Zhou Wang thought for a moment, then smiled.
The street was bustling with people, but it was, after all, a big city. Even during leisure time after dinner, most people were hurrying along, wearing tired or numb expressions as they passed by the two of them.
"This place is a shopping paradise for some people, but for others, it’s just a corridor they use to travel to and from work every day."
Zhou Wang spoke softly, feeling a bit sentimental.
"A super city offers higher incomes, but it inevitably comes with greater pressures. Everything becomes unified only through contradictions."
Yet Ding Yi shook his head, showing no signs of sympathy.
Zhou Wang was momentarily stunned. After glancing at Ding Yi, he said thoughtfully,
"I used to think I was the more rational one compared to you, but now I realize it seems you are much more clear-headed than I am."
"Why do you have that misconception?"
Ding Yi glanced sideways at Zhou Wang, his eyes as gentle as water, "If you were truly rational, you wouldn’t handle our relationship by avoiding it."
Zhou Wang opened his mouth, but found himself momentarily speechless.
"But I can’t say you’re completely emotional either. If you were emotional enough, you wouldn’t have hesitated so long to take my hand."
At this, Ding Yi spoke again in a very soft voice.
Zhou Wang felt somewhat helpless. It can be quite pressuring for a guy when a girl is too smart, he thought to himself. His gaze had been so subtle, yet Ding Yi still detected his intentions.
Just as Zhou Wang was considering what to say, a sudden scream erupted from the street side.
In Zhou Wang’s slightly astonished gaze, two high school girls ran over from the entrance of the Wangfujing Clock City and blocked their path.
"Excuse me, are you... are you Zhou Wang?"
One of the girls, who had a ponytail and freckles on her face, asked Zhou Wang excitedly.
The other girl quickly pulled out her phone and started recording a video.
Seeing this, Ding Yi quietly distanced himself a little.
"If there isn’t a more famous Zhou Wang than me, then I suppose I am."
Zhou Wang hadn’t expected that his "fan" base extended to high school students, so he nodded and smiled.
"Ah, it’s really you, can I... can I take a photo with you?"
"Of course."
The two girls took turns taking photos with Zhou Wang. Zhou Wang was slightly troubled by the fact that they either lacked the awareness or were too excited to remember, but their hugs were a bit too tight, always giving Zhou Wang the feeling of committing a crime.
Fortunately, they didn’t linger too long. After getting Zhou Wang’s autograph, they left, glancing back three times with every step.
It was then that Ding Yi returned, smiling with pursed lips, "Now I know why you’re afraid to hold my hand. It’s because you feel the burden of being an idol..."
"I’m neither a social media star nor a celebrity, so I don’t give a damn about any burden!"
Zhou Wang grew frustrated, took a big step forward, and directly grabbed Ding Yi’s smooth hand. Because he used a bit too much force, Ding Yi, who wasn’t steady on her feet, fell directly into Zhou Wang’s arms.
However, she wasn’t panicked, nor did she struggle. She simply supported herself on Zhou Wang’s chest with one hand, looking at him with a faint smile.
The lights were dim, the traffic was heavy, and the young man and woman gazing into each other’s eyes formed a scene full of lingering meaning.
Zhou Wang quickly cleared his throat, avoided Ding Yi’s gaze, then held her hand as they walked forward, with Ding Yi compliantly following.
Crossing Wangfujing Street, they reached Chang’an Street, heading westward, with the renowned square up ahead.
Actually, Zhou Wang planned to watch the flag-raising ceremony the next morning and tour the Forbidden City. But seeing the square’s night view at this hour also seemed nice, and by exploring the surrounding areas, he could complete some tourist tasks in advance.
Passing by the Great Hall, the museum, then down the long street beside the Forbidden City, they walked all the way to Beihai Park.
The last City walk was in Hang City with Jiang Qingkui, but this time it was in Beidou with Ding Yi.
Different people, different mindsets.
Zhou Wang was particularly relaxed because Ding Yi always had this ability, making you feel at ease whether you were talking or not.
Usually, Zhou Wang disliked shopping, but chatting with Ding Yi from time to time and sensing the fresh and forest-like scent subtly drifting around them, along with the slightly sweaty slipperiness of his palm, made Zhou Wang suddenly wish this road would have no end.
Ahead, faint music could be heard. Before they knew it, they had reached the vicinity of Houhai, and in sight was the renowned bar street of Houhai.
The bar lights reflected on the shimmering water, and the city men and women in the neon flow chose to drink the alcohol, then throw all their unhappiness into the river amidst the wanton noise.
At the bridgehead, Ding Yi suddenly stopped, turned, and smiled at Zhou Wang,
"Hey, do you want to keep walking like this?"
"..."
Looking at the girl in front of him, seemingly encompassing all the beauty in the world, Zhou Wang remained silent, because he knew Ding Yi wasn’t asking about this moment.
If he claimed he felt nothing for Ding Yi, it would definitely be a lie.
"Moonlight" could never be killed, only brewing into a river in the depths of the heart, either surging silently or weathering into marks. Time could make one let go, but it wouldn’t make one forget.
Unfortunately, Zhou Wang also knew that Ding Yi was different from the senior student, different from Su Yajing, and accepting her meant Zhou Wang would need to give up too much.
She was as bright as sunlight, and where sunlight reached, there could be no shadows.