Standing beside the large plush toy, Kong Huaijin looked noticeably smaller in comparison.
Zhou Yi gestured from a short distance away, phone in hand, instructing her to strike a few poses.
Kong Huaijin awkwardly flashed a peace sign at the camera, her slightly unnatural smile making her appear adorably clueless—a stark contrast to her usual commanding, formidable demeanor.
Kong Huaijin wasn’t someone who feared the camera. She’d given interviews, posed for countless photos with friends, and even done professional photoshoots, always appearing effortlessly composed.
Yet under Zhou Yi’s gaze, she inexplicably grew shy. Her smile stiffened, her hands fidgeted, and all she could manage was that clumsy peace sign.
How strange.
She touched her flushed cheeks.
Just then, Zhou Yi jogged toward her with a bright smile, the sunlight catching his striking features. Some people were born to stand out, and he was undeniably one of them.
His eyes held a warmth that seemed reserved for her alone.
For a fleeting moment, Kong Huaijin was dazzled.
It hit her again—this was the same guy adored by countless girls.
Zhou Yi handed her his phone, eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Take a look, sis. How’d I do?”
Kong Huaijin blinked at the photo, surprised.
She’d never seen herself like this before.
Zhou Yi chimed in, “Adorable, right?”
Her lips curved. “You’re the first person to ever call me that.”
Still, she had to admit—Zhou Yi had a knack for photography. The composition, the lighting, the backdrop—everything was flawless.
Especially the way she looked in the shot. A little dorky, maybe, but perfectly in sync with the playful vibe of the amusement park, like a carefree teenager.
“Just being honest. Seeing you all soft and cute is a first. It suits you.”
“More like silly.”
“No, cute.”
“Feels like I’ve gone back to high school.”
Her mood lifted, her guard easing further.
When they passed a accessories shop, Zhou Yi nudged her inside.
“Didn’t peg you for the type to like these stores,” she teased.
“This is for you. See all those girls outside with bunny ears? You’re next.”
“Only if you wear one too. I’ll look ridiculous alone.”
Kong Huaijin picked up a bear headband, reaching to place it on Zhou Yi’s head—but he was too tall. Even on tiptoe, she couldn’t reach.
With an amused sigh, Zhou Yi bent down, lowering his head like a knight bowing to his princess.
That fond smile of his sent another wave of heat to her cheeks, though she barely noticed how her pulse quickened.
[Kong Huaijin’s affection +5]
Zhou Yi’s eyes crinkled. So this was her type.
Straightening slightly, he met her gaze with an innocent, boyish look. “Weren’t you going to put it on me, sis?”
(As 077 would say: classic green-tea tactics—expertly tailored to charm older women.)
Kong Huaijin felt a little delirious. Was Zhou Yi treating her like his girlfriend?
That single word—“sis”—melted her resolve.
Snapping back to reality, she adjusted the bear ears onto his head while he remained crouched, watching her with unwavering attention.
She couldn’t bring herself to meet his eyes now.
Those naturally soulful peach-blossom eyes of his could make anything—or anyone—feel like the center of his world. She couldn’t afford to misinterpret it.
Zhou Yi stood, grinning. “Well? How do I look?”
Kong Huaijin’s heart softened at the sight of his playful transformation. “Good. Very cute.”
Suddenly, she understood why men were so drawn to youthful charm—the fresh faces, the lively energy. It was hard not to be swayed.
Truthfully, given Kong Huaijin’s soft spot for younger guys, her preferences had always leaned this way.
People often had long lists of criteria for their ideal partner—lists that changed over time. Yet when the right person appeared, they might not check a single box.
Love worked in mysterious ways.
Kong Huaijin fought the urge to ruffle Zhou Yi’s hair, stopping herself just in time. Too forward.
Instead, she smiled. “Online, everyone calls you the untouchable CEO, but around me? You’re more like an overgrown puppy.”
Zhou Yi chuckled. “I don’t know why either. Being with you brings out a side of me I usually keep hidden—lighter, sillier. I end up doing things I’d normally avoid.”
She nodded in agreement. “Same. Before today, you’d never catch me at an amusement park taking goofy photos. Guess I’m letting loose for once.”
Initially, she’d come because of that dinner arrangement. Now? That wasn’t it at all.
Being with Zhou Yi was pure, uncomplicated joy—the kind money couldn’t buy.
“In that case,” he said, “let’s do all the silly things we’d normally skip. Just us.”
Those two words—just us—sent a strange flutter through her chest, stealing her breath for a second.
Zhou Yi plucked a pair of bunny ears from a shelf, gently placing them on her head before smoothing her hair with a pat. “Now you look like my little sister. Eighteen again.”
She touched the ears, then slowly smiled. Maybe this wasn’t so embarrassing after all.
For years, she’d trapped herself in the role of the polished heiress, afraid anything less would be beneath her. Turns out, it wasn’t.
Even as Zhou Yi called her “sis,” he treated her like any other girl—young, unburdened.
And… she didn’t hate it.
Next, Zhou Yi handed her a bubble gun. Kong Huaijin clutched the pig-shaped toy while they queued to pay.
A few customers still ahead, Zhou Yi turned. “Thirsty after all this? Ice cream or boba?”
As she adjusted her stance, the bunny ears got knocked askew by a shelf item. Zhou Yi reached over, carefully fixing the headband and tucking a loose strand behind her ear.
His touch was featherlight, tender as a breeze. The focused look in his eyes held her captive.
For a moment, everything felt surreal.