It was ten minutes past three.
Gu Xi stood near the front entrance of the Central Aquarium, leaning lightly against a tall lamp post just outside the arched glass facade. His long black hair had been freshly washed and blown out that morning, tied loosely at the nape with a thin black ribbon, with soft bangs resting gently across his forehead. From a distance, his whole silhouette gave off a gentle, dreamy elegance.
But up close, he looked like a character out of a drama.
His white dress shirt was crisp and snug, especially around the waist, where it hugged his figure with precision. His slim black trousers—bought during a rare online flash sale—wrapped neatly around his hips and thighs, cutting a perfect line down his long legs. Every part of him, from his posture to his skin to his clothes, was painfully refined, cleanly beautiful in a way that was hard to ignore.
And, unfortunately for him, no one was ignoring him.
Even as he casually scrolled through his phone, pretending not to notice, he could already feel the stares—groups of girls passing by with deliberate steps, pretending to glance at the aquarium sign but slowing down just enough to sneak a few looks at him. A few were even bold enough to snap a picture from behind their purses.
It was annoying.
Just as he swiped away a promotion ad, his screen vibrated.
[ Boss Ai👩🏻💼]: Sent you today's pay 💰~ 240 yuan!
: Also… you were amazing today. Come in tomorrow too?
: I'll make you something yummy to eat ❤️
Gu Xi raised an eyebrow, letting out a faint snort. He typed back lazily.
[Gu Xi🦊]: Thanks, Sister Ai~ 🦊
He pocketed the phone just as he noticed yet another woman approaching. She looked to be in her early twenties, wearing heavy makeup and an overly fancy dress for an aquarium. Her heels clicked closer until she stood too close—just barely outside of arm's reach.
"Hey there, are you waiting for someone?" she asked, her voice sweetened with practiced coyness. "You look so familiar. Do you model?"
Gu Xi smiled politely. "No. And yes, I'm waiting for someone."
"Ah, well, I was going to ask if you'd like to grab a quick coffee? I know a really good place just down the—"
"Miss," Gu Xi's smile faded slightly, his tone growing sharper, "if you don't stop, I'll—"
A hand landed on the woman's shoulder.
Not his.
A tall, athletic figure stepped into view, her long legs and imposing presence casting a shadow over the scene. She wore a clean black bomber jacket over a tucked-in slate-gray tank top, paired with simple workout pants and spotless white sneakers. Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail, swaying slightly behind her as she tilted her head.
"…Why are you hitting on my date?" Chang An's voice was low, calm, and utterly unreadable.
The woman blinked, paling slightly as she looked up at the taller woman towering over her. "I—I didn't know—"
"You know now." Chang An didn't blink.
"…S-Sorry!" The woman stammered, then quickly backed away and disappeared into the crowd.
With that, the towering girl turned her gaze back toward Gu Xi, her expression returning to its usual neutral stillness. "Sorry. Did I make you wait long?"
Gu Xi shook his head, smiling slightly. "Not at all. You came at the perfect time."
Then, stepping back slightly, his eyes traced over her outfit from top to bottom.
The simplicity of her clothing only served to emphasize her natural beauty—tall frame, narrow waist, long limbs honed through years of training, and those slightly sharp, almost fox-like eyes.
"You look really good," he said honestly.
Chang An's steps paused for half a second.
Then—unexpectedly—her eyes turned away and a faint red hue bloomed on her pale cheeks. "Mm… thanks. You too."
She reached forward then, gently wrapping her long fingers around his smaller hand. Her grip was warm, surprisingly careful despite her athletic strength.
Gu Xi blinked in slight surprise.
"Let's go," she said, her lips curving into something rare.
A smile.
A genuine one.
He followed her lead quietly, slightly stunned. After all, this girl was known for being cold, expressionless, distant—the "ice princess" of their school. And now she was walking beside him, holding his hand, casually leading him into a weekend date like it was the most natural thing in the world.
They passed through the glass doors.
Behind them, murmurs stirred among the crowd—jealous, envious, surprised. Some even gasped.
"That's Chang An, right? The basketball goddess from ** High?!"
"She's got a boyfriend?! Wow, what a looker. . ."
"But, why is he wearing women's clothes?"
"I know right, he'd really look good in a skirt. . ."
Gu Xi shivered at that last comment. He may be starting to get used to this world, but he wasn't yet so far gone as to wear skirts, like pink, and cute teddy bears. Ew.
Their hands stayed clasped all the way to the ticket booth.
+
The Central Aquarium truly lived up to its reputation.
Gu Xi followed Chang An along the gently curving path inside, the soft blue lighting casting a marine glow across the polished glass floors. Giant glass tunnels arched overhead, forming transparent bridges where sharks, stingrays, and schools of brightly colored fish floated lazily above them.
The crowd thinned the deeper they walked in, allowing the space to quiet. Only the faint humming of circulating water and the occasional excited gasp from visitors filled the air.
Chang An was standing beside the glass of a massive saltwater tank, her eyes wide like a child's, both palms pressed lightly against the barrier. Her gaze followed a school of blue tangs swirling in tight formation, utterly mesmerized. When a large manta ray swam slowly across the top of the tank, her entire face lit up with visible wonder.
Gu Xi stopped beside her, watching her instead of the sea creatures.
He blinked.
"…Wait. Is this your first time at an aquarium?" he asked, lips curling upward in a knowing smirk.
Chang An's shoulders stiffened. "Of course not," she said, though her voice cracked on the second syllable.
Gu Xi's smile deepened. "Don't lie to me."
"I'm not," she insisted. "I've… been here before. I think."
"You think?" Gu Xi chuckled. "You're adorable when you lie, did you know that?"
Chang An looked away, her ears pink. "…Shut up."
He leaned closer, arms crossed, pretending to study her like she was one of the exhibits. "Let's see, tall, intimidating, stares blankly at people… yep, you remind me of that one right there."
He pointed toward the far corner of the tank where a thick-bodied sand shark lay completely still on the gravel, staring listlessly at nothing in particular.
Chang An turned to him, expressionless. "…That's rude."
"No, no, hear me out," Gu Xi said with a laugh. "I mean the lazy one. It's always hiding in the corner. See that little roll on its belly? Now, who does that remind you of?"
"Then you're that one." Chang An jabbed a finger at a lone clownfish struggling to keep up with a swarm of quicker fish, its tiny fins flapping with all its might. ". . .Short. Keeps stumbling into people."
"Hey!" Gu Xi laughed louder now, tapping her elbow with his own. "I do not stumble into people!"
She looked down at him, a slow smile forming on her lips.
"Mm. Cute, though."
Gu Xi blushed slightly at the comment, averting his eyes. "Whatever. Just keep looking at the stupid fishies."
Their laughter echoed softly in the tunnel. For once, Chang An's cold temperament was nowhere to be seen—her expression unguarded, her voice light. She seemed… real. Human. Someone who could tease and be teased.
And Gu Xi? He felt oddly at ease beside her. No pressure. No need to perform.
Just… natural.