Help others? It's better to help yourself - Chapter 30

After Shen He left, Xu Jing’an didn’t linger and went straight home. After tidying up, she transformed back into one of the many ordinary workers.

On the 27th, when she returned to work, she gave Wu Sufen the wedding gift she had bought for her—a red scarf. Wu Sufen was especially happy to receive it.

At lunch, Sister Zhao quietly approached her. “Xiao Xu, we’ll meet at Chaoyang Park at 10 AM on Saturday, the 29th. I also got a movie ticket, so don’t forget!”

“I won’t forget, Sister Zhao,” Xu Jing’an replied.

Step 3: Utilize environmental factors. There are three psychological terms related to love that tell us pursuing love is easier in these environments.

The “suspension bridge effect” tells us that it’s easier to pursue love in thrilling situations; the “ski resort effect” suggests that love at first sight is more likely on the slopes; and the “dark effect” indicates that dim environments can help close the psychological distance between couples.

On the 29th, her makeup remained the same, but she styled her hair into two braids, leaving her baby hair down on her forehead. She wore a black sweater underneath and topped it with a green military-style jacket, along with liberation shoes.

This time, she applied the “Dewy Youth” series of jasmine-scented balm, which had a sweet smell reminiscent of pomegranate soap! It had a fresh, sweet scent mixed with soap and tea.

With her backpack slung over her shoulder, she walked towards Chaoyang Park. After waiting for an hour without seeing anyone, Xu Jing’an turned to leave the park, eating orange-flavored hard candies as she headed to the nearby cinema.

Just as she reached the corner, someone suddenly rushed out from inside. She heard a loud “thud” and felt herself being knocked back, her head spinning and her body losing control.

“Sorry, sorry! Are you okay?” the person exclaimed, pulling her back with urgency. “I was in a hurry and didn’t see you!”

“Ah, don’t move! My hair is caught!” Xu Jing’an tilted her head, pressing her hand against her painful scalp, having to shout.

Just as she freed her hair, she heard, “Quick! He just ran past here!” A flurry of footsteps echoed from a distance.

The other person’s breath was rapid. Xu Jing’an instinctively looked up, and their eyes met, both momentarily stunned.

Shen He quickly grabbed her and pulled her into a narrow corridor nearby. This passage was already dark, and the crevice was even more so. It was only 30 centimeters wide, leading to a corner that could barely fit two people. They squeezed in sideways.

“Where is he?” “I clearly saw him run through here; he disappeared in the blink of an eye.” “Search carefully! I don’t believe he can fly!”

Hearing the voices outside, Xu Jing’an held her breath, her heart racing so much she felt it might leap out of her throat.

The people outside walked back and forth several times. Standing face-to-face, neither dared to speak, but they could feel each other’s warm breath.

“Let’s go! We’ll look elsewhere.”

Once the crowd left, neither of them moved. Sure enough, after about ten minutes, they returned. “Looks like he’s really not here. Ugh! Let him get away.” A group of people hurried off again.

Still, the two didn’t dare to move. Thirty minutes later, the group returned. “Boss, still haven’t found him.”

“Let our people surround the area and wait a bit longer.” “Yes, boss!”

The danger seemed to pass for now. “When can we get out?” Xu Jing’an whispered.

“Just wait a little longer,” Shen He replied quietly.

The surroundings fell silent again. Time passed slowly, and Xu Jing’an felt her legs growing numb. She wanted to move, but any motion would bump into Shen He’s legs, making her feel incredibly awkward.

Today, Shen He had come for a blind date. Although he hesitated and initially refused, his mother had already arranged it with his cousin. The girl had come, so out of decency, he felt he should at least meet her.

Who would have thought there would be unexpected overtime today? In a hurry to take a shortcut through the narrow path, he ended up stumbling into an underground deal. A group of people versus him alone—was running not an option?

In the rush, he accidentally bumped into a girl he had seen a few days ago. It was too late to run now, and leaving the girl alone would be even worse! Without thinking much, he just grabbed her and hid.

Now, the two stood facing each other, close enough to touch with the slightest movement. Shen He could sense the girl’s tension and unease.

In the darkness, their sense of smell, hearing, and perception were heightened. The girl had a scent different from the jasmine fragrance he remembered—sweet soap and tea. He could even smell a hint of orange from her breath.

Xu Jing’an had never felt time pass so slowly. Hearing Shen He’s breathing grow increasingly rapid made her heart race. She instinctively wanted to pull back, but as soon as she moved, she bumped into him again, freezing in place from shock.

The sound of swallowing echoed clearly in her ears.

Shen He suddenly realized: although he couldn’t see her face in his dreams, he was now certain that the girl in front of him was the one he had dreamed about.

Countless thoughts surged in his mind, but he could only suppress them. Even if he wanted to pursue her, it had to wait until they were out of this situation. Any words spoken now would feel like coercion, exploiting their vulnerable position.

If he asked her now, it wouldn’t matter whether she wanted to or not; it would be hard for her to refuse. As a man, he wanted to pursue the girl he liked, just like any male would, desperately showcasing his strengths and using every means possible to win her over.

But he was also a police officer, a servant of the people. He had to uphold the dignity of his uniform and his own conscience. She was someone he genuinely wanted to pursue, not an adversary.

Moreover, he had his pride. He was good at his job, came from a decent background, and looked presentable. Why shouldn’t he be able to openly pursue the girl he liked?

Thinking this, his heart gradually began to calm.

By the time they left, it was already afternoon.

Shen He still needed to make another trip to the park. Although it was late and the chance of finding her was slim, he felt he had to check. What if she was still waiting for him?

The weather had turned cooler, and after standing outside for so long, Xu Jing’an felt her nose getting stuffy. She took out a handkerchief to wipe it.

Shen He noticed something fall from the girl’s pocket without her realizing. He bent down to help pick it up and glanced at it. Huh? Wasn’t this the ticket for the seat next to his?

At that moment, he felt an overwhelming sense of surprise.

Didn’t she say she was refusing the blind date today? How could this be? He had come into this world just for the girl in front of him.

Wasn’t it said that confessing today was coercive? But to hell with that! He felt like a peacock displaying his feathers.

“Comrade, are you Xu Jing’an?” Shen He asked, looking at the girl.

“Yes, I am. And you are?”

“I’m the blind date for today, Shen He.”

Xu Jing’an looked at him in surprise. “You ran over so quickly just to meet me?”

“Yes, I didn’t expect to be late due to an impromptu overtime shift. Sorry to keep you waiting,” Shen He replied, smiling and revealing his bright white teeth.

“Well, I guess we’ve officially met now,” Xu Jing’an thought for a moment. “So what now?”

Shen He continued, “Let’s grab something to eat and then watch a movie.” He pulled out another movie ticket from his pocket.

A beautiful romance began on that very first day.