This Should Count as a Date, Right

"Got the date set?" Jiang Chengyue asked while nibbling on some fruit, eyeing her niece with amusement.

"Yep, he's going to the bookstore tomorrow, so I'll just 'happen' to be there too."

Jiang Chengyue chuckled at her niece's transparent eagerness.

"Want me to tag along and check him out? Your auntie here has a sharp eye for people, you know."

Jiang Yunlu shot her aunt a wary look.

"Auntie, don’t you dare mess this up."

"Tsk, what’s the matter? Afraid I’ll ruin your perfect little date? Or is it that you’re scared I’ll tell your overprotective dad? Relax, I’m just worried about you—getting taken advantage of and all."

At that, Jiang Yunlu’s face flushed instantly.

"That won’t happen! I won’t let anyone take advantage of me!"

With that, she sprang up and flung open her wardrobe, already picking out tomorrow’s outfit.

"Tsk tsk tsk, already planning your outfit before the day’s even begun."

Jiang Yunlu thought of Chu Miaomiao’s curvaceous figure—wearing a dress would definitely turn heads, wouldn’t it?

But she figured she’d look just as cute in one.

After a moment’s hesitation, she cupped her own chest and muttered under her breath,

"I’m not that small either."

......

Lin Mo genuinely needed to buy study materials.

Those two test papers had stumped him in several places—most likely because they covered sophomore-level topics.

As for freshman-year knowledge, he’d already skimmed through the math textbook but hadn’t found the relevant sections.

So, he needed to grab some sophomore-level math references to get a head start.

Slipping into a loose T-shirt and casual shorts, Lin Mo slung his backpack over his shoulder and headed out.

If he was going book shopping, he’d need something to carry them in.

Lin Mo had loved reading since he was a kid—novels included.

He’d devoured series like Little Tiger Team, Adventure King, and Wesley.

Back then, he’d often drop by the bookstore on weekends for extracurricular reads or study guides.

But after starting high school, he’d stopped coming—choosing instead to waste time in internet cafés or playing pool.

A textbook case of self-sabotage.

After hopping off the bus and walking a short distance, he arrived at the bookstore’s entrance.

Weekends here were always packed.

This place was practically the city’s biggest bookstore.

The moment Lin Mo stepped inside, his phone buzzed.

Since Auntie Zheng had forbidden Xie Yuling from using a smartphone, the Android device had eventually found its way back to him.

So, Lin Mo had started using it himself.

(Ahem, forgot to check the timeline—iPhone 5 wasn’t released in China until December.)

Smartphones were just more convenient for browsing the web.

Pulling it out, he saw a message from Jiang Yunlu.

SunnyClouds: I’m at the bookstore. Where are you?

Lin Mo glanced toward the ground floor and quickly spotted Jiang Yunlu stepping through the doors.

"Third floor. I’ll wait for you up here."

The third floor specialized in children’s books and study aids.

It had everything—elementary, middle, and high school materials, with multiple editions of textbooks available.

Hands down, the most comprehensive bookstore around.

Jiang Yunlu dashed up the escalator, her deep green spaghetti-strap dress fluttering slightly. Delicate embroidered flowers adorned the straps, adding a touch of youthful charm to her lively demeanor.

With her fair complexion, she drew plenty of glances as she made her way up.

School uniforms really did dull a person’s appeal.

But Jiang Yunlu’s beauty was something even a uniform couldn’t hide.

She practically sprinted up the escalator—ignoring the fact that it was moving on its own—and reached the third floor, where Lin Mo stood waiting by the exit.

"Lin Mo!"

Lin Mo smiled. "No need to rush."

The girl tilted her head up, eyes crinkling with a grin. "I wanted to see you sooner."

Damn, this girl’s smooth.

But Lin Mo’s heart only rippled slightly. "Alright, let’s go. Help me pick out some Olympiad math guides."

Jiang Yunlu blinked in curiosity. "You’re really joining the Olympiad? I tried it once, but it was way too hard—I dropped it pretty quick."

Lin Mo reached out and ruffled her hair.

"Good thing you didn’t stick with it. It is tough. Honestly, badminton suits you better for club activities."

"Hmph! I’m officially on the high school badminton team now, you know. It’s just as impressive as your math competition."

Jiang Yunlu planted her hands on her hips but made no move to swat Lin Mo’s hand away.

"Exactly why I said badminton fits you."

"And I think it fits you too! If we paired up for mixed doubles, no one could beat us."

Lin Mo shook his head, leaning down to murmur by her ear, "Sports don’t challenge me anymore. That’s why I’m focusing on academics now."

Jiang Yunlu hadn’t expected him to get so close. A blush dusted her cheeks.

"Hey, has anyone ever told you how pretentious you sound?" she whispered back—though her tone held no real annoyance.

"Let me tell you a secret—I’m trained in martial arts. There are rules against people like me competing in regular sports. National regulations and all."

Lin Mo’s deadpan delivery made Jiang Yunlu frown.

"Seriously?"

"Dead serious. Otherwise, I could’ve easily gone for weightlifting, right?"

Recalling Lin Mo’s strength, Jiang Yunlu had to admit it made sense.

By now, Lin Mo had led her to the high school section.

Rows of math and Olympiad books lined the shelves.

Lin Mo picked up a few, flipping through them—keeping the useful ones and returning the rest.

Watching him focus, Jiang Yunlu asked softly, "If I hadn’t come today, would you have just come alone?"

"Obviously. Why?"

His blunt reply lifted her spirits.

This totally counts as a date.

"Then why didn’t you invite Xie Yuling or Chu Miaomiao? Aren’t you neighbors and landlord-tenant?"

This girl—her probing is so obvious.

"I planned to come alone. Didn’t think to ask anyone."

That made Jiang Yunlu even happier.

See? Taking the initiative pays off.

Lin Mo quickly settled on a stack of workbooks and guides.

With these, those two test papers shouldn’t be a problem.

Tucking the books into his backpack, he turned to Jiang Yunlu.

"Let’s grab some food."

Her face lit up. "Yes! What are we eating?!"

Then she froze, remembering something.

"Oh no—my family’s driver is waiting outside. If we leave, my dad will track me down in no time."

"There are multiple exits here. We’ll eat and circle back."

Lin Mo grabbed her wrist and steered her toward another door.

His heightened senses had already pinpointed the driver’s location—avoiding him was child’s play.

Jiang Yunlu stared at her captured wrist, recalling how Lin Mo had done the same on enrollment day.

"So… where are we eating?"

"How about a Hong Kong-style café?"