Chapter 132: A Day of Surprises

In the taxi, Lily sat stiffly the whole way, her face flushed as she stared out the window.

She looked nervous for her first date.

Her little hands were clenched tightly together.

Though this was their first official date, Lin Zheng Ran had spent plenty of time alone with her growing up.

He glanced at her tense expression and wondered if it was because she hadn’t been out alone with him in so long.

The taxi didn’t head to the city center—it was too far—so it stopped at a big mall on the edge of the district.

The place was usually busy with people enjoying themselves; it had all the facilities and shops you could want, and with it being the last day of the National Day holiday, couples and crowds still streamed in and out of the mall entrance.

It was buzzing with energy.

Lin Zheng Ran asked Lily what she wanted for breakfast.

With her hands behind her back, Lily spotted a nearby fast-food joint and thought for a moment: “How about a burger?”

“Let’s go!”

The two headed to the burger shop, and as they reached the door, Lily suggested, “I’ll handle the ordering!”

Lin Zheng Ran didn’t object.

But when he tried to see what she was ordering, Lily flusteredly pushed his back, urging him away: “You go sit down first. Don’t just stand here—go rest!”

“Don’t you need me to carry the food?”

“No, no! I’ll call you if I need help. Go find a seat quick, or there won’t be any left.”

Once Lin Zheng Ran left, Lily quietly asked the server, “Do you have any… couple’s meals?”

The server nodded: “Yes, we just launched two couple sets. Take a look.”

“Okay, I’ll check them out.”

The server slid a menu across the counter and pointed to the couple sets.

“These two are the new ones.”

Lily saw the first set: two burgers, two chicken wraps, two colas, and a choice of sides.

She thought, What kind of couple set is this?

Isn’t this just a regular double meal?

Slap a heart icon on it and call it a couple set?

Don’t they get why people buy these?

Right after she grumbled inwardly, the server added, “Oh, and the first set comes with a little heart-shaped toy.”

Lily flashed her little tiger teeth as she quickly said, “I’ll look at the other one.”

As if I’m a kid!

The second set had four burgers, six chicken wraps, a large couple drink, and four sides. The standout was the straw—it was one of those popular ones where two straws merge into one at the base.

Lily was tempted, but the second set cost nearly twice as much as the first.

She thought, These burger places know how to play the game—they’re masters at it.

Those sneaky capitalists!

“Is there anything extra with the second set?”

“Nope, dear,” the server replied with a bright smile, showing off her straight teeth.

“But aren’t these both couple sets? Why does the cheaper one have extras and not the expensive one?”

“The cheap one doesn’t sell well, so we throw in a toy to boost sales. Otherwise, no one would buy it, dear.”

Lily didn’t know what to say, but thinking about that straw made her cheeks flush: “Fine, I’ll take the second set.”

“Great, just a moment.”

In no time, Lin Zheng Ran saw Lily carrying over a massive tray loaded with breakfast.

The tray was piled with chicken wraps, burgers, and all sorts of sides, plus a big cup of milk.

Lin Zheng Ran stared in shock: “Did you skip dinner last night?”

Lily blinked: “No, I ate.”

Lin Zheng Ran remembered she’d messaged him about eating last night.

“Then why did you order so much? Can you finish all this first thing in the morning?”

Ever the tsundere, she never lied well—her face turned red with embarrassment as she set the tray down and played dumb:

“I-I don’t know, it just came with the set. I didn’t check how much food there was. Don’t worry! I won’t waste it; I’ll eat more.”

Before coming over, she’d quietly removed that two-in-one couple straw because having it sticking out made her feel too obvious.

“Hey, Zheng Ran… I noticed the straw with this set is kind of weird. It’s one of those couple ones, so if you want a drink…”

Lin Zheng Ran had already guessed what she was hiding when he saw her.

He replied casually, teasing her: “I’m not thirsty. You go ahead.”

“Huh?!”

Those words hit Lily hard.

What was the point of getting this huge drink and the whole set if not for that?

Still, she said, “Alright, I’ll drink it myself.”

She stuck in that straw with the merged base and two ends, then sadly gulped down the drink alone while munching on a burger.

She looked totally deflated.

Lin Zheng Ran unwrapped a chicken wrap and took a bite, sighing: “You know, I just got thirsty. Let me have a few sips.”

“Thirsty?” Lily perked up at that, her energy returning in a flash. She set down her burger and eagerly handed over the drink with both hands.

“Here, go ahead! Use the other end.”

Lin Zheng Ran took it and sucked down two big gulps.

Lily watched his throat move as he drank, eyes wide.

Though they weren’t using the same tip, the straw’s middle was shared, and she’d already had a few sips herself. Was this like an indirect kiss?

Her face grew redder by the second; it sure felt like it.

Lin Zheng Ran handed the drink back: “If we can’t finish the burgers, we can pack them up later.”

Lily stammered as she took it back, her spirits lifting: “Okay.”

She smiled: “But don’t worry, Zheng Ran, I’m still hungry. There won’t be much left.”

