Kong Huaijin was not inexperienced in love—she had been in two relationships before.
But for her, those were more about suitability than genuine affection.
Arranged by her family, she tried getting to know them. They weren’t bad—good family backgrounds, capable, and modest—that summed up her first two partners.
Yet, her heart remained utterly unmoved. In the end, they parted ways, and the relationships were short-lived.
Back then, she thought love was just this dull.
Dining at high-end restaurants, chatting about their companies’ developments and work frustrations.
After meals, strolling through malls, exchanging expensive gifts, then going their separate ways.
Meeting for coffee when they had time, or just calling and texting when they didn’t.
She felt no different from an NPC in a game, mechanically completing tasks.
If even dating felt unbearable, marriage was out of the question.
But today, being with Zhou Yi—without romantic flowers or lavish gifts—she realized for the first time that this was what love should feel like.
No need for dazzling jewelry or diamonds, no need for upscale restaurants or venues, no additional conditions. In a crowded little trinket shop, she felt the first stirrings of wanting to fall in love.
Gazing at the boy a few years her junior, she suddenly asked, “Ah Yi, what do you think of me?”
Zhou Yi looked puzzled. She lowered her eyes and smiled. “Never mind. Let’s go outside—it’s too crowded in here, I’m feeling hot.”
Once they left the shop, the number of tourists had dwindled. Zhou Yi took her to an ice cream stand.
“What flavor do you want, sis?”
“What’s your usual favorite, Ah Yi?”
“Original... or vanilla.”
“Then let’s get one of each.”
Zhou Yi bought one original and one vanilla.
They sat on a bench under a tree, resting. Across from them was a small lake, and the breeze drifting over the water was wonderfully soothing.
The moment she sat down, Kong Huaijin leaned back and sighed. “No wonder so many couples come here. It really is perfect for dating.”
“Yeah, they say it’s a must-visit spot for couples in Huaihai.”
“So... have you ever brought a girl here before?”
“No. This is my first time coming to an amusement park with a girl.”
Kong Huaijin’s smile deepened.
Zhou Yi handed her one of the ice creams. “Eat it quick, or it’ll melt.”
Kong Huaijin took the vanilla one.
As she ate, she studied Zhou Yi, her gaze so intense he couldn’t ignore it. Feigning shyness, he asked, “Is there something on my face? Why are you staring at me, sis?”
Kong Huaijin arched a brow. “What, can’t I enjoy the view?”
Zhou Yi coughed as if her words had caught him off guard.
Kong Huaijin clicked her tongue. “So easy to tease, just like Xiao He at home.”
“Speaking of Xiao He, how’s he been lately?”
“Thanks to you, much better. He can run, jump, and even work out like a normal person now.”
“That’s good.”
“Do you know what he said in the car after we had dinner together last time?”
“Did he mention me?”
“He said he wants you to be his brother-in-law. Xiao He really likes you.”
Kong Huaijin was testing Zhou Yi’s reaction.
She was the type to act decisively—whatever she thought of, she did; whatever she wanted, she pursued immediately.
Zhou Yi didn’t seem to take her words seriously. He just smiled and said,
“Maybe it’s because I helped him. He’s probably just grateful. I wouldn’t dare hope for something like that.”
“Why not? You’re outstanding, with a limitless future. My dad likes you too. So... anything’s possible.”
Kong Huaijin’s blatant hint left Zhou Yi no room to play dumb.
He stiffened slightly, avoiding her gaze. “Don’t joke with me, sis. Once I take something seriously, I’m stubborn to a fault.”
077: “Serious, huh. Tch.”
Kong Huaijin’s expression turned earnest. “I’m not joking, Ah Yi. If you’re with me, the Kong family can offer you immense support. Isn’t that better than struggling on your own? I know you’re not the type to rely on a woman, but when a better option is right in front of you, why pass it up?”
Zhou Yi frowned and was about to speak when Kong Huaijin leaned in and kissed him.
The sweetness of vanilla ice cream lingered between them. Zhou Yi’s eyes widened slightly as Kong Huaijin’s lips parted his, her tongue teasing past his lips...
This was her first time doing something like this, and her heart raced wildly, her palms damp with nervous sweat.
Zhou Yi didn’t push her away. Instead, he played the part of the inexperienced boy, letting her kiss him.
She pulled back slightly, pouting. “You didn’t even respond.”
Still catching her breath, her chest rose and fell rapidly.
Zhou Yi: “System, give me a blushing buff, quick.”
Innocence could be faked, but blushing couldn’t.
Zhou Yi spent attribute points in the system shop to equip a blushing buff, reddening his face and ears.
Instantly, his bashful persona became far more convincing.
Seeing his uncontrollable flush, Kong Huaijin’s eyes curved with amusement. “Haven’t been this close to a girl before? Your face and ears are burning.”
Zhou Yi gripped the edge of the bench, his gaze darting everywhere but at her. “...Yeah.”
077: “Tch.”
Kong Huaijin found him even more endearing now.
The cool, composed boy who had calmly rejected her this morning was now blushing furiously in front of her. The contrast thrilled her beyond words.
She licked her ice cream and scooted closer.
“Is the vanilla better than your original flavor?”
She was referring to their kiss. Zhou Yi held out his untouched ice cream. “I haven’t tried it yet. You can have this one too.”
She poked his forehead. “You’re so clueless. Is this how I’m supposed to taste it?”
Zhou Yi suddenly found teasing her fun. He blinked innocently. “Then how do you want to taste it?”
Kong Huaijin leaned in until their faces were closer than socially acceptable. Zhou Yi could count every one of her long, curled lashes.
“The same way I let you taste it earlier.”
“That’s not... appropriate, sis...”
Kong Huaijin chuckled. She took a bite of Zhou Yi’s ice cream, then kissed him again, her arms wrapping around him.
The ice cream fell onto their clothes, unnoticed.
Her soft lips, warm breath, and intoxicating fragrance made Zhou Yi’s thoughts wander. When he responded faintly, she pressed herself fully against him.
A strange heat pooled inside her, something unfamiliar stirring.
She let out a soft moan, her gaze smoldering.
A hollow ache spread through her.
So this is what a kiss feels like—utterly intoxicating, impossible to resist.