Chapter 2: New Beginnings

The towering gates of Shanghai University stood before them, sleek and modern, a stark contrast to the familiar neighborhood streets they had just left behind. The campus stretched out beyond the entrance like a vast new world, bustling with energy and anticipation. The courtyard was already filled with students, some laughing, others huddled together in groups, and all buzzing with the excitement of the first day.

Li Wei paused for a moment at the entrance, taking it all in. The sleek buildings, the wide walkways lined with trees, and the unfamiliar faces rushing past him—all of it felt overwhelming, like he had stepped into a different life altogether. Beside him, Mei Ling practically vibrated with excitement.

“This is it, Li Wei,” she said, her voice breathless with enthusiasm. “Our first day of university! Can you believe it?”

Li Wei nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. He couldn’t help but notice the way people’s eyes seemed to follow Mei Ling as they entered the campus. Her energy, her laughter—it was like a magnet. Even as she talked to him, he saw a few guys glance her way, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and admiration.

And why wouldn’t they? Mei Ling, with her bright smile and infectious personality, had always stood out. But here, in the midst of so many new faces, she seemed to shine even more. It wasn’t long before someone approached them.

“Hey, you’re new here, right?” A tall, athletic-looking guy with a friendly smile stepped in front of them, his eyes immediately drawn to Mei Ling. “I’m Chen Yang. I’m a second-year student. If you need any help finding your way around, I’d be happy to show you.”

Mei Ling’s face lit up, as it always did when she met someone new. “Oh, hi! I’m Mei Ling, and this is Li Wei. We’re both first-years. Thanks for the offer!”

Li Wei nodded in acknowledgment but remained silent, his chest tightening as he watched the interaction unfold. Already, he thought. Already people are noticing her.

Chen Yang smiled, his attention still squarely on Mei Ling. “The campus can be a bit overwhelming at first, but you’ll get the hang of it. Are you both here for orientation?”

“Yeah, we were just heading that way,” Mei Ling replied.

“Well, I can walk you there if you’d like,” Chen offered, his casual tone hiding what Li Wei instinctively knew was a deeper interest.

Before Li Wei could say anything, Mei Ling gave a lighthearted laugh and nodded. “Sure! Why not? Lead the way.”

As Chen Yang led them through the campus, pointing out various buildings and sharing stories about university life, Li Wei followed a few steps behind, his mind racing. He tried to focus on the conversation, to keep up with the casual chatter between Mei Ling and Chen, but it was no use. His thoughts kept drifting back to the growing ache in his chest.

This was exactly what he had feared. Here they were, barely an hour into their first day, and already someone was trying to insert himself between them. And what was worse—Mei Ling didn’t even seem to notice.

It wasn’t that Li Wei thought she would abandon him. No, their bond ran deeper than that. But there was a part of him that worried she would be swept up by the attention, by the newness of university life. And why wouldn’t she be? She deserved the world, and he had always been content to stay quietly by her side, supporting her from the shadows.

But now, standing in the background felt unbearable.

They reached the large auditorium where the orientation was being held, and the throngs of students began to gather at the entrance. Chen turned to Mei Ling, flashing another friendly smile. “Well, this is it. If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to find me. I’m usually hanging out near the student center.”

“Thanks, Chen! I really appreciate the tour,” Mei Ling said, her eyes bright with genuine gratitude.

Chen gave a small nod to Li Wei, though it was clear where his interest lay. “Nice meeting you both. See you around.”

Li Wei watched as Chen walked away, his hands clenching into fists for just a moment before he forced himself to relax. He took a deep breath, reminding himself that this was just the beginning. There would be plenty of moments like this, plenty of times when Mei Ling would catch the attention of others. He would have to find a way to handle it.

“Isn’t this exciting, Li Wei?” Mei Ling’s voice brought him back to the present, her smile wide as they moved toward the auditorium entrance. “I think we’re going to have an amazing time here.”

Li Wei forced a smile, though his heart wasn’t in it. “Yeah. Amazing.”

The orientation was a blur of speeches and introductions, professors outlining the importance of hard work, discipline, and making the most of their time at the university. Li Wei listened passively, his mind occupied with the nagging thoughts that had been plaguing him all morning.

As the orientation wrapped up, Mei Ling turned to him, her eyes alight with excitement. “There’s a student fair happening this afternoon! We should go check out the clubs.”

Li Wei nodded absently. “Sure, if you want.”

“Come on, Wei! Be a little more enthusiastic!” she teased, nudging him playfully. “This is our chance to really dive into university life!”

He smiled weakly. “I’m just trying to take it all in.”

Mei Ling laughed, her joy uncontainable. “Well, let’s go explore. Maybe we’ll find something fun to join.”

They spent the afternoon walking through the student fair, with various clubs and organizations trying to attract new members. Mei Ling bounced from booth to booth, her excitement palpable as she chatted with representatives from the art club, the dance team, and even the debate society. Everywhere they went, she drew people in, her vibrant personality making an impression on everyone she met.

Li Wei followed quietly, his internal struggle growing with each passing minute. Every time someone approached her—especially the guys—he felt the familiar pang of jealousy rise up. And yet, Mei Ling remained oblivious, her focus purely on the experience, on the thrill of something new.

By the time the fair ended, the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the campus. Mei Ling stretched her arms above her head, her expression one of contentment. “What a day! I’m exhausted, but this was so much fun.”

Li Wei nodded, though exhaustion wasn’t the word he would use to describe how he felt. His mind was buzzing with unspoken thoughts, with emotions he didn’t know how to express.

As they walked back toward the dormitories, Mei Ling glanced over at him, her smile softening. “Are you okay, Li Wei? You’ve been kind of quiet today.”

“I’m fine,” he replied, though the words felt heavy.

“Are you sure? You seem… distracted.”

Li Wei hesitated, the words almost spilling from his lips. He wanted to tell her everything—the jealousy, the fear of losing her, the way his heart clenched every time he saw another guy look at her. But instead, he simply nodded.

“Yeah. I’m fine, Mei Ling. Just… adjusting to everything.”

Mei Ling studied him for a moment, her brow furrowed slightly, but she didn’t press further. “Okay. But you know you can talk to me, right?”

Li Wei smiled weakly, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I know.”

As they parted ways for the night, Li Wei stood outside his dorm, watching Mei Ling walk toward her building. Her figure grew smaller in the distance, but the weight in his chest remained heavy.

He had survived the first day. But deep down, he knew the real struggle was only beginning.