Forced to Act out a Strange Script with a Rival - Chapter 98
The two of them strolled along, stopping and starting, unaware of how far they had come…
Faced with Si Xiaoxiao’s relentless romantic offensive, Li Ting was on the verge of total surrender.
But Si Xiaoxiao refused to give up, and Li Ting didn’t want to admit defeat just yet either. If for no other reason, she felt she had to wait until Xiaoxiao fully recovered her memories before they could establish a formal status. Otherwise, if Xiaoxiao didn’t recognize the relationship later, what was she supposed to do? Follow the example of the young lady from the Gong Zhiyuan Mansion and play a game of “confinement”?
So, even when she couldn’t hold out, she had to force herself to. Li Ting could only play dumb, replying dryly, “Not giving up, huh? Not giving up is good.”
Her voice carried a trace of imperceptible tension, as if she were stating a fact that had nothing to do with her.
Si Xiaoxiao: “…” Game over. My sister is a total “straight” woman; I’m throwing flirtatious glances at a blind person.
Thus, the two continued walking until they passed the Ferris wheel. Si Xiaoxiao’s face was practically screaming that she wanted to ride it, so Li Ting asked, “Shall we go collect the stamp for the Ferris wheel first?”
Unexpectedly, Si Xiaoxiao shook her head and suggested, “Let’s go a bit later.”
Since Xiaoxiao said so, Li Ting naturally prioritized her wishes. The two continued to wander through the amusement park at a leisurely pace, as if taking a stroll in a park.
One moment Si Xiaoxiao was captivated by the balloons on the roadside, and the next, she couldn’t pull herself away from the cute-shaped ice creams. Li Ting remained patient throughout, her gaze always falling tenderly upon her.
Finally, Si Xiaoxiao pointed at the winding, twisting tracks that looked like a giant steel python, her eyes shining brilliantly.
“Sister! Let’s go play on that!”
Li Ting had always kept a respectful distance from these types of thrill rides; she preferred the security of having her feet on solid ground. But seeing Si Xiaoxiao’s expectant gaze, the refusal that had been swirling in her throat was eventually swallowed back down.
“Okay,” she heard herself say, with a hint of resigned indulgence.
The roller coaster mission wasn’t too difficult: they just needed to make a “heart” gesture at the highest point during the camera’s snapshot.
Once on the roller coaster, Si Xiaoxiao was incredibly excited. Not only was she completely unafraid, but as the car climbed to the highest point and was about to plunge, she raised her hands high and let out a joyful scream, like a puppy frolicking about.
Meanwhile, Li Ting—who had been weak and sickly as a child, prone to falling over at a slight breeze—was naturally riding a roller coaster for the first time.
The strong wind whipped against her cheeks as a sense of weightlessness swept through her body. Li Ting’s heart tightened, but amidst the clamor and the uncontrolled descent, she clearly felt Si Xiaoxiao’s hand cover her own as she gripped the safety bar, offering a soothing, warm pressure.
Finally, the roller coaster came to a steady stop.
Li Ting felt her legs go soft and her stomach churn. She took several deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart and the lingering discomfort.
“Sister, are you okay?” Si Xiaoxiao leaned in, asking with concern. She reached out to tidy Li Ting’s hair, which had been ruffled by the wind, her fingertips accidentally brushing against the curve of Li Ting’s ear.
That slight touch was like an electric current jolting through Li Ting’s nerves. She flinched, reflexively tilting her head away so quickly it was almost rude. “I’m fine.”
Despite her discomfort, Li Ting had remembered the mission while on the ride; otherwise, she would have had to go up a second time.
Beside her, Si Xiaoxiao was grinning like a mouse that had successfully stolen some oil.
“Are you that happy to see me uncomfortable?” Li Ting countered.
Si Xiaoxiao laughed even harder, filled with the excitement of having discovered a “New World.” Her tone was full of triumph: “I just didn’t expect that the omnipotent, capable, and always composed Sister Li Ting would have a day like this! Haha, seeing you like this feels so fresh, and so…”
She paused, her voice dropping lower with a hint of unnoticeable intimacy, “…so real.”
Li Ting was momentarily stunned by the words, then shook her head helplessly, muttering as if to herself or as if refuting Xiaoxiao: “I’m not omnipotent, I can’t do everything…”
Just like…
Li Ting stared fixedly at Si Xiaoxiao for a moment before looking away.
Si Xiaoxiao looked at Li Ting’s slightly pale profile. Those eyes, usually as calm as still water, were now slightly misty from the discomfort. Her long lashes were lowered, masking her usual aloofness and revealing a rare touch of vulnerability.
Si Xiaoxiao’s voice softened instinctively into a comforting tone: “Let’s find a place to sit for a bit and have something hot to drink to help you recover, okay?”
