Chapter 325, Keep an Appointment

Time flies, and in a blink of an eye it is already the fourth day since I returned home.

In the three days since she came here, Ling was only away from home once when she needed to buy groceries, and she spent the rest of her time at home. This was partly because Zhuo's parents had been entertaining her, and partly because it was not convenient for her to wander around in an unfamiliar place.

Zhuo thought her parents would take her out to get familiar with the surroundings, but they chose to stay at home leisurely. Zhuo felt that perhaps her parents really didn't regard Ling as an outsider anymore, so that's why they acted like this.

Zhuo thought that it would be nice if they could really become a family, but this was not a decision that Zhuo could make alone, so he would not say it out loud.

Because Ling often helps with cooking, Zhuo once saw Ling looking at his parents with a dazed and longing look in his eyes when they cooked together (Shuichi cooked and Sachiko helped in the kitchen, and occasionally when their eyes met, Sachiko, who was relatively free, would kiss her father on the cheek like a sneak attack), with envy and a hint of confusion in his eyes.

Vaguely, Zhuo understood what she was confused about, and he became a little embarrassed.

"It looks a bit like us... but I can't do it to their level."

Even so, Zhuo also hopes to form the close relationship that Ling has imagined in his mind, although he cannot say it to Ling himself.

Zhuo took one last look at his parents, who had been in harmony and love for as long as he could remember, and imagined the future of a certain day, feeling secretly ashamed.

……

"Are you two going out on a date? Is it true that there are only parks and supermarkets around here? It would be different if we were in the city. Do you need Xiuyi to take you there?"

"No, I'm going to meet a friend."

"That's it..."

"Well, let's set off."

After replying to his parents who were watching TV together on the sofa in the living room, Zhuo said to Ling beside him.

Although it was still morning, Zhuo was going to visit Su Enxi and the others, which was considered a long trip, but it was all within the Izu area, so it wouldn't be a problem to come back at noon. The plan was to return home at noon, and then Ling would make tomato salad pasta, so he wouldn't be out for too long.

"Well, it's ready."

"That's what I said... But if I remember correctly, Jude Mai seemed to be talking about dinner, right? Is it really appropriate for us to go like this? How about bringing something with us? Oh, forget it."

Zhuo couldn't remember when they owed Su Enxi a dinner. It was indeed dinner that Jiude Mai mentioned a few days ago.

If he suddenly asked to bring something, Ling would need to prepare it. Zhuo also remembered that last time he visited, Ling had told him not to bring a gift, so forget it today and just plan to pay a simple visit.

"……Dating"

"...Um... shall we go to the city together next time?"

"Well, I just went to an appointment today."

In the sense of dating, maybe going out today can also be considered a date, or in other words, two people who are in the same space are always dating, but the degree of seriousness of the two is different.

Now that this matter has been mentioned, Zhuo hopes to find a whole day to go out, and today that means going to visit together.

Although Ling didn't show any joy about the next date, Zhuo could still sense some fluctuations in her eyes. She must be excited and looking forward to it.

"I'm looking forward to the date."

"Well, don't expect too much, though I will think carefully about the date."

"It doesn't matter. I can go with you."

"I know, but since we agreed to go on a date, it's better to pick a place where we can leave some memories."

Ling herself said that she was satisfied as long as they were together, and this could be seen from her expression. But even so, Zhuo wanted to impress her as a boyfriend.

"That's for the future anyway, let's just enjoy the present moment."

"it is good."

After Zhuo stretched out his hand, Ling naturally shook it back.

Compared to Ling's natural expression without any expression, Zhuo felt a little embarrassed, so he chuckled to hide his shyness, and walked out of the house holding Ling's hand.

Although Ling came here as a guest, it was not her first time here, and the surrounding area had not changed much, and the two had walked here together before. Thinking of his own gains and losses at that time, Zhuo felt a surge of nostalgia. Although it is a bit of hindsight to talk about it now, this dream that has become a reality really makes Zhuo excited.

During this period, the two also held hands.

