Yu Zhiling arrived at the high-speed rail station just as Mo Zhu sent her a message.
[Senior, I just got off the train. I’ll exit from the west gate.]
He stood out easily, the kind of person you’d spot in a crowd at first glance—and Yu Zhiling did. He wasn’t wearing a winter coat, just a long black overcoat with a black-and-white checkered scarf. His suitcase was large, as if he planned to stay for a while, though she wondered if he’d even packed a proper jacket.
Mo Zhu noticed her right away too, raising a hand in greeting before swiping his card to exit the station.
"Senior."
Yu Zhiling frowned at his outfit. "Did you bring a winter coat in your suitcase?"
"No," Mo Zhu admitted honestly, his gaze fixed on her face.
She clicked her tongue. "Did you even check the weather before coming?"
Of course, he had. He knew it was much colder here than in Beicheng, with heavy snowfall—but he had his reasons.
"I didn’t," he said, voice low. "I thought it wouldn’t be that cold."
Yu Zhiling shot him a silent glare, thinking this boy must be spoiled rotten, raised without a shred of common sense.
She glanced at her phone. "There’s a mall about three kilometers from here. You should go buy a down jacket. What you’re wearing is way too thin—it’s minus seven degrees outside."
"Sure," Mo Zhu agreed easily.
"We can take the subway straight there. You’ll need to set up a transit card first."
"Okay."
He followed her into the station. It wasn’t cold inside, and Yu Zhiling, bundled in her long down coat with her hair loose, carried the faint scent of fresh shampoo—likely from a recent shower.
The subway was crowded. Yu Zhiling typed into her notes app and asked, "How many days are you planning to stay?"
Mo Zhu looked down at her. "Ten."
Her eyes widened. "You’re staying until New Year’s?"
"Mm." He tugged her arm gently, guiding her to an empty seat. "Sit, Senior."
"...Thanks."
With nothing else to do, she typed up a detailed travel guide—attractions, food, hotels, even local specialties—just as the train reached their stop.
She sent him the notes as they walked. "I’ve sent you the itinerary. Are you traveling alone?"
She hadn’t planned to accompany him for ten days, just to greet him as a local and hand over the guide.
But Mo Zhu misunderstood. "Yeah. I told my mom you’d be showing me around."
Yu Zhiling blinked. "...What?"
He was already skimming her guide. "Just these few ticketed spots, right? I’ll handle the bookings. If you join me, I’ll cover all expenses—transport, tickets, meals, everything."
"Mo Zhu, I think you’ve got the wrong idea—"
"Are you busy?" he interrupted, meeting her eyes.
"No, but—"
"Then keep me company for a few days. It’s boring alone." His tone was soft, without a trace of demand.
Yu Zhiling was trapped. He’d come to Lincheng because of her recommendations, and now he was here, handling everything himself—just asking her to be his guide. How could she refuse?
Mo Zhu pocketed his phone, waiting patiently. His hair, freshly washed that morning, fell neatly, making him look harmless.
She gripped her phone and finally relented. "I’ll stay at my place. Lincheng isn’t expensive—just worry about your own expenses. It’s been a while since I’ve played tourist anyway. I’ll join you for a few days and see you off when you leave."
Mo Zhu chuckled, voice warm. "Okay."
She was so easy to sway. Adorable.
Yu Zhiling took him to buy winter coats. Tall people looked good in anything—the long black down jacket didn’t bulk him up at all, instead making him seem even slimmer.
She got a clearer sense of his financial status when he bypassed her usual stores and headed straight for a luxury boutique, casually dropping over a hundred thousand without blinking.
Well, she’d recognized his car wasn’t cheap either. A family that could buy their college-aged son a car like that clearly wasn’t average.
When Mo Zhu stepped out, Yu Zhiling reached for some bags, but he stopped her.
"Senior, wait."
He pulled out a scarf from one bag and, before she could retreat, looped it around her neck with careful hands.
She protested, "No need! This is too expensive."
"It’s fine. You’re guiding me for ten days—you deserve a gift. Didn’t you say it’s cold out?"
She hadn’t worn a scarf, her slender neck exposed to the chill. The new scarf—a pale blue-green, likely because he’d noticed her preference for green—wrapped snugly around her.
