Chapter Thirteen: Social Anxiety

“How did you know I like white?”

Tang Zhichu paused, not answering immediately, but instead turned to adjust the brim of the black bucket hat on her head.

At such close range, gazing at Chen Siyang, Tang Zhichu felt a bit dazed himself.

Beneath her long lashes, her dark, glossy eyes seemed like mesmerizing pools of ink, her skin fair and rosy, flawless as if it would break at the slightest touch. With the hat pulled down, her eyes were hidden, accentuating her delicate, pert nose, and beneath that, her lips, soft and inviting—each of her features, even taken separately, was exquisite.

“I’m not that famous. I just like wearing this hat,” Chen Siyang said softly, making no move to stop Tang Zhichu’s hands.

Only then did Tang Zhichu take out his phone, swipe a few times, and show her the screen.

It was a chat group on Penguin, called “Forever Love for Yangyang!”

Yes, even the gift Tang Zhichu had chosen wasn’t random.

Finding such information was not difficult for him. On forums and message boards, he sought out fan groups devoted to Chen Siyang, the kind that required an entrance test or a fee.

In this world, the simplest things are those with a threshold—just step over it.

Not only did he know her favorite color, he knew almost everything about her family situation as well.

Chen Siyang was stunned for a moment, then looked up at Tang Zhichu, her gaze bright and unwavering. With a tone that was both shy and reproachful, she said, “How could you do that?”

Tang Zhichu lowered his phone. “What did I do?”

“You… you went outside the rules, that’s not fair.”

Tang Zhichu laughed, nudged her lightly with his elbow, and strode into the mall.

Behind him, a smile curved at the corners of Chen Siyang’s lips. She called out, “Wait for me…”

The moment they entered the mall, the noise of the crowd washed over them. Instinctively, Chen Siyang quickened her pace to keep up with Tang Zhichu, pulling her hat even lower.

Tang Zhichu slowed. “The cinema’s on the top floor. We’ll take the elevator straight up.”

She murmured her assent.

The bustling atmosphere left her flustered—too many people, her social anxiety flaring up, her head buzzing, vision drifting, unable to focus on anything.

The elevator arrived at the first floor. Tang Zhichu gestured for her to enter first, but she hesitated—there were at least six or seven people inside.

She turned to Tang Zhichu, unable to lift her gaze higher than his neck.

What now? Should I get in, or wait for the next one? So many people!

At that moment, she felt her hand being taken.

It was a large hand, enveloping hers completely.

As Tang Zhichu stepped inside, he pressed the elevator button with his free hand and spoke to the others, “Sorry, we’re going to the top floor.”

One of the passengers blinked in surprise, then stepped back a few paces. The mall had five floors, and no one had pressed for the top, so perhaps the newcomers didn’t want to block the door—maybe that’s what he meant.

Once there was space, Tang Zhichu gently guided Chen Siyang to a corner, then let go of her hand as naturally as he had taken it.

She kept her head down, silent, lost in thought.

The elevator rose, people coming and going, until only the two of them remained when it stopped on the fifth floor.

As the doors opened, Chen Siyang whispered a thank you before stepping out.

Tang Zhichu led her into the cinema, but instead of collecting their tickets first, he headed for the snack counter.

Chen Siyang thought to stop him—she didn’t like eating during movies; it seemed impolite and a bit troublesome.

Wasn’t the point of watching a film to focus on it?

But Tang Zhichu didn’t care. He bought popcorn, two sodas, and a pack of preserved plums.

Then he found a seating area and gestured for her to sit.

“There you go, have a seat. The movie doesn’t start for another ten minutes. Help yourself to anything you like. I’ll go pick up the tickets.”

With that, he hurried to the ticket machines—perhaps because it was Saturday, there was quite a line.

It was only after she sat down that Chen Siyang felt her anxiety subside.

Her eyes followed Tang Zhichu in the queue, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the elevator.

Why hadn’t she thought about it before? Because she’d been too flustered.

He’d held her hand.

He’d found her a quiet spot.

He’d positioned himself so that most of her field of vision was blocked off, making her feel much safer.

…

It had been so long since she’d been in such a crowded place, and now it didn’t seem so intimidating after all.

All it took was someone bold enough to step up, to take action with purpose and care.

She glanced at the snacks in front of her, suddenly realizing something.

Did he notice her anxiety? Was that why he bought snacks and let her sit down before going for the tickets?

If it were anyone else, wouldn’t the first step have been to pick up the tickets together?

Chen Siyang found herself wondering what kind of person Tang Zhichu really was.

Why was he so attentive? What kind of family raised a boy like him?

He must be especially happy, she thought, even conjuring up an image of his parents—surely they were gentle and kind.

“Why aren’t you eating?” Tang Zhichu appeared before her with the tickets.

She looked up at him. “Sit down.”

He checked the time and sat beside her.

Only then did she pick up a piece of popcorn, popping it into her mouth and chewing quietly.

Tang Zhichu grinned. “Are you watching me?”

She turned toward him as expected.

He scooped up a huge handful of popcorn, stuffed it all in at once, and chewed loudly. “Delicious,” he declared.

She stared at him in disbelief.

After a swig of soda, Tang Zhichu felt revived. He really hadn’t had lunch, and with the movie about to start, there hadn’t been time for a proper meal.

Chen Siyang couldn’t quite understand what he was doing—he seemed a bit ridiculous.

But watching him drink his soda and then hug the popcorn bucket, tossing pieces into his mouth one after another, she realized—wasn’t this for her? Weren’t the snacks meant for during the movie?

“You… save some for me.”

Tang Zhichu laughed. “I thought you didn’t like it. You hadn’t even touched it.”

She snatched the popcorn away. “You’re the one who doesn’t like it!”

Hugging the popcorn to her chest, she seemed to remember something. She rummaged in her pocket and finally produced two nougat candies.

“These are for you. I eat them when I’m tired from dance practice.”

Tang Zhichu accepted them. “You dance?”

“Mm. I have lessons every day, and I also coach some of the company’s trainees.”

“You must be a great dancer.”

Chen Siyang lifted her chin with pride. “I’m just average.”

He shook his head. “Modest. If you were just average, you wouldn’t be coaching trainees.”

“Maybe the company just wants to save money.”