He said, “Come with me,” and Shen Xingruo, as if enchanted, followed him without further questioning.
In the final hour of their eighteenth birthday, Lu Xingyan led Shen Xingruo through the streets and alleys until they reached the city center.
The city of Xingcheng was always awake. Approaching midnight, the bar street was still bustling with activity. Groups of friends roamed the streets, laughter filling the air. Neon signs illuminated the night with colorful lights, and people queued outside popular bubble tea shops. The arcade was still blasting lively music, and the aroma of nameless fried snacks wafted through the alleys…
The two of them stopped at a crossroads, with the pedestrian traffic light displaying fifty-nine seconds until it turned red.
Their hearts raced as they walked briskly.
Lu Xingyan glanced at the time and suddenly asked, “Shen Xingruo, what did you wish for just now? Tell me, maybe I can help you make it come true.”
Shen Xingruo paused and countered, “Then what did you wish for?”
Lu Xingyan replied promptly, “Me? I wished to fulfill last year’s wish this year.”
Shen Xingruo remembered his wish vividly. It was to find a girlfriend.
She pursed her lips.
The night wind tousled her soft curls, with a strand resting on her slender face, tickling her slightly. A sports car with its headlights on high beams passed by, casting her fair and translucent skin in a bright light. Her eyelashes drooped under the intense glare, appearing long and dense, like a cute little brush.
Lu Xingyan stared at her for a while, then reached out to tuck her stray hair behind her ear. “Shen Xingruo, there are thirty seconds left of your birthday.”
“Happy birthday.”
“Although I’m not the first one to wish you a happy birthday, I’ll be the last.”
Shen Xingruo looked up.
After a moment, she whispered, “Lu Xingyan, happy birthday.”
“I’ll also be the last one to wish you a happy birthday.”
They locked eyes and both unconsciously bit their lips.
There were eighteen seconds left on the red light.
Lu Xingyan looked down at her and said, “Actually, I’ve prepared a birthday present for you.”
“What is it?”
“Exploring the adult world. How about that?”
As he spoke, he opened his arms, tilted his head slightly, and wore a casual smile on his face.
Shen Xingruo remained quiet, neither resisting his embrace nor reciprocating it, maintaining a serene demeanor throughout.
As the countdown of the red light continued—eight, seven, six, five—
Suddenly, Shen Xingruo leaned lightly against his shoulder. “I won’t get jealous,” she murmured.
With three seconds left, the blinking red light was reflected in their eyes.
For a moment, Lu Xingyan’s mind went blank. Although he had imagined the answer countless times, hearing it from Shen Xingruo felt completely different. It was like fantasizing about a cola on a hot summer day and drinking a cold cola with ice cubes— the latter’s joy was incomparable.
His lips curved upwards slowly, and his hands instinctively tightened around Shen Xingruo, hugging her. Then, he held her hand and started running forward. “Then let’s go receive the gift now!”
The warmth of his palm flowed into hers.
Crossing the pedestrian crossing, Shen Xingruo recalled scenes from many idol dramas where the main characters ran together.
Under the eighteen-year-old night sky, there was a moon, not perfectly round but bright, stars, the slightly dry summer breeze, swaying camphor trees, and her boyfriend.
Their first stop was the internet café.
Although computers weren’t considered rare these days, the joy of playing games and staying up late online couldn’t be compared to occasional lags at home.
The gaming area was packed.
They showed their IDs, got a couple’s seat, and ordered two drinks.
Shen Xingruo wasn’t particularly interested in surfing the internet; she was more focused on observing the interior design and the people around her.
After all, it was her first time stepping into an internet café.
“What’s wrong? Haven’t seen this before?”
Lu Xingyan asked with a smile.
Shen Xingruo casually replied, “Seen it before, often on legal news.”
“…,” he gently pulled Shen Xingruo’s head closer to his chest. “Don’t talk nonsense.”
Having just secured a girlfriend, Lu Xingyan appeared relatively calm all the way, but deep down, he couldn’t help but want to show off. It was like buying a new toy and needing to flaunt it three times before putting on makeup. If you had a girlfriend and didn’t show her off, how would others know you were no longer single?
So, while booting up, Lu Xingyan said to Shen Xingruo, “We’ve walked for so long, you must be tired. Rest for a bit, and watch me play a game.”
Shen Xingruo had no objections.
Lu Xingyan quickly entered the game.
Looking around, everything was in order. He had expected only Xu Chengzhou to be there, but surprisingly, Li Chengfan, Zhao Langming, and others were also present. Probably, after the KTV, they continued their gathering here at the internet café.
As soon as he finished a game, Lu Xingyan pulled them into a team.
Zhao Langming was astonished, “Damn, Yan-ge! What the hell are you doing here?!”
“Carrying my girl to climb ranks, don’t you understand?”