Mo Zhu was firm this time. After adjusting it, he said plainly, "The tag’s off, and you’re already wearing it. Keep it."
Snow was falling, but the subway station wasn’t far, and the ride back to the high-speed rail station wasn’t too cold.
She murmured an agreement, already thinking of how to repay him with a meal—she owed him one anyway.
First, she dropped him at his hotel, waiting in the lobby while he checked in and texting her parents.
Her mother, Ms. Miao Wan, assumed it was a college roommate visiting and only reminded her to return before the subway closed at eleven.
"Senior, I’m ready."
Mo Zhu’s voice came from behind just as she finished updating her mom.
She turned to find him standing a step away, a casual sports bag slung over one shoulder.
Yu Zhiling waved her phone. "Let’s head to Nanxiang Old Street first. I booked free entry to the scenic spot there. There’s a famous local restaurant nearby—everyone here knows it, but tourists always miss it. My treat."
Mo Zhu smiled. "Sounds good."
The old street wasn’t far. They took a taxi—his call—and Yu Zhling pulled up the restaurant menu on her phone during the ride.
"You should try the salted duck, wine-infused eggs, and the iron-pot stir-fry. Oh, and our local cherry wine is famous. Can you drink?"
Mo Zhu nodded. "A little. My tolerance isn’t bad."
She lowered her voice. "This one’s pretty strong. I can’t handle much, so just take a sip."
She ordered a spread of local specialties, timing it so they’d finish by the last subway home.
Perfect plan.
At the destination, Mo Zhu stepped out with an umbrella, snow still drifting down.
"Senior, come on." He held the umbrella over the car door, waiting for her.
The old street was bustling with people, as it always was during peak season when Lin City was blanketed in snow. The area was famous for its breathtaking frost-covered trees, and vendors lined the streets selling local specialties.
He carried only one umbrella—the black one she had given him before. The snow fell lightly, melting almost instantly even as it dusted his shoulders.
Yu Zhiling continued her introductions: "If you want to buy souvenirs, I can take you to the market. The shops here are in a tourist zone, so everything’s overpriced. Not that money’s an issue for you… Mo Zhu?"
The person beside her suddenly stopped, and Yu Zhiling paused as well.
"Senior, look at this."
Mo Zhu grasped her wrist and pulled her into a shop.
The old street had a long history, with no shortage of jewelry stores. The one Mo Zhu entered specialized in antique-style accessories. His eyes had caught on a hairpin displayed on the counter—its tip carved into the shape of an orange blossom, the entire piece a translucent jade green.
Yu Zhiling leaned against the counter and smiled. "You like this? Buying it for family? It’s probably just ordinary jade, not too expensive. Let me get it for you—that scarf you gave me wasn’t cheap either."
She pulled out her phone to pay, glancing at the price—500 yuan—but before she could scan the code, Mo Zhu swiftly paid for it himself.
Handing the hairpin to the shopkeeper to wrap, he waved his phone with a grin. "No need. It’s not expensive. I’ve got it."
"...Alright."
Yu Zhiling blinked, then relented at his cheerful expression. She made a mental note to treat him to a generous meal later. She didn’t know the exact cost of that scarf, but she was certain it hadn’t been cheap.
Mo Zhu tucked the wrapped hairpin into his bag without ceremony.
The jade was ordinary, not even worth a fraction of the scarf he’d given her. Yet, for some reason, the moment his gaze had skimmed over it, he could vividly picture it adorning her hair. The orange blossom suited her; the jade-green pin would look perfect on her.
As she recounted the history of the old street, Mo Zhu listened attentively. At a corner, he bought two cups of milk tea. "Senior, warm up with this."
Yu Zhiling hesitated. "...We’re about to eat."
"It’s fine. Just hold it to warm your hands," Mo Zhu said matter-of-factly, feigning innocence.
She took it, shooting him a mock glare. "If you want to buy something, let’s go outside the tourist area. Everything here is overpriced."
Mo Zhu helped her insert the straw, nodding obediently. "Alright, I’ll listen to you, Senior."
She wasn’t thirsty, so she simply held the cup for warmth, slowing her steps as they passed a frozen river.