As she spoke, she reached out with clear intent and gently grasped Li Ting’s still-cold wrist, her fingertips feeling the faint pulse beneath the skin.
At least it was healthy and strong.
The sunset painted the sky in warm shades of orange and pink, and the lights of the amusement park began to wake up one by one, like stars rising early.
Si Xiaoxiao had Li Ting sit on a bench while she ran to a nearby beverage shop. Before long, she returned carrying two cups of steaming hot cocoa. She carefully inserted a straw into one and pushed it toward Li Ting.
Immediately, she began to seek credit: “Sister, Sister, are you satisfied with my service? Was it up to par?!”
Li Ting held the hot cocoa and took a slow sip, remaining steady in the face of the girl’s energy: “Mm, not bad.”
Xiaoxiao sat down opposite Li Ting, holding her own cup with both hands. After a small sip, she said, “Then I want a reward.”
“We agreed that you would be in charge today, and yet you’re asking for a reward just for buying a drink…” Li Ting shook her head, feigning helplessness. “I’m really getting a bad deal here.”
Si Xiaoxiao, however, was all smiles and cuteness, her eyes dancing with mischievous light—she was like a little fox spirit who couldn’t quite hide her tail.
“I won’t let you lose out, Sister! Even if I have to sell myself, I wouldn’t mistreat you!” She spoke with such conviction it sounded like a grand vow.
Looking at her like this, Li Ting finally couldn’t hold back anymore. A genuine smile leaked from her eyes as she followed the lead: “What reward do you want?”
“I want to trade places with you.” Si Xiaoxiao’s smile grew even more brilliant; the little fox’s tail was practically wagging now.
“Trade?” At first, Li Ting didn’t catch on to her jumping logic. She assumed Si Xiaoxiao simply wanted to taste a different flavor of cocoa or thought her cup was sweeter. Naturally, she reached out and handed over the hot cocoa she had already sipped from.
Si Xiaoxiao hurriedly took the cocoa Li Ting offered and handed over her own, smiling with great diligence. “Sister, you drink mine too.”
It wasn’t until she watched Si Xiaoxiao wrap her lips around the straw she had just used that Li Ting realized what the so-called “reward” actually meant.
Flustered and slightly annoyed, Li Ting stung her with a remark: “Is someone else’s drink really that much better?”
Si Xiaoxiao, however, grinned like an idiot. Because of that little secret thought she couldn’t share with others, her smile was both shy and proud, yet she maintained her style of being a total “straight shooter”: “Of course. Anything from Sister’s mouth is exceptionally sweet.”
Is that all it takes to satisfy her?
Having taken another “direct ball” from her younger sister, Li Ting was at a loss for how to respond. Her heart felt as if it were soaking in warm honey water—sweet to the point of swelling, yet filled with a panicked confusion. The cup of cocoa in her hand, which belonged to Si Xiaoxiao, suddenly felt like a hot potato; she didn’t know whether to drink it or not.
Back when Xiaoxiao hadn’t lost her memory, Li Ting had never found herself at such a disadvantage. Now, an “un-tsundere” Si Xiaoxiao was truly a terrifying force.
The two of them strolled along, stopping and starting, unaware of the “little tails” following behind them or the fact that the CP fans (shippers) along the way were having an absolute feast.
While both were public figures and somewhat sensitive to being watched, they were no match for a park that had been “armed to the teeth” with hidden cameras. Moreover, those who could disguise themselves as staff and catch up immediately were the most loyal of the loyal. Under the strict discipline of several powerful and principled “rich lady” superfans, their behavior was impeccably high-quality; they watched from a distance and never interrupted.
The fans, who had grown accustomed to being “tortured” by their idols over the years, couldn’t be more humble. To personally witness and record these rare, sweet moments of them together, they were willing to do anything and follow any rule.
Soon, the tasks were completed one by one until only the Ferris wheel remained. By now, the sun had completely set, and the night sky was dotted with stars.
Thanks to the park being nearly empty, the two had managed to enjoy themselves to the fullest.
As one of the most romantic attractions in any amusement park, the Ferris wheel is undoubtedly the highest priority for couples. This was exactly why the scheming Si Xiaoxiao chose to come at night.
The most important and profound memories must be saved for the final moment of the journey!
Besides, wasn’t there that famous legend? Even if just for the sake of the Ferris wheel legend, she had to wait for the most beautiful part of the night!!
Si Xiaoxiao’s plan was calculated to perfection; however, she had miscalculated one thing.
The two soon arrived at the Ferris wheel, but upon hearing the requirements for the ride, they were instantly dumbfounded.
Since it was the final stage, it naturally wouldn’t be easy. Furthermore, since today was the Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day), the theme of the task had to match the festive atmosphere. The task was the same as when they first entered:
Give each other a kiss.