After surviving the Gaokao(known as the National Higher Education Entrance Examination or National College Entrance Examination(NCEE) in China), I emerged from the fierce competition among millions of students, believing that entering university would be like stepping into paradise. In truth, it was indeed paradise! You may have many questions and doubts, perhaps even feeling deceived by my words.

The story unfolded this summer, in the extraordinary year of 2020. Due to the pandemic, online classes became the norm. While many might have slacked off, playing games during these virtual lessons, I, as a senior high school student, dared not relax. I was utterly engrossed in my studies, for a scholar who does not strive today will be laboring at construction sites tomorrow.

Through my relentless efforts, hanging my hair to wake up to study hard and stop wifi in my world to focus on Gaokao, I finally secured a place at my dream university. After months of confinement, I indulged in late-night activities, the nature of which, as I would cryptically reply, you can imagine.

When the time came for freshmen to enroll, it was a bit unusual as we started in October. Despite the COVID, senior students were eager to assist. After politely declining their help, I wheeled my heavy suitcase through the campus, soaking in the historical aura that had accumulated over the years.

It was then that she walked by, wearing a light blue dress, her long hair gently lifted by a breeze, carrying with it a subtle fragrance. Cupid's arrow struck me, and I boldly asked, "Hey, can I have your WeChat?" She hesitated, perhaps surprised by my directness. Given the vast number of departments and students, I knew I had to seize the moment.

As expected, she politely declined and walked away, a shy and quiet girl who wouldn't readily share her contact with a stranger. As her figure disappeared into the distance, I resolved to frequent this path, hoping for another encounter.

Fortune favored me, as we ended up in the same department and class. It must have been destiny, rewarding my decade-long single status with a taste of romance.

Her surprise was evident when she saw me again. I approached her, "Now, may I have your WeChat?" She smiled shyly and agreed. I knew obtaining her contact was just the first step; I needed to gradually integrate into her life, learn her preferences, and become a habit for her.

We attended classes and outings together, our bond growing stronger. Mutual affection grew, yet the words "I am into you" remained unspoken. Just as I thought life was blissful, reality struck. She admired a street guitarist and even considered asking for his contact. I pulled her away, but she continued to praise his skills, saying how handsome a guitarist can be. Any man would be jealous, but I was not just jealous—I was seething!

Determined to win her admiration, I decided to learn guitar. With classes and our time together, there was little spare time. However, with the prevalence of online courses, I came across a promotion for Houxian Culture on TikTok. The teacher seemed skilled, and a good mentor would make learning easier. I filled out a form, was contacted promptly, and after thorough understanding, purchased the course.

Though I intended to surprise her with my new skill, our closeness and her acquaintance with my roommates led to an early revelation. Embarrassed, I felt like a child, learning guitar out of spite. But she looked at me and said, "I like you. While guitarists are handsome, I only have eyes for you." Suddenly, the skies cleared, and even the air seemed fresher!

Can you understand my joy? No, I don't think you can, for you may not have a girlfriend or experience such sweet love as mine. Nevertheless, I continued my guitar lessons, for she did find guitarists attractive. The course proved invaluable, enabling me, a complete novice, to understand and play.

May you also conquer your beloved with a guitar, or simply enjoy it as a hobby, for love will quietly find its way to you.