"This is Diaohan River. Right now, it’s only covered in a thin layer of ice. The temperature hasn’t dropped enough yet, but in another half-month when the coldest days arrive, the ice will thicken, and people will skate on it."
Mo Zhu tilted the umbrella slightly toward her. "Do you skate, Senior?"
Yu Zhiling shook her head firmly. "No, and I don’t recommend it. It’s dangerous—the ice isn’t uniformly thick. Just admire it from here, okay? Don’t go near it."
"Senior’s safety awareness is impressive."
"Of course. Didn’t you have to sign those ‘Letter to Parents’ every winter break in middle and high school? Schools always warn against walking on frozen rivers or lakes."
Her tone grew lighter, and Mo Zhu’s heart softened. When they reached a quieter spot, he stopped.
"Senior, let me take your picture."
Yu Zhiling eyed him skeptically. "You’re the tourist here. Shouldn’t I be taking yours?"
Mo Zhu winked, handing her the umbrella. "Let me practice on you first."
She set down the tea and struck a practiced smile. "How’s this?"
Her face filled his phone screen, and Mo Zhu was grateful for the high-resolution camera—every detail of her expression was crystal clear.
"Beautiful. Really beautiful."
His voice was clear and cool, like a babbling brook flowing past her ears. Yu Zhiling’s ears turned pink without her realizing it, and her gaze flickered away—just in time for Mo Zhu to capture the moment.
The faint blush and evasive look didn’t escape him. A small smile curled his lips as he casually urged her on.
"Senior, smile a little. That stern face makes you look like a dean catching students skipping class."
Yu Zhiling burst into laughter, her long lashes fluttering, eyes crinkling into crescents, bright and sparkling. The pale green scarf covered half her face, but the visible part—her eyes—shone like twin moons.
She held the same umbrella she’d once gifted him, standing against a backdrop of snow-laden frost-covered trees, smiling at him—only at him. That gaze was his alone; that smile was meant for no one else.
Mo Zhu’s throat tightened. His fingers moved swiftly, capturing shot after shot—her laughter, the moment it faded, every frame preserved in his phone.
Curious, Yu Zhiling stepped closer and swiped through the photos.
"You’re pretty good at this. Nice composition. This one’s great—send it to me later."
She stood so near that her scent enveloped him, making his throat feel even drier.
Yu Zhiling took his phone and nudged him. "Go stand over there. My turn to photograph you."
Photogenic people were a visual delight. Even with her amateur skills, the shots she took of Mo Zhu turned out well. Zooming in, she noticed his gaze seemed to follow the lens—or rather, the person behind it.
She muttered under her breath, "So photogenic."
"Hmm?" Mo Zhu had somehow appeared beside her, peering down at the phone in her hands. His head was close—close enough for her to catch his scent, to feel the warmth radiating from his taller frame.
His slender fingers swiped through the images. His profile was sharp, his focus intent. "Senior takes great photos. Did you study photography?"
He turned to look at her, and from this angle, it was as if she were enveloped in his embrace—though a sliver of space remained between them, her back almost brushed against his chest.
Yu Zhiling blinked, then coughed lightly and hastily returned his phone. "N-no, I didn’t. As long as you like them. Let’s keep going."
The moment Mo Zhu took the phone, she spun on her heel. "There’s still a long way ahead. It’s getting dark—we should head to dinner soon."
She hurried off, umbrella in hand, forgetting entirely that Mo Zhu was left standing in the snow.
Tucking his phone away, Mo Zhu’s eyes glinted with amusement. How could he not notice she was flustered?
He caught up in a few strides, taking the umbrella from her to shield them both. The road was indeed long—they’d been walking for over two hours since entering the street. By the time they reached the end, night had long since fallen.
Yu Zhiling pointed ahead. "That’s the restaurant I booked."
She insisted on treating him and had already prepaid. The place had private booths separated by curtains. Yu Zhiling sat on a floor cushion—the restaurant, a long-standing establishment, was decorated in a quaint, old-fashioned style.
Yu Zhiling patted her own leg, gesturing for Mo Zhu to mimic her: "Just sit cross-legged like this—it won’t go numb."