Ling was very eye-catching because of her light golden hair. After a short pause, passers-by found that the person holding her hand was Zhuo, who looked familiar, and they all gave Zhuo a thumbs-up. Zhuo still remembered that an old lady from the neighbor's house called him last time, but unfortunately he didn't see her this time.

Speaking of which, the last time she called out her voice, Zhuo was not dating Ling, so he just nodded lightly without any explanation.

If they could meet again now, Zhuo would definitely show her their joined hands.

On the way, Zhuo found a park that he had overlooked the last time they went together - Zhuo had many memories here when he was a child. For example, Zhuo sat at the entrance of the top slide in his open-crotch pants with a look of despair, and Sa Chizi waved at him at the bottom exit, asking him to be brave... If Zhuo was really brave, he would have crashed into the sand pit with shame and anger in his heart at that time.

This park is relatively large and has many natural scenery. It is the only place for people nearby to rest and have fun.

In the big sand pit, some children were shouting to play with sand, while others were lining up to play on the slide next to the climbing frame, which left a deep impression on Zhuo. The parents of these children were watching them on the benches nearby, or playing with them.

Seeing this comforting daily scene, Zhuo smiled gently.

“Everyone is in high spirits.”

"We just wouldn't be as energetic and could run around like that."

"Zhuo doesn't like sports in the first place."

"Yeah, if I could, I would probably stay in a room forever without going out."

Although Zhuo insists on exercising and running every day, it is only for health and future considerations - Ling's appearance is unlikely to change, and even if he doesn't want to, he must consider it in the end. Zhuo doesn't want people to think that he and Ling are a father leading his daughter or a grandfather leading his granddaughter when they go out together one day in the future. It is said that moderate exercise, maintaining a healthy body and an optimistic attitude can keep people energetic all year round, and Zhuo is working hard in this direction.

So, Zhuoben is still that lazy kid at heart, but now he is taking action in order to imagine a future that is not so bad.

"So you go play with those kids?"

"Then I'd be a suspicious person, and I wouldn't leave Zero alone. You're wearing sandals, and it'd be uncomfortable to walk on the sand."

"That's right... I still think it's good that they do this. You know, when I was a kid, I only had that little garden to play in, and the nurse would always look at me from behind with a hawk's eye."

Ling added softly about her childhood in Black Swan Harbor. Even without saying it, it was clear that she had always been alone, so Zhuo held her small hand again. "...I can't play now anyway, I'm over the age. Well...it would be nice if I could have the chance to play in the future."

"Hmm? I'm not saying this to gain sympathy."

"Okay, okay, of course I know."

Ling didn't seem to understand what Zhuo meant. Zhuo felt sorry, but at the same time, he was glad that she didn't notice.

That's true. Zhuo is not ready yet. Zhuo doesn't like empty promises. To be more precise, he is disgusted by the promises that come out of his mouth. Zhuo won't do that. Therefore, Zhuo hopes that after graduating from high school, when he really feels that he can bring happiness to Ling, Zhuo plans to tell him about it.

So it’s okay if Ling doesn’t notice it now, just let her think about family matters slowly.

And Zhuo felt that Ling would not reject him.

He fooled Zero, who was staring at him expressionlessly, trying to read something from his eyes, and gently took his hand and walked through the park.

……

"Zhuo, I have somewhere to go, can we separate for a while?"

An hour later, at the foot of Black Stone Mountain, Zhuo was planning to go to Ling's house with him as usual, but he heard Ling say this.

Even if Ling has something to do, she will basically act with Zhuo - I'm not bragging when I say this, there was a period of time when they just started dating, and Ling would tell him before going to the bathroom during class - since she politely refused to act together, there must be something she doesn't want Zhuo to know.

From Zhuo's perspective, he believed that it was nothing to do wrong, so he was not worried.

The winter sun is not very strong. On the contrary, the sun is warm in the cold air, so it is no problem to climb the mountain alone. Although Zhuo still wants to go with Ling in his heart.

"Okay, I see. See you later then."

