Chapter Five: The Date

Youth is a lie, a kind of sin. Lies, secrets, crimes, even failures are nothing more than the seasonings of youth. In a person’s life—whether it’s marriage or the future—what comes next always remains unknown. One hardship inevitably follows another; this is the way of the world. Yet everyone possesses the right to pursue happiness. One must strive tirelessly for the chance when it comes.

For couples who have just come together, frequent interaction is vital. Even the smallest gesture can ignite the fervor deep within both hearts. Today’s film, a youthful romance, meant nearly everyone present was paired up. The seats themselves held a kind of philosophy: most couples seated in the center were there to seriously watch the movie; those in the back row often had their attention elsewhere, perhaps even stealing intimate moments during key scenes; the front row, meanwhile, was reserved for those unlucky enough not to get better tickets.

The film, “A Bouquet-like Love,” featured the male and female leads falling in love at lightning speed, their situation and personalities reminiscent of Natsuki and Su Rouxue. The protagonists first became lovers thanks to their intense shared interests, habits, and outlooks on life. No matter the reason, they couldn’t escape the special feelings they had for each other.

Though Su Rouxue was a single woman twelve years his senior, as long as she loved him, Natsuki felt that all obstacles were trivial. Throughout the movie, they would occasionally gaze at each other’s faces, their hands tightly clasped, moved by the unfolding story and reflecting on their own love.

Natsuki’s body felt ablaze, and his palms sweated easily; at first, he felt awkward holding Su Rouxue’s hand. Luckily, Su Rouxue didn’t mind at all, each time offering him a sweet and healing smile that eased his nerves.

Compared to their fresh romance, Ms. Hu, seated behind them, was already well-accustomed; Luo Xiaoning, unable to resist, kept feeding popcorn to Hu Zhigang, nearly choking him mid-film.

Two hours passed—not too long, not too short. In the end, the protagonists separated and found new partners, yet the final scene hinted at a twist: with such deep compatibility, might their story continue? The director cleverly left the film at a suspenseful point, inviting the audience to ponder and savor.

After the film, Natsuki and Su Rouxue left the theater, exchanged a few words with Hu Zhigang and his partner, then bid farewell. The weather remained hot; leaving the cinema, Natsuki took Su Rouxue’s hand and led her to a cat café.

The café was spacious, but today few customers visited. The establishment charged by the hour, and Natsuki ordered the couple’s package, which included cat food and toys, along with cold drinks and snacks.

Cat-petting was their shared hobby. Yet he had to admit—what troubled him most about cats was their endless shedding. At that moment, Natsuki was cradling an extremely plump ginger cat; for some reason, from the moment he entered, the cat seemed to have chosen him, circling and affectionately rubbing its head against his leg.

Click!

The shutter sounded. Su Rouxue took out her phone, delighted with the photo she’d snapped of Natsuki. “Wonderful… My Natsuki looks so compassionate!”

The angle was perfect; his features and gentle, fair expression matched her image of a pure youth. And now, such a beautiful boy belonged to her. Outwardly she restrained her feelings, but inside, she rejoiced in secret.

“Of course. I really love cats,” he replied.

“Come over here. Photos shouldn’t just be of me.” Natsuki looked at Su Rouxue with tender indulgence, gently pulling her to his side. He naturally wrapped his arm around her, and together, they stroked the ginger cat clinging to Natsuki.

Just as the cat yawned, Su Rouxue pressed the shutter.

The first couple’s photo was done.

“Keep going.” Su Rouxue intended to have Natsuki try more poses and take several shots, but to her surprise, he spoke up first, and while she wasn’t paying attention, kissed her cheek.

This time, Su Rouxue couldn’t help but smile radiantly with happiness.

Click, click...

Several more couple’s photos were taken!

Afterwards, they grew even more uninhibited. With all sorts of silly expressions and playful antics, they showered the cats with affection, so much so that even the café owner behind the counter couldn’t help but cast them envious glances.

A truly handsome pair—so well-matched!

After spending nearly an hour and a half at the café, their couple’s cat-petting day came to an end.

When evening came, Natsuki let Su Rouxue choose their dinner, hoping she, as a local resident of Cloud City, would show him the city's must-try delicacies. Unexpectedly, she took him to a hotpot restaurant.

“Dating me means you must learn to eat spicy food!”

“So, little brother, are you up for the challenge?”

Sitting across from each other, Su Rouxue grew bolder, and as she spoke, her foot teasingly brushed against Natsuki’s legs under the table.

“Of course I can handle it! It’s just spicy food—I’m not afraid.” Natsuki’s confident tone belied his inner anxiety; truth be told, he wasn’t very good with spicy food.

Faced with the deep red broth before him, Natsuki felt disaster looming.

Sure enough, once the hotpot reached its boiling peak, his lips had swollen up, his cheeks flushed, and he was out of his depth, gulping down icy soda.

“Ah, I surrender! Spicy food is truly a torment.”

Meanwhile, Su Rouxue, though sweating at the temples, remained composed. Amused, she laughed at Natsuki’s predicament. “It’s painful, sure, but isn’t it exhilarating?”

“Hmm… Actually, yes. The hotpot here is really authentic.” Natsuki nodded; it was spicy, but he couldn’t stop reaching for more—the flavors were irresistible.

Click, click!

Once again, the shutter sounded. Su Rouxue admired her new photos, satisfied.

“I don’t look good in these!” Natsuki chuckled sheepishly, covering his eyes.

“Nonsense! You’re at your cutest right now!” Su Rouxue had completely immersed herself in the romance of daily life. To her, Natsuki was wonderful in any state.

Indeed, lovers in love become fools.

Let them remain blissfully foolish forever.

After dinner, the cool night breeze finally brought relief.

They wandered the night market, and after a bout of fatigue, returned to their hotel.

The hotpot smell clung persistently to their clothes, and Su Rouxue regretted not having anything to change into.

At that moment—

“Rouxue, I’m going to shower.”

“All right.”

“So…”

“What is it?”

“Let’s do it together.”

…