Xiao Mu finally realized what Gu Qingyi had ordered—it was a couple’s set meal!

Only then did he notice most diners here were pairs of guys and girls. This restaurant… seemed to specialize in romantic couple’s meals!

This… was seriously awkward.

No wonder Gu Qingyi had blushed earlier. Xiao Mu sighed inwardly—it wasn’t his fault. He rarely ate out, usually staying home, so he didn’t know these places.

But Gu Qingyi surely knew. Yet she hadn’t objected. She’d silently agreed.

Understanding this eased Xiao Mu’s embarrassment. But now, how to eat this couple’s meal?

Gu Qingyi’s set featured a huge bowl of exquisitely crafted noodles, topped with a heart-shaped fried egg. There were also snacks, desserts, and one cold drink. Plus, two pairs of chopsticks and a single straw.

“Ahem, Qingyi,” Xiao Mu said, “I’m not really hungry. You eat it alone.” He’d just met her today, so he felt stiff.

“That won’t do!” Gu Qingyi insisted, her face serious. “We came to eat together. If only I eat, it’s unfair! And I can’t finish this alone—wasting food is bad!”

Xiao Mu was speechless. *She’s not bothered. Why should I, a guy, be awkward?*

He nodded, picking up his chopsticks.

Gu Qingyi smiled happily, grabbing hers too.

As they leaned forward slightly to reach the noodles in the center… their heads bumped.

They looked up, eyes locking. The air turned electric.

A jolt shot through Xiao Mu. His heart raced. The sunlight outside seemed dazzling; the girl before him, breathtakingly beautiful.

Gu Qingyi’s eyes shimmered with light, making him dizzy for a moment.

*Ding! Gu Qingyi’s favorability toward the host increased by 2 points. Keep it up!*

Xiao Mu snapped back. “Sorry,” he mumbled, flustered.

Gu Qingyi shook her head gently. “No, I should apologize.”

Silence fell. They ate, each lost in thought.

To avoid another bump, they silently took turns—one bite each.

“Senior Xiao Mu,” Gu Qingyi asked suddenly, “do you want the drink?”

“Yeah.” He took a sip, then froze. Only one drink. What about her?

Gu Qingyi casually took the cup from his hand. She sipped from the same spot he’d used, then stuck out her tongue playfully. “Not my favorite flavor.”

A strange warmth stirred in Xiao Mu. He stared at her rosy lips, wondering what kissing them would feel like.

“Senior? What’s wrong?” Gu Qingyi tilted her head, puzzled by his daze.

“Nothing. Just eat,” he chuckled dryly. *My willpower’s too weak. Oh my god.*

Gu Qingyi didn’t press. Later, she pushed the fried egg toward him. “You eat this.”

“Alone?”

“Yes! You burned energy playing basketball earlier—you need more.”

“But I can’t finish this whole egg,” Xiao Mu said wryly. “Let’s share it.”

“Share?” Gu Qingyi blinked.

“Half each.”

“But splitting the heart shape ruins it.”

True. A broken heart felt off.

“So… what now?” Xiao Mu scratched his head, conflicted.

“Just eat it together.”

“Huh?”

“You take that side, I’ll take this side.”

“…Okay.”

Lunch felt endless. Finally, they finished the set.

Xiao Mu had to admit—it wasn’t bad. Gu Qingyi was stunning; just watching her was a treat.

Afterward, he walked her back to campus. They exchanged phone numbers.

Then Xiao Mu took a bus to the hospital. Chuxingyue was probably waiting.

That morning, he’d left her a note: *A friend needed urgent help. I’ll be out all morning. Don’t worry.*

Chuxingyue, so trusting and pure-hearted, would believe it.

Guilt pricked Xiao Mu. She was his girlfriend, in the sweetest phase of love—and he couldn’t stay by her side.

*I’ll make it up to her…* he vowed.