With that, she eagerly sucked down more of the drink and chomped on the burger.

Her appetite kicked in big time.

Half an hour later, after Lily’s hearty eating, barely anything remained.

Just one burger and two chicken wraps left, and even then, Lin Zheng Ran had eaten nearly half.

The sides and that chicken wrap alone had Lily holding her stomach.

“My belly’s stuffed,” she said, rubbing it.

After breakfast, they sat at the table and checked the showtimes for that romance movie.

Turned out, nothing was playing in the morning—only at 10:30 a.m.

Of course, that was standard; romance films rarely started early.

Because couples never get up that early.

They only head out after lounging in bed, and evenings are peak ticket times.

Lily looked at the schedule: “No morning show for that movie. What now?”

She asked, but she’d known this last night—it was all part of her plan to stretch the date.

Enter scheming Jiang.

But Lin Zheng Ran said, “If that’s not on, let’s watch something else. How about this one? It’s billed as a rising Chinese animation hit.”

Though he’d lived two lives, Lin Zheng Ran still enjoyed entertainment now and then—who isn’t a sixteen-year-old guy at heart?

Lily liked animations too.

But if they watched this, would they still catch the 10:30 romance film?

She didn’t want to ask; after all, she’d said today was on her, and her budget only covered one movie.

Plus, Zheng Ran had suggested it.

“Sure, I think I’ve seen that tagline before… Wait, didn’t we have a ‘rise’ like this earlier? Maybe I’m mixing it up.”

“Who knows? More rises can’t hurt—it’s all about progress.”

So they headed to the cinema and bought tickets.

At the entrance, the ticket checker asked, “Are you two a couple?”

Lily froze and glanced at Lin Zheng Ran.

He nodded.

Lily beamed: “Yes, we’re a couple!”

The ticket checker explained:

“Well, we have a couple event this morning—if you touch noses face-to-face, you get a free bucket of popcorn!”

Lily’s eyes lit up: “Really? But… where do we do that? Here?” She wanted to but played it cool, asking Lin Zheng Ran, “Zheng Ran, wouldn’t that be awkward? Still, they offer popcorn—if we don’t take it, we’re missing out.”

Lin Zheng Ran pointed to a sign nearby.

Lily read it and saw the event started at 10:30—right when the romance film began.

The ticket checker added, “The event kicks off at 10:30, so if you’re interested, come back around then for another show.”

Lily’s face fell.

She thought, Why mention it if I can’t join? I definitely can’t make it.

And no money for another ticket!

Lin Zheng Ran noticed her disappointed look and smiled slightly—he had his own plan.

The ticket checker asked, “Want any popcorn or drinks?”

They were full, so they passed.

She tore their tickets, and they stepped inside.

As soon as they reached the screening room door, Lily peered in and said, “Wow, the cinema’s so dark in there!”

Lin Zheng Ran asked, “You’ve never been?”

Lily shook her head as if it were obvious: “No, who would I go with? My parents are always busy, and I’m usually practicing singing or just hanging out with you. What about you—have you?”

Lin Zheng Ran was baffled: “You forgot? I took you last time, and you kept talking about falling asleep.”

“Oh, right!”

It hit her—she’d been going on about that, but then…

Lily said blankly, “I don’t really remember much from that trip, just that I was with you and dozed off.”

Lin Zheng Ran thought for a moment: “You were probably exhausted; you might have been half-asleep the whole time, maybe even sleepwalking.”

“Hmm, yeah, possible. I’ll pay attention this time!” She clenched her fist with determination.

They opened the door and stepped into the darkness, where nothing was visible.

Lily panicked a bit: “Zheng Ran… it’s so dark—how do we find our seats?”

Lin Zheng Ran took her hand: “Just follow me; your eyes will adjust soon.”

In the dark, Lily’s heart raced with excitement and sensitivity as his warm hand gripped hers.

Her eyes fixed on their joined hands, her face flushing as she followed him to the middle seats.

Lin Zheng Ran checked the numbers and let go: “Here we are.”

Lily marveled, “How did you find it in this dark?”

“It’s not that bad; see, you can make things out now.”

Lily looked around in awe: “You’re right! It’s clearer. Did they turn on some lights?”

“I told you, you’re just adapting. Have a seat.”

“I get that, but it still feels magical.”

Lin Zheng Ran shook his head at how she acted like it was her first time.

They sat side by side.

Lily glanced around—besides a couple in the distance, the place was empty in the early morning.

“Not many people here.”

“We got here too early, but it’s like having the place to ourselves—pretty comfy.”

Since this was her first clear visit, Lily found everything fresh, from the huge screen to the setup.

The armrest between them felt annoying though.

Why put that there? It just creates distance.

Wait, was there one last time? She couldn’t recall.

Lin Zheng Ran saw her confusion and showed her: “This flips up, you know.”

He lifted it.

Lily was stunned: “It does that? No wonder couples complain about these things.”

Lin Zheng Ran nodded toward the screen: “Movie’s starting. Let’s watch.”

