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The moonlight was gentle and tranquil, casting two tightly intertwined shadows on the corridor. Lu Ji gently held Lin Jiayu, leaning against the railing with his chin resting on her head. He softly asked, “Lin Jiayu, does this mean you’ve agreed to me?”
Lin Jiayu fell silent for a moment before whispering, “Wouldn’t that be too easy for you? It’s only been half a month.”
Lu Ji chuckled, not at all perturbed. “Then let’s keep pursuing.”
Lin Jiayu: “...”
She felt a lump in her throat, stuck between acceptance and denial.
Look at his nonchalant attitude.
And he had the nerve to accuse her.
Doesn’t he know women sometimes like to “say one thing but mean another,” or “half-push, half-yield”?
Lu Ji slowly said, “If you agree, then that’s even better.”
Lin Jiayu: “...”
She felt even more flustered, as if the god she was holding onto was becoming too hot to handle. She let go of him and stepped back, smiling brightly as she looked up at him. “Dream on!” With a flourish, she turned around and waved her hand at him, “I’m going back.”
Lu Ji kept his hands in his pockets, pulling up his collar to sniff it; the cigarette smell was quite strong.
He stepped forward and grabbed Lin Jiayu’s hand.
By now, the crew had finished filming and was packing up to leave.
Apart from the occasional loud shouts from the crew members, the campus was mostly quiet. When Lu Ji pulled her hand, Lin Jiayu’s heart skipped a beat. She turned to look at him, pretending to be calm. “What do you want?”
Lu Ji remained composed. “You hugged me, so I’m holding your hand—it’s only fair.”
Lin Jiayu: “...”
Her pale face blushed, and her bright eyes curved into crescents when she smiled.
For the first time, Lu Ji found Lin Jiayu’s smile captivating. He tightened his grip on her hand unconsciously, lips pursed.
At that moment.
Lu Ji finally realized that he liked Lin Jiayu. This kind of affection was different from the youthful infatuation of their past—it wasn’t filled with confusion or frustration, but instead brought stability and joy. He gazed intently at her, and suddenly raised his other hand to cup her cheek.
Lin Jiayu froze mid-smile, her eyes widening slightly as she stared blankly at him. She didn’t expect him to do this.
Her breath caught, and she stared straight at him.
Lu Ji thought kissing should involve closing one’s eyes, but seeing Lin Jiayu’s astonished expression amused him. He pressed his forehead against hers, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly. He gave her two seconds to react—seeing she didn’t pull away or breathe—he leaned down and kissed her.
Their lips touched, and Lin Jiayu swallowed.
Gulp—
Lu Ji chuckled softly, enveloping her lips in a deep kiss.
Lin Jiayu’s ears reddened. She never imagined their first kiss would happen under these circumstances, in First High School, in the corridor. Though they were no longer teenagers, this kiss somehow carried a hint of youthful innocence mixed with passion and tenderness, making her heart race uncontrollably.
Lu Ji cradled her face, bending slightly as he planted a final kiss on her lips. Straightening up, he looked down at her.
Lin Jiayu’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at him, biting her lip. Softly, she said, “Aren’t you breaking the rules?”
She hadn’t officially agreed to him yet.
Lu Ji looked at her. “The atmosphere just now was perfect. Not kissing would have been a shame.”
Lin Jiayu silently agreed, staying quiet.
Lu Ji chuckled and said, “Lin Jiayu, are you afraid that I’ll stop trying halfway through?”
Lin Jiayu was struck by his words and looked up at him. “Yes, but not entirely.” She paused. “We’re not suited to casual games, whether it’s because of our age or the friends around us. I don’t think I could be so magnanimous—to break up with you and still act normal during gatherings later. Maybe after a few years, but right after? No way.”
After all, Lu Ji was different from other men—he was someone she had liked in her school days.
Some people, once you’ve had them, you don’t want to lose them.
And losing them truly hurts.
Lu Ji fell silent for a moment, softly asking, “If I give you a promise, will you believe it?”
Lin Jiayu was startled, her heart pounding. She murmured, “Promise?”
