"If you're not coming back tonight, make sure you're safe."
Ye Xinxin called a cab and, before getting in, playfully teased Su Lexuan: "Like I said before, I don't want to be a godmother in my freshman year!"
The two have been best friends since middle school, so close that they're like family. They had even promised each other that whoever had kids first would make the other their child's godmother.
Saying this in front of so many people was Ye Xinxin's way of indirectly giving her approval of Shen Lang.
Being recognized by a girlfriend's best friend is almost as good as getting the approval of her parents.
Shen Lang nodded seriously, wrapping his arm around Su Lexuan's slim waist: "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on her."
Su Lexuan, who was a bit shy before, smiled sweetly at Shen Lang's serious tone, holding his hand tightly.
Just like most girls in their first relationship, Su Lexuan believes every promise made by the guy she likes. Shen Lang's promises, though not very substantial, are exactly what she loves hearing, and she wishes he'd say even more.
That's why some seemingly awkward or cheesy lines are actually well-received by girls, especially when they're deeply invested in their first love.
"Hmm, looks like a good kid."
Ye Xinxin nodded in satisfaction, taking her two reluctant roommates and getting into the cab.
"Let's go, drive to the parking lot."
Shen Lang, gently swinging Su Lexuan's hand, said hopefully: "How about we catch a movie later? The one that starts after midnight."
Su Lexuan, who had been enjoying the sweet moment, suddenly became alert at the mention of a movie after midnight. She narrowed her eyes and asked suspiciously, "Are you trying to lure me to a hotel after the movie?"
Girls today are pretty sharp. With all the dating tips and stories online, even the most innocent girl knows what a midnight movie might imply.
"Lure? What are you talking about?"
Shen Lang argued shamelessly: "We've had a long-standing thing. It's just natural."
"Puh, you guys are all the same. Always thinking about stuff like that."
Su Lexuan, blushing, spat out in annoyance. She was a bit conflicted about this kind of thing, not entirely clueless but not fully informed either. She had watched educational videos with her best friend, so she knew a bit, but facing it herself made her nervous.
"I can't drink cold drinks today, and I didn't bring my ID."
Su Lexuan mumbled, watching Shen Lang's reaction carefully.
"Huh? What the hell, Su Lexuan, what's up with you?"
Shen Lang feigned surprise: "We've only known each other for a short time, and you're already into me? Can't you be a bit more reserved?"
"Who's into you!"
Su Lexuan, caught off guard, retorted with a flushed face: "You're the one who suggested it!"
Misunderstood in such an ambiguous situation, Su Lexuan felt both embarrassed and irritated. She tried to defend herself, her cute little tiger teeth showing, looking both fierce and adorable.
"Haha, okay, so I'm into you then."
Shen Lang laughed at Su Lexuan's reaction: "How about I just take you back to school after the movie?"
"You're so annoying!"
Su Lexuan playfully pinched Shen Lang's side before snuggling up to him again.
Since they decided to watch a movie after midnight, they didn't rush to the parking lot and continued strolling through the lively streets.
Earlier in the afternoon, they had dinner at the Oriental Pearl Tower in Pudong New Area. Without realizing it, they had walked to the most famous tourist spot in Jianghai City: the base of the Pearl Tower.
The towering building, a landmark of Jianghai City, stood by the Huangpu River, overlooking the city's vibrant skyline.
As night fell, the Oriental Pearl Tower was illuminated, shining like the brightest star in the night sky.
The area around the tower was crowded with tourists and local residents.
"Shen Lang, let's take a photo."
Su Lexuan, holding Shen Lang's arm, swayed a little. Her clingy behavior showed she was truly seeing him as her boyfriend.
"Sure."
Shen Lang didn't refuse. Following Su Lexuan's instructions, he held her delicate hand and aimed at the glowing Pearl Tower.
Su Lexuan was quite skilled at taking photos and quickly captured the romantic moment with her phone.
"How's the photo?"
Su Lexuan shared the picture with Shen Lang, looking up at him with a sweet, expectant smile, playfully asking for praise.
"It's okay, about one-third of my level back in the day."
Shen Lang shrugged dismissively.
"Humph, always bragging!"
Su Lexuan gave Shen Lang a cute glare, then looked at the phone screen with a sweet smile, ready for the photo.
"Damn, Su Lexuan…"
"What the heck, is that really him? Does that mean he's her boyfriend?"
At that moment, a few guys passed by and looked at them with disbelief.
"Are they from your class?"
Shen Lang asked curiously. The reaction suggested they were students from Zhuhai University.
After all, Su Lexuan was the new campus beauty from Zhuhai University, the dream girl of countless boys.
"Not sure, let's ignore them."
Su Lexuan didn't care about the guys' opinions. She never wanted to be a campus beauty, a title imposed on her by those guys, bringing her a lot of unnecessary criticism online.
"Got it."
Shen Lang glanced back thoughtfully, seeing those guys staring at him with envy and jealousy, as if he had stolen their girl.
Shen Lang smiled and, in front of those guys, gave Su Lexuan's fair cheek a big kiss and hugged her slim waist tightly.
"Annoying!"
Su Lexuan shyly complained, but moved even closer to Shen Lang, looking like a pampered girlfriend.
"Damn!!"
The scene of the two being affectionate made the guys behind them grind their teeth in frustration.