Chapter 66 – Together
The steak was finished, and Qiao Huaiyao smirked.
Seeing this, Bai Jinyan handed over another piece of toast smeared with sauce. Qiao Huaiyao quickly retreated.
When he stood up, Qiao Huaiyao didn’t forget to take the half-drunk beverage with him. He switched to a chair opposite and smiled, saying, “I’m done, brother. Take your time.”
Helpless, Bai Jinyan ate the toast himself and moved the fruit plate closer to him.
After breakfast, the driver hadn’t arrived yet.
Qiao Huaiyao sipped on his lemon tea and checked the documents sent by the counselor on his phone. There were files that needed his signature for confirmation.
To save time, he reviewed them first and would have the counselor print them later.
If there were any issues, he could raise them now, and the counselor could make revisions and print a new copy.
The documents were extensive, consisting of over forty pages, with detailed and complex content.
But fortunately, some of the documents were submissions made by Qiao Huaiyao himself, so he remembered them and didn’t find them too troublesome.
After reviewing the documents, Qiao Huaiyao received a call from the driver. The car was parked by the roadside.
The hotel entrance was on the beach, where cars couldn’t come.
Bai Jinyan neatly draped the thicker coat Qiao Huaiyao wore last night over his arm and adjusted his clothes. “Let’s go.”
Qiao Huaiyao replied to the Counselor that there were no issues with the documents for printing, then closed his phone and said, “Okay.”
The Counselor’s office was mostly the same as the department head’s.
There was a simple desk with two computers facing each other, and the adjacent table was piled with files.
It wasn’t very spacious, just a place where occasional leave requests were processed, and class monitors would be informed to attend meetings.
Qiao Huaiyao knocked on the door, “Teacher.”
“Here?” The Counselor neatly bound the documents in his hand. “Come in, come in, have a seat.”
Seeing Qiao Huaiyao, the counselor’s face lit up with joy. “The documents have been printed for you to review.”
Normally, anything to be printed was handed over to the class monitor or teaching assistant, or whoever was available to go to the print room.
Today, the Counselor had personally run around so much and didn’t feel tired at all; instead, he was energetic.
With the lab approval imminent, the fact that this set of experimental documents had passed the scrutiny of all professors, teachers, and even the school principal within such a short time was a testament to its importance.
Though the Counselor hadn’t guided Qiao Huaiyao directly, Qiao Huaiyao was still his student.
When discussing this elsewhere, the Counselor could gain quite a bit of prestige.
Qiao Huaiyao took the documents and said, “Thank you, teacher.”
The Counselor’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “I’m your teacher, printing a document is just a small matter.”
Saying this, the Counselor handed Qiao Huaiyao a bottle of drink. “I don’t know what you young people like to drink. This sparkling water is quite good. Give it a try.”
Without waiting for Qiao Huaiyao’s response, the Counselor sat in front of the computer. “You take a look first. Here’s a pen for you. If everything’s fine, just sign it. If there are any issues, let me know.”
Qiao Huaiyao nodded calmly. “Okay.”
The printed documents had adjustments in font size and line spacing.
The page count wasn’t high.
Flipping through to the end, Qiao Huaiyao signed at the bottom right corner.
As he signed, he noticed the line for the guiding teacher was blank.
Normally, when applying for a lab, if the experimental content wasn’t innovative but rather an improvement on existing work, it required the teacher’s assistance.
So typically, the teacher’s name would be written on the application document.
Since Qiao Huaiyao had proposed a new concept material without the guidance of a teacher, this part of the form remained empty.
Seeing this, the Counselor said, “By the way, regarding the guiding teacher, several professors and I discussed it. Leave it blank. We haven’t helped you with this experiment. Being credited instead helps us. How could we take advantage of students?”
The Counselor smiled and said, “Rest assured, this experiment belongs solely to you from start to finish. As long as it’s conducted in the Qing University lab, it’s all good.”
Teachers who could lecture at Qing University were not ordinary people. They could foresee what success in this experiment might mean for the guiding teacher’s future. However, they wouldn’t dare put their names on someone else’s personal experiment that they didn’t assist with.
Moreover, for a freshman like Qiao Huaiyao to independently apply for and complete an experiment at Qing University was proof enough of how superior Qing University was compared to other schools.
Perfectly fits the next year’s enrollment brochure.
The counselor had no doubt this experiment would fail. He had reviewed the documents. Although Qiao Huaiyao’s writing was somewhat reserved, compared to applications submitted by previous students, it was much more detailed.
He even felt that Qiao Huaiyao had performed this experiment elsewhere, but it hadn’t been publicized, which explained why he was so clear about it.
Qiao Huaiyao nodded, closed the document, and said, “Teacher, I’ve signed it.”
“Good.” The counselor glanced over and, finding no errors, returned the document to its folder. “That’s all then. You can go back and wait for the news.”
He had already informed the principal in advance that after signing, it needed to be sent over promptly.
He casually pushed everything on the table into a drawer and said, “At the latest, the lab will be ready the day after tomorrow. You can start preparing the equipment application report now.”
