The summer cicadas chirped tirelessly, and the scorching July sun baked every inch of Haishi City. Even the air seemed distorted by the heat waves, shimmering with visible ripples.
Outside, the sweltering heat was enough to melt anyone’s willpower, while indoors, thanks to the blessings of modern technology, a pleasant coolness was maintained.
Inside the girls’ dormitory of Haishi University’s Computer Science Department, the air conditioner hummed as it sent cool breezes, creating a world starkly different from the blazing heat outside.
“Sigh… I really want to go skiing… I’ve never even seen a real snowflake in my life…” Tong Hua let out her N+1th lament, her petite frame almost sinking into the soft computer chair.
Her large, kitten-like eyes, usually full of innocence, now stared blankly at the laptop screen, which was playing what she called a “brain-numbing sweet romance short drama.” But even the artificial sweetness between the male and female leads couldn’t soothe her longing for ice and snow at this moment.
Propping her chin on her hand, her fair, round face was etched with utter despair.
Born in Xiamen, a city where summer seemed eternal, Tong Hua’s concept of “snow” was limited to pictures, videos, and the frost in the refrigerator. She had thought that attending Haishi University would finally let her see snow, but she soon discovered that Haishi rarely saw snowfall. Moreover, during winter, she had to return to Xiamen for the Spring Festival. This stark contrast had cultivated an almost obsessive yearning for a snowy world in her heart.
“Little Hua, you’ve been whining about this for three days now, on repeat. My ears are about to grow calluses,” Su Qingyu lazily leaned against the headboard of her bed, admiring her newly done, expensive manicure that shimmered dazzlingly under the light.
With her striking looks, even her branded loungewear exuded a runway-like aura. Yet, her tone held no impatience, only a hint of affectionate amusement. “It’s practically a furnace outside. Isn’t it nice to just stay in the dorm, enjoy the air conditioning, watch some dramas, and gossip?”
“You don’t even know how to ski. What would you do there? Become a snowman mascot?” Jiang Mo chimed in, deftly practicing hook punches on a sandbag, her short hair fluttering sharply with each movement.
Dressed in a loose basketball tank top and sports shorts, she stood tall and straight, exuding a refreshing and straightforward charm—the kind of cool girl who could easily win over a crowd of admirers. She was direct and sincere in character, yet also thoughtful and attentive.
Xia Lingxi, who had been quietly studying her professional books at the desk, gently adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses and spoke softly, “I think it’s nice to relax during the summer break. You can learn if you don’t know how. Life is all about experiences.”
Her voice was gentle, like a babbling stream, carrying a soothing power. “Besides, it’s been a while since I last skied. I kind of miss that feeling.”
Tong Hua’s eyes immediately lit up as if she had found a kindred spirit, first looking at Xia Lingxi, then turning to the others with a pitiful expression. “Exactly… Can you understand the longing for snow of someone who grew up in Xiamen, where winter means wearing short sleeves and using fans?”
Seeing her irresistibly cute face wearing such a pitiful look, like a kitten yearning for a fish treat, Su Qingyu was the first to relent.
Though she had her fair share of a spoiled temper, when it came to the youngest and most adorable favorite of the dorm, that temper melted into sisterly indulgence.
She smiled helplessly, with a hint of indulgence, and picked up her phone. “Alright, alright, stop howling. Your big sister will show you what a real ice and snow world looks like.”
As she spoke, her slender fingers tapped quickly on the screen, directly dialing the butler’s number. Her tone was natural yet left no room for doubt. “Hello, please prepare the ski chalet in the Swiss Alps for me. Yes, I’ll need it soon. Arrange the flight route and reception as quickly as possible.” In just a few words, it sounded as casual as booking a seat at the café downstairs.
“Holy crap! Young Miss! Please accept this humble servant’s bow!” Jiang Mo immediately retracted her fists and playfully clasped her hands, pretending to kneel on one knee, her face filled with undisguised amazement and a bright, hearty smile.
Su Qingyu was amused by her antics and laughed, scolding her, “Get lost! I can’t handle that, I’m afraid it’ll shorten my lifespan.”
“Huh? We can really go just like that?!” Tong Hua instantly transformed from a wilted kitten into a fully charged, happy little kitten, almost bouncing out of her chair. A brilliant, slightly smug smile spread across her face. “Then I really have to learn properly! Conquer the Alps!”
Jiang Mo thumped her chest, brimming with heroic spirit. “No problem! Leave it to me! I guarantee I’ll turn you from a total beginner on the slopes into… uh, at least someone who can stop!”
Xia Lingxi also closed her book and joined the planning with a gentle smile. “Then I’ll be in charge of the itinerary, checking out what other fun things and good food are nearby besides skiing.”
The dorm room was instantly filled with a cheerful, excited atmosphere. The earlier laziness and stifling heat were swept away by the anticipation of the ice and snow trip.
Young Miss Su, with her super-strong execution power, worked at lightning speed.
Almost by the next afternoon, the four of them were already standing in the private car heading to the private airport.
When the sleek, sun-glistening private jet came into view, even Tong Hua, who had mentally prepared herself, couldn’t help but let out a small “wow.”
“Once again, I’m in awe. Young Miss Su, mighty and majestic!” Jiang Mo wrapped an arm around Su Qingyu’s shoulders, sincerely praising her.
Su Qingyu laughed and swatted her hand away. “Cut it out. Let’s get on board quickly, it’s hot outside.”
The four girls chattered and laughed as they climbed the airstairs. The luxury and comfort inside the cabin went without saying.
The flight attendants professionally and warmly guided them to their seats.
Tong Hua practically bounced to her seat, eagerly fastening her seatbelt. Her little face was brimming with unrestrained excitement and curiosity as she touched this and looked at that.
She was young and petite, so these actions didn’t seem out of place at all; instead, they added to her innocent charm.
But anyone who thought she was just a clueless little girl because of this would be sorely mistaken.
When Xia Lingxi took out a thick programming book to read during the flight, Tong Hua could lean over, point to a complex algorithm, and precisely offer her own insights. Her gaze was sharp and focused, a stark contrast to the little girl who had just been cheering and jumping for joy about going skiing.
This extreme contrast was nothing new to the other three in the dorm—after all, this was the little monster who had entered university at fifteen and was regarded by the entire department, even the whole school, as a “key protected species” and a genius.
The plane’s engines roared loudly as it slowly taxied onto the runway, then accelerated, lifted its nose, and soared into the clouds.
Through the window, the bustling miniature of Haidu City gradually shrank, eventually replaced by a vast, soft sea of clouds.
“The Alps! Here I come!” Tong Hua gazed out the window at the cotton candy-like clouds and softly, yet eagerly, declared.
A joyful journey that began in summer, with a destination in a world of ice and snow, had officially begun.
Inside the cabin, the girls were already excitedly discussing what kind of ski outfits to wear and how many beautiful photos to take, their laughter unceasing, setting a lighthearted and hilarious tone for the story to come.