Lily turned her attention there, thinking, It’s not a romance, but it’s our first—wait, second—time at the movies together!

This time, I won’t fall asleep like last time! I have to see it through!

And if possible, maybe hold hands again like earlier…

Her face heated up at the memory.

Yeah, no sleeping and some hand-holding!

The film began, and within minutes, Lily’s eyes grew heavy; her eyelids fought, and she leaned back, out cold in under three minutes.

She tilted and rested her head on Lin Zheng Ran’s shoulder, sleeping soundly.

Lin Zheng Ran had seen this coming; though she seemed energetic that morning, her all-nighter was obvious, and after that big meal in the cozy dark, sleep was inevitable.

That’s why he picked the early show—not for the film, but to let this ponytailed girl catch some rest.

Once she woke up refreshed, they could hit the 10:30 romance screening.

Lily slept peacefully beside him, and Lin Zheng Ran glanced at her tired yet playful face.

He’d always thought she was the cutest of the three—Heqing was more adorably clueless, but Lily was all energy from head to toe, like a lively kid, even if she’d grown since childhood.

Her habit of bouncing when happy or stubbornly spouting tsundere lines always made him smile.

The movie ended after over an hour.

Outside the cinema, Lily stood dazed at the entrance: “Where am I?”

Lin Zheng Ran said, “At the cinema door. The movie’s over, though you slept through it.”

Lily turned to stone.

Slowly, she processed: “It’s done? Why did I fall asleep again?” Invisible tears streamed down.

Lin Zheng Ran held back a laugh: “I bet you didn’t sleep much last night.”

Lily clutched her head, yelling inwardly: “Why do I keep dozing off? Both dates ruined! What am I even doing?”

She sniffled pitifully, wishing she could wipe away phantom tears.

Lin Zheng Ran walked on: “Come on, movie’s done—let’s stroll around.”

Lily sighed and followed.

After her nap, she felt much more awake, despite the regret.

They wandered the streets outside the mall, taking in the lively shops.

Lily realized how long it had been since she’d aimlessly walked with Zheng Ran like this.

From fourth grade on, they’d been inseparable—through fifth, sixth, and into junior high, eating, going to school, and hanging out together every day for those three years.

It hadn’t seemed like much back then, but now it felt like forever ago.

She could barely recall all the little moments from those years.

Lin Zheng Ran added, “The last time I wandered the streets alone with you like this was ages ago, right?”

Lily looked up at him, her twin tails bouncing with each step: “Yeah, since junior high, we haven’t really done this. Ever since Heqing joined, it’s always been the three of us.”

Lin Zheng Ran: “Even though we’re together a lot, looking back, you’ve changed a ton since we were kids—way prettier and more laid-back.”

Lily blushed at the straightforward compliment, glancing down: “Oh, not really. I guess I’ve gotten better-looking since high school started—people have confessed to me, like during military training when you were there. They called me cute and wanted to chat, but honestly, I feel nothing for anyone except you.”

She spoke softly: “I’d rather just watch you from across the class than waste time on them.”

Lin Zheng Ran glanced at her: “We should do this more often. I used to drill you and Heqing on singing and taekwondo because your basics were weak, but now you’re solid, so there’s time to relax like today.”

“Sounds good.” Lily smiled and asked out of the blue: “Hey, Zheng Ran, do you enjoy being with me?”

“Hmm?”

She looked away shyly: “I’m not sure about you, but I’m always happy when we’re together—like right now, just walking and doing nothing feels great. And back then, even practicing songs in my room, I’d wake up early with excitement, just waiting for you. Oh, and about you crashing on my bed—I always said I didn’t like it, but that’s a lie. I love how casual you are with me.”

She turned to him: “It makes us seem so close, like we can do whatever without holding back… almost like a real couple.”

Lin Zheng Ran stared at her in surprise as Lily bit her lip and grinned widely, her eyes turning to crescents: “I never thought we’d actually become one—you as my boyfriend. It feels like a dream.”

“I’ve always figured you’d be my girlfriend.”

Her eyes widened: “Really?”

Lin Zheng Ran: “Because I enjoy being with you too.”

She gazed at him dreamily, then coughed and looked away: “Well, that’s perfect then. We’re just meant to be.”

Lin Zheng Ran held out his hand.

Lily waited a beat, then saw his outstretched hand and understood.

She hesitated, then slowly placed her pale hand in his palm.

When their hands touched, he gripped it gently.

Lily bit her lip softly.

His phone alarm went off, and Lin Zheng Ran pulled it from his pocket to check the time.

“Time’s up.”

“Time for what?” Lily thought the date was ending, especially just after they’d held hands.

But he pulled out two more tickets—from the 10:30 romance showing.

“The movie time. I figured you’d nod off during the first one—you had dark circles this morning—so I grabbed these earlier. It’s perfect now.”

He asked, “Want to go?”

Lily stared at the tickets she’d been dying to see and couldn’t help but laugh. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him, one hand in his and the other behind her back: “You big dummy, of course!”