“Okay.” Qiao Huaiyao expressed his thanks and walked out of the counselor’s office.
Bai Jinyan leaned against the window. “How did it go?”
“Very smoothly.” Qiao Huaiyao’s eyes curved as he couldn’t help taking a couple of quick steps and embracing Bai Jinyan. “The lab will be ready soon.”
Logically speaking, this wasn’t his first successful application for a lab. Although the application process was much faster compared to the last time, it was just a matter of time.
What made Qiao Huaiyao happy was being able to share this joyful event with Bai Jinyan.
Bai Jinyan caught him and hugged Qiao Huaiyao’s waist. “That’s great.”
In his joy, Qiao Huaiyao thought of Bai Jinyan’s experiment. “Brother, aren’t you going to apply for a lab of your own?”
Bai Jinyan followed a professor and preferred to complete experiments as coursework.
Bai Jinyan replied lightly, “I don’t need to.”
When the lab application was approved, most of his time would be spent at the university. If he had any experimental ideas, he preferred the relative freedom of his own lab at home.
Even if he stayed in the lab all the time, Meng Zhen might still be troublesome, so Bai Jinyan didn’t bother applying.
Qiao Huaiyao blinked, vaguely understanding Bai Jinyan’s concerns. He said, “Then you can come to my lab…”
Before he could finish, the door of the counselor ‘s office opened.
The counselor stood at the door, looking at the two hugging each other.
Qiao Huaiyao: “…”
Subconsciously, he wanted to step back half a step, but the hand around his waist didn’t let go when he took a step back.
Moreover, just a glance and he was about to dodge, feeling a bit guilty.
With a slight hesitation, the counselor lifted his chin. “Celebrating with your brother about the lab?”
The counselor grinned, “It’s good news, and good news deserves a good celebration.”
“You guys talk, I’ll go deliver the documents.” The counselor waved the leather paper bag in his hand and didn’t stay any longer.
As he walked away, he turned around and couldn’t help but smile softly, “The bond between these two brothers is really good.”
In the parent section, Qiao Huaiyao had filled in Bai Jinyan’s name and contact information. At the time, he thought it might be inconvenient for his parents to come if the school needed them, so he left Bai Jinyan’s information.
Now it seemed… it might be due to Qiao Huaiyao’s trust and reliance on Bai Jinyan.
There were not many people in the corridors of the teaching building during the holidays.
Quietly, even muttering to oneself could be heard.
Qiao Huaiyao’s gaze fell on the counselor for half a second, withdrew his gaze slowly and raised his eyes. When he met Bai Jinyan’s smiling eyes, he tried hard to suppress the smile that was about to curl up on his lips. “It seems like the counselor misunderstood.”
Bai Jinyan rubbed his head, his lips curved in a smile. “Seems so.”
Their good relationship was indeed true, not a misunderstanding.
It could only be said that… the word “relationship” itself encompassed multiple emotions.
They belonged to two different emotions that converged together.
…
During the vacation, he went out to play for a few days.
In the dorm, some parts of the rose bouquet have not withered yet. The roses that were delivered daily have temporarily stopped during these days.
The earlier roses that were sent have faint signs of petals falling off. Qiao Huaiyao collected all of them and put them together with the previously stored ones.
The petals dried naturally at room temperature from fresh roses can be added during experiments.
For example, for the floating roses experiment on paper from before, adding real petals would make the overall appearance more vibrant.
Rubbing these petals between his fingertips, Qiao Huaiyao thought for a moment and brought them to the workbench.
The dormitory is small, so only a part of the computer desk can be used for experiments.
The materials stored in the dormitory are non-toxic and harmless. Occasionally, when Qiao Huaiyao thinks of an experiment or what materials might react unexpectedly, he buys those materials and tries experimenting on his own.
Sometimes if he can’t find them outside, he can also request them from the lab counselor.
Because of his previous efforts in saving experimental materials for the school, the lab counselor is particularly accommodating to him.
With only half a day left in the vacation, he couldn’t go too far.
Qiao Huaiyao pondered over these small experiments to pass the time.
Bai Jinyan hung up the phone and came in, seeing this, he also brought a chair and sat next to Qiao Huaiyao, “What are you doing?”
Qiao Huaiyao neutralized two solutions and weighed the solid that would be used later, “The reaction of the Xd-cyt solution. I’m trying to change it up a bit, adding rose petals to see what the effect will be.”
When talking to Bai Jinyan, he didn’t need to explain too much or simplify the technical terms.
Bai Jinyan nodded and sat beside him, assisting while feeding him strawberries.
Food and drinks are not allowed in the lab, not even pure water.
But this wasn’t a lab, and these small experiments wouldn’t produce any harmful substances when handled by Qiao Huaiyao, so feeding him wasn’t a problem.
Qiao Huaiyao focused on his experiments, preparing several control groups simultaneously and recording each set of data separately.
Perhaps because he was too focused and obedient, he responded promptly to every instruction.
Bai Jinyan said, “Open your mouth.”
Qiao Huaiyao didn’t take his eyes off the equipment, slightly opening his lips. Bai Jinyan fed him segments of peeled tangerine petals.
