Chapter Nineteen: Too Ashamed to Face Anyone

“Can you two debate without dragging me into it?” Qin Xuan said, clearly frustrated.

“It was just an example, don’t misunderstand, brother,” Qin Lin’er quickly explained.

“Oh.” Qin Xuan shot her a glare and fell silent.

Half an hour later, Liu Qin hurried over, having gone home to change into a white lace-trimmed dress that made her look nothing like a counselor. It’s said that three women together make a drama; sure enough, the three women walked ahead, chatting animatedly, while Qin Xuan trailed behind, lonely—well, not completely alone; at least two bags kept him company.

The amusement park was overflowing with people during the National Day holiday. Oddly enough, the place was dominated not by children, but by couples. It was almost absurd—four single people, though some relationships were a bit ambiguous, still felt overwhelmed by the public display of affection all around them.

The must-experience and most thrilling attraction in any amusement park was undoubtedly the roller coaster, and so the four of them chose it as their first stop.

When boarding, Qin Lin’er dashed forward, grabbing Qin Xuan and sitting beside him, leaving Liu Qin and Liu Ruo Xi to take seats behind them.

At first, Qin Lin’er was visibly excited, but as soon as the ride started and the force pressed them back, her smile faded. She quickly reached out to grasp Qin Xuan’s hand. Liu Ruo Xi, witnessing this from behind, looked displeased but said nothing—after all, she was nervous herself.

As the car climbed to the peak, Qin Xuan felt Qin Lin’er’s grip tighten.

Then—

“Aah—!”

“Oh my god! Oh my god!”

“Whose dentures are those?!”

Qin Lin’er, who had been trying to act calm, couldn’t help but join in the chorus of screams after hearing the other passengers. Qin Xuan felt her hand trembling.

As the ride plummeted, Qin Xuan patted her hand comfortingly. Meanwhile, Liu Ruo Xi and Liu Qin behind them were in a state of utter shock. If it weren't for the safety restraints, the two women might have clung to each other.

When the ride stopped, nearly everyone was gripping something, feeling dizzy. Qin Xuan was no exception, but holding Qin Lin’er, he felt exhilarated.

Liu Ruo Xi sat nearby, feeling almost out of sorts. That big oaf only cared about his sister!

After resting for a while, Qin Xuan looked at the three women.

“Do you want to keep playing?” he asked.

Liu Qin nodded. The roller coaster hadn’t traumatized her much; the initial discomfort had faded. Liu Ruo Xi shouted, “Let’s play!”

Qin Xuan sensed something off in Liu Ruo Xi’s gaze, uncertain what he’d done to upset her. Qin Lin’er clung to his arm, looking aggrieved, obviously taking her cue from him.

Truth be told, Qin Xuan wanted to play more as well, so he led them wandering through the park in search of their next adventure.

After a while, he noticed a long line ahead and, curious, looked up to find it was the Ferris wheel. The crowd was immense, but Qin Lin’er’s hopeful expression forced him to queue obediently.

It turned out not to be so bad—despite the crowd, after about twenty minutes, it was their turn. The small, two-person cabins were perfectly suited for couples.

As expected, Qin Lin’er and Liu Ruo Xi started to argue over seating arrangements. In the end, Liu Ruo Xi won by claiming Qin Lin’er’s seat was uncomfortable.

“Hmph!” Liu Ruo Xi naturally snatched Qin Xuan from Qin Lin’er and happily entered the cabin.

Seeing Qin Lin’er’s disappointed face, Liu Qin said, “What’s wrong? Don’t want to sit with me?”

Qin Lin’er hastily shook her head. “No, no, I’m happy to sit with you, it’s just…”

Liu Qin interrupted, “Then cheer up! I’m quite curious about your relationships—tell me all about it?”

Distracted by the new topic, Qin Lin’er’s earlier thoughts melted away, and she began talking, holding Liu Qin’s arm.

Meanwhile, Liu Ruo Xi was far less easygoing.

Once the door closed, she straddled Qin Xuan’s lap, facing him.

“Tell me! Did you not want to sit with me on the Ferris wheel?” Liu Ruo Xi demanded.

Feeling the softness on his legs, Qin Xuan struggled to stand. “What’s gotten into you now?”

“Hmph! You didn’t care about me earlier!” Liu Ruo Xi bent down and wrapped her arms around his neck, complaining.

Suddenly understanding, Qin Xuan patted her back, sensing her emotions. He had assumed Liu Ruo Xi was more adaptable than Qin Lin’er, but had forgotten she was still a girl...

He quickly comforted her, “Alright, alright, next time I’ll look after you first.”

“You’re all talk!” Liu Ruo Xi grumbled. “Unless you swear it!”

“Fine, fine,” Qin Xuan relented, raising his right hand obediently. “I swear, if something like today happens again, I’ll care for Liu Ruo Xi first!”

“Hmm, alright, I believe you,” Liu Ruo Xi said happily, secretly pressing the stop button on her phone’s recording.

The Ferris wheel began its slow rotation, but Qin Xuan and Liu Ruo Xi remained in their close embrace. Neither felt awkward, especially since the cabin’s tinted film ensured privacy.

Meanwhile, Qin Lin’er pressed her face against the glass, squinting to glimpse Qin Xuan and Liu Ruo Xi. Through a gap, she could see the two sitting close, but not clearly. Liu Qin, watching her comical antics, struggled to keep from laughing.

At the highest point, Qin Xuan looked out over the city, even spotting their school from up there.

“Qin Xuan, do you think this place would look even prettier at night?” Liu Ruo Xi mused in his ear.

Qin Xuan felt her breath tickle his ear. “Probably. What are you plotting now?”

“Nothing!” Liu Ruo Xi shot him a look, secretly thinking: You’ll find out soon enough!

At the top, it felt as if one could see the entire city, though Qin Xuan knew it was just an illusion. He almost believed he could reach out and catch a passing bird, but it was only a dream.

After two circuits, Qin Xuan’s legs went numb. Liu Ruo Xi finally released him. When they exited, Qin Xuan and Liu Ruo Xi waited outside for Qin Lin’er and Liu Qin, only to see Qin Lin’er storm past them with a dark expression.

Qin Xuan reacted quickly, grabbing her arm and pulling her back.

“What’s up with you?” he asked, puzzled.

Qin Lin’er said nothing, struggling to break free but to no avail.

“She’s upset because you had fun without her and left her out,” Liu Qin revealed bluntly. “She said she wouldn’t forgive you unless you give her a massage tonight.”

Qin Lin’er’s cheeks flushed bright red, like a child caught with a secret. She didn’t even notice Qin Xuan releasing her hand, but with such embarrassment, she could hardly face anyone!