He held Jian Zhizhen's waist, pulled her closer to him, lowered his eyes slightly, and stared at her lips: "I think, according to the usual procedure, you should kiss me now."

Jian Zhizhen believed him and slowly leaned forward.

Qin Yubai continued to stare at her, maintaining his original posture, so tense that his face and breathing gradually became restrained.

Just as their lips were about to touch, Jian Zhizhen burst out laughing, shaking her head as she dodged him.

"No, no, no..."

"..." Qin Yubai froze, unable to laugh at all. "Why not?"

"We're too familiar with each other," Jian Zhizhen said innocently. "I can't bring myself to do it."

Qin Yubai reached out and pulled her back: "Then let me do it?"

Jian Zhizhen shook her head again: "No."

Qin Yubai had no choice but to settle for second best: "How about a hug?"

“That works.” Jian Zhizhen threw herself into his arms and hugged him.

Qin Yubai also hugged her.

It's okay, take your time, there's plenty of time.

That's fine, anyway, they've been living like this for many years.

When they were little, either he was doing his homework and she was secretly watching him, or she was doing crafts and he was secretly watching her.

They had almost no troubles; once they realized they liked each other, they only had each other.

It happened naturally, like water flowing into a channel.

So many years have passed quietly, and their relationship will continue to grow stronger over time.

Soulmates, companionship, and a long, long journey ahead—there's no need to rush at all.

They hugged like that for a long time.

Jian Zhizhen raised her wrist to check the time, then lifted her head from his embrace to look at him: "Bai Bai, do you want to go home? It's almost five o'clock."

Qin Yubai also looked at her, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.

He was reluctant to leave.

They didn't even kiss on the first day they officially started dating, and they were unwilling to accept it.

After exchanging glances for a moment, Jian Zhizhen quietly added, "My dad usually gets up at five o'clock."

Qin Yubai quickly let go of his hand.

Leave immediately, jump out of the window, or climb over the wall.