After Qiao Huaiyao swallowed them down calmly, Bai Jinyan switched to a small piece of apple.
Supporting his chin with one hand, Bai Jinyan watched Qiao Huaiyao’s serious experimentation and couldn’t help leaning in, lightly kissing his lips, which had a faint taste of fruit.
Qiao Huaiyao paused, holding a dropper in his hand without hurriedly adding the solution, “Brother?”
“It’s okay, you do your thing.” Bai Jinyan kissed him again and fed him a piece of strawberry, “Why are there so many solutions?”
The solutions for control need to be almost identical for valid comparisons.
Apart from the control group, Qiao Huaiyao prepared several identical solutions, each with different colorants.
Beside the beaker, you could see the solutions gradually taking on colors within the same spectrum, with subtle differences visible upon closer inspection.
Qiao Huaiyao smiled slightly, eating the strawberry without giving a direct explanation, instead vaguely saying, “I’m not telling you.”
Bai Jinyan raised an eyebrow, unhesitatingly guessing, “A gift?”
Qiao Huaiyao suddenly widened his eyes in disbelief, looking at Bai Jinyan.
“You could figure this out too?”
Bai Jinyan paused, under Qiao Huaiyao’s astonished gaze, casually changed his tone, “I mean, if you hadn’t said anything, I wouldn’t have guessed what this was for.”
Seeing him being so serious, Qiao Huaiyao burst into laughter, unable to hold the dropper steady in his hand.
Afraid he might add too much solution if his hand trembled, he set the dropper down first, laughing so hard he almost fell onto Bai Jinyan, “Brother, you…”
Bai Jinyan reached out and put his arm around his shoulders, “Are you making a color gradient?”
Since he had already guessed it, Qiao Huaiyao didn’t hide it, nodding, “I’ll show you the finished product in a bit.”
According to his plan, the final product should turn out quite nicely.
Compared to the paper roses before, this gift would last much longer—probably at least one or two months.
Bai Jinyan affectionately leaned closer to kiss him, whispering softly, “Good.”
The solution ratios weren’t too difficult; after testing a few proportions, they had results.
The rose petals were crushed into small fragments—not too brittle, and after preparing everything needed, they were set aside.
Just as they were about to finish assembling…
Qiao Huaiyao glanced at the person beside him, “Brother?”
“Hmm?” Bai Jinyan’s attention never left Qiao Huaiyao. Even though he knew this experiment’s result was a gift from Qiao Huaiyao, he continued to focus on him.
He had no intention of prying into the experiment’s details to spoil the surprise.
Qiao Huaiyao thought for a moment and negotiated with him, “Wait for me in the bedroom. After I finish, I’ll bring it over to you.”
To see the whole thing assembled would eliminate the surprise of seeing the gift.
Bai Jinyan didn’t get up but said, “I won’t look. You do it.”
Qiao Huaiyao hesitated, “Really?”
Bai Jinyan nodded confidently, “Really.”
Qiao Huaiyao tentatively reached out, took two portions of the solution first, then suddenly looked up at Bai Jinyan.
Bai Jinyan quickly glanced aside. When Qiao Huaiyao looked over, he nonchalantly turned his head to stare at the wall.
“Brother!” Qiao Huaiyao couldn’t help but feel amused and helpless, “You’re teasing me again.”
He clearly hadn’t intended to peek.
Bai Jinyan didn’t turn his head but patted his head, “I didn’t look, really.”
Qiao Huaiyao: “……!?”
Unable to contain his smile, Qiao Huaiyao raised his hand to poke Bai Jinyan’s cheek and didn’t rush to assemble the gift. He asked, “Then why were you looking over there?”
Bai Jinyan said seriously, “It feels more genuine this way.”
Qiao Huaiyao placed his palm on Bai Jinyan’s face, turning it back towards him, leaning in close, “Really didn’t peek?”
They were very close; their noses almost touched.
Bai Jinyan chuckled softly, not hurrying to remove Qiao Huaiyao’s hand, leaning in to kiss him.
Qiao Huaiyao blinked, the delicate kiss and their breath mingling, the fresh fruit scent mixed with the fragrance of crushed rose petals, seemed to warm up the small space of the dormitory.
As his hand slid down from his cheek to his shoulder, Qiao Huaiyao’s fingertips trembled slightly, slowly encircling Bai Jinyan’s neck, whispering softly, “Brother…”
Bai Jinyan responded, “Hmm.”
With that, he reached out to embrace Qiao Huaiyao’s waist, lifting him off the chair and onto his lap.
“?!?”
Qiao Huaiyao settled into position, unconsciously tightening his grip, drawing even closer.
Their chests were close, and Qiao Huaiyao could feel Bai Jinyan’s steady heartbeat against him, beat by beat.
Carefully cradling Qiao Huaiyao, Bai Jinyan made sure not to disturb the experimental equipment on the table.
He held Qiao Huaiyao close, lowering his head to deepen the kiss.
Qiao Huaiyao’s fingertips curled slightly, murmuring softly in response.