“I also think promises can be fleeting, but Lin Jiayu, the issues you mentioned, the concerns you thought about—I’ve considered them all.” Lu Ji looked down at her, his tone serious. “I haven’t pursued anyone in many years. The problems you’re worried about are the same ones I worry about.” He paused, smiling. “Lin Jiayu, I can’t afford to play games either. You seem more carefree than me—I think I should start worrying about myself.”
“...”
Lin Jiayu glared at him. This person...
Was twisting things around?
She couldn’t help but say, “Do I look like someone who plays around?”
Lu Ji countered, “Do I?”
Lin Jiayu: “...”
Good-looking people have the capital to play around, but Lu Ji doesn’t. She knew that.
Lin Jiayu lowered her head, muttering quietly, “Well, we’ve hugged, we’ve kissed… after all...” She looked up, smiling at him. “After all, I liked you in high school, and now I’ve kissed my idol. It feels pretty good.”
Lu Ji raised an eyebrow. “Just ‘pretty good’?”
Lin Jiayu: “...”
Before she could respond, her phone rang. A crew member had found her bag and asked where she was since everyone was leaving. Lin Jiayu quickly replied, “I’ll be there soon.”
Lu Ji heard it too and led her towards them. “Let me take you home.”
The mood was broken, and some things remained unsaid. On the way back, Lin Jiayu was somewhat silent, thinking about what Lu Ji had said.
Lu Ji stayed quiet, giving her space to reflect.
When they reached her apartment building, Lu Ji turned to look at her.
Lin Jiayu clutched her bag and turned to face him.
They simply stared at each other, as if competing to see who would look away first.
Lin Jiayu blinked several times, her eyes starting to water from strain. Lu Ji chuckled and asked, “Are you planning to stare at me all night?”
“...Don’t be ridiculous.” Lin Jiayu turned to look ahead.
She lowered her head, whispering softly, “Wait until you come back next time—I’ll give you my answer.”
One last struggle.
Lu Ji teased her. “Alright.”
That night, Lin Jiayu lay in bed, reliving Lu Ji’s kiss. She couldn’t help but grab her pillow, burying her face in it, excitedly stomping her feet under the covers. She had hugged her idol, been hugged by him, and been kissed by him.
Her girlish heart had awakened! Awakened!
She was so excited she couldn’t sleep.
This time apart, they wouldn’t see each other again until early November. Lu Ji had gone on a business trip, and Our Time had entered its post-production phase. By the time Lu Ji landed, it was almost ten o’clock, and Lin Jiayu was still with the crew. He took a taxi directly to her location.
As he walked through the grove of trees at First High School, the moonlight was bright that night, and the crew’s floodlights illuminated everything around him.
From afar, Lin Jiayu saw him walking toward her. His tall figure and steady steps made her pause. As he approached, she suddenly turned to ask the nearby cameraman, “Did you catch him just now?”
“Yeah! Super handsome, very photogenic.”
The photographer proudly showed Lin Jiayu the footage.
Lin Jiayu glanced at it—it was indeed well-shot. She said, “Send it to me when you have time.”
Photographer: “Sure, I’ll definitely send you your boyfriend’s photos.”
Lin Jiayu: “...”
She sneakily glanced at Lu Ji, who was watching her with amusement clearly reflected in his eyes, challenging her to respond.
She simply turned away.
Seeing her still looking at the photos with others, Lu Ji reached out and pulled her close, whispering, “I’m right here. Why are you looking at pictures?”
“They’re good photos, better than the real thing, alright?”
“...”
“That’s art.”
“So I’m art itself?”
“...Narcissist.”
Lu Ji laughed, deciding not to argue further, and softly asked, “Can we go now?”
Lin Jiayu nodded. “Wait for me, I’ll get my bag.”
She quickly returned with her bag, standing beside him. Lu Ji gestured with his chin toward the front. “I didn’t drive today. Let’s take your car.”
Lin Jiayu asked, “So I’ll drive you?”
Lu Ji chuckled. “How could I let you drive? I’ll take you home first, then take a cab back.”
Since he was willing, Lin Jiayu naturally wouldn’t refuse.
Mm, this is what dating feels like.
