On October 1st, I arranged to meet Shi Taoxiang at 09:00 in the morning at the west gate. As for why we decided to meet at the west gate, it was Shi Taoxiang's suggestion. She said that all the fun rides are located in that area when entering from the west gate. I took Shi Taoxiang's advice and agreed to meet at the west gate of the Star Sea Amusement Park.

At the moment, I am taking the subway to the Star Sea Amusement Park. After a few stops, I will arrive at the station. The station is called Star Sea Amusement Park Station. It's incredible that they recently opened this station. The subway is quite crowded on National Day, especially at this station. I follow the crowd and exit the station.

By the way, I'm wearing the outfit that He Yuqing recommended to me last night. It's my first time here, so I still need to rely on navigation. I walk while looking at the navigation. The location is not far.

"Navigation complete. Your destination is on your right."

It seems like I have arrived, and the time is exactly 08:58. I shouldn't be late, right? What catches my eye is the huge front gate, castle-like architecture, and the metallic letters that spell out "Star Sea Amusement Park." It's much bigger than I expected.

"Youjie, senior..." Shi Taoxiang waves at me. It appears that she has noticed my arrival. I thought I would be the one waiting at the west gate for Shi Taoxiang, but it turns out that she arrived first.

"Shi Taoxiang, did you wait long?" Although I wasn't late, I wonder how long Shi Taoxiang has been waiting here.

"No, I just got here a little while ago." Shi Taoxiang shows a lovely smile. It's only now that I notice her outfit. She is wearing a cute yellow dress and white loafers. Her long hair from before is now tied up in a bun, and she is carrying a small bag. She looks incredibly cute.

"Youjie, senior, about your outfit..." She seems to have noticed my attire and stares at it for a while.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing... just, Youjie, senior." Shi Taoxiang awkwardly smiles, causing me to doubt myself. Especially when she suddenly lowers her head and her eyes become serious, as if she's deep in thought. It leaves me with an inexplicable sense of loss. It seems that no matter how I dress or what hairstyle I have, I'm just ordinary.

Feeling like I've given up struggling, I accept this reality once again. Although I still hold a glimmer of hope, it seems that reality has slapped me hard.

"Ah... well, Youjie, senior, you look really handsome today." Shi Taoxiang suddenly snaps back, speaking in a flustered manner. It seems like she's trying to comfort me by saying that.

"I don't need consolation, actually." I force a smile.

"Ah... what am I saying? That's not what I meant."

"I know, I know what I look like." I'm already quite disheartened, and the world in front of me seems black and white.

"Youjie, senior, I didn't mean it that way. What I said was that Youjie, senior is really handsome, not a cricket but a handsome... Oops, I bit my tongue."

I didn't catch what Shi Taoxiang said before, as I was immersed in a mood of self-isolation for a short period of time. The only thing I clearly heard was "handsome." It feels like a lightning strike, and it takes away even my courage to continue living.

Although I know I have an ordinary appearance, hearing it bluntly from a younger schoolmate made my already fragile will shatter like glass hitting the ground. Despite facing setbacks, I can't just give up. I mustered a smile and looked at Shi Taoxiang, who was now squatting on the ground with her back to me. She seemed to have bitten her tongue earlier. I wondered if it was painful.

However, what surprised me was the strong emo scent emanating from her surroundings, even causing flies to hastily avoid and flee. After a while, Shi Taoxiang regained her composure and showed an embarrassed expression. It made me realize that I should be the one apologizing, but I lacked the courage to speak up.

Next, Shi Taoxiang's face remained flushed and she occasionally glanced at me. I felt like some kind of rare and exotic creature being stared at, which made me feel extremely uncomfortable. To escape this strange feeling, I spoke up and said, "There are so many people here today."

"Uh, yes..." Shi Taoxiang replied briefly, and this caused the atmosphere to return to its original state once again.