After the shooting gallery owner’s tearful pleading, Cheng Hao and Ye Xinyi finally left the shop and continued wandering aimlessly down the pedestrian street.

Cheng Hao had just shot down over twenty plush toys—each one the largest, hardest-to-win kind. Yet Ye Xinyi only kept a mini plush crocodile keychain. She returned all the rest to the shopkeeper, who was moved to tears.

“I won so many. Why take just this tiny one?” Cheng Hao eyed the little crocodile in her hands, feeling slightly cheated.

“What would we do with a mountain of toys? You’re not opening a toy shop,” Ye Xinyi shot back, annoyed. This man really couldn’t stand losing out on anything.

“I’ll keep it as a memento of our first date.” She smiled brightly at the tiny crocodile keychain, her expression radiating youthful sweetness. Cheng Hao found himself oddly captivated.

“What should we do next? The street ends up ahead,” Cheng Hao said, nodding toward the quiet path ahead.

“Let’s keep walking. Dorm curfew’s late anyway, and they don’t check rooms.”

“Alright then.” Cheng Hao nodded, letting Ye Xinyi tug his arm toward the right-hand road.

Thirty minutes later, they circled back to the same exit. This pedestrian street was a small tourist spot—generic games, only snack stalls, no proper restaurants or hotels.

“So… we’re heading back?” Ye Xinyi asked, staring at the back of Cheng Hao’s head, a trace of reluctance in her voice.

In her mind, a perfect date meant laughing while shopping, sharing sweet bubble tea, dining at an elegant Western restaurant, then watching a tear-jerking romance film. Maybe even a blush-worthy moment in the cinema darkness. And if things went well… perhaps a hotel afterward. She felt a flicker of nervousness about that last part, but figured it was inevitable someday. No need to hold back now.

But their first date? Just snacks and arcade games. It felt incomplete. Yet this quiet, unremarkable street offered nothing more.

“How about I show you a special place?” Cheng Hao grinned mysteriously.

“Where?” Ye Xinyi couldn’t hide her curiosity.

“Surprise. Just follow me.”

“Oh!” Her eyes lit up. She’d thought the date was over—this unexpected detour thrilled her.

...

They arrived quickly.

“An amusement park!” Ye Xinyi exclaimed, excitement bubbling in her voice.

She’d only been once as a child—with Cheng Hao. After moving abroad, she’d never returned to such places. Being here again with him stirred sweet nostalgia.

Seeing her bright-eyed joy, Cheng Hao knew he’d chosen well. He smiled and led her inside.

“Cheng Hao, I want to ride this!”

“And that carousel too!”

Inside the park, Ye Xinyi’s eyes sparkled at the dizzying rides. She bounced like an excited child. Cheng Hao watched her, warmth spreading across his face.

“Then we’ll try them all!” Her enthusiasm reminded him of little Ye Zihan years ago, tugging his sleeve to play. For a fleeting moment, Ye Xinyi’s face overlapped with childhood memories of Zihan.

*Just my imagination*, he thought sadly.

Soon, Cheng Hao returned with a stack of tickets. Even as a “one-day boyfriend,” her happiness mattered most. Ye Xinyi’s eyes glowed as she eyed the tickets, her delicate brows lifting with unrestrained delight.

“Hurry, Cheng Hao!” She dragged him to the carousel.

Music swelled. The horses began to turn. Ye Xinyi spread her arms, eyes closed, imagining herself galloping across vast grasslands. Her fluttering eyelashes betrayed pure joy. Riding a white horse, she looked like a princess gliding toward him.

Cheng Hao’s mind flashed with a line: *“Your Highness, your loyal subject has arrived—late, but here.”*

As he daydreamed, Ye Xinyi opened her eyes. She turned her head, smiling sweetly at him. On impulse, Cheng Hao pulled out his phone and captured the moment forever.

Seeing the boy who mirrored her childhood memories, Ye Xinyi’s heart swelled with happiness.

When the music stopped, Cheng Hao deliberately steered her toward the giant pendulum ride.

“AAAAH!!!”

“HELP!!!”

Terrified screams echoed. Ye Xinyi paled, gripping Cheng Hao’s arm weakly. “Maybe… we skip this one?” Her voice trembled slightly.

“Scared? Weren’t you the one pointing at it earlier?” Cheng Hao teased, grinning.

“Annoying! Who’s scared? I’ll ride it! Hmph!” She steeled herself. *I’ll just keep my eyes shut tight.*

“Really? No backing out once we’re strapped in.”

“Hmph! I’m riding!” She gritted her teeth.

Inside the cabin, safety bars locked. Ye Xinyi’s nerves spiked. “Can we… not do this?” she whispered shakily.

Cheng Hao hesitated, then gently took her hand. “Nothing to fear. I’m right here.” His warm smile steadied her. The tension in her chest eased. With him beside her, the world felt safer.

*What if it crashes?*

*Would dying together with Cheng Hao count as dying for love?*

The pendulum lurched upward. Higher. Higher. Then—it swung out violently.

Thankfully, their seats were paired. Ye Xinyi clutched Cheng Hao’s hand, eyes squeezed shut, her lovely face pale. As the carriage plunged downward, she finally screamed—a raw, unfiltered cry. Her grip tightened like she truly meant to become his death-defying lover.

“AAAAH!!!”

Two minutes later, the ride slowed. Cheng Hao guided Ye Xinyi off, her legs trembling.

“You okay?” He frowned at her ashen face, guilt pricking his heart.

She exhaled slowly. “Whew…” Her voice still shook, but excitement sparkled through. “Cheng Hao… that was amazing!”

“Huh?” He’d expected her to swear off thrill rides forever.

“At first I was terrified. But knowing you were there… I still screamed, but the fear faded.” She bounced happily, her radiant smile like spring sunshine. “Will I ride it again? Absolutely!” She nodded firmly, eyes locked on his.

*Wherever you are is spring.*

*Cheng Hao… this is my twentieth year of liking you.*