“Well, the gifts for the children have been delivered, so I’ve prepared some meeting gifts for everyone else.” Tan You was a thorough person; even if she felt nothing for Xu Jike, she wouldn't target him openly.
“The winter is freezing, so I’ve prepared thermal mugs for the male guests. You can pick your own colors.” Tan You took out three rectangular boxes, which naturally contained different styles of thermal mugs.
Shi Lei smiled and said, “Then thank you, Xiao Chi. I’ll start using it as soon as I get back.”
As the three of them divided the mugs, Tan You pulled out a few other items: “This is a cervical spine massager for you. You mentioned last time that sitting for too long during your livestreams makes your neck uncomfortable.”
“This silk scarf is for Mengmeng, and this brooch is for Wenwen. I thought they would suit you both perfectly.”
Zhou Wenwen toyed with the brooch. “I love it, thank you. I’ve also prepared meeting gifts for everyone.”
After Tan You gave out a pile of gifts, she quickly received a pile in return. She pulled the items closer to her: “Thank you all for the gifts. I will cherish them.”
These were gifts prepared privately and were not part of the drawing tasks. The production crew was mainly filming these for the behind-the-scenes footage rather than the main edit, so everyone interacted very casually, far from the stiff formality they maintained during the actual show.
“Official filming starts the day after tomorrow. Shall we have a free day tomorrow?” Gao Jing was full of enthusiasm. “Mo Mo mentioned last time that she wanted to take the kids to the amusement park.”
“Sure! Tomorrow is the weekend, and I’m off work.” Zhou Wenwen checked her class schedule; although she had missed a few classes, she still needed to rest on the weekend, so she had time to come out.
Lin Meng: “I’ve taken annual leave, so I can come too.”
Xiang Zhe glanced at Gao Jing: “Is it convenient to bring us along?”
Shi Lei: “I can help carry bags and watch the kids; you guys just focus on taking photos.”
Lin Meng: “That sounds great. Mo Mo, what do you think?”
Tan You was indifferent: “Anything is fine with me. There aren't many rides I can do, but it’ll be more lively with more people, which prevents things from getting boring.”
Gao Jing: “Which rides can't you do?”
Tan You squinted as she thought: “Perhaps the only thing I can ride is the carousel. I’m afraid of heights and afraid of the dark.”
Zhou Wenwen smiled: “The carousel is quite nice. The photos will definitely look beautiful.”
Gao Jing: “There are many things I can't do either, like roller coasters. Ever since I tried one, I haven't dared to go on one again; my heart really can't take it.”
Lin Meng: “Especially the recently popular escape rooms—I can't stand those either. Maybe it's because I'm getting older and can't handle the thrills anymore.”
Tan You was very happy that everyone felt the same way. If she were the only one unable to participate, it would undoubtedly be a buzzkill. Since everyone was more or less the same, even ordinary activities would be enjoyable.
The next morning, everyone gathered at the entrance of the amusement park. Not a single guest from the production crew was missing. As soon as Tan You appeared, she was held by the hands of two little girls, while Dashuai stood to the side, looking like he wanted to step forward but was also hesitating.
Tan You freed a hand to pat Dashuai’s head: “I’ll treat you to some juice in a bit.”
Dashuai pursed his lips and smiled: “Thank you, Mo Mo.”
Tan You didn't say anything about the three children calling her by her name instead of "Auntie." A name is meant to be called, and besides, the children addressing her this way made Tan You feel particularly young.
At the entrance of the amusement park, Gao Jing looked serious: “You all have smartwatches. If you accidentally get separated, you must stay where you are and call me immediately.”
“I’ll buy you balloons in a bit and tie them to your buttons so I can see you wherever you go.”
“Also, do not accept food from strangers...”
After babbling for ten minutes and ensuring the children had all memorized the rules, Gao Jing waved her hand: “Let's go!”
Little girls love beauty; after choosing their balloons in front of the carousel, they rushed impatiently toward the ride. Once inside, the two girls insisted on sitting with Tan You. Dashuai was more independent, sitting on a small horse next to Gao Jing.
Gao Jing was relieved: “Someone is helping me watch the kids today, so I can play to my heart's content!”
Zhou Wenwen also smiled: “Agreed!”
Tan You had Ningning and Tongtong sit in front of her, while she sat at the very back in a protective posture. As the music started, the platform began to rotate slowly. Tan You looked down at the two little girls, and just then, they happened to look up at her.
Tan You smiled instinctively. Outside the railing, Xu Jike was quick with his hands and captured the photo with a *click*. It wasn't that he was unaware of Chi Mo's attitude, but he simply couldn't let go.
Xiang Zhe patted his shoulder: “Make the most of the interactions while you have them. Once the show ends, there probably won't be any more chances to meet up.”
Xu Jike didn't even turn his head: “Are you sure you're comforting me? I feel like you're specifically twisting the knife in my heart.”
Xiang Zhe: “I'm serious. With a girl like her, unless she is willing to stay for someone, no one else can influence her thoughts. You can't win her over with a few bouquets, a few meals, some sweet words, or small gifts. She has her own world.”
“If she isn't willing, no one can walk into it.”
Shi Lei: “Xiang Zhe isn't wrong. You two aren't a good match.”
Xu Jike fell silent for a moment: “But one must always try. If I miss this chance, is it even possible to meet someone else?”
Xiang Zhe: “That doesn't sound like the style of a lawyer. Someone like you is bound to be popular with girls, so why be so obsessed?”
Seeing that Xu Jike remained silent, Xiang Zhe sighed silently. He had helped as much as he could, but the man was too stubborn to listen; what could he do? Regardless, he had already fulfilled his duty to Gao Jing. As for what Xu Jike would do, that was his own business.
As Gao Jing and Dashuai passed in front of him, Xiang Zhe raised his hand to wave. Dashuai glanced at Xiang Zhe and let out a sigh like a little adult. This uncle's eyes were practically glued to his mother; don't think just because a child is small, they know nothing.
After riding the carousel for a few rounds with the little girls, Tan You felt a bit dizzy when she stood up. Leaning against the railing, she steadied herself, and it took a few seconds before she felt like her feet were firmly on the ground again.
Zhou Wenwen poured her a cup of hot tea: “Are you okay? I saw you spinning so beautifully when you were dancing; you didn't seem dizzy then.”
Tan You took a few sips of water: “That's different. At least then my feet were on the ground. This time, towards the end, I felt like I was floating in mid-air.”
Lin Meng prepared some mint candies: “How about a candy to clear your head? You don't look very well.”
Tan You took a mint candy at random: “I'll be fine once I rest for a bit.”
Tan You felt that today's trip to the amusement park was quite pleasant. Because everyone preferred a calmer pace, they didn't go on the high-thrill rides. They simply wandered through the park, queuing for things they liked, and if something was too intense, they just watched from a distance.