The next morning, Cheng Hao arrived at the cafeteria for breakfast, only to unexpectedly bump into Ye Xinran.

"Junior!"

A crisp, cheerful voice called out. Ye Xinran jogged over with a bright, beaming smile.

"Don’t you have classes today, senior?"

"We’re free today," Ye Xinran replied, propping her chin on her hand as she gazed at him. A faint blush spread across her delicate face. "Come on a date with me."

"A... date?" Cheng Hao frowned slightly. This campus beauty really didn’t treat him like an outsider—he wasn’t even her boyfriend. Why date her?

"Senior, this isn’t really—" Cheng Hao sighed helplessly, about to refuse, but Ye Xinran cut him off. "Remember what you promised me last time?"

"Yeah. I said I’d grant you one condition," Cheng Hao sighed again.

"Heh heh. Then my condition is this: be my boyfriend for a day tonight."

"A boyfriend for a day?" Cheng Hao stared at her, utterly stunned. He’d planned to refuse, but he’d given his word. Besides, it wasn’t too much to ask. He might as well humor her.

"Meet at the school gate tonight. I bought a pretty dress—you dress sharp too!" Ye Xinran chirped happily.

"Unnecessary. Too much trouble," Cheng Hao shook his head.

"Isn’t looking nice a good thing?" Ye Xinran tilted her head, puzzled. It wasn’t that her usual clothes were bad—this was their first date. She wanted to look perfect for a precious memory.

Cheng Hao gave her a warm, helpless look. "You’re already gorgeous normally. If you look even better, I’ll feel pressured." Truth was, he just hated waiting like an idiot while girls spent hours changing.

"R-really? You think I’m pretty normally?" Ye Xinran asked like a curious kid, just wanting more compliments. Women always said one thing but meant another.

"Mm-hmm, pretty," Cheng Hao nodded with a teasing, indulgent smile.

"Eight o’clock then," Ye Xinran said, satisfied.

Night fell. Cheng Hao and Ye Xinran met at the school gate as planned.

"Lucky I showered too, or I’d be waiting for you," Cheng Hao remarked, eyeing Ye Xinran’s stunning appearance. Her long black hair draped over her shoulders; side-swept bangs brushed her eyelids. Her clear, lively eyes held a hint of pride as she looked at him. Her delicate nose, slightly pink cheeks, and faintly red lips glowed under the streetlights. She wore a simple black dress—no frills, yet it looked extraordinary on her.

Cheng Hao scanned her up and down. "Not bad. Didn’t expect you to look this good today, senior."

"Hmph! You said no changing clothes, but you did!" Ye Xinran’s face flushed red as she dodged his intense gaze.

"In this heat, I had to change. Can’t date you smelling like sweat," Cheng Hao turned toward the neon-lit pedestrian street. "Where to, senior?"

"Your call." Ye Xinran hesitated, glancing at his hand. She wanted to hold it but couldn’t bring herself to. Be reserved. I must stay reserved! she chanted inwardly.

Cheng Hao noticed her fidgeting fingers and evasive eyes. He understood instantly. "Let’s stroll ahead." If not for Ye Zihan, he might’ve taken her hand. But they were just friends—he was taken. Holding her hand would make him a scumbag.

Ye Xinran fumed inwardly. This idiot... can’t you just hold my hand? No! Screw being reserved—I don’t care anymore! She hooked her arm through his, blushing. "There’s an amusement park ahead. Let’s go there."

"Ah... um..." Cheng Hao felt her softness against his arm. He hadn’t expected such boldness. This campus belle definitely had ulterior motives. Whatever... let her be.

They walked slowly down the street, looking like any ordinary couple. Unconsciously, they slipped through an alley into downtown’s bustling pedestrian zone. Brand boutiques lined both sides, snack stalls dotted the sidewalks, and crowds surged everywhere in Magic City’s busiest strip.

"These people are annoying—always staring," Ye Xinran muttered. Men’s eyes kept drifting to her, dazzled by her glow. Their girlfriends yanked their ears, sparking frantic pleas for mercy.

Ye Xinran held a grilled squid skewer, mouth slightly open in embarrassment. She rarely wore lipstick—her roommate had done her makeup today. She worried about smearing it everywhere and being laughed at.

"Listen, senior," Cheng Hao said gently. "You’re usually so lively. This is cute, but you seem stiff. Just be yourself."

"Okay," Ye Xinran murmured, head down, skewer in hand. "Um... today, don’t call me ‘senior.’ Call me Xinran."

"I can... but it feels too intimate," Cheng Hao scratched his head awkwardly.

"N-no! You’re not allowed to call me ‘senior’ today!" Ye Xinran huffed, biting into the squid and eating freely. She looked adorably flustered.

After wandering a while, Ye Xinran was drawn to a small shooting stall. Plastic guns, plastic bullets—hit the balloons on plush toys to win them. Mostly parents and couples played here. Ye Xinran watched a boyfriend hit a target; his girlfriend cheered and kissed him. She longed for that with Cheng Hao.

"Want one? Pick any," Cheng Hao said confidently.

The stall owner smirked inwardly. If winning was easy, he wouldn’t be in business.

"Whatever you hit, I’ll take it," Ye Xinran said lightly. She just wanted that sweet moment.

"Alright!" Cheng Hao handed over 50 yuan, shouldered a toy gun, and aimed at the balloons.

Ye Xinran watched him shoot for her, a sweet smile spreading on her lips. This first date felt precious—even though he didn’t know her true self. She wished time would freeze right here. I really want to hug him. Why won’t this idiot recognize me?

The owner noticed her loving gaze and smiled knowingly. It reminded him of his youth, running under sunset skies with his wife.

*Thwip!* Cheng Hao hit a toy rabbit.

Huh? First shot—impressive!

*Thwip!* A toy bear next.

The owner frowned. Something’s off.

*Thwip!* A toy crocodile.

What the? Is he here to ruin me?

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

Every shot hit its mark.

"Sir..." the owner pleaded, "I’ll pay you 100 yuan to try another stall, okay?"