Mo Zhu sat across from her, the two separated by a low dining table. Since they’d made a reservation in advance, the dishes arrived quickly.
Yu Zhiling had also ordered a bottle of wine and poured a cup for Mo Zhu. "Try this—Lincheng’s liquor is famous. But go easy, it’s strong."
Mo Zhu nodded. "Alright."
Yu Zhiling took a sip. She usually stuck to wines aged under ten years, but this time, the restaurant owner had recommended a rare vintage—expensive, a whole jar costing a fortune. She’d deliberately chosen high-end dishes and drinks, wanting to repay his earlier gift.
At first, she didn’t taste the burn, only sweetness.
Confident, she downed two cups. After all, Mo Zhu wasn’t driving—no need to hold back.
Mo Zhu ate with refined manners, casually asking, "Senior, did you attend high school in Lincheng?"
Yu Zhiling, busy peeling shrimp, didn’t look up. "Yeah, why?"
"Had you ever been to Beicheng before university?"
"Once." She paused, thinking. "During my third year, I visited for a few days. That was ages ago."
Mo Zhu lowered his gaze, murmuring, "I see."
So it was her. His memory had always been sharp, especially for people who left an impression.
He’d noticed that after half a day together, Yu Zhiling had relaxed considerably—no more stiffness, even cracking jokes on the way. He wondered if ten days would be enough to build a solid rapport. Otherwise, he wouldn’t dare message her first, afraid she’d suspect ulterior motives.
This trip to Lincheng was about becoming her friend—so he’d have an excuse to reach out later, to see her more often.
Watching Yu Zhiling obliviously devour her meal, he studied her in silence, barely touching his food but drinking in the sight of her.
His phone buzzed—another message from his mom.
Mom: [What are you up to? Met the girl yet?]
MZ: [Yeah. She treated me to dinner.]
Mom: [? You let her pay on the first meeting?]
MZ: [Won’t happen again, relax.]
Mom: [What does she look like? Show me.]
Mo Zhu glanced at Yu Zhiling, who’d just taken a sip of wine. Noticing his gaze, she froze mid-sip, blinking at him in confusion.
He smiled. "Just updating my mom on my whereabouts. She worries."
Yu Zhiling nodded understandingly, waving a hand. "Go ahead. Moms worry—it’s normal."
Mo Zhu chuckled quietly. His mom wasn’t concerned about his safety—just whether he’d bring home a daughter-in-law.
He typed back, sending a snake-shaking-its-head sticker to decline Ms. Miao Wan’s request.
Mom: [Just one sneaky photo! I only want a peek.]
MZ: [She’s very pretty. But I can’t share her photo without permission.]
[Since when do you guard against your own mother, you brat!]
[Eating now. Talk later.]
He flipped his phone facedown on the table. Having skipped meals all day, he finally dug in, chatting intermittently with Yu Zhiling. Whether it was the alcohol or growing familiarity, she’d become far more at ease.
Propping her chin on one hand, Yu Zhiling squinted at him. "How do you take care of your skin? It’s flawless—tiny pores, no breakouts."
Amused, Mo Zhu mirrored her pose, elbow on the table. "Senior’s skin is great too."
Yu Zhiling shook her head. "No, you’re seriously good-looking."
Mo Zhu raised a brow. "Oh?"
"Genuinely. Not flattery—you could be our school’s heartthrob." She nodded earnestly.
Teasing, he leaned in. "What parts are good-looking?"
Yu Zhiling started counting on her fingers. "One, your skin. Two, your sharp, well-defined features—you’re that… what’s it called… ‘dramatic handsome’ type. Striking at first glance. Three, you’re tall, lean, a natural clothes hanger."
In short: gorgeous.
Pleasant to look at, mood-boosting just by existing.
Mo Zhu laughed, eyes crinkling into crescents as he edged closer, studying her face. "Senior’s beautiful too. Stunning."
Yu Zhiling’s cheeks pinked. Though still mostly sober, a faint dizziness lingered. No girl disliked being called pretty—she turned away, grinning.
"Sweet talker. Eat up! Have some wine—it’s so sweet."
Sweet, yes, but potent. The burn crept up slowly.
