Mr. Lu wasn’t particularly familiar with Shanghai.
Each time he came to Shanghai, it was either for business trips exploring Jiangsu and Zhejiang’s beauties or catching connecting flights abroad.
He came and went in such a hurry that aside from fleeting pleasures, he had no patience to properly tour the city.
As a result, his impression of Shanghai wasn’t different from most people’s.
Elegant, artsy, romantic.
Shady sycamores, influencers flooding the Ten Miles of Foreign Land, the dazzling opulence of the Bund, and postcard-worthy scenes captured anywhere with a raised camera, perfect for blowing up social feeds.
Throwing on yesterday’s outfit as a simple base layer, Zhou Sinin pulled the man downstairs to the mall and bought him a whole new look from head to toe.
The camisole from yesterday, which she had layered under her clothes, now showed obvious creases.
They might need to take photos later; Zhou Sinin naturally wouldn’t let such minor imperfections affect her appearance.
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After all, when it came to dressing up beautifully, her boyfriend was more than willing to foot the bill.
Speaking of which, Zhou Sinin’s shift in mindset was somewhat curious.
When she was ambiguous with Lu Jincheng, although her heart fluttered, she maintained appropriate politeness and wouldn’t spend a penny of his money.
Even after confirming their relationship, she’d strive for a roughly sixty-forty split in expenses during dates.
If he treated her to a fancy dinner, she’d plan a movie outing.
She understood the common societal expectation that men might lean a bit more toward spending, but she always held firm to her principles.
She didn’t want to take advantage of him.
But now, things were different.
It seemed like ever since their intimacy further deepened—unlocking the final stage of physical closeness—Zhou Sinin suddenly gave up on her previous ideals.
Take right now, for example.
When Lu Jincheng willingly paid the bill, she stood obediently at his side, full of joy and laughter.
From "two individuals" to "one family," she had learned to see things from a different perspective and developed a brand new attitude.
Your man pampering you and mutual contributions between the two are only natural.
"Hubby~ Let’s go to the Bund for a bite first, and then I’ll take you to the shop for a visit."
"Sure, I’ll follow your lead."
Lu Jincheng smiled and nodded.
The two took a car to the Bund by the Huangpu River; it was just after midday.
This area happened to be one Zhou Sinin was most familiar with.
Zhou Yuanxin’s workplace was near the Bund, and since childhood, she had frequented this place.
Though it was winter, the streets were still dotted with modern fashionistas dressed relatively light, their makeup polished, making heads turn.
Yet, even among these street-photography stars drawing eyes in every direction, none outshone Zhou Sinin today.
She had changed into a new outfit, her scarf framing her brows and eyes, her smile bright, her gestures radiating a unique charm.
"Tilt your head slightly to the right—yes, just like that."
The more lush the sycamore-lined streets, the deeper their historical allure.
Mr. Lu once again took on the role of photographer, holding up his phone and occasionally directing Zhou Sinin to strike adorable poses.
Walking through the damp alleyways of Shanghai, everywhere exuded authentic old-school Hu-style charm. The flourishing sycamores flanking the lanes seemed to pull people into the fairytale-like home of an old grandmother.
"Beautiful! Absolutely stunning."
"Girls really are like flowers—they need plenty of care and watering."
"What are you saying? I can understand you now, you dirty rascal!"
Catching on to her lover’s innuendo within a second, Zhou Sinin burst into giggles, raising her delicate fist to playfully punch him.
Lu Jincheng slid his phone back into his pocket and pulled out a lighter in passing.
"Hey hey hey, that’s not allowed."
Zhou Sinin pressed his other hand down and pointed toward a plaque on a nearby building.
No. 19 on the Bund, Peace Hotel.
In a sense, the Bund is a crossroads of cultures bound together by historical significance.
"You can’t smoke here."
Seeing the puzzled look on Lu Jincheng’s face, the girl laughed and explained, "In 1909, the International Anti-Opium Commission held its conference in the Peace Hotel’s Central Hall."
"Anyone who studied history knows about this."
What defines the Bund isn’t just its Ionic columns and classical architectural embellishments but also its countless historical treasures.
"...Why don’t I know that?"
Zhou Sinin pursed her lips, took the lighter from his hand, and slipped it into her crossbody bag.
"This place is rich with historical tales—Mr. Sun officially took office as the provisional president here."
"In 1927, the engagement ceremony of Mr. Jiang and Song Mei Ren was also held in the Peace Hotel’s banquet hall."
Talking about this lavish, once-in-a-century wedding, Zhou Sinin’s tone involuntarily revealed a hint of longing.
On this small piece of land, those exquisite porches and walls embraced a faded page of history, quietly and grandly inscribed with countless stories.
"Aren’t you a science major?"
Lu Jincheng looked at the girl narrating effortlessly beside him, his eyes widening in surprise.
"Your history is so good—why study finance?"
"Are you silly? Everyone knows studying history barely makes any money."
Lowering her head, Zhou Sinin kicked aside a meddlesome pebble in her path and slightly tilted her head, gazing toward the distant river banks.
"You’re not short of money, though."
Lu Jincheng held her small hand, speaking gently.
"It’s not just about money," she replied. "It’s... how should I say it? Maybe finance feels more promising? More practical? It’s hard to explain."
"If I’m honest, it’s just about not feeling secure enough."
As she spoke of these matters, Zhou Sinin’s voice grew smaller, but the underlying determination was undeniable.
The waters of the Huangpu rolled on, wave after wave, washing away untold pasts along the shore.