Chapter 72: On the Surface, She Appears Aloof—But Who Knows What She’s Like in Private...
When Gu Zhenzhi heard her say, “I love you so much,” a flicker danced in his eyes. The depths of his gaze, usually as tranquil as a still pond, rippled with gentle waves.
After Ruan Cha finished her meal, fully satisfied, the group tidied up the table together. With her plate in hand, Ruan Cha trailed behind Gu Zhenzhi, who moved at his usual unhurried pace, like a devoted little shadow.
Inside the kitchen, Gu Zhenzhi placed the plates in the sink. As he turned around, Ruan Cha bumped right into his arms. He lowered his eyes to look at her, his deep gaze settling on her face, where a trace of sauce still lingered at the corner of her mouth.
He reached for a napkin and gently wiped the sauce away. As he leaned in, Ruan Cha asked in a soft voice, “Gu Zhenzhi, how are you such a great cook? Have you been secretly practicing?”
A hint of amusement flickered in Gu Zhenzhi’s eyes, his brows arching slightly. His voice was low, “Talent.”
Ruan Cha pouted, “You’re so full of yourself!”
His gaze lingered on the delicate bridge of her nose, his eyes carrying a touch of meaning. “Now I’m beginning to seriously suspect you only got close to me for my cooking.”
At that, Ruan Cha’s clear eyes narrowed, and she shook her head solemnly. “I’m obviously much more interested in your body.”
Gu Zhenzhi: “…???”
His expression darkened. He glanced around quickly, then coughed lightly, raising his hand to cover Ruan Cha’s mouth. His voice was hoarse as he warned, “We’re live. Don’t talk nonsense.”
Stars seemed to shimmer in Ruan Cha’s bright, captivating eyes.
She watched Gu Zhenzhi’s tense, nervous demeanor, her own gaze sparkling with mischief.
…
After the meal, the couples were to go on dates to create sweet moments for the show. The director briefly explained the dating rules.
There were three possible date locations. The first was the cinema, the second a sports field, and the third—by far the most grueling—a mountain hike.
Each group sent their female member to draw lots. The influencer couple had the best luck and drew the cinema date. Ruan Cha and Ruan Wei both drew the mountain hike.
When Ruan Cha saw her lot, she put on her professional fake smile. The moment after Ruan Wei announced they’d be hiking, Ruan Cha gritted her teeth and muttered under her breath, “Damn it, enemies are bound to cross paths. Heaven spares no one.”
Before the climb, the director explained some safety tips to both groups. Once everyone was ready, they set off together, each couple trailed by a cameraman. The director and crew remained on-site, monitoring the live stream in real time.
The mountain lay in the suburbs of Mo City, an hour and a half’s drive away. Not long after boarding the car, Ruan Cha fell asleep against the window.
Up front, the cameraman—streaming live—glanced at Ruan Cha’s closed eyes, then at Gu Zhenzhi, who sat perfectly straight, staring straight ahead.
He hurried over and whispered, “Mr. Gu, now’s the time to gently guide your girlfriend’s head onto your shoulder.”
His voice wasn’t quiet; the viewers heard every word.
Instantly, the comments rolled in—
[Hahaha, this is too cute! Even dating needs coaching from the cameraman!]
[Oh my god, I love this type—Gu Zhenzhi looks so cold and restrained on the outside, but who knows what he’s like in private!]
[Ugh, just now before the cameraman said anything, Gu Zhenzhi kept sneaking glances at her! Now he’s been called out—he has to make a move!]
Finally, Gu Zhenzhi turned, his cool gaze settling on the girl’s peaceful, sleeping face. He raised his hand; under the light filtering through the window, his pale fingers looked impossibly elegant.
Carefully, he guided Ruan Cha’s head, letting her rest gently on his shoulder.