Mo Zhu caught her wrist. "Stop drinking. You’ll get drunk."
She pulled free, shaking the bottle. "Do you know how much this costs? Over a thousand per bottle! No takeout either—we’re finishing this today. No wasting my money."
Mo Zhu paused, surprised by the price.
Then it clicked. He knew Yu Zhiling’s background—both parents doctors, comfortable middle-class, only child. She could afford that scarf herself, but receiving such an expensive gift from a near-stranger? Of course she’d feel compelled to reciprocate.
His gift had been poorly considered.
He pushed his cup toward her. "Then let me drink more. You take it easy."
"I ordered it for you anyway—this wine’s legendary." Cheerfully, she refilled his cup. Two-thirds of the bottle had gone to her; Mo Zhu finished the rest.
By the end, both were woozy. Yu Zhiling braced her forehead in both hands, silent. Worried, Mo Zhu asked, "Senior, feeling unwell?"
She raised a finger. "I’m fine. Might’ve overdone it."
Mo Zhu: "..."
Obviously.
He played along. "You’re tipsy. Had enough? Let’s go."
Yu Zhiling checked her phone—9:30 sharp.
"Ten-minute walk to the subway. I’ll take that. You head back to your hotel."
She pushed herself up, then stood motionless for a moment, steadying herself against the buzz.
No way was Mo Zhu letting her ride the subway like this.
He steadied her arm, coaxing gently, "Let me call a cab. I’ll drop you off, then return to my hotel."
Yu Zhiling squinted at him like he was an idiot. "Why burn money? A cab to my place starts at sixty—plus your trip back."
Mo Zhu sighed, amused. "It’s fine. I promised to handle your transport. The subway’s packed now."
After much back-and-forth, he finally convinced her.
Mo Zhu held onto her wrist through her down jacket, watching as she obediently followed behind him. Though her speech was still coherent, her steps were unsteady, and as they descended the stairs, her legs gave way, nearly causing her to stumble.
He quickly steadied her, noticing the flush that spread from her ears down to her neck and cheeks—clear signs she was thoroughly drunk.
"Let me carry you, Senior. We can't stop the car here, so we'll need to walk a bit further before I can hail a taxi. Is that alright?"
Yu Zhiling, softened by alcohol, was in no state to argue. Her thoughts were sluggish, and she simply nodded, raising her arms in compliance.
Mo Zhu paused for a moment, his throat bobbing as he swallowed hard. Without another word, he bent down and hoisted her onto his back. She was surprisingly light, barely any weight at all. Her head nestled against the crook of his neck, her warm breath brushing against his cheek like the teasing flick of a feather.
Outside, the snow had stopped. Her bag hung from his shoulder, and now she rested on his back.
As he walked, Mo Zhu asked softly, "Senior, are you cold?"
Yu Zhiling murmured, "No, I'm so hot."
Bundled up in thick layers, she felt like she was burning up.
She nuzzled her head against his shoulder, her voice low and drowsy. "You smell nice... so clean."
Mo Zhu halted. The streets were quiet—most people had stayed indoors because of the snow.
He didn’t respond, simply absorbing her warmth, her weight, the scent of her. She was definitely drunk; sober, she would never say something like this.
Yu Zhiling opened her eyes, her blurred vision capturing his profile. Mo Zhu’s long lashes dipped slightly, his gaze distant, lost in thought.
"Mo Zhu, why did you stop?"
His throat tightened as he turned slightly to meet her eyes. "I don’t want to keep walking."
"Why not?"
"Once we reach the intersection, I’ll have to call a cab. And then I won’t be able to carry you anymore."
Since she was drunk and wouldn’t remember anyway, he could afford to be honest.
Yu Zhiling processed his words with her sluggish mind. "You like carrying me?"
Mo Zhu admitted, "Yeah, I do."
"If you like carrying me, then by extension... do you like me?"
"...What?"
Yu Zhiling narrowed her eyes, pinching his cheek in playful accusation. "You little—I’ve suspected for a while now. Always going out of your way to drive me around, inviting me to meals, asking me to be your so-called 'guide.'"
Drunk, she could finally voice the suspicions she’d kept hidden.
