After playing several rounds, the other team members were so fed up with their affectionate display that they threatened to quit. The couple then decided to withdraw from the game as well.
It was still early, so Chen Dongyang asked Tiantian if she wanted to watch a movie.
They chose an old film, "The Bridges of Madison County," and sat down to watch it together.
Tiantian's foot was uncomfortable, so she was particular about her posture. Chen Dongyang let her lean against him, holding her.
The movie was a mix of sweet and poignant moments, sometimes moving, sometimes alluring. Tiantian watched with deep emotion.
As they reached the most classic scenes, feeling the warmth and breath of the person beside her, bold thoughts began to surface in her heart.
The movie ended, and dusk had fallen. The room was unlit. She turned her head slightly, pressing her face into Chen Dongyang's neck.
"I want to discuss something with you."
She was beautiful and fragrant, her voice sweet, her breath gently caressing his ear. The feeling was intoxicating.
Chen Dongyang's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed.
"Discuss what?"
"Can you kiss me?"
"..."
Chen Dongyang paused for a few seconds before lowering his head, lifting her chin, and meeting her gaze.
"Why do you suddenly want to talk about this?"
Tiantian said, "You can't laugh if I tell you the truth."
"Mhm."
"I've never... with a man before."
"So you want to try it with me?"
Of course, it wasn't just because of that. It was because she liked him, and their feelings had reached this point that she wanted to try!
But she couldn't voice the latter part.
Having made such a direct overture, Chen Dongyang remained still, making her feel awkward and a little annoyed.
"What? You dislike me? You don't want to kiss me?"
Chen Yang was amused by her, pulling her head into his embrace and gently stroking the back of her head.
"How could I? Let me be honest with you too, I've fantasized about this moment for a long time, but..."
"But what? You don't plan to marry me, so you think kissing me would be taking advantage of me?"
Although the truth was unpleasant, it was indeed the case.
But Tiantian didn't care.
"Didn't you say we should enjoy the present? And that I shouldn't push you away? I've made the first move, and you react like this. Where am I supposed to put my face?"
Chen Dongyang had no choice. He stared at her rosy lips for a few seconds and then gently touched them.
His lips were so soft, so gentle. Tiantian's entire head went numb.
At the same time, she felt a hidden personality deep within her being being awakened.
Feeling that it wasn't enough, she grabbed him, not allowing him to pull away.
"It's not like this."
Chen Dongyang didn't quite understand her, raising an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
"I want it to be like them, fully immersed. Not like this."
Chen Dongyang understood what she meant. Didn't he want that too? But... he was afraid he wouldn't be able to control himself.
He sighed and gently stroked Tiantian's cheek with his thumb.
"Tiantian, please don't make things difficult for me."
Tiantian became annoyed again. "Who's making things difficult for you? Is it that difficult to kiss me? Then what were you saying... Hmph!"
Chen Dongyang was rendered speechless by her again. He looked at her pouting expression for a few seconds and couldn't help but laugh.
"Why are you so silly? You don't understand men."
Tiantian said, "It's precisely because I don't understand that I want you to teach me, but you won't teach me!"
Chen Dongyang pulled her into his arms and whispered in her ear.
"I'm not some virtuous man who never succumbs to temptation, nor am I a monk who remains unmoved. If you make such a request, later I... aren't you afraid I won't be able to stop myself?"
Tiantian understood what he meant, but she was perfectly fine with it.
"Then don't stop. I didn't tell you to stop either."
For some reason, her direct words carried a sense of innocent charm.
Chen Dongyang was both exasperated and amused. "Do you even understand what I mean? You silly girl."
"I understand," Tiantian broke free from his embrace.
"Although my parents protected me very well since childhood, preventing me from understanding things that minors shouldn't, I've read some classic literature, which explains a lot of theoretical knowledge. And there's also in movies. I know what you mean."
Chen Dongyang was speechless. Was this what she called understanding?
"Theory is theory, reality is reality. Your parents were right. Why do you need to know these things? It's not time yet."
Tiantian hit him. "I'm already 26! You've experienced it all, so why do you say it's not time for me?"
"This is something that should be experienced with the person you like. If you can't even do it with the person you like, what's the point of living?"
Chen Dongyang: "..."
"I don't care. If you don't make a move, I will."
Saying that, Tiantian pushed him back and leaned in herself.
Although she had no technique, she possessed charm, and Chen Dongyang quickly took the lead.
After a long, long time, he found it unbearable and released Tiantian.
"That's enough. Sit properly, I need to go to the restroom."
Tiantian grabbed him, not letting go. "Why do you need to go to the restroom?"
"Silly Tiantian, can you stop talking now?"
"No. Tell me the truth, are you moved?"
Chen Dongyang was exasperated by her words and could only grit his teeth.
"I'm a normal person, and I like you. What do you think? Are you deliberately challenging my self-control?"
Tiantian was very pleased with this answer and happily met his gaze in the darkness.
"I like you too, and I'm also a normal person. I'm not challenging your self-control, don't go to the restroom."
"..."
"Did you forget what I said yesterday? If starting a relationship is about finding happiness, then we shouldn't dwell on unhappy things. We cherish our encounter, don't talk about debts, and enjoy the present. You're a grown man, why are you so indecisive at such a crucial moment?"
Chen Dongyang chuckled and pecked her lips again.
"I'm not even sure if this is a spur-of-the-moment thing for you or if you've truly thought it through. How about this, I'll give you time to think properly. You watch something first, and I'll go out for a bit."
Saying that, he fumbled around on his phone, copied a link, and sent it to Tiantian via WeChat.
"It's expired. It won't open. But I think you'll find a way to solve it. I'm leaving, take your time."
Tiantian wasn't foolish; she naturally understood his implied meaning.
After he left, she opened her laptop, performed some operations, and managed to restore it.
There were no shops near the base where they were staying, so Chen Dongyang drove quite a distance to buy what he needed.
When he returned, he deliberately took his time, fearing he might encounter something that would embarrass Tiantian.
Before entering, he sent Tiantian a WeChat message to give her advance notice.
When he returned, the room was brightly lit. Tiantian sat there obediently, her face flushed, waiting for him.
It felt different in the darkness, and it felt different again in the light.
Their eyes met, and both felt a bit awkward.
They looked away, and after a moment, Chen Dongyang approached.
"Are you recovered?"
"Recovered."
"Did you watch it?"
"I watched it."
"Then have you thought it through now?"
"I've thought it through."
"What's the answer?"
"Let me see what you bought."