Amusement Park.

Upon hearing this word, Qian Yu felt momentarily dazed.

Amusement parks, whether past or present, felt unfamiliar to her. Since Xia Chuan adopted her, she’d never visited such places again. Her only trip had been with her mother, long ago. Years had blurred those memories—only the silhouettes of rides and her mother’s ever-smiling face remained.

But it wasn’t Xia Chuan’s fault. Back then, he struggled alone: studying by day, laboring at construction sites by night. He barely managed her meals, schooling, and shelter. Now, though their life improved, his busy work left little time to meet, let alone play together. So when he mentioned this place, Qian Yu couldn’t help zoning out.

“What’s wrong, Qian Yu? Don’t you like amusement parks?” Xia Chuan asked, puzzled by her silence.

“Who likes it! Do I look that childish? It’s just… since we’re almost there… I’ll reluctantly go this once…” Qian Yu finally snapped back, replying with a tsundere huff after a pause.

Xia Chuan smiled faintly, chuckling into the breeze. “Yes, yes. Sorry for putting you through such hardship…”

Under the darkening sky, the man cycled while the girl clung to his back like a kitten. Night wind tousled their hair. Slowly, the park’s outline appeared ahead.

Qian Yu’s school was near the park, so even on a bicycle, Xia Chuan reached the entrance quickly. It wasn’t a holiday—the crowd was thin. But from outside, twinkling rides against the dusk sky looked breathtaking. After parking, Xia Chuan led Qian Yu to the ticket booth. No queue waited.

“Two adult tickets,” he said at the window.

The seller glanced at Qian Yu behind him. “Sir, buy couple tickets. It’s cheaper.”

“Couple tickets?”

Qian Yu’s face flushed instantly. She stole a hopeful peek at Xia Chuan’s profile.

“Couple? Sorry, miss—we’re not a couple,” Xia Chuan waved off, puzzled. *Can’t she see we’re father and daughter?* Xiao Yuxiang had urged him to treat Qian Yu as a man, but posing as her boyfriend felt impossible. Besides, Qian Yu—a lesbian—would never tolerate it. *Good thing I clarified,* he thought. *Otherwise, our relationship might’ve worsened again.*

A sharp pain stabbed his waist. He gasped, turning to see Qian Yu pinching his side, fingers trembling slightly.

“My dear lady, what are you doing!” Xia Chuan winced.

“Idiot Xia Chuan, just die!” She twisted hard before releasing him.

*My lady, what now? I didn’t offend you…* Xia Chuan wailed inwardly at the soreness.

Qian Yu ignored his pained look. She huffed coldly and ran to stand by another entrance. Xia Chuan watched her go, sighing with a bitter smile. “This must be the rebellious phase…”

*Rebellious phase my ass! She’s just mad you skipped the couple tickets!*

The ticket seller rubbed her forehead. “Sir, buy couple tickets. It might calm her down.”

“Really?” Xia Chuan eyed her suspiciously.

“Really! I swear on my honor,” she insisted with a strained smile.

Xia Chuan studied her earnest face, then snapped back with a strange expression. “Alright—two couple tickets.”

Qian Yu stood silently by the entrance. Visitors glanced at the pure, beautiful girl, but she didn’t notice. Head down, she pouted. *Idiot Xia Chuan… Fool Xia Chuan…*

Xia Chuan approached, tapping her nose playfully with the tickets. “Spacing out again? Let’s go.”

The tickle made her cheeks heat. True to her tsundere nature, she slapped his hand away. “Don’t touch me randomly, idiot Xia Chuan!” She stormed toward the gate alone.

“Wait, silly girl—you can’t enter without a ticket!” Xia Chuan called.

Qian Yu froze, realizing her mistake. Embarrassed—she rarely visited parks—she hurried back, snatching a ticket without a word. She waved it softly. “Okay now?”

“Yes, yes. Hurry in,” Xia Chuan gestured.

She turned toward the gate but paused after a few steps. Examining the ticket closely, she gasped. “X-Xia Chuan… did you buy couple tickets?” She turned back, body trembling slightly.

“Yeah… what’s wrong?” Xia Chuan swallowed, watching her anxiously. *Did the seller’s advice work?*

“Why? We’re not a couple…” Qian Yu fidgeted, hiding her flushed face behind the ticket like a veil.

“Duh, I know. Qian Yu—are you mad I didn’t take the cheaper option? Don’t chase small savings like this. This time’s fine, but no next time.” Xia Chuan missed her real anger, thinking she just hated wasting money.

Qian Yu paused, gloomy inside. But spotting “For Couples Only” on the ticket edge, her mood lifted instantly. “Idiot Xia Chuan… think whatever you want.” She stuck out her tongue and strode forward.

Xia Chuan scratched his head, confused. “So… she’s in a better mood now?”

Night had fully fallen, but park lights gave the rides a magical glow. They tried gentle attractions—carousels, bumper cars—avoiding thrill rides like roller coasters. With closing time at 9 PM, they headed for the Ferris wheel last. Few visitors remained.

Walking silently, Xia Chuan reflected on tonight’s “date.” It felt more like a father outing than romance. Xiao Yuxiang’s advice echoed—treat Qian Yu as a man—but he kept slipping back into fatherhood. *I just can’t see her as an ordinary woman. The plan to “straighten” her needs rethinking.*

They boarded an empty cabin. As it rose steadily, city lights spread below. Qian Yu pressed against the window, gazing dreamily. Her eyes mirrored the glittering world.

Her last Ferris wheel ride was over a decade ago—memories blurred. She recalled only her small self, lifted by her mother to see daytime views far less beautiful than tonight’s.

Xia Chuan smiled softly. “Qian Yu, did you have fun today?”

She didn’t turn, cheeks warming. “Well… it was okay. Of course! Only because the place is fun—nothing to do with you!” she added with tsundere emphasis.

Xia Chuan chuckled, warmth spreading through him. *Whether she rediscovers male charm or not, her happiness makes this trip worthwhile. She’s happy—that’s enough.* After a pause, he murmured, “Yes, yes… my little lady…”