Courage in This Moment: Overcoming Physical Barriers

The female salesperson continued to encourage them:

"Your current bond is beautiful—hold onto it."

"Think back to the brightest, most dazzling, sweetest moments you've shared in life."

"Let the emotions you most want to convey to each other show through, just a little more..."

Their noses remained gently touching.

Chen Qimeng could vividly sense...

Lin Yu was leaning closer to her.

More noticeably than during the last photo!

So...

How did Lin Yu truly see her in his heart?

At the same time,

A familiar and enchanting melody began playing in her ears...

"Finally made this decision~ No matter what others say, I won’t care~"

"As long as you feel the same way~"

"I’m willing~ To follow you to the ends of the earth~"

"I know it won’t be easy~"

"..."

Perhaps it was the power of the music.

Here and now, in this very moment,

Chen Qimeng felt as if she had mustered just a little more courage.

The subtle shift in her emotions was conveyed through delicate movements, making Lin Yu acutely aware.

He could sense it—

Chen Qimeng’s hand resting on his shoulder was gradually relaxing into a natural state.

He couldn’t help but marvel.

This song truly had a unique charm.

Even if the joke had been overused,

The Lin Yu of the past had listened to "Courage" hundreds of times yet remained a coward in life.

Perhaps, they really did need some courage.

The courage to love.

Right now,

The mission was completely forgotten.

He was absolutely certain of what he wanted to do.

"Love really takes courage~ To face the rumors and gossip~"

"Just one affirming glance from you~ Gives my love meaning~"

"..."

"If my stubbornness and pride~ Ever hurt you by mistake~"

"Could you gently remind me~ I may be impatient, but I fear missing you more~"

"..."

Their noses brushed lightly.

Lin Yu took the chance and pressed forward.

Chen Qimeng’s eyes fluttered, but she didn’t resist.

Slowly closing them, she surrendered completely to the moment.

Not an accident.

More than a coincidence.

It was the courage of this very second.

"Click!"

A dazzling flash erupted, but it didn’t disturb them in the slightest.

The photographer glanced at the photo, about to tell them it was perfect—

But the saleswoman immediately shushed him.

Photographer: "They... aren’t they—? Wait, why are you crying?"

Saleswoman, sniffling: "Shut up, you don’t get it."

Photographer: "???"

Watching the beautiful scene before her, the saleswoman was utterly moved.

Today, she was undoubtedly the best "matchmaker" in the room!

[Ding!]

[Congratulations, Host! You’ve completed the "Soul Cultivation Bonding" trial mission and successfully bound a cultivation partner!]

[Rewards: 200 Sect Contribution Points, 300 Spirit Stones.]

[Partner’s Sect Status: Acting Sect Leader!]

[Friendly Reminder: As the number of partners increases, new reward categories have been added to the prize pool.]

The system’s voice didn’t distract Lin Yu.

Only when the song fully ended did the two part ways in silent understanding.

Chen Qimeng’s shoulders rose and fell unevenly.

Her breathing was far from steady.

Just moments ago,

She had made what felt like a "life-changing decision"!

Yet now, her mind was in chaos.

She wasn’t sure if she truly possessed that "courage."

Seeing her state, Lin Yu could easily imagine her turmoil.

But a shopping mall was no place for baring hearts and deep conversations.

After that kiss, everything would naturally fall into place.

Lin Yu: "Qimeng? Qimeng!"

Chen Qimeng: "Huh?"

Lin Yu: "Let’s go claim our 'prize.'"

Chen Qimeng: "Oh... right."

Moments ago, she had been wondering—

What would Lin Yu say next?

How should she respond?

Should she admit she got carried away?

Or point out that he was the one who initiated it?

But instead,

Lin Yu stayed silent.

He simply took her hand and led her off the stage.

With that step,

It wasn’t just the "dappled lights" behind them that scattered—

It felt more like shedding a long-worn "identity shackle."

Just now...

He called her "Qimeng," didn’t he?

...

The saleswoman handed Lin Yu four discount coupons with both hands.

Noticing Chen Qimeng still lost in a daze,

She patted Lin Yu’s chest and gave him two enthusiastic thumbs-up.

Lin Yu waved it off, then pointed back at her—

Returning the gesture with a slight bow of gratitude.

This saleswoman was undoubtedly his lucky charm today!

Without her help, who knew when or where the right moment would have come?

Flattered, the saleswoman floated on cloud nine.

Before they left, she even tossed in one last assist:

"Handsome, beautiful, I forgot to mention earlier—"

"Most of our partnered discount stores are women’s boutiques."

"They’ve got lots of new arrivals lately—hope you two enjoy shopping!"

Chen Qimeng stared at the coupons: "???"

Several men’s and unisex stores were clearly listed!

But Lin Yu, catching on immediately, replied:

"Got it. Thanks!"

...

Once out of the photo area,

Chen Qimeng walked slightly slower beside Lin Yu.

Her hand was still in his.

Her eyes darted around nervously.

What if they ran into someone they knew?

In a small city like Pingchuan, the odds were high!

If a familiar face spotted them—or worse, one of Lin Yu’s classmates—

She could brush off gossip, but what about him?

He was the family’s top honor student.

How could he afford...

Had she been too reckless earlier?

Now... what on earth should she do?

She tried subtly putting distance between them, hoping their hands would naturally separate.

But—

The moment she pulled away even slightly, Lin Yu only held on tighter!

Chen Qimeng’s cheeks burned: "..."

[Ding!]

[Masterful move! Your assertive intimacy made your partner feel truly cherished!]

[Reward: 50 Spirit Stones.]

Her heart swelled with sweetness, but her words betrayed hesitation:

"Lin Yu, we’ve already got the coupons..."

"Do we really... need to keep holding hands while shopping?"

"The sales staff won’t see us this far out anyway."

With the system’s reassurance, Lin Yu stood firm.

He stopped walking and lifted their joined hands between them:

"Chen Qimeng, I have a question for you."

His sudden seriousness made her panic.

Was he...

About to bring up their two kisses earlier?

Heavens!

No matter how he phrased it—how was she supposed to answer?

Chen Qimeng: "W-What is it?"

Lin Yu: "Are you trying to run after kissing me?"

Chen Qimeng: "Huh???"

What kind of question was that?

Was he serious?

Lin Yu: "Yes or no?"

Chen Qimeng: "Lin Yu, didn’t we agree earlier that..."

Lin Yu: "Yes or no?"

Chen Qimeng: "It’s the activity’s fault, they made us..."

Lin Yu: "Yes or no?"

Chen Qimeng: "..."

Lin Yu: "So—yes or no?"

Chen Qimeng: "...No."