She secretly delighted in it.
After getting in the car, Lu Ji found her seat too far forward and pushed it all the way back with one hand, making a clicking sound. Lin Jiayu glanced over, admiring his long legs. Indeed, a man needs height and long legs to exude charm.
Look at Lu God’s 185 cm-long legs…
Lu Ji turned to ask, “Want to grab a drink?”
She had mentioned it twice before.
Lin Jiayu was startled, then immediately smiled. “Sure, let’s go!”
Lu Ji chose a quiet bar, where a live singer hummed on stage, creating a great atmosphere. Lin Jiayu enjoyed this type of bar—it was more suitable for dates and romance. Lu Ji said, “The bar owner is my childhood friend. You’ve met him before, remember?”
Lin Jiayu recalled meeting the two childhood friends at his birthday party in high school and nodded in realization. “Yeah, though it’s been years. I probably wouldn’t recognize them if we met again.” After all, everyone had grown and matured, and appearances had changed somewhat.
Lu Ji smiled. “They’re quite curious about you and want to meet you.”
Lu Ji led her to a corner seat where they could see the stage while enjoying a quieter environment. He didn’t sit across from her but beside her. Their coats were placed on the opposite sofa. Lu Ji wore a black sweater, his fair skin and handsome features relaxed, and he sat very close to her.
Lin Jiayu couldn’t help but swallow nervously. As soon as their drinks arrived, she drank more than half the glass.
Lu Ji turned to look at her. “Drinking like this, aren’t you afraid of getting drunk?”
“You underestimate me. My alcohol tolerance has improved over the years.” Lin Jiayu proudly stated.
Lu Ji chuckled and didn’t stop her.
Lin Jiayu’s alcohol tolerance was indeed good. She drank several glasses, her face flushing, making her eyes shine even brighter.
Lu Ji couldn’t help but remind her again, “Stop drinking—I don’t want to carry a drunk person back.”
“I won’t,” Lin Jiayu stopped drinking. She wouldn’t let herself get completely drunk—that would be too embarrassing.
Suddenly, a familiar melody played in the bar.
The live singer softly hummed Waiting for Stars.
It was Zhu Xingyao’s song written for Jiang Tu, which became very popular and was also the theme song of Our Time.
Little by little, bit by bit, it encapsulated the youth of their entire group.
Lin Jiayu turned her head and suddenly said, “Jiang Tu knows you’re pursuing me. He said if I feel wronged, I shouldn’t endure it—I should tell him and Jiang Lu.”
Lu Ji was startled and chuckled. “He sure is concerned.”
Lin Jiayu whispered, “We grew up together, and our bond is inseparable, like siblings.”
Lu Ji nodded. “I know.”
After the song ended, Lin Jiayu tugged at him. “Let’s go back.”
Lu Ji looked at her slightly flushed face, sensing she was a bit tipsy. He stood up, took their coats, draped hers over her shoulders, and led her out of the bar.
A gust of night wind blew.
Lin Jiayu’s bangs were swept aside by the wind, instantly sobering her up.
They walked slowly. The car was parked in front of a real estate office across the street. At this hour, the office was empty, with a row of cars parked in front. As they crossed the road, they could faintly hear a song drifting from a nearby bar.
It was Jason Zhang’s We Are the Same.
You know my dreams
You know my pain
You know we feel the same way
Even if there’s a big storm
It can’t stop the brave impulse
Fly forward bravely, no matter how tired
The beauty of light after the darkness
Share our strength
And illuminate each other’s path
...
Lin Jiayu softly hummed along, and Lu Ji turned to look at her, his gaze dark and serene.
That look was incredibly captivating.
She inexplicably pursed her lips, feeling a surge of impulse.
Perhaps Lu Ji felt the same. He leaned down and kissed her softly, then lingered for a moment. Passersby glanced over, but he didn’t care. Looking down at her, he whispered, “Lin Jiayu, let’s be together. I don’t want to wait anymore.”
Lin Jiayu’s heart raced. She reached out and hugged his waist.
Burying her head in his chest, she softly said, “Alright.”
Whether stars or moons,
Who would want to wait?
[End of Text]
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