Nov. 24, Tuesday Evening

Yue Yang pointed to a ramen shop not far away. Surprisingly, people still stood in line outside at this hour. Qinmu hesitated. "Are you sure about this place? I feel like it’ll take forever."

Yue Yang smiled. "Oh, it’s fine. Those in line are all for takeout. We’ll eat inside—no queue needed." They hurried toward the shop. The moonlight was bright and exceptionally clear. To passersby, they probably looked like just another pair of ordinary best friends.

"Boss, two large bowls of beef ramen, mild spice, and two glasses of orange juice," Yue Yang said casually.

Qinmu had never seen this side of her—so cheerful and warm. If she acted like this in class, she’d be popular. But this was her hidden charm, only showing in safe spaces. Around strangers, Yue Yang would shield herself, hiding her true self and avoiding unnecessary contact.

"You seem different today," Qinmu said.

"Really? Sorry for showing you my unladylike side. But I love this street vibe—lively and anonymous. You can eat and play freely without judgment."

"I see. Then why are you so cold and quiet around classmates?"

"Well, I guess I’m just not brave enough to approach them. Though I do have a few female classmates I chat with. Anyway, there are many reasons. I feel safe with easygoing people like you, Qinmu. With most others, I don’t know how to interact. After a few chats, we run out of topics, and it feels like strangers. It’s not that I don’t want to talk; it’s like they isolate me." Yue Yang fell silent for a moment. "I’m used to it. Not everyone can be the star of the class. Even the top student isn’t always popular, right?" She finally voiced her deepest thought, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders.

"There’s some truth to that. Socializing can be fake—flattery and mutual praise. Maybe because I hang out with guys more, I don’t get how girls interact. But if you can keep a conversation going from the start, that person might be worth befriending. You should try more, not give up after one failure," Qinmu tried to correct her negative view.

"Let’s drop it. Talking won’t change anything. The noodles are here—eat while hot." Yue Yang skillfully changed the subject. She knew she was introverted and prone to setbacks, but she didn’t think there was anything wrong with that.

After eating, they headed to the nearest cinema for the next showing—a romance film. Qinmu wondered why Yue Yang chose this; she preferred sci-fi blockbusters. But ladies first, so she followed Yue Yang’s choice.

"I saw promotions for this online. Should be good," Yue Yang said excitedly, waiting for the movie to start.

"Not sure. It’s the premiere today. Hope I don’t fall asleep." Qinmu remembered last time with HuiXiang—she dozed off halfway through an animated film, and HuiXiang snapped a photo of her drooling. So embarrassing.

"Don’t worry. I’ll pinch your arm hard. That’ll keep you awake," Yue Yang joked.

"That’ll hurt! Please don’t. As long as you enjoy it, I’m fine. I’m not really into romance films."

"Shh, it’s starting. Quiet now."

The lights dimmed, plunging the theater into darkness. The movie began, the air filled with the scent of popcorn. Luckily, they were full, so no temptation. The long romance followed the heroine and hero, separated for seven years, reuniting as love’s bond drew them together. Yue Yang watched intently, captivated by their story. Qinmu, not understanding much, drifted off to sleep, leaning on Yue Yang’s shoulder. Yue Yang occasionally glanced down at the serene, sleeping face. Truly, watching her favorite movie with someone she liked was the most perfect scene imaginable.

When they left the cinema, it was late. Streetlights glowed, but shops had closed.

"It’s so late. Stay over at my place. It’s nearby. Tomorrow, someone can bring your bag to school," Qinmu suggested, now awake.

"I guess that’s the only option. Okay! I’ve wanted to see your home. And your sister doesn’t know me yet—is she home?" Yue Yang was a little excited.

"Yeah, she’s home. Let’s walk back."

Streetlights cast their similar-height silhouettes, shadows stretching until the light faded away. They climbed the stairs to Qinmu’s home—a low-rise building without an elevator.

Yue Yang looked around exaggeratedly. "Your house is huge! Must be over 140 square meters."

Qinmu closed the door and placed slippers by her feet. "It’s okay. We have a big family—me, my sister, my older sister, and Mom."

Yue Yang asked a bit tactlessly, "What about your dad?"

Qinmu replied reluctantly, "He divorced Mom and moved out. I haven’t seen him in years. He took my older sister abroad a few years ago. Probably not back yet. Mom doesn’t like hearing about him, so we avoid the topic at home."

Luckily, Qinmu’s mom was often away on business trips, so only the sisters were home.

Qingyu heard voices and came out in pajamas. "Oh, a guest? Qinmu’s classmate?" Yue Yang saw Qinmu’s older sister—173cm tall, slender with an intellectual beauty, sky-blue long hair, silky pajamas, and a lovely young face. Truly, a sister anyone would envy.