It was the first time in Lin Zhixia's life that she had seen Jiang Yubai wearing a high school uniform.
The uniform was custom-made, consisting of black full-length casual trousers and a pure white shirt with a turned-down collar—he had unfastened the top button and wore a black sports watch. He resembled a freshly eighteen-year-old high school student, exuding both scholarly refinement and sunny athleticism, his mixed aura tinged with a touch of innocence.
Jiang Yubai was innocent and pure, but Lin Zhixia's thoughts began to wander uncontrollably. She couldn't help but recall a series of intense scenes that made her blush, her senses completely captivated. She had just stepped into Jiang Yubai's home and stayed for less than two minutes before turning around to run outside.
Jiang Yubai quickly called out to her, "Xia Xia?"
Lin Zhixia retorted, "Why are you wearing a school uniform?"
Jiang Yubai explained, "That day, you said that when you were in high school, you should have taught more classmates..."
Lin Zhixia's eyes lit up, "Do you want to be my student?"
Today, Jiang Yubai seemed particularly pure. He declined Lin Zhixia's role-play invitation, saying only, "I regret not having attended high school with you."
Lin Zhixia, however, was carefree, "I don't feel any regret. I've seen you in your school uniform—it looks very good, and I really like it."
Before she finished speaking, Jiang Yubai reached out to hold Lin Zhixia's hand. But sensing his intention, she deftly avoided it and said with a laugh, "I guess you've prepared a special gift for me. Don't guide me—let me find where you've hidden it."
"A treasure hunt?" Jiang Yubai bent down closer to her, "I have quite a few clues."
Lin Zhixia raised her hand and pressed it against Jiang Yubai's chest, originally intending to create some distance—because she wasn't clear-headed enough, his voice kept echoing in her mind. But she couldn't resist gently stroking his uniform, clearly feeling the masculine contours outlined by the thin fabric.
It was as if she were back in school, caught in a fierce early romance.
"I don't need a treasure hunt," she looked up at him, her fingertip lightly tapping his lips, "The treasure is right here."
Jiang Yubai kissed her finger, then grasped her wrist, guiding her fingertip downward until it rested on the second button of his shirt. Her heartbeat raced uncontrollably, feeling both more thrilling and more playful, gradually unable to suppress the surging emotions within her. She even forgot that she had come to Jiang Yubai's house today to discuss work with him.
Fortunately, after just a few seconds, Lin Zhixia took a deep breath and regained her clarity of mind.
Overwhelming curiosity took precedence in her thoughts. Lin Zhixia resolutely left Jiang Yubai behind and ran off to find the hidden birthday gift. Following the subtle clues in the house, she soon arrived at the spacious terrace—the scene before her stunned her soul.
She stood dazed for a moment before managing to say, "What is that? A spaceship?"
To be precise, it was a model of a spaceship.
The night sky was vast and profound, scattered with sparse starlight, the myriad lights of the city forming a blurred backdrop. On the terrace sat a spaceship about six meters long, its hatch wide open, the interior exquisitely furnished with a strong metallic texture, resembling a futuristic high-tech product simulated on a computer.
Without hesitation, Lin Zhixia stepped directly into the hatch.
Jiang Yubai followed close behind her.The interior floor of the spaceship was paved with pure black marble, reminiscent of the mysterious black monolith that served as the central motif in renowned science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke's masterpiece, 2001: A Space Odyssey .
At the center of the cabin stood a cylindrical model of a quantum computer, encircled by a golden ring that shimmered like scattered silver. Lin Zhixia circled the model twice before suddenly asking, "Can I take this quantum computer apart to examine it?"
Jiang Yubai replied, "You don't need my permission. This is your ship."
Lin Zhixia and Jiang Yubai had played countless games of pretending to be spaceship captains exploring the universe. But today, Lin Zhixia was overwhelmed with excitement beyond words. She gazed deeply at Jiang Yubai, her eyes shimmering like flowing water, brimming with boundless tenderness and affection.
Yet, in the very next second, Lin Zhixia grabbed the golden ring of the model, yanked it backward with all her strength, and snapped the entire model in half. Crouching on the floor, she meticulously studied its internal structure and mused thoughtfully, "So that's how it works. I understand now."
Jiang Yubai crouched beside her. "Is the model not well-made enough?"
"It's excellent," Lin Zhixia said, glancing sideways at him. "Everything you give me is the best."
Jiang Yubai hesitated, holding back his words.
To accurately replicate the appearance and structure of the quantum computer, Jiang Yubai had employed 3D printing technology and specially ordered the remaining components. All his efforts to create a high-tech atmosphere vanished in that very moment.
Lin Zhixia wrapped her arms around his neck and planted an enthusiastic kiss on his cheek. "I'll restore it—in a more professional way."
Jiang Yubai remained silent. He reached into the model's base with his left hand and pulled out a deep red velvet box. Lin Zhixia slumped to the floor, and Jiang Yubai knelt on one knee beside her. He kissed her forehead repeatedly, afraid she might reject him later.
"Xia Xia..." he murmured her name.
Lin Zhixia hesitated slightly.
So Jiang Yubai said, "Captain Lin Zhixia?"
Lin Zhixia leaned into his embrace, resting her chin in the crook of his shoulder.
Jiang Yubai held her tightly with one arm, sensing her dependence and attachment to him. His heart swelled with a warm, fulfilling sensation. Tonight, he had indeed embarked on a treasure hunt, and the world's most precious treasure was now in his arms. Forgetting the proposal speech he had prepared earlier, he whispered in her ear, "The box contains an engagement ring..."
"You're only twenty-two," Lin Zhixia reminded him.
"We can register our marriage," he insisted. "Marriage is just a formality. If you're unwilling, we don't have to... No matter what, I'll always be with you."
Lin Zhixia tested him, "Do you mean that no matter what I choose, you'll support my decision?"
Jiang Yubai lifted the ring box. "Yes."
Lin Zhixia spoke with utmost sincerity, "You've met my family, but I don't know much about your relatives and friends yet. Marriage isn't just about two people—it's about two families. So, I..."
Jiang Yubai waited quietly for her to continue.
Lin Zhixia burst into laughter. "You look so calm."
Jiang Yubai tugged at his school uniform collar. "I'm not calm. My heart is racing, and I'm sweating a little."
Lin Zhixia continued teasing him, "I could help you cool down, but I won't change my mind."Jiang Yubai expressed his understanding. He said candidly, "I have quite a few relatives and many friends. I've already informed my parents. When you have time, you can come to my house..."
"To attend the engagement banquet?" Lin Zhixia completed his sentence.
Jiang Yubai was somewhat surprised.
Lin Zhixia opened the ring box. Jiang Yubai immediately clasped her fingers tightly, slipping the diamond ring onto her ring finger while she kept her gaze fixed on his eyes the entire time. Then Jiang Yubai intertwined their fingers, as if fulfilling some kind of promise.
OpenNovel