Chapter Fifteen: Longsheng's Invitation

Unlike the intense shifts occurring in society’s public opinion and the broader situation, the students at school continued living their own lives.

Longsheng and Bruce, the ever-playful duo, never seemed to settle down. Qin Yun didn’t find them annoying or tiresome; rather, she felt that her own mindset was rather mature, unable to properly respond to Longsheng’s youthful, overflowing affection—a passion bubbling like a pot about to boil over, unique to adolescent boys.

“Q-Qin Yun, the new Guardians Alliance movie is out this week... W-we should go watch it together tonight! I’ve already got the tickets... and since it’s Friday anyway...”

During the lunch break, Longsheng stopped Qin Yun at a corner outside the classroom just as she was about to head to the cafeteria with Li Jiayi.

Qin Yun looked at Longsheng, who was sweating nervously as he spoke. She couldn’t help but smile inwardly. She had noticed Bruce secretly watching from the corner, clearly cheering on his good friend.

This was the spirit of youth. She wondered how Sasha’s memory would perceive them if it still lingered.

Qin Yun glanced at the ticket Longsheng extended and exchanged a look with Li Jiayi, who seemed indifferent about whether Qin Yun went or not.

Well, since it was just a movie and a chance to have some fun, why not? She had been a bit weary lately; watching a film wouldn’t be a bad thing. She just needed to inform Shion on her end.

“All right, it’s settled then.”

Qin Yun took the ticket from Longsheng.

Longsheng was stunned for a few seconds by her prompt acceptance.

“Congratulations,” Li Jia winked at him.

After bidding farewell to Longsheng, Qin Yun heard Bruce’s loud encouragement to Longsheng as she descended the stairs.

“Are all boys like this?”

Li Jiayi seemed inexperienced in interacting with boys.

“Yeah. They’re good brothers,” Qin Yun answered, perhaps drawing from the faint memories of Sasha’s past experience. After all, Qin Yun’s own brief memories contained little interaction with the opposite sex. But given her lack of emotional reaction to the adolescent boy’s advances, she guessed Sasha must have been quite savvy.

There was no difficulty in getting permission from Shion.

“This is pretty good,” she was told. Qin Yun had expected some fuss from Svarg’s side, but Shion assured Sasha to live boldly and freely whenever not on a mission.

After school, as per Longsheng’s request, Qin Yun waited at the school gate.

“Li Jiayi, you can head home first today.”

“Okay, Qin Yun, have fun.”

While saying goodbye to Li Jiayi, Qin Yun turned to see Longsheng and Bruce approaching.

“Hey... let’s go.”

Longsheng had apparently styled his hair with gel, making him look a bit better than his usual four-eyed nerd appearance. Though less awkward than at noon, he still maintained his usual delicate demeanor.

“I’m off! You two have fun,” Bruce said heartily, patting Longsheng on the back before striding away.

The shopping street was about a twenty-minute walk from the school. Since they’d been sitting all day, Qin Yun suggested walking, which also gave her a chance to see what Longsheng wanted to talk about.

“Hey, thanks for accepting my invitation today.”

Longsheng took the initiative to start the conversation.

“You looked so awkward at lunch—did Bruce give you some ideas?” Qin Yun teased.

“Y-yeah, so I wasn’t really prepared...” he stammered.

“That’s fine. I was just thinking of taking a break anyway.” Qin Yun walked beside him, flicking her hair.

“Just be yourself; no need to be too formal.”

Longsheng smiled sheepishly at her advice. He had noticed how Qin Yun differed from other girls in their class and grade; she possessed a mature charm, like an older sister's composure. Unlike the girls lost in their daydreams, she took the initiative to care about the feelings of shy boys like him who found socializing, especially with the opposite sex, challenging.

“Thanks, you’re really considerate,” Longsheng complimented.

As they walked, Qin Yun realized Longsheng was quite thoughtful. Like Li Jiayi, he wasn’t very adept at socializing, which made him seem hesitant. Moreover, Bruce’s straightforward style was completely different, so some of Bruce’s advice felt awkward when Longsheng used it.

Longsheng had been following current events closely. He was keeping an eye on two recent incidents involving destruction caused by unknown creatures.

“I honestly don’t know what will happen to our world next... I feel like those monsters will keep coming.”

“Isn’t that something the heads of state should be worrying about?”

“True, but I just get the feeling our species is already on a path of no return...”

Qin Yun had thought the same, assuming she was alone in that belief. Her current work was about holding back extinction on that very path. Besides, the director must have more secrets, for when dealing with the water demon, the director seemed to see through the enemy’s weakness.

“You think a lot,” Qin Yun remarked.

Her words carried a subtle meaning to Longsheng.

“Don’t tease me... maybe I just read too much sci-fi... haha.”

“No, I think you’re more insightful than most. This truly is a crisis for all humanity. Everyone stands to lose a lot... I wonder how much I can actually do...” Qin Yun dragged her finger down her chin, growing serious.

Whenever the topic arose, Qin Yun’s demeanor shifted—from the poised, composed image everyone saw, to a touch of melancholy.

“Sorry, I think I’m rambling... let’s just get some food,” Longsheng decided, not wanting to upset his idealized heroine.

Before they knew it, they had arrived at a steakhouse on the shopping street.

The dinner was delicious. Longsheng had probably researched Qin Yun’s tastes ahead of time. Who would have thought this shy boy could be so thoughtful?

Qin Yun knew little about the Guardians Alliance film series, which was understandable given her recent memories.

“What was the story about before?” she asked during the meal.

“It’s basically about superheroes protecting humanity, fighting against dark cosmic forces. Do you like it?”

Longsheng offered her a piece of meat.

“Well...” Qin Yun hadn’t seen it, so she had no real opinion. Since someone recommended it, watching wouldn’t hurt.

“It’s okay if you haven’t seen it; I can fill you in.”

“No, you eat first. Don’t choke,” Qin Yun interrupted him as he was about to speak with his mouth full.

“Okay, okay.” Longsheng blushed, realizing his near slip.

The food was quite good. Qin Yun thought it would be nice to bring Li Jiayi and Shion here sometime. At least now, besides Li Jiayi, Qin Yun had someone else she could grow closer to in this era.

“By the way, Qin Yun, you always seem so busy. You rush off right after school and sometimes even take leave. I often see a woman in red driving to pick you up—is she your sister?”

Longsheng’s question was difficult to answer. Caught off guard, Qin Yun paused, the food halfway to her mouth.