◎Gu Jiasui x Xiao Qingnang◎
Having arrived in this modern world, Gu Jiasui had already learned so many new things.
Contemporary knowledge, everyday survival skills—everything was necessary to adapt and thrive in today’s society.
After entering university, her life gradually stabilized, finally finding its footing.
Yet she never expected that, aside from academics and work, she would learn one more new thing:
Dating, just like a modern person.
One afternoon during her freshman year, Dorm 320.
"Jiasui, you’re going out?"
Chu Bingbing watched as she rummaged through her drawer, packing a small bag.
Gu Jiasui gave a quiet "Mm," then added, "I’ll be back later. Want me to bring you boba?"
She was nervous, relieved when Bingbing didn’t ask where she was headed.
"No thanks, I’ll skip the caffeine—can’t sleep at night if I drink it now. Bye!" Chu Bingbing waved.
"Bye."
Fingers curled around the chain of her bag, Gu Jiasui descended the stairs. At the dorm entrance, someone was already waiting eagerly.
She tightened her grip on her phone, walking toward him with practiced calm.
They were going to watch a movie—just the two of them.
Not at a crowded mall, where prying eyes and noise would make things awkward.
The campus cinema, subsidized by the university, was far cheaper than commercial theaters, though the facilities were outdated. With limited screenings and few student attendees, it was the perfect spot.
Though they often walked side by side on campus, today felt different.
He shielded her on the inner side of the path, their hands and arms brushing lightly—brief, fleeting touches that sent sparks through her skin.
"Jiasui, can I carry your bag for you?"
She glanced at him. He already wore a backpack—why would he want her small purse too?
"Yan and Zhu Jue always do this when they go out," Xiao Qingnang said matter-of-factly.
Zhu Jue had once declared that carrying a girlfriend’s bag was a badge of honor.
Gu Jiasui considered this, then stopped and slipped the bag off her shoulder.
The chain purse had rested neatly at her waist, but on him—already burdened by his backpack—it now hung awkwardly across his chest, looking almost comical.
"Pfft." She couldn’t help laughing.
"Maybe I should just carry it myself."
"No, the strap would dig into your shoulder." His tone left no room for argument, though he reluctantly tucked the purse into his backpack instead.
"This works too."
Internally, he kicked himself. Had he brought a tote instead of the backpack, he could’ve showcased the purse properly.
Now stuffed to capacity, the backpack weighed little. Casually, he looped his fingers around her slender wrist, then laced them through hers, holding on just firmly enough.
Gu Jiasui bit her lip, the tips of her ears flushing pink.
They walked in silence, yet each could swear they heard the other’s heartbeat.
The campus cinema occupied the fourth floor of a small cafeteria. The student working the ticket counter, drowsy in the afternoon lull, stamped their tickets with a yawn and waved them in.
As expected, the theater was empty.
They chose seats dead-center in the seventh row. Gu Jiasui watched as he meticulously wiped the armrests with alcohol wipes, then laid out disposable seat covers.
Once settled, he pulled snacks and tea from his bag, leaving her momentarily stunned.
"How much did you even prepare?" she whispered, tilting her head.
The lights dimmed. Xiao Qingnang studied her profile in the flickering glow, throat bobbing.
He leaned in subtly, as if to murmur in her ear, her fragrant hair brushing his nose—maddeningly sweet.
"Not much. Just the essentials, per Zhu Jue’s advice."
His breath, warm and laced with herbal freshness, ghosted over her skin, wrapping around her like an embrace. Her breath hitched.
She turned away, the screen’s light painting her face.
"The movie’s starting."
Xiao Qingnang feigned calm. "Mm."
Then, wordlessly, slender fingers slipped between his, interlacing tightly.
The next hour and a half flew by.
Though the film was terrible, Xiao Qingnang wished it would never end.
Just sitting beside her, hand in hand, was perfection.
He packed the seat covers into a trash bag, the untouched snacks a testament to his nerves. By the time they left, dusk had fallen.
The cafeteria downstairs was quiet for a weekend evening. Seated by the window, Gu Jiasui sipped tea from a thermos, scrolling through messages.
She’d forgotten to drink during the movie, and now thirst nagged at her.
"The taro looks good today—the soup’s just been served, perfectly timed."
She glanced up, meeting his gaze—only to find him staring at her thermos, eyes crinkled with amusement.
Gu Jiasui froze. She’d grabbed the wrong cup.
The two thermoses, one blue and one purple, were nearly identical. The purple one usually held drinks he prepared for her.
She’d picked one absentmindedly while checking her phone.
She doubled down.
Really, blue and purple were practically the same shade. Who could blame her?
She’d drink from whichever she pleased.
Her tray held light dishes, though the portions seemed larger than usual.
As he set down his own meal, he casually picked up the purple thermos.
Gu Jiasui’s gaze darted away. That was hers.
(Though, technically, he’d bought it for her.)
"That movie wasn’t great," she said, steering the conversation elsewhere.
Xiao Qingnang stiffened. He’d chosen it, after all. With no major releases outside holiday seasons, options were slim—even the so-called blockbusters were mediocre.
Still, if she hadn’t enjoyed it, the fault was his.
"My bad. I should’ve picked better."
"The movie being bad isn’t your fault. The experience was nice, though." She held his gaze.
"At least we can warn Yan and the others to skip it," she added lightly.
Xiao Qingnang’s mind latched onto one phrase: The experience was nice.
A grin broke across his face. "Zhu Jue said the other two playing are worse."
"Next time, we could catch a classic rerelease—Magic Academy is coming soon. Or visit Bin City’s art galleries, museums, concerts, the zoo..." He listed off a dozen activities.
Gu Jiasui propped her chin in her hands, studying him with a wry smile.
"Ah, the ’50 Classic Date Ideas’ list from Xiaohongshu. I’ve seen it."
Xiao Qingnang’s face burned crimson. He stammered, utterly flustered.
Before he could speak, she added, "I think both options are quite good."
The porcelain spoon in Gu Jiasui's soup bowl clinked softly as their eyes met. In that moment, their gazes intertwined, and he felt as though he had heard the most heavenly sound.
She said:
"Learning to navigate a modern romance together sounds wonderful."