Mo Zhu chuckled at her adorable expression, nodding without hesitation. "Yeah, I like you, Senior. My car doesn’t just carry anyone—aside from my parents, you’re the only one. And I don’t invite other girls out to eat either."
She was definitely wasted. Even if she could string sentences together now, she probably wouldn’t recall any of this tomorrow.
Yu Zhiling rested her chin on his shoulder. "What do you like about me?"
Mo Zhu answered, "No reason. Love at first sight?"
She smacked his arm. "Bullshit. Love at first sight is just lust in disguise."
Mo Zhu felt the need to defend himself. "If I’ve been thinking about you for so long, how could it just be lust?"
Yu Zhiling fell quiet. Over the years, plenty had confessed to her, but none had been as strikingly handsome as him.
She’d admit it—she was shallow when it came to looks. And he happened to fit her type perfectly.
She studied him in silence, and Mo Zhu didn’t speak either. Their eyes locked, his gaze softening, inching closer until their noses nearly touched.
Her voice was barely a whisper. "What do you want to do?"
Mo Zhu froze. The alcohol had emboldened him, but now that he’d caught himself, he pulled back slightly, his voice low with apology. "Sorry. I’m not thinking straight."
Yu Zhiling tilted her head. "Did you want to kiss me?"
He hadn’t expected her to be so direct. He didn’t deny the impulse that had momentarily overridden his reason. "...Senior, I’m sorry."
But a drunk mind couldn’t parse apologies—it needed clear answers.
Yu Zhiling leaned in, pressing a fleeting kiss to the corner of his lips before pulling back. "Is this what you wanted to do?"
Mo Zhu didn’t answer. His phone buzzed insistently in his pocket—probably his mother calling—but he ignored it.
He was usually composed, but two months ago, when he’d seen her again, his calm exterior had masked a heart racing out of control. No one knew how exhilarated he’d been to meet her once more.
This time was no different. His expression might’ve been neutral, but his grip on her legs tightened, his Adam’s apple bobbing rapidly, lashes fluttering as he fought to steady himself—and failed.
Yu Zhiling leaned back slightly, tilting her head. "Why aren’t you saying anything? Isn’t this what you wanted?"
Mo Zhu turned abruptly, carrying her into a deserted alley before setting her down. He stood with his back to her for a moment.
Yu Zhiling swayed slightly as she circled to face him, looking up with hazy eyes. "Ignoring people is really rude, you know."
Mo Zhu met her gaze, his voice rough. "No. That’s not how I wanted to kiss you. Adults don’t kiss like that. Do you want to try it the right way, Senior?"
Yu Zhiling seemed to consider this. "I smell like alcohol."
Mo Zhu: "So do I."
"We haven’t known each other long."
"I’ll take responsibility."
"Liar. You’ll just run off afterward."
"I won’t. I’m not going anywhere." Mo Zhu bent down, cradling her face gently, his voice tender. "I came here for you, Senior. Just for you."
Yu Zhiling blinked. "For... me?"
Mo Zhu nodded. "To pursue you. The trip was just an excuse. The guide thing was a lie. But wanting you? That’s real."
Pursue her?
Yu Zhiling looked dazed. "You really like me?"
"Really. I really do." Mo Zhu tentatively took her hand, and she, curious, squeezed his fingers in return.
He interlaced their fingers, murmuring, "No one’s around. Do you want to kiss me, Senior?"
If she kissed him, he’d have every reason to chase her openly.
Yu Zhiling studied him. "Do you know how?"
Mo Zhu: "I can... practice?"
Yu Zhiling decided to help him practice.
She thought he was beautiful, loved how he smelled, and here he was—someone so wonderful—saying he liked her. With her mind too foggy to resist, she acted on impulse.
Mo Zhu reacted instantly, cupping her face as he kissed her back. Their lips met clumsily, teeth clashing before their tongues brushed, the taste of alcohol mingling between them.
Sweet. So sweet.
His arm around her waist tightened, his kiss growing deeper, more insistent. His other hand pressed against her back, pulling her so close it felt like he wanted to fuse them together.
In that quiet alley, under the year’s first snowfall, he finally kissed her.
