No matter what Ai Xin'Er said, Shen Shi just lazily watched her, with an expression that said, "say whatever you like, I'm not listening."
To be honest, it was quite interesting.
It completely calmed his mood.
Someone with his personality needs other matters to distract from time to time, to relieve the mood, otherwise, it's easy to get caught up in stubbornness, especially when too many things happen at once, and the impact is too great.
Until Ai Xin'Er was almost in tears from anxiety, Shen Shi realized he had gone too far, and quickly said, "Alright, look outside."
Ai Xin'Er turned her head.
Only then did she notice.
At some point, the car had left the streetlights behind and was driving along the coastal road. In the distance, the ocean at night reflected the lights from the road, and further away was dotted with stars, a kind of mystery and grandeur that couldn't be felt during the day.
Ai Xin'Er couldn't help but be mesmerized.
Although she had studied in this city for four years, she had never been to the beach at night.
"At this time of night, the beach is still very lively." Shen Shi also looked out the window, "A lot of people come here, there are street musicians, beach volleyball, barbecue, and other activities. When I first came here, I thought of bringing you along, but there was never an opportunity."
Ai Xin'Er seemed to finally react, wiped her eyes, raised her hand and punched him, angrily saying, "You're so bad, you scared me to death just now, you know?"
"Scared you about what?" Shen Shi shook his head with a smile, "Did you think I became bad because I have money? Or did you think I view you as one of those girls who act indiscriminately when they see money?"
"..." Ai Xin'Er didn't speak.
Because Shen Shi was right, if he had really taken her to the hotel just now, she would have been very upset.
Even though tonight, Shen Shi was indeed charming.
But... he also made her a little afraid.
"Don't worry about these things." Shen Shi put away his smile, looked at her calmly, and slowly said, "You're different, on you lies my past. No matter what the future becomes, I hope this past can exist."
Ai Xin'Er's gaze was moved.
She understood Shen Shi's meaning.
He... is also afraid, afraid of his future self.
"I understand." Ai Xin'Er nodded instinctively, her tone gentle, "I will guard it well for you."
Shen Shi smiled.
He sought out Ai Xin'Er today, initially just wanting to share the tumultuous emotions in his heart with someone.
But now he found out.
This always stunning girl might bring him other surprises.
The car stopped.
"Let's go." Shen Shi got out first, "I've prepared a surprise for you."
Ai Xin'Er was puzzled, but also looked forward to it.
She wore flat shoes, stood beside Shen Shi clad in a blazer, as his aura gradually expanded, giving a certain indescribable harmony.
And soon, she saw the "surprise" Shen Shi mentioned.
—A silver-white piano!
Placed right in the center of the beach, illuminated by lights, a curious group of tourists had already gathered nearby, but were blocked by bodyguards.
"Please." Shen Shi elegantly gestured, smiling, "So much happened today, you really want to play, right?"
Ai Xin'Er stared blankly at the beautiful piano, then turned her head to look at Shen Shi, who was smiling too, moving her lips.
But said nothing.
Instead, she hugged him fiercely.
And immediately let go.
Excited, she walked towards the piano, her steps full of joy.
Shen Shi savored that moment's softness, watching Ai Xin'Er mask her shyness with departure, his smile grew even more.
He walked over slowly and, under the gaze of the crowd, passed by the bodyguards and sat next to the piano, facing the ocean—this was the seat he prepared for himself.
Then, the cheerful and melodious "Io Ti Penso Amore" started softly in the sea breeze of the night.
Shen Shi enjoyed it with relaxed eyelids.
Though it wasn't world-shattering, this beautiful music was worthy of his dream-like day.
Wonder if, three thousand years in the future, people could still have this mood to listen to music.
They should, right?
After all, they've never given up on pursuing everything from the past.
The midnight bell chimed amidst music and tangled thoughts.
...
The tune finally ended.
Ai Xin'Er, draped in Shen Shi's blazer, came to his side.
"Tired from playing?" Shen Shi asked.
"Yes." Ai Xin'Er's face was red, strands of her hair clinging to her face from the fine sweat.
"Played to your heart's content?" Shen Shi asked again.
"Yes!" Ai Xin'Er nodded emphatically.
"Then let's go to a hotel." Shen Shi looked at her teasingly.
But didn't see that frantic reaction he imagined.
Ai Xin'Er shot him a glare, hands on her hips, "You want to use the same trick on me twice?"
"...So insensitive." Shen Shi pouted.
"Your idea of fun is watching me cry?" Ai Xin'Er's forehead pulsed with veins, but she chuckled herself, grabbed the water bottle next to Shen Shi and took a big gulp, then exhaled forcefully, "This day, I might never forget it my whole life."
"I'm about the same." Shen Shi shrugged, stood up, walked a couple of steps toward the ocean, where Ai Xin'Er couldn't see, his gaze profound, "During that time just now, I figured out some things... there are matters only I can attend to, and if I do nothing, I fear I'll regret someday."
Ai Xin'Er watched his back, opened her mouth, but in the end, only asked softly:
"Will there be danger?"
"Rest assured." Shen Shi's lips curved, "You know how cowardly I am, I wouldn't do dangerous things."
"Then I'll support you, although I might not be much help." Ai Xin'Er pouted, muttering, "You're not even telling me what it is."
"Ha ha." Shen Shi laughed twice, waved, "Let them take you to the hotel, five-star, presidential suite. Don't wait for me."
"I'll be waiting for nothing!"
Ai Xin'Er spat, flipped her long hair stylishly, and walked away without looking back.
She didn't know what else Shen Shi had in mind.
But she knew what she could do now was only to pray and then wait.
Thinking of this, she couldn't help but touch her feverish face and press her chest.
Feeling the restless pounding of her heart.
Unwilling to admit verbally, but physically... wasn't cooperating!
Her face burned even more.
...
Shen Shi watched until Ai Xin'Er got into the car and left.
The detector made from simulation-transforming material had confirmed that no other people were near.
With just a thought.
The lights on the beach and road that were bright all night flickered and extinguished as if disturbed.
Shen Shi turned around.
He had indeed figured out some things and made a decision.
So, it was time.
To board his own Cosmic Battleship!