The two left the cinema, strolling and chatting as they went.
They talked about many of their high school classmates and memories. The awkwardness between them gradually faded, and the mood grew easy.
Zhang Xiaoyue said, "When I first saw your name in the newspaper, I thought it was just someone with the same name. Then I saw a video of your speech and recognized you."
Chen Shouyi smiled and asked Zhang Xiaoyue, "Oh? How did you feel?"
Zhang Xiaoyue fell silent for a moment, then shook her head. "I didn't feel anything. You were like a stranger, far beyond my reach."
Chen Shouyi was taken aback. Pretending not to notice the gloom on her face, he said, "Ha, you're really heartless."
Zhang Xiaoyue pursed her lips and gave a couple of little huffs without answering. With a touch of temper, she was like a stubborn little lamb who seemed annoyed with everyone. Chen Shouyi found it rather amusing.
They chatted, one topic after another.
The sun slowly sank toward the west. Chen Shouyi checked the time and realized that it was almost four already.
"I'll take you back," Chen Shouyi said. He planned to find a quiet corner and take out his bicycle.
"No need to trouble yourself. You've already spent so much time with me. You should head back early. The bus stop up ahead has a bus to the school," Zhang Xiaoyue said.
"It won't delay anything," Chen Shouyi said.
The bus arrived soon, packed with people.
The two squeezed aboard. With people pressed together all around them, Zhang Xiaoyue could only huddle in Chen Shouyi's arms, her face burning red with embarrassment.
"You're so hard!" Zhang Xiaoyue whispered, bracing her hands against Chen Shouyi's chest. It felt like a warm block of iron.
"Are you uncomfortable?"