Li Zhenjun put his heart and soul into getting dressed, treating today's meal like a date.
He arrived early at the restaurant near the high school entrance. A hot pot of bean soup and meatballs was delicious and inexpensive for two.
They chatted intermittently on the way, mostly about amusing high school anecdotes, and the conversation flowed smoothly.
The familiar surroundings made him feel very comfortable. They watched a typical romantic art film.
An awkward atmosphere lingered between them. As Zhao Jinxiu was about to go home, Li Zhenjun asked her to wait.
He had pre-ordered the cake online and, fearing she wouldn't accept it if he told her beforehand, he decided to act first and inform her later.
"Happy birthday!"
Zhao Jinxiu felt a little embarrassed. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
As he spoke, he took a niche lipstick from his pocket. "This is the birthday gift I prepared for you. I hope you like it."
Zhao Jinxiu hesitated to accept it, but he directly put it in her hand.
"Please accept it. I'm your suitor now."
"Thank you. I'll give you a gift on your birthday too."
"Mhm."
They continued chatting all the way home, neither mentioning taking a taxi. They walked to a small pavilion near Zhao Jinxiu's house.
Zhao Jinxiu took Li Zhenjun there and unwrapped the cake, inserting the candles.
"I'm sorry. It's my birthday, but you had to buy the cake."
Li Zhenjun scratched his head. "I'm happy to celebrate your birthday with you."
"Yes, thank you."
They sang happy birthday, made a wish, blew out the candles, and each ate a small piece of cake. Li Zhenjun watched until Zhao Jinxiu went upstairs before leaving.
"Oh, the silly boy is back. How did it go?"
"Mom, please don't ask. I know what I'm doing."
"Tsk, tsk. It seems things went well. My son is growing up and leaving the nest."
The police academy's registration started earlier than A University. Li Zhenjun refused his parents' offer to accompany him, stating he was already grown up.
He picked up his suitcase and took a taxi to the school gate.
After Zhao Jinxiu's birthday, they had confirmed their relationship. Zhao Jinxiu had promised to see him off.
After they finished the registration together, Li Zhenjun got his dorm number. He immediately asked Zhao Jinxiu to wait downstairs, and he rushed down after taking his things up, without even making his bed.
"Why are you back so soon?"
"I can still unpack tonight. After school starts, I won't be able to see you. Let's go out together now. I heard there are many good food stalls here."
"Okay."
As they walked together, Li Zhenjun took Zhao Jinxiu's hand as they left the school gate. Zhao Jinxiu felt a little shy but didn't pull away.
Li Zhenjun's smile stretched from ear to ear. Only after seeing Zhao Jinxiu onto the bus in the afternoon did he reluctantly return to school.
Li Zhenjun was lucky; he had a good friend who ended up in the same dorm room.
"Oh my, where have you been? Your bed isn't made, and your suitcase isn't even opened. If I hadn't seen your suitcase, I would have thought you hadn't arrived yet."
Li Zhenjun quickly started unpacking. "Nowhere special, just outside the school."
"Did you go on a date? You're really quick, man. I didn't even have time to react."
"Mhm."
"Ah, being handsome has its advantages. Why hide her? Bring her out for us to see."
"I have to ask her first."
"Congratulations, you've fallen in love! When will I get to experience such sweet love?"
"Ahem, that depends on fate. It should be soon, probably."
"Sigh, the gender ratio in our school is worrying. Where is my future wife? Wuwuwu~"
"Stop being dramatic."
"Alright, then let me interview you. What does being in a relationship feel like?"
"I can't quite explain it. I just feel happy when I see her, and I'm content just talking to her every day."
"Is your girlfriend as beautiful as a fairy? I never paid attention to any pretty girls in other classes during high school.
Now I only know her name, and I'm dying to see her every day. Hurry up and ask her! Send us a photo, brother."
"I'll ask her after I finish making my bed."
"Okay, I'll help you make it."
They quickly finished together. Zhao Jinxiu felt that there was no harm in looking at a photo, so she agreed and took two new ones immediately.
They had gone out a few times in the past few days, but both were quite shy and never took photos.
Li Zhenjun: "Picture, picture."
"Wow, she's completely natural. How come I never noticed such a beautiful girl in our high school before?"
"My goodness, no wonder Jun Jun is so smitten. It's worth it!"
"Jun Jun, you're unethical. You know such a beautiful girl and didn't tell us."
"Cut it out, he didn't really know her before."
"Jun Jun, your taste is truly impeccable. Do you have any other beautiful girls around to introduce?"
"No."
"You're truly heartless..."
"Sister-in-law is so beautiful. You can tell she has a good temper at a glance. Jun Jun is so blessed."
"Jun Jun is so blessed..."
"Second that."
"Oh my, why so jealous? You don't need to envy me so much, hahaha~"
"Unethical, treat us to a meal."
"Of course, we'll treat you when everyone is here."
"I'm definitely going to take advantage of you. Jun Jun, cherish her. Treat your wife well, or you'll have nowhere to cry later."
"Chen Zi makes a lot of sense. Don't be like those scumbags. Scumbags never have good endings."
"Don't worry, she and I will definitely always be good together."
"Envious..."
A University's opening day was a Sunday. Li Zhenjun stayed with Zhao Jinxiu, helping her carry her luggage.
"Did I get tanned?"
Zhao Jinxiu suddenly remembered what Li's mother had said. "A little, but you're still good-looking."
Li Zhenjun grinned, revealing his white teeth, which made him look even darker. Zhao Jinxiu couldn't help but laugh.
Time passed slowly, and their studies went smoothly, their relationship growing stronger. After graduation, they got engaged.
They started working together and got married after saving enough for a down payment. Li Zhenjun was as happy as a child on his wedding day.
Friends who had scattered to different places came to celebrate with him. Zhao Jinxiu had also become much more lively and cheerful over the years.
She had many close friends. Jun Jiuli was there as her bridesmaid, witnessing the sweet romance she had orchestrated.
After marriage, Li's father and mother were very open-minded. Despite Li Zhenjun's dangerous profession, they didn't pressure them to have children.
Zhao Jinxiu welcomed her first child at the age of 28, bringing great joy to the entire Li family.
Living separately avoided many troubles. Zhao Jinxiu visited the three elders whenever she had time, and their life was peaceful and happy.