Evening settled in.

“I’m heading back. Be careful on your way.”

At the residential complex gate, Leng Shuang murmured softly.

“Okay.”

Though the moon hadn’t risen yet, its glow already shimmered in his eyes. Lin Mo’s heart fluttered with sweet intoxication as she replayed the day’s moments. Seeing Leng Shuang turn to leave, she quickly reached out and gently took her hand.

“What is it?”

Leng Shuang glanced back, her hand held.

Middle-aged aunties had gathered nearby to enjoy the evening breeze. Over a dozen eyes locked onto them—most brimming with envy and quiet resentment toward Lin Mo.

Under that gaze, Leng Shuang recalled the Ferris wheel. A faint blush dusted her striking cheeks.

“It’s just…” Lin Mo bit her lip, then pouted slightly, as if hinting at something.

She felt a little awkward under the stares, but pride swelled stronger.

After all, Leng Shuang was *her* boyfriend.

“Here?”

Leng Shuang blinked in surprise. She knew exactly what Lin Mo wanted—it was something couples often did.

“Mm!”

Lin Mo nodded firmly.

“So many people are watching…”

“That’s *why* I want them to see! I’m declaring it: you’re my boyfriend. Mine alone!”

Her voice rang clear and bold, sweeping the crowd like a sovereignty claim. No room for doubt. No room for disrespect.

Flushed and flustered under the spotlight, Leng Shuang wished she could vanish into the pavement.

But meeting Lin Mo’s earnest, fiery gaze, she couldn’t say no.

“O-okay… fine. I can’t win with you.”

Slowly leaning in, she pressed a featherlight kiss to Lin Mo’s lips—

—and pulled away instantly.

That flustered, trembling shyness? Pure youthful sweetness.

“Satisfied?”

Shooting a mock-annoyed glance at Lin Mo’s beaming face, Leng Shuang turned and hurried off.

Her steps were rushed, as if lingering a second longer would see her devoured by stares.

Unlike Leng Shuang, Lin Mo felt nervous too—but pride soared higher.

Chin lifted, she wiped the silly grin from her face. A cool glance swept over the glaring aunties and passersby. Like a victorious general claiming her prize, she strode away, head high.

“Yay!”

Cool composure lasted three seconds. Then she bounced down the street like a giddy kid, skipping back to carefree childhood joy…

First date: perfectly wrapped up.

--------

Back home, the living room was empty again—no sign of Mom. Nothing new.

She’d raised Leng Shuang with a hands-off style till eighteen. Gaokao done, just one month till graduation—and total freedom.

Right now? Semi-freedom. Mom was definitely living it up.

*Knock knock knock!*

“Leng Shuang, open up!”

A voice called from the door.

“Yu Mo? What’s up?” Leng Shuang opened it.

“Hehe, just here to gossip~”

Yu Mo sauntered in with a cheeky grin, strolling like he owned the place.

“G-gossip? What’s to gossip about…” Leng Shuang stammered, sinking onto the sofa.

“Hehe, even if you won’t say, I can guess. You two haven’t… *you know*… done the deed yet, right? Or you’d still be out there.”

Yu Mo plopped beside her, smug smile practically begging for a punch.

“Of course not! Lin Mo isn’t like that. She said she’d wait until she’s certain.” Leng Shuang’s lips curled slightly, recalling Lin Mo’s words near the hotel.

Lin Mo wanted it too—but she believed love needed spirit *and* substance: emotional connection *and* material security.

Sakura University was the key to that foundation.

Only with both could love truly hold firm.

“Tsk tsk. With your looks? Wow she held back.”

Yu Mo was genuinely surprised. He’d always thought all women were the same—ruled by urges. Hearing Leng Shuang, his view shifted… just a hair.

“Ahem. Enough about me. Your turn.”

Leng Shuang cleared her throat, grabbing his shoulder. No escape.

“Me?” Yu Mo pointed at himself, expression odd. “You think I’d go for those smelly women?”

“Huh? Seriously, none this whole time?”

“Ugh. Too busy having fun. And their eyes? Like they wanna eat me alive. Gross.” He shuddered, arms crossed. “The girl I like’s probably only in Sakura City~”

*Hehehehe.*

Leng Shuang burst out laughing.

“What’s so funny?”

“You’re just greedy! Admit it—you love money.”

“Yep. I love money. Whoever gives me money? I’ll like them.”

Exposed, Yu Mo dropped the act.

“Sigh… Yu Mo, find someone who genuinely likes *you*—”

“Pause!” He slashed a hand. “Different views. Money = peace of mind. however much she likes me? No cash? I’m out.”

“You little money slave!”

“Hehe~ Guilty! So what?” Yu Mo struck a proud hands-on-hips pose, owning it.

They burst into laughter. The lonely living room suddenly felt warm and lively.

“Oh—Leng Shuang, did you spot anyone else during your date?”

“Anyone? Just you guys. Who else?”

“…Huh. Didn’t see anyone…” Yu Mo’s brow twitched slightly.

“What do you mean?” Leng Shuang tilted her head.

“N-nothing! Just thought maybe someone saw you. Hahaha.”

He laughed it off. Wanted to say more—but Nikawa Yuriko hadn’t even shown up. Better not gossip.

“You’re acting weird.”

“Ahem! Go shower! I’m crashing for an all-night gaming session. Free tomorrow?”

“No plans.”

“Yay!”