It's Sunday, and Su Lexuan can head back to school after spending the afternoon out.
Shen Lang drove her to the Chenghuang Temple near Zhuhai University for a walk.
Su Lexuan was in a bad mood all afternoon, looking down and moody. Shen Lang tried to chat with her, but his smile was forced, and he seemed pretty preoccupied.
Of course, Shen Lang knew what was bothering Su Lexuan. It's completely normal for a young girl to feel anxious and fearful about upcoming unknowns.
Before they finished at the temple, Shen Lang decided to take her for a stroll by the Huangpu River to help her relax.
Such moments require mutual feelings to truly be enjoyable, and if Su Lexuan kept up her anxious demeanor, Shen Lang wasn't really interested. He'd rather just drop her back at school and wait until she was ready.
Around seven in the evening, Shen Lang held Su Lexuan's soft hand as they walked along the colorful Huangpu River.
The Huangpu River is one of the most famous attractions in Jianghai City. From the riverside, you can see the skyscrapers and bustling commercial district across the river. The tall buildings and the river together create a stunning view. The river reflects the colorful lights from the street shops, flowing slowly like a gem-encrusted ribbon.
The gentle breeze stirred ripples on the river, creating a dreamy and intoxicating atmosphere.
Tourists, excited by the view, took out their phones and snapped photos.
"It's getting windy; put on your jacket," Shen Lang said calmly, handing Su Lexuan the jacket she brought.
"After we're done here, I'll drive you back to school," he added.
"Ah? Back to school?" Su Lexuan was surprised. She was nervously thinking about what to do next, and now Shen Lang wanted to take her back to school?
Su Lexuan was feeling mixed emotions. She was relieved to have survived, guilty for potentially disappointing Shen Lang, and empty from the curiosity that had been inexplicably wiped away.
"Why? Don't think I don't know what you're worried about. I'm not with you just for your body, so why be so anxious?" Shen Lang said gently.
"Fool, if you're not ready, I'll definitely respect your feelings. Don't look so troubled—I still like you the way you were at first!"
"You liked me how I was before?" Su Lexuan blinked and looked up curiously.
"Yeah, like the sunny, cheerful, sweet-voiced girl who was like a heart-healing elf," Shen Lang replied honestly.
That was the first impression Su Lexuan made on him when they met.
"Elf?" Su Lexuan tilted her head, not quite getting the male-oriented internet slang. But she was happy with the compliment.
Thinking about how Shen Lang saw her in such a positive light made her smile more.
She stopped walking, bounced in front of Shen Lang, and, with her hands behind her back and a slight lean forward, looked up at him with a proud expression.
"Shen Pig, am I not your white moonlight? Lots of guys on Douyin describe their first love like that."
A gentle breeze lifted Su Lexuan's hair, making it flow like silk and fall like a waterfall. Her hair fluttered in the breeze, giving off a light fragrance that felt incredibly warm and romantic. Her eyes reflected the colorful lights around, and her smile was sweet and hopeful.
Their eyes met, and it felt like time had stopped, with just the two of them in the world.
Feeling Su Lexuan's warmth and tenderness, Shen Lang leaned down and lightly kissed her lips. Then he gently stroked her hair, which had been tousled by the wind, and said:
"I don't care what others say; you're my elf, the one and only."
"Alright~" Su Lexuan pursed her lips, hugged Shen Lang's arm, and smiled sweetly. "If being an elf is what you say, then I guess I'll take it. It's a fun title."
"So don't frown over little things. If you're not ready, I can wait as long as you need."
Shen Lang wrapped his arm around Su Lexuan's waist and said nonchalantly.
"I'm in this relationship to be with you, not just because of your body. Don't think of your boyfriend as shallow!"
"So, are you or aren't you interested in my body?" Su Lexuan asked with a mischievous smile and a playful glint in her eyes.
"Interested!" Shen Lang said firmly.
"Hmph, I knew it. Pervert, pervert, pervert..." Su Lexuan playfully hit Shen Lang's waist.
After getting tired from hitting him, Su Lexuan rested against his arm, looking serious and thoughtful.
In the end, Su Lexuan made up her mind and bit her lip.
Ding! Su Lexuan's affection for the host has increased by 5 points, now at 52 points. Keep it up!
Ding! Su Lexuan's affection for the host has reached 50 points. Would you like to view her personal information?
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...
The weather forecast for Jianghai City was unusually accurate this time.
Halfway through their outing, Shen Lang felt the weather wasn't right and quickly took Su Lexuan to the underground parking lot to get the car.
As soon as they got in the car, it started pouring rain outside, drenching the entire Huangpu River area.
"Alright, it's getting late. I'll drive you back to school."
Shen Lang fastened his seatbelt and said, "I'll come by to visit you when you're on vacation."
"No, don't go back to school."
"Huh? What did you say?"
"I brought my ID!" Su Lexuan said shyly, turning her head to look out the window with a flushed face and a racing heartbeat.
"Okay, sure," Shen Lang said, momentarily stunned, and then he discreetly touched his nose.
He knew he had to stay calm and not show too much excitement. The key was not to let her see how pleased he was about possibly getting her most precious gift.
Until they reached the hotel, everything was uncertain. Su Lexuan might change her mind, and there'd be no place to cry if that happened.
Even though Shen Lang didn't understand why Su Lexuan suddenly agreed so openly, he wasn't about to miss this opportunity with the pouring rain outside.
"It's raining so hard; you can't go back without an umbrella."
Excitedly, Shen Lang started looking up nearby hotels and casually gave Su Lexuan a reason.
"Let's stay at a hotel for the night. I'll drive you back in the morning."