interning?"

"I probably... won't."

"You need a stamped internship report to graduate."

"Just say what's on your mind."

"Cousin, stamp one for me too!"

"..."

Zhou Li was utterly unsurprised by this. From the moment he heard that soft and obedient "Cousin," he had anticipated this. He just looked at his Little Cousin expressionlessly, placing his hand on her shoulder. Despite the crowd of students leaving through the doorway, he still pushed her a little further away from himself.

This way, it was much more comfortable to look at her; at least he didn't have to crane his neck down.

Zhou Li asked aloud, "Aren't you doing an internship?"

"I don't want to."

"Why not?"

"I want to go out and take photos, be a travel photographer, and try to make money by selling my photos. After I graduate, I'll consider whether to get a job."

"I see."

"Cousin, stamp one for me too!"

"We'll see when the time comes..."

"..."

Baozi pursed her lips tightly, staring intently at her cousin, observing his expression for a long time before she finally looked away.

At that moment, a figure crouched and approached swiftly, suddenly popping up from behind her, slapping her shoulder hard, and exclaiming "HA!" Baozi, with an expressionless face, turned to look at Brother Nan and greeted her very politely,

"Hello, Sister-in-law."

"Eh? I didn't scare you!"

"I'm too lazy to be scared."

"I'll get you next time! I swear I'll scare you to death next time!" Brother Nan said as she patted Zhou Li on the shoulder. "Let's go, time to head back!"

"Goodbye, Cousin. Goodbye, Sister-in-law."

Brother Nan didn't respond, just glanced back at her. Then, looking away, she said to Zhou Li strangely, "Why is she so well-behaved today? Is she up to something again?"

Zhou Li replied indifferently, "She wants us to stamp her internship report."

"No wonder!"

Baozi silently followed behind them. She had heard everything but pretended she hadn't.

The class meeting ended early today and was brief. When they stepped out of the teaching building, the sky wasn't dark yet. Zhou Li and Brother Nan mounted the motorcycle and drove towards the yard. It was a quick ride from school, taking less than twenty minutes, as it wasn't far.

When they arrived, the sky was just beginning to darken.

Two little lambs had been added to the garden, surrounded by a few sheepdogs that restricted their roaming area, forbidding them from eating the few plants that still had leaves. The two little lambs looked up pitifully, peering around.

Miss Zheng had only bought them yesterday. Among the Dog Gang, there were three sheepdogs, all workaholics; they'd feel restless if they went a day without working. With no sheep to manage, they started managing people instead. The moment anyone entered the garden, the dogs would follow them everywhere, not letting them run off or split from the group.

After some discussion, Zhou Li had taken Miss Zheng to buy two lambs and several chickens, to give the dogs something to do.

The chickens had now been herded back into their coop by them.

"MEH..."

The lambs' bleating was clear and cute.

Miss Zheng was riding a women's bicycle around the garden, wobbling precariously. She was riding with great difficulty, but she was having so much fun she didn't want to stop.

Not far off stood a ghastly Demon, watching her, its eyes, however, were tranquil.

The motorcycle's headlight flickered, illuminating Miss Zheng's face; her skin seemed to glow. The bicycle beneath her wobbled to one side, and she quickly put her foot down for support, turning her head to look.

Qinghe also turned to look.

The dogs watched as well.

The motorcycle roared closer, and a faint smile appeared on Miss Zheng's face.

They had come to pick her up.

While he was there, Zhou Li also checked on the Yueli he had planted.

With modern Yueli varieties, most grow very quickly. These Yueli were dormant during transport, their branches almost bare. After only a few days since planting, tiny green buds were already visible on the stems.

Brother Nan said to Miss Zheng, "Tomorrow morning we have to attend class, at least the first one, so we'll be frequenting the school more this week. After that, we'll go less often. So tomorrow morning you all can rest, and in the afternoon we'll go stroll through IKEA."

Miss Zheng nodded as she got on the motorcycle. Even though she didn't know what IKEA was, she already felt it would be an interesting outing.

...

Strolling through IKEA is a very satisfying experience. The model rooms fill you with anticipation for the future and ignite a passion for life. The best part is using them as inspiration to imagine your own future little home.

Miss Zheng was wide-eyed at all the displays.

Not just her; Zhou Li and Brother Nan were also dazzled, taking many photos to bring back as reference for their own unhurried research.

This process was both complex and enjoyable.

Once everyone had made their choices, it was Zhou Li and Brother Nan who did most of the running around. If Miss Zheng had her own things to do, she would busy herself with them; otherwise, she would cook for them at home. His Royal Highness, the Prince of Yu, had resumed his routine of roaming the city with Tuanzi. Huai Xu sometimes joined them, and at other times he would stay at home to play games or sometimes disappear to who-knows-where.

The yard was looking more and more like a proper home.

Zhou Li planted his and Brother Nan's Yueli in the yard. Because these two plants had always been grown in Chunming, they were already in bloom, instantly adding a great deal of splendor to the entire yard.

After sending the workers away, Zhou Li hesitated for a long time before asking Brother Nan, "Brother Nan, have you thought about what you're going to do after graduation?"

"What is it?"

"Plans after graduation."

"What plans?" Brother Nan asked casually. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Just do whatever feels comfortable!"

"I mean…"

"Mean what…"

Brother Nan looked at Zhou Li with suspicion, then said frankly, "The way you're hemming and hawing, acting all shy and awkward, it's really grossing me out..."

Zhou Li mustered his courage. "Fine. Have you thought about when we might get married?"

"?"

"Ummm..."

Seeing Brother Nan's bewildered face, Zhou Li hurriedly said, "Of course, waiting a bit longer is fine too; we still have a year and a half. But I was thinking, going straight from school uniforms to a wedding dress, a seamless transition—wouldn't that be pretty cool? That's why I wanted to discuss it with you in advance."

"Marry your sister! I haven't had my fill of fun yet!"

"It's okay..." Zhou Li's courage grew a bit more. He quietly unzipped his jacket, took out a wallet from the inside, and pulled out a card—the yellowed Obedience Card!

"??"

"Yes."

Zhou Li calmly put it back in his wallet.

"No wonder you've been holding onto it until now," Brother Nan said, smacking her lips. "It's finally come in handy!"

Brother Nan looked uncomfortable, but she still nodded and said nonchalantly, "Alright, fine then. It's not like I can run away anyway. Let's get our marriage certificate after graduation! Um, and also, let's find some time to get a room and... familiarize ourselves with the pre-marital procedures. There's no one else on my mind right now, and Huai Xu can't use Instantaneous Movement anymore. Hey, it's perfect timing!"

"..."

Zhou Li blushed deeply, extremely flustered. "How can you be so... blunt..."

"What's the big deal?"

Brother Nan glanced at him. "Are we done? I've already agreed, and I won't go back on my word. Now, give me that card."

"We still need to have a wedding ceremony."

"Huh?? Can we skip that?"

"No, I want to see you in a wedding dress."

"Wear your mom's wedding dress! If anyone's wearing one, it'll be you!"

"It's okay..."

Zhou Li's courage grew even stronger. He pointed to his left chest, where his small wallet rested.

Brother Nan looked even more pained.