Zhuo knew that they would still meet at the official residence after Ling came back, so he respected Ling's idea.

Ling seemed to be relieved that Zhuo accepted this matter, but suddenly he seemed to realize something and widened his eyes a little, then looked at him with a slightly wary look.

"…Please don't get too close to Mai."

"Do you think I would?"

"I don't think so, but she might take the initiative to invite you... I'm not saying no, but I don't like it. The reason is not glorious, she will definitely do it."

It was a miracle that Zhuo didn't make any sound.

...Masaka! Is Zero jealous?
Putting aside the factors on Zhuo's side, normally, once people see Ling's appearance and temperament, it is impossible for anyone to want to approach Zhuo, because no one thinks they have a chance of winning, but Ling himself seems to be worried about this.

No wonder, after all, the other party is that Jiude Mai.

By the way, most of the girls in school treat Zhuo with a cheer of "come on", so there's nothing to worry about.

Ling was a little uncomfortable that she didn't get a response to her words, and looked up at Zhuo with an uneasy look, as if she was begging. Zhuo thought this rare weakness was cute and wanted to touch her head. However, this behavior was a bit inappropriate, and it seemed that he was deliberately keeping silent, so he gave up the idea.

"It's okay~ Don't look at me like that! When it comes to self-control, I think I've been honed to be very good, so don't worry."

"...Sharpening?" Ling tilted his head to look at him appropriately.

Zhuo couldn't help but sigh that being cute really requires talent. The little mute had also imitated Zhuo's "tilting his head out of doubt", but it was too stiff and deliberate, so it was very unnatural - the same thing, first of all, Ling always had an expressionless face, and then thinking about her usual calm and composed style of behavior, Ling's behavior was very contrasting.

All in all, it's very cute.

"Thank you for the compliment...Also, in order to avoid any misunderstanding, I will tell you where I'm going first - there, on the second floor."

Zero looked up and pointed at the tall building on the left.

"Uh... don't you need to keep it a secret?"

"Well, no need."

Although it was not necessary to keep it secret, and Ling said it as if there was no problem, Zhuo felt that this matter should not be said. However, she seemed to be planning to continue, so Zhuo waited obediently.

“…I’m going to go shopping.”

"Oh, I see." Is there any reason to break up?

“…I’m going to buy a swimsuit.”

"Oh...swimsuit???"

Indeed, when going to the beach for the holidays, according to the development of Neon's plot, the beach and swimsuits are essential benefits. In the "private mall" next to Zhuo and his friends, there is an area dedicated to selling swimsuits. Don't ask Zhuo how he knew about it. Zhuo clearly remembered that he noticed it last time.

However, Zhuo never thought that Ling would actually buy a swimsuit.

After all, it was winter now. Even if the mixed-race bloodline could make them immune to all diseases, they would not do such a thing without a purpose.

Besides, Zero should not be interested in these things. The physical education class at Zhuo's school includes swimming lessons, and in Zhuo's memory, when Kassel Academy was selecting "Underwater Candidates for the Kuimen Plan", Zero was one of them. Such a Zero did not choose swimming as his elective course in his school.

That's how Zero is, going to buy a swimsuit.

“…It will come in handy.”

Ling unexpectedly avoided Zhuo's sight again, turned away and whispered softly: "...and please don't forget what I said before, you can just use your eyes to see, but don't get too close to Mai."

“…I see. I see. Then…go ahead.”

"Okay...which one would be better?"

"Wetsuit... Even if I say so, it's not appropriate. So choose something safer. You know what I mean."

Although he didn't understand the meaning of Ling's words, when the topic came to the more attractive swimsuit styles, Zhuo had to answer immediately.

Strictly speaking, Ling is not a true "three-no" lolita. Her figure is indeed petite, but it is the kind of petite with a certain degree of range. No matter what style is, she will be very suitable.

Although he didn't know where Ling was going to use the swimsuit, it would be best if it wasn't too revealing. Zhuo was particularly sure of this.

(End of this chapter)