Riders Club 🛵🫶🏼🏍️

Part 15: First Dates and Confessions 🙈

The big race finale is just a day away, and the host gives the couples a special twist: tonight, each person is free to choose a partner for a one-on-one date in Chongqing. The news sends ripples of excitement through the group, as the couples exchange glances, each person considering the chance to solidify their connection before the journey's end.

As night falls, each pair gets ready for their date, the anticipation filling the air. With Chongqing's illuminated skyline and riverside ambience as their backdrop, tonight promises to be magical.

With challenges behind us and the finale looming tomorrow, the host as already said grants us a special night in Chongqing—a chance to explore the city and pick someone for a one-on-one date. It's the perfect time to unwind, reflect, and maybe even say what's been left unsaid.

Bai Lu's POV:

As I stand on the bustling streets of Chongqing, I feel Xingyue's gaze on me. His easygoing confidence usually makes it hard to read him, but tonight, his eyes have a different look—something softer. I smile, and before I know it, we're walking side by side down the brightly lit streets. He suggests trying the local hotpot, and I can't resist; Chongqing hotpot is legendary, after all.

Sitting across from him, surrounded by the spicy aroma of bubbling broth, I feel a warmth that has nothing to do with the chillies. We talk about the adventure, laugh about the cooking competition, and relive the highs and lows of every race and challenge. As the night deepens, our laughter quiets, replaced by a gentle silence.

"Bai Lu," Xingyue finally says, leaning forward slightly, his gaze steady, "I don't think I've ever met someone who could make me laugh this much while challenging me at every turn." His hand moves across the table, resting on mine. "I don't know where this journey will take us, but I'd like to find out—with you."

My heart flutters as I squeeze his hand, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "I'd like that too," I whisper, smiling back at him, feeling the world melt away at that moment.

---

Ju Jingyi's POV:

After a day of competition, Ao Ruipeng and I finally get a quiet evening together, and he suggests exploring Hongya Cave—a stunning maze of lantern-lit pathways, shops, and scenic views over the river. Walking side by side through the winding passages, we pause to watch the city lights reflecting in the water below, casting a soft glow.

Ao is usually so focused, his competitive spirit shining in every challenge, but tonight, he seems almost shy. He clears his throat, glancing at me. "Jingyi, I don't usually say this, but... I think you've managed to surprise me more than anyone else on this trip. You're full of surprises," he says, chuckling softly.

I look down, feeling the warmth of his words and the gentle way his hand brushes mine. "Well, you've surprised me, too," I reply, my voice just above a whisper. "I never expected to feel this way about anyone—especially not while racing through China."

He pulls me close, his voice a gentle murmur as he says, "Maybe that's the best part—we found each other on the journey." We stay like that, under the warm glow of the lanterns, feeling closer than ever.