Lingyang Lake Park wasn't just a park. Like some city parks, it had amusement rides. Think pirate ships and roller coasters.

Sadly, Tianmu City lacked a dedicated large amusement park. Odd for a second-tier city. Such facilities were scattered across parks. Lingyang Lake Park had the most thrilling rides. It wasn't as big as major parks, but it ranked first in Tianmu City.

Especially its roller coaster. The ride wasn't long. But it featured an intense 180-degree vertical turn—straight up, then straight down. This part was highly praised locally.

Of course, only by the brave-hearted.

"Waaaaaah!!!"

Nangong Shiyu was definitely not among its fans.

To him, that 180-degree track deserved zero stars.

He watched the coaster climb vertically. He knew it would drop on the other side. But he could do nothing.

He glanced left and right.

Shen Yining sat on his left. Xia Zixin on his right.

Yes, these two had dragged him here against his will. They ignored his protests completely.

This was absolutely the worst date ever. Nangong Shiyu thought so.

"Aren't you two scared at all?"

"Not at all. What's there to fear?"

"Could it be you're scared, Shiyu?"

"I am scared!" Nangong Shiyu admitted without hesitation.

Since elementary school, when friends tricked him onto a coaster, he'd been traumatized. He avoided them ever since. Especially this inhuman 180-degree design.

"Shiyu, are you okay?"

"Not okay! This is serious!"

Let me off! Nangong Shiyu nearly cried.

"Don't look so hopeless. Enjoy it!"

No. This inhuman invention would never win him over.

Only disgust.

Only hatred.

"I can't promise..."

The coaster reached the peak. It was about to drop vertically.

"...I'll be fine after this."

Then it plummeted.

Nangong Shiyu couldn't even scream. He squeezed his eyes shut. He gripped the safety bar tightly.

This felt worse than freefall with vanished wings.

Then, a hand covered his left hand. Warmth passed through their skin. It eased his fear a little. Like a protective blanket shielding him from danger.

When the coaster slowed on gentler tracks, Nangong Shiyu opened his eyes. He thought it was Xia Zixin's hand. But turning left, he remembered—Shen Yining sat there.

"Shiyu..."

Her face was bright red with embarrassment. She looked away, trying to hide her blush.

"Does this help?" she asked.

"Yeah..."

It was good.

Nangong Shiyu nodded, then fell into thought.

He'd originally sought Shen Yining to push her away. Why did her advances grow stronger instead?

He couldn't understand.

Why was she so persistent?

Why so stubborn?

There was... no reason.

"Shen Yining... I think..."

He tried to shake off her hand. But no matter how he wriggled, it stayed firmly on his.

"Shen Yining?"

He looked at her, puzzled, wanting her to let go.

But she refused.

"I won't let go."

Her voice was firm. No hesitation at all.

◆

After the ride, Nangong Shiyu felt drained. He could barely walk. Xia Zixin and Shen Yining flanked him, trapping him. After a while, he struggled free with all his might.

"Stop sandwiching me," Nangong Shiyu said. "With so many people watching... it's embarrassing."

"Shiyu, what's there to fear? I said today is our trio's da—"

"Xia Zixin." Nangong Shiyu's voice was low, heavy with today's anger. "You've gone too far."

To him, she truly had.

Invading what should've been just his and Shen Yining's date. Forcing decisions on him. None of this was his choice.

"Shiyu... I'm sorry..."

Shen Yining bowed her head, apologizing.

"I got carried away today too."

"It's fine."

Nangong Shiyu replied weakly. He sat on a park bench.

"I need to rest."

"Okay."

Shen Yining nodded, sitting beside him.

"If you're tired... should we head back early this afternoon?"

"No. Just a short rest. We'll continue later." Nangong Shiyu answered. "I swear I'll never ride a roller coaster again."

Roller coasters.

He wished never to touch one again.

"Shiyu, I'm sorry. I won't force you on one again."

Though he'd come this afternoon to make Shen Yining give up on him...

After half an hour of fun, she seemed far more likable than Xia Zixin.

Perhaps...

Should he accept her? Try dating her?

That thought crossed Nangong Shiyu's mind.