As Zhou Yi drew closer, he noticed that Wang Yixin had reapplied her makeup specifically for this meeting. Compared to when he last saw her, her current look was much more subdued—lighter, fresher, and endearingly innocent. It seemed she had adopted the popular "bare-faced look."
With his backpack slung casually over one shoulder, Zhou Yi fell into step beside her and asked, "So, where do you want to take me for bubble tea?"
Wang Yixin tilted her head, her voice carrying a playful lilt. "Yi-Gege, why are you so focused on the bubble tea? Don't you even want to look at me?" The girl hopped ahead of him, spinning gracefully before him, then fixed him with wide, guileless eyes.
At this moment, Wang Yixin looked far cuter than she had earlier that day. Zhou Yi offered a faint smile. "What exactly do you want me to see?"
She pulled a jelly cup from her pocket and handed it to him. "Try this first—a little treat for you." She peeled back the wrapper of another jelly and popped it into her mouth, mumbling through the sweetness, "Where should you look? Hmm... just at me, Yi-Gege. Don't you think I'm pretty?"
Zhou Yi arched an eyebrow and let out a noncommittal hum.
Pouting, Wang Yixin poked his arm with mock indignation. "Yi-Gege, you're always so aloof! Can't you smile more? You look much handsomer when you do."
Zhou Yi sighed lightly, feigning resignation. "Alright."
They continued chatting as they strolled along, soon arriving at a nearby bubble tea shop. Wang Yixin appeared to be a regular; she greeted the staff warmly upon entering. Together, they approached the counter, where rows of vibrant drink options dazzled the eye.
Zhou Yi glanced around the establishment. Located on the bustling commercial street behind Huaihai University, this place was undoubtedly one of the pricier joints around. Its interior was tastefully decorated, resembling a chic café rather than a typical bubble tea spot.
"What kind of bubble tea do you usually like? Do you mind if it's sweet?" Wang Yixin inquired.
"I'm fine with anything. You decide," Zhou Yi replied evenly.
"In that case, I'll get you a pearl milk tea. Brother Feng, two large cups of iced pearl milk tea, please!" Wang Yixin instructed the barista.
After placing the order, Wang Yixin tugged Zhou Yi toward a secluded corner table. She tossed her backpack onto the couch and turned to leave.
"Where are you going?" Zhou Yi asked, puzzled.
Wang Yixin blinked, sidestepped the table, and leaned close to whisper in his ear, her voice soft and teasing. "At school, I have to dress like a proper student. But outside these walls, I wear what suits me. Let me change into something else—wait for me, Yi-Gege."
"Fine, but if you take longer than ten minutes, I'm leaving," he warned.
"No need for ten minutes—I'll be quick," she assured him with a wink before disappearing into the restroom.
Inside, two girls awaited her arrival, handing over a set of clothes they'd prepared in advance.
"Xinxin, did you really manage to ask Zhou Yi out?" one of them whispered excitedly.
"Yes, he's waiting outside right now," Wang Yixin confirmed.
"You're incredible! It looks like even the school idol is falling for your charms," the second girl teased.
"It's still early days. Zhou Yi doesn't strike me as someone easily swayed," Wang Yixin replied thoughtfully.
"Even so, just being able to date him is already a dream come true. If the forum girls found out, they'd be green with envy!"
Wang Yixin smiled contentedly, clutching the outfit as she stepped into a stall. Moments later, she emerged transformed. Her pink strapless top accentuated her slender neck, while the neckline hinted at curves beneath. Below, she wore a pristine white miniskirt paired with delicate white stockings and sneakers. The bow-adorned stockings hugged her legs, making them appear even longer and more elegant.