Unexpected Rendezvous at the Amusement Park

“Lin, what happened just now? Your internet cut out.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. You go play on your own for a bit. I have something to deal with here.”

“Alright…”

****

Turning off his computer, Lin Yi pressed his throbbing temples. He had barely enjoyed a few days of rest when troublesome matters resurfaced.

Given Gu Yuetong’s personality, if she declared she was coming to find him, she would undoubtedly follow through. He needed to be prepared.

Perhaps he could hide, making it impossible for her to locate him. Alternatively, he could seek assistance from his older sister, returning to New City with her.

Once back in New City, even with all of Gu Yuetong’s resourcefulness, it would still take her a significant amount of time to pinpoint his whereabouts.

Just as Lin Yi formulated this plan, he glanced out the window. A blue and white taxi had already pulled up to the old street, and from it emerged a young woman with long, dark purple hair.

Lin Yi’s expression froze. Gu Yuetong’s speed was so astonishing, he would have believed her if she claimed to have ridden a fire wheel to get there. Of course, this was merely a jest.

He surmised that Gu Yuetong must have set out early, only contacting him once she was nearly at his house. Now, he wasn’t even given a moment to react.

He couldn’t fathom how Gu Yuetong, with her supposedly clumsy mind, had managed to devise such a ‘act first, report later’ strategy.

Outside the two-story building, the purple-haired girl rapped on the heavy iron gate. Through a gap in the metalwork, she caught sight of the familiar layout of the courtyard.

Though it wasn’t her first visit, Gu Yuetong still felt a pang of admiration and envy upon seeing the quaint yard once more. Her gaze eventually settled on the main entrance.

Before Gu Yuetong could call out, a clattering sound echoed from behind the large iron gate. Moments later, a kind-faced elderly woman pushed it open.

The moment she saw Gu Yuetong, the old woman paused. She remembered this girl; she had visited before and seemed to have a good relationship with Lin Yi.

“Is there something you need, dear?”

“Grandma, is Lin Yi home? I’m looking for him to go out and play.”

“He’s home, he’s home. Come in quickly.”

“Thank you, Grandma.”

Gu Yuetong offered a sweet smile, a smile so radiant it seemed capable of melting snow. Even the old woman felt a slight tremor in her heart upon seeing the girl’s beautiful face.

It reminded her of her own youth, when she, too, had been as lovely as the girl standing before her. Sighing inwardly at the relentless march of time, the old woman led the girl inside.

The familiar, spacious living room greeted them. A small black and white cat scampered down the stairs, and then Gu Yuetong’s gaze shifted to the top of the staircase, meeting a pair of stunning amber eyes.

“How was that? Pretty fast, right?”

Lin Yi’s lips twitched. Indeed, calling him and then arriving immediately was incredibly swift.

“*Cough*, what made you think of me?”

“Well, no one else was available to play with me, so I thought of you! Do you want to go out?”

Lin Yi rubbed his forehead helplessly. She had tracked him all the way home; there was no denying her now.

‘Can I say… I don’t want to go?’

“Oh~ You don’t want to go? Then explain yourself properly.”

Instantly, Gu Yuetong’s expression darkened. Although her tone remained gentle, Lin Yi felt not a trace of warmth from her words.

“Uh, wait a moment, I need to tell my sister.”

“Why bother telling her? I already did! Let’s go, quickly!”

With that, Gu Yuetong took Lin Yi’s slightly calloused hand. Lin Yi was startled by her action, instinctively wanting to resist. However, Gu Yuetong’s grip was surprisingly strong.

Without waiting for Lin Yi’s consent, she forcefully dragged him out of the house. Watching their retreating figures, the old woman chuckled with a contented smile.

“Youth is truly wonderful, isn’t it? Ah, I’m getting old.”

****

Inside the taxi, Gu Yuetong forcibly pushed Lin Yi into the car, then slammed the door shut.

“Driver, please lock the doors and take us to the amusement park nearby.”

“Understood.”

The middle-aged man in the front seat showed no particular expression. He had already observed the couple’s antics in the rearview mirror, having seen countless playful squabbles between young lovers.

However, it was his first time witnessing the girl being so assertive. He instinctively glanced at Lin Yi, and when his eyes landed on Lin Yi’s face, his expression suddenly froze.

Lin Yi’s face was sharply chiseled, devoid of any excess stubble. His captivating peach blossom eyes lent him an air of exotic charm, and the prominent Adam’s apple beneath his chin was remarkably distinct.

To some girls, this combination could be quite alluring. It would be truly strange if no young women were pursuing him.

“Why aren’t you driving yet?”

Seeing the driver’s inaction, Gu Yuetong clearly grew impatient. “There’s only so much time in a day. Any delay on useless matters is a waste.”

“Immediately.”

The middle-aged man wiped the cold sweat from his brow. The pressure Gu Yuetong had just exerted on him was far more terrifying than anything his boss could dish out. Realizing she was not to be trifled with, he quickly started the car, speeding away with the two on the narrow road.

Lin Yi sat by the window, with Gu Yuetong directly to his right. Even now, he could still feel the sticky, warm sensation in his palm; Gu Yuetong’s small hand hadn’t once loosened its grip. It was as if she intended to completely restrain him, leaving no chance for escape.

Lin Yi had considered struggling, but his physical exertion was limited within the confines of the car. Using too much force would easily lead to motion sickness, as his previous outing with Chen Sishi had proven.

He absolutely refused to experience that nauseating, unfulfilled urge to vomit a second time. For now, he could only allow Gu Yuetong to hold him.

The scenery outside the window blurred past rapidly. Before long, the two arrived at the entrance of a large amusement park. Though called an amusement park, it also featured several ancient-style structures, and even the rides themselves were decorated with a distinct antique charm.

Standing before the grand entrance, a sense of ancient elegance washed over them, leaving Lin Yi somewhat dazed. This wasn’t quite the amusement park he had envisioned; it felt more like a tourist attraction. Was this difference due to his own perceptions conflicting with those of this world?

“What do you think? It’s pretty good, right?”

Noticing Lin Yi’s absentmindedness, Gu Yuetong pulled out their tickets and stood behind him, gazing at the grand entrance alongside him.

“It’s quite impressive, but are you sure this isn’t a set for a period drama?”

“Oh, come on, there’s no such thing here! Hurry, hurry, let’s not waste any more time. Let’s go in and have fun!”

Gu Yuetong playfully pushed him, and they entered the amusement park. Just past the entrance, they immediately spotted an arched bridge crafted from solid wood. Beneath the bridge lay a patch of accumulated snow, covering what was a frozen artificial lake. It was a pity, as visiting in the summer would undoubtedly offer a richer experience.

Further inside, they discovered a small ski resort. As far as the eye could see, everything was a pristine white. The ski resort was divided into two main paths: one for snowboarding, and the other, a relatively safer option, for riding ‘tires.’

These ‘tires’ were actually inflatable tubes. After a person settled inside, a staff member would give them a push from behind, sending them gliding from the peak to the bottom. To be honest, both options seemed quite thrilling.

At that precise moment, a shout of frustration echoed from the steep slope. Both Lin Yi and Gu Yuetong turned their gaze in that direction, only to see a long-haired beauty sprawled on the pristine white incline. She attempted to stand, but after several tries, she remained on the ground.

The skis on her feet had tangled, tripping her up. It wasn’t until she unfastened them that she managed to get back on her feet. Her movements were clumsy, suggesting this was her first time attempting such an activity; she appeared exceptionally awkward.