After that, the two fell silent again.

Qian Yu leaned against the window, gazing at the night view outside. Xia Chuan quietly watched her from across the cabin.

The Ferris wheel spun fast. Their cabin quickly rose to the highest point.

At this height, not just the amusement park but the surrounding neighborhoods came into view. Lights dotted the dark building silhouettes, stretching out like a sea of stars in the distance.

Even Qian Yu gasped softly in awe at the sight.

But the peak moment was brief. Before she could take it all in, the cabin began its steady descent.

Feeling it drop, Qian Yu reluctantly tore her gaze away. With Ferris wheels, the ascent was the most fun part. Reaching the top and descending felt like an early end.

Just as she looked back, she noticed Xia Chuan staring at her. Meeting his eyes, her cheeks flushed slightly.

Her flustered gaze darted away as she blurted loudly, "What are you staring at, idiot Xia Chuan!"

Xia Chuan didn’t apologize or reply. He just kept watching her calmly.

Sensing something off, Qian Yu felt inexplicably nervous. "What’s wrong?"

"Qian Yu..." After a pause, Xia Chuan finally spoke. "Remember what I mentioned last night?"

"I remember..." Qian Yu froze, then her eyes dimmed.

"What I want to ask is... do you really like that person?" Xia Chuan looked at her seriously.

Hearing this, Qian Yu froze again. Slowly, she lowered her head, looking dejected.

She knew he meant himself. Of course—being liked by his nominal daughter, no one could be straightforward about it.

Though Xia Chuan had vaguely said he wouldn’t oppose her, he’d also said he didn’t support it. Qian Yu knew he was about to lay his cards on the table.

Now, she had two choices: lie and hide her feelings, or follow her heart and tell the truth.

Choosing truth might ruin their relationship. Choosing lies would keep them as loving father and daughter.

The first seemed right... but she chose the second.

Biting her lip, Qian Yu lifted her head. Tears filled her eyes; her small fists clenched tightly. With a vulnerable expression, she whispered, "I like you... I like you the most..."

Yes, I like you! Even if it’s embarrassing, even if you reject me—I’ll say it! Hit me if you dare, idiot Xia Chuan!

Tears streamed down her cheeks, tracing over her tear mole.

Seeing this, Xia Chuan panicked. He’d only asked if she liked that girl—why was she crying?

Flustered, he pulled out tissues, moved forward, and gently wiped her tears. "Don’t cry, don’t cry..."

"None of your business, idiot Xia Chuan!" Qian Yu pressed her hands against his chest, trying to push him away. But her body felt weak from crying.

"Alright, alright. I’ll agree to it, okay..." Xia Chuan stopped wiping, sighed deeply. "I agree, little girl..."

"I don’t need you—" Qian Yu froze. Her tears receded; she stared at him in disbelief. "Huh? What did you say?"

"I said I agree to it, little girl..." Xia Chuan gave a bitter smile, patting her head.

He’d been thinking: as her guardian, he should guide her right. But her happiness mattered more. He’d made her cry twice—rare since her mother’s passing. Better to let things be than force separation and earn her resentment.

Hearing his words, Qian Yu’s heart fluttered. Her face flushed crimson. Is this... him accepting my confession?

She quickly looked down at the floor. After a long silence, blushing deeply, she asked shyly, "Then... even marriage... is okay?"

Pfft! Xia Chuan felt like spitting blood. Hey, I just agreed to dating—you’re already planning marriage? Do you want to marry before me?

Though internally screaming, he forced a smile to reassure her. "O-of course... if the law allows it."

Qian Yu felt like short-circuiting. Her face burned red; imaginary smoke seemed to rise from her head.

Shakily, she stood up. Hands clasped between her legs, she bowed stiffly to Xia Chuan and stammered, "Th-then, please take care of me from now on!"

Hey, "take care of me"? Do you plan to bring your girlfriend home daily? Don’t push your luck! Xia Chuan had misunderstood again.

He couldn’t say it outright. "Yeah, yeah... But Qian Yu, couples need space. Don’t cling too much. Bring your little girlfriend over later, okay?"

"My little girlfriend? Who?" Qian Yu was dumbfounded.

"Oh, didn’t I ask last night if you liked a girl? You even asked how I knew." Xia Chuan sensed something wrong from her expression.

"Huh?" Qian Yu’s face froze. So that’s what you meant?

"So you didn’t know at all?" Her blush vanished, leaving her pale.

"Know what?" Xia Chuan scratched his head, confused.

Seeing his cluelessness, Qian Yu realized her mistake. Of course—an idiot like him couldn’t know her feelings. And... recalling her confession, she wanted to dig a hole and bury herself!

Overwhelmed with shame, she glared at him, tear-filled eyes flashing. Fists clenched, she yelled, "Die, idiot Xia Chuan! Take this punch to your chest!!"

"Pfft! Ah~" A heavy blow sent Xia Chuan flying backward. He crashed into the window, stopping only there.

Night deepened. Park visitors left one by one. Car headlights and streetlights dotted their paths home.

"So, you don’t have a girlfriend at all?" Outside the park, at the bike stand, Xia Chuan asked cautiously, holding his aching chest.

"Obviously! I’m a girl—how could I like girls?" Qian Yu crossed her arms and snapped.

"Yeah, I guess..." Xia Chuan chuckled awkwardly. "Then how did Teacher Bai think you had one?"

"...I don’t know." Qian Yu stiffened. Her eyes dimmed as she replied softly.

"By the way, since you misunderstood me—what did you think I meant back then?" Xia Chuan pondered, curious. She’d cried and made a scene; he couldn’t help wondering.

Qian Yu’s face flushed again. Bowing her head, she silently pinched his waist hard. "None of your business, idiot Xia Chuan!"

"Ow!" Xia Chuan yelped. Hey kid, didn’t your teacher say gentlemen use words, not fists?

Ignoring his pain, Qian Yu gave one last pinch. She slung her backpack and huffily sat on the bike’s rear seat.

"Comrade Qian Yu, why are you angrier than me? I’m the one getting hit." Xia Chuan held his waist, amused and exasperated.

Qian Yu didn’t reply. She just turned her head and snorted softly.

"Fine, I’m magnanimous. Won’t hold it against a kid like you." Xia Chuan muttered, sitting on the driver’s seat. Before pedaling, he reminded her, "Hold on tight."

"So talkative..." Qian Yu reluctantly wrapped her arms around his waist.

Xia Chuan started pedaling. Night wind brushed past. Qian Yu rested her head tiredly against his back, feeling his warmth. She could almost hear his heartbeat. At that moment, she felt inexplicably at peace.

Her black hair fluttered; her long ponytail swayed gently. Gazing at the night scenery, her eyes grew hazy. Softly, she asked, "Xia Chuan, will you take me to the amusement park again?"

"Well, if I have time, definitely..." Xia Chuan replied, looking ahead.

"Then, it’s a promise..." Qian Yu’s expression softened. Silently, she hugged him tighter.

Xia Chuan chuckled lightly. "Mhm, it’s a promise."