Cai Die Pian Pian was actually quite surprised. To be honest, she liked the atmosphere here, feeling as if she had lived there before.
However, these annoying people made her lose all interest in staying. Liu Guang Fei Wu's invitation for a rendezvous was exactly what he wanted.
After they made their decision, they informed the group leader about their plan to descend the mountain.
The group leader understood that after what had happened the previous day, they wouldn't be comfortable staying any longer. He apologized.
Although it was only a private organization, such an incident had occurred, and he, as the leader, bore some responsibility for lax vetting, allowing a perverted man into their group.
After breakfast, the two packed up and headed down the mountain.
Upon reaching the base, they found the nearest police station and reported the incident, handing over video evidence to the authorities.
The police reviewed the video and understood the whole situation. They stated that since the person had not caused any actual harm, at most, he could receive a verbal warning or be held in administrative detention for three days.
"That's fine too. At least he'll learn a lesson. Otherwise, people who do bad things remain so arrogant, which will make people lose faith in public security," Cai Die Pian Pian said.
"Alright, this case falls within our jurisdiction, and we will handle it."
The police took their statements, asked them to return, and then went up the mountain to apprehend the perverted man.
Cai Die Pian Pian had arrived by car with someone else from the group. Now, she was thinking of taking a taxi back.
Seeing her open the ride-hailing app, Liu Guang Fei Wu mentioned that he had driven there and could give her a ride.
Upon inquiring, they discovered they were from the same city, so Cai Die Pian Pian happily agreed.
Liu Guang Fei Wu retrieved an ordinary Beijing Jeep from the parking lot and said,
"I thought the mountain roads might be difficult to navigate, so I drove a vehicle with a higher chassis."
After getting into the car, the two inevitably engaged in casual conversation on their way back.
Liu Guang Fei Wu then learned that she owned a coffee shop in the city center. The cafe was stylishly decorated and had a pleasant ambiance.
However, the prices were quite high, with a cup of coffee costing over a hundred yuan, making it unaffordable for everyone. Consequently, business had been slow lately.
They chatted all the way, and soon they were nearing the city.
Cai Die Pian Pian asked him to drop her off at the mall where her cafe was located.
As they were about to part ways, both felt a sense of reluctance.
"By the way, let me treat you to dinner tonight to express my gratitude," Cai Die Pian Pian offered proactively.
He had brought her back and even given her a camera; she felt she had to show her appreciation.
"Sure, I'll go back and change first." Liu Guang Fei Wu readily agreed.
He was still wearing his casual camping clothes, which felt out of place in the city.
"Okay, I'll go back and change too. What kind of cuisine do you prefer? Hunan, Sichuan, or Cantonese?"
"I'm fine with anything. If I have to choose, then Cantonese, as I prefer lighter flavors."
Liu Guang Fei Wu was not being fussy.
They agreed on a restaurant and went their separate ways to get ready.
On his way home, Liu Guang Fei Wu couldn't stop thinking about Cai Die Pian Pian.
Her image had occupied his mind. Was this what it felt like to be in love?
He recalled how he used to dislike female classmates pursuing him and bothering him. But now, everything seemed different. This time, it wasn't others who were smitten; it was him.
Upon arriving home, Liu Guang Fei Wu dressed up meticulously, shaved, and spritzed on a refined cologne before driving his sports car to the restaurant Cai Die Pian Pian had mentioned.
The restaurant was located in a large shopping mall with underground parking. As he parked his car, a pair of young people walked over, exclaiming with admiration,
"Wow, is that a McLaren sports car? There can't be more than three of these models in the country. Whose luxury ride is this?"
Just then, Liu Guang Fei Wu opened the scissor doors and stepped out of the car.
Seeing the handsome, stylish, and wealthy young man before them, both were captivated.
When he arrived at the designated restaurant, Cai Die Pian Pian was already waiting.
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting," Liu Guang Fei Wu apologized quickly.
"It's fine, I only arrived about five minutes ago. I asked you out, so I should be here earlier and not make you wait."
Cai Die Pian Pian was a sensible girl. Despite her beauty, she didn't have the airs of a princess.
Liu Guang Fei Wu greatly admired this about her.
They discussed what to order and quickly placed their food.
They talked and chatted throughout the meal, enjoying each other's company.
After dinner, it was only 7:30 PM. The mall was bustling. As they reached the restaurant entrance, they saw a giant movie poster standee. Liu Guang Fei Wu said,
"It's still early. Would you like to go see a movie?"
"Sure," Cai Die Pian Pian also didn't want their time together to end and happily agreed.
The movie was exciting, a tomb-exploration adventure.
Both were young and found the theme quite engaging. During some particularly scary scenes, the entire audience screamed.
Liu Guang Fei Wu could see that Cai Die Pian Pian seemed a little scared. Seeing her trying to suppress her fear, he couldn't help but hold her hand to comfort her.
Perhaps it was due to being engrossed in the movie, but Cai Die Pian Pian didn't reject Liu Guang Fei Wu's gesture and allowed him to hold her hand.
They held hands until the movie ended. After leaving the cinema, their hands went from being held to being intertwined.
Walking through the mall, there were many young couples like them, so it wasn't an unusual sight.
They walked in silence for a while, seemingly unsure of what to say.
After a long pause, Liu Guang Fei Wu stopped and solemnly asked Cai Die Pian Pian,
"I have a bold request. Will you be my girlfriend?"
Cai Die Pian Pian was stunned by his question. After a moment, she replied,
"We can try. I used to be against marriage and didn't want to find a partner, preferring to live a free and independent life.
I never thought this idea would change one day. But perhaps I still won't want to get married. Can you accept that? If you can't, then we shouldn't start dating."
Liu Guang Fei Wu hadn't expected such an answer.
He paused and thought for a moment before saying,
"Actually, I was like you. I used to be against marriage and never met anyone I liked, so I never actively pursued anyone.
If someone pursued me and I didn't like them, I wouldn't accept.
But I never expected that one day I would change my mind because of you.
I understand your perspective, but I hope everything happens naturally, without forced effort or obstruction. If one day we both feel ready to get married, then we'll get married.
If we both feel more comfortable in our current state, we can remain this way. Is that okay?"