Soon, the Ferris wheel slowly came to a stop, ending today’s date.

But they didn’t rush back to school. Instead, they headed to grab a bite nearby.

They’d only eaten local snacks that evening—no proper meal. After a full day of fun, they were ravenous.

Ye Xinran clung tightly to Cheng Hao’s arm, weaving through the crowded streets toward a nearby plaza.

Soon, they reached a restaurant.

After casually ordering some dishes, they ate and chatted. Ye Xinran’s laughter rang out like silver bells now and then, making onlookers envious.

After dinner, they strolled around the plaza to digest.

Standing close, they looked like any normal couple, wandering aimlessly.

“Huh?” Ye Xinran suddenly perked up, drawn by distant singing.

Curious—or just wanting more time with Cheng Hao—she pulled him toward the sound.

Following the melody, they found a crowd gathered at the plaza’s edge. The singing came from within.

…

“Cheng Hao, that guy sings pretty well,” Ye Xinran said, turning to him.

“Yeah, he’s actually quite good,” Cheng Hao nodded with a smile.

Not as polished as screen stars, but rare skill for an ordinary person.

“Then… could you sing for me? Just as a keepsake?” Her long eyelashes trembled slightly, eyes brimming with anticipation.

“Well… I’m not comfortable singing in front of crowds,” Cheng Hao declined politely.

“What if you sing for your childhood sweetheart instead?” Ye Xinran tilted her head, flashing a faint smile. “I’ll record it. Send it to her—she’ll find it romantic. Might even rush to meet you!”

“Oh! Why didn’t I think of that!” Cheng Hao clapped excitedly. Her idea was brilliant!

“Told you,” a hint of cunning flashed in Ye Xinran’s eyes, unnoticed. “Pick a romantic song to move her. Any shared favorite singers?”

“A favorite singer…” Cheng Hao frowned, then clapped again. “Jay Chou! We both love him. For romance… ‘Common Jasmine Orange’ is perfect.”

“Then go! She’ll be thrilled!” Ye Xinran urged, pushing him gently.

Cheng Hao pushed through the crowd to the street performer, who’d just finished a song. He scanned a QR code to pay a hundred yuan, then whispered in the guy’s ear.

The performer understood instantly, handing over the mic.

“Testing, one two…”

Cheng Hao tapped the mic. “Thanks to this generous brother for the stage. This next song’s for my girlfriend.”

“Wow…”

“Clap clap clap…”

The crowd cheered.

“Go for it, kid!”

“Respect your courage, bro!”

“Handsome, we girls back you!”

“Thanks for the support. Bear with me if I’m off-key,” Cheng Hao said seriously, nodding to the performer.

A familiar instrumental began, soft and sweet…

Cheng Hao sang slowly:

[The sparrow outside the window chirps on the telephone pole.]

[You said this line feels very much like summer.]

“Wow!”

The crowd erupted at his first note!

“Holy crap! What a voice!!” someone blurted.

“Shh!” Others glared, silencing him.

Ye Xinran stood stunned, mouth slightly open…

She’d never expected Cheng Hao to sing this well.

No—not just good. Better than many pros…

His voice flowed on:

[The pencil in my hand moves back and forth on the paper.]

[I use a few lines to describe who you are to me.]

[The taste of saury, the cat and you all want to know.]

[The scent of first love is thus rediscovered by us.]

[That warm sunshine is like freshly picked bright strawberries.]

[You said you can’t bear to eat this feeling.]

…

As he sang halfway, more people gathered, drawn by his voice. Phones lifted to record…

[The rain falls all night, my love overflows like the rainwater.]

[Leaves in the yard, my longing thoughts pile up thick and high.]

[A few words of slander cannot cool down my passion.]

[You appear on every page of my poem.]

Silence hung after the last note. The crowd stayed immersed…

“Clap clap clap…”

Thunderous applause broke out.

“Damn, I forgot to record!” someone groaned, slapping their thigh.

“I got half—but missed the start…”

Only Ye Xinran had the full video. She’d planned to tease him if he sang badly. Instead…

It was amazing!

She’d keep it all to herself.

“Encore! One more!”

“Yeah! Again!”

Seeing the frenzy, Cheng Hao didn’t want another song. He gave a quick bow, grabbed Ye Xinran’s hand, and squeezed through the crowd, vanishing fast…

He pulled her into a light run. They stopped only after escaping. Minutes longer, and they’d have been trapped!

The crowd’s passion was overwhelming.

“Phew…” Cheng Hao caught his breath. Ye Xinran panted lightly beside him.

Their disheveled, fleeing figures made them exchange a smile.

After a few minutes, they calmed.

“Cheng Hao, you’re incredible!” Ye Xinran gazed at him, eyes full of admiration.

Cheng Hao smiled faintly. “Just a hobby. I practice Jay Chou’s songs at home when bored.”

“So you’re a Jay Chou fan too! When he tours next, let’s go together?” She looked hopeful.

“Forget it. I’d pray for a new album, let alone a concert.” Cheng Hao felt nostalgic… for the muscular Jay of old, not today’s milk-tea-loving “princess.”

“I don’t care! If he does, you’re taking me!” Ye Xinran bared her teeth in a mock-growl.

“Uh oh…”

I’m really falling into her trap… Cheng Hao thought, charmed by her fierce-yet-cute glare.

He’d genuinely enjoyed the day, fulfilling her wish.

But after tonight, everything would reset.

Strangely, he felt reluctant—as if sinking into the “one-day boyfriend” role.

Yet he knew it was fake. He liked Ye Xinran, yes, and their date was fun. But he’d never forgotten who he truly should love.

“Alright, Xinran. It’s late. Let’s head back,” Cheng Hao said, turning to her.

“When’s our next date?” Ye Xinran asked, eyes bright with hope.

“......” Cheng Hao stayed silent.

“Believe me,” Ye Xinran lifted her head, gentle warmth in her gaze, voice soft:

“That day won’t be long now.”