Douluo Continent: Gretchen at the start, empowered by the Star God.

Chapter 146 The Future? Side Story: Lang Lei and Ai Li's Date

"Hmm... A new day, a new beauty, come on, Alicia!" In the pink room, Alicia stretched, and for a moment, her spring-like figure was revealed.

"Get up, get up! Weigh yourself before you get dressed... Hmm... OK, delete the record!"

Alicia quickly dressed herself and stood in front of a huge full-length mirror.

"Look in the mirror before you go out..."

"My outfit is perfect, my bangs are perfect, my smile is perfect~ Mmm! Today is another exquisite and dazzling day!"

Alicia nodded in satisfaction and left the room.

"Hey, isn't this Ellie? Didn't you take the day off?" A woman walked over.

"Good morning, Elsa! You look radiant today!" Alicia replied with a smile. "Newlyweds always seem so different!"

"Haha, you're one to talk! Aren't you almost there too?" Elsa teased with a laugh.

"Oh, Elsa, stop teasing me. That guy, Dudu, usually acts all fearless, but when it comes to this, he's like a coward." Alicia seemed a little troubled. "Even though I wouldn't refuse him..."

"Hey, hurry up and enjoy your date today, didn't he invite you?" Elsa patted Alicia on the shoulder.

"Okay, I'll be going now. Bye-bye, Elsa~"

-

The morning sunlight crept quietly into Lang Lei's room through the gap in the curtains.

Lang Lei lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, his heart filled with anticipation. Today was his first official date with Alicia, a day he had rehearsed countless times in his mind.

Lang Lei rolled out of bed and began carefully selecting his clothes. He opened the wardrobe and finally chose the casual outfit, his favorite because it was the first piece of clothing Alicia had given him. He stood in front of the mirror, meticulously checking every detail to ensure everything was perfect.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a warm glow on Lang Lei. He checked his phone frequently to confirm the time, then straightened his collar to ensure everything was perfect. Finally, a familiar figure appeared in the distance—it was Alicia.

Alicia walked slowly towards them, wearing a long pink dress that swayed gently in the breeze, making her appear exceptionally elegant. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, the ends slightly curled, adding a touch of playfulness. Her face was lightly made up, further highlighting her delicate features. When she saw Lang Lei, a hint of joy flashed in her eyes, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up in a smile.

Lang Lei quickly went to greet her, gently tidied Alicia's wind-blown hair, and said tenderly, "Aili, you look beautiful today."

Alicia blushed slightly and replied softly, "Thanks, Xiaodu. You look handsome today too~"

They smiled at each other, all their tension and unease vanishing in that instant. Lang Lei extended his hand, inviting Alicia in a gentlemanly manner: "Ready? Our date is about to begin."

Alicia smiled and placed her hand in his palm. The two walked side by side, stepping into an afternoon filled with romance and anticipation.

The morning sun shone brightly on the amusement park entrance, where Lang Lei and Alicia stood hand in hand, their faces beaming with anticipation. Alicia wore a pink dress and a white sun hat, looking youthful and radiant; Lang Lei, on the other hand, was dressed casually, simple yet energetic.

"We're going to have a blast today!" Alicia exclaimed excitedly, her eyes sparkling.

"Of course, let's enjoy this happy time to the fullest today!" Lang Lei replied, and the two walked into the amusement park together.

Following Alicia's suggestion, their first stop was the carousel. Twelve brightly colored horses slowly rotated around the center. Alicia chose a pink pony and excitedly sat down. Langley sat on a white horse next to her. As the music started, the carousel began to spin, and Alicia laughed happily, as if she had returned to her carefree childhood.

Next, they arrived at the balloon popping stall. Alicia saw a cute little doll and decided to give it a try. However, the toy gun seemed to have a problem, always missing the target. She ran out of bullets without hitting anything. Alicia turned to Lang Lei, her meaning clear. Lang Lei smiled slightly, walked to her side, and whispered, "Watch me."

He took the toy gun, used some tricks, and hit the target with a few shots, successfully winning the plush toy. Alicia happily hugged him, her face beaming with a blissful smile.

After leaving, Lang Lei secretly slipped a few banknotes to the boss and left as if nothing had happened.

Next, they went to the aquarium. Through the transparent glass walls, they saw all kinds of marine life swimming freely.

Alicia pointed to a huge ray and praised it for being beautiful.

Lang Lei recalled that he had caught a ray by chance on an island the last time, which he grilled and found to be very delicious.

Speaking of which, isn't Alicia's Herrscher form summon a giant pink ray?

At lunchtime, they enjoyed a sumptuous meal at the amusement park's restaurant. Lang Lei ordered Alicia's favorite pizza and thoughtfully added an ice cream for dessert. Alicia ate happily, a satisfied smile on her face.

In the afternoon, they arrived at the haunted house. Alicia clung tightly to Lang Lei's hand, tense at the slightest sound. Suddenly, a little ghost jumped out, startling her and causing her to scream. Lang Lei chuckled, "You're afraid of these things too?"

"She's a girl, after all!" Alicia pouted and lightly punched Lang Lei a few times.

As evening approached, they arrived at the Ferris wheel. As it slowly rose, they gazed down upon the panoramic view of the amusement park, the distant sunset painting a breathtaking scene. Lang Lei held Alicia's hand, and the two quietly savored this beautiful moment.

"I had so much fun today~" Alicia said happily, leaning on Lang Lei's shoulder.

"Hmm, but it's getting late today, we should head back," Lang Lei said to her, glancing at the time.

"Hmm... well, let's end today's journey with a roller coaster," Alicia suggested.

"Of course, no problem," Lang Lei replied with a smile, and the two walked together toward the roller coaster.

On the roller coaster, Lang Lei saw Alicia resting her chin on her hand, as if she was thinking about something: "What are you thinking about, Alicia?" Lang Lei asked.

"I'm thinking, I've had a really great day. Thank you, Langley," Alicia said with a smile.

"I'm happy too." Lang Lei took Alicia's hand, and the two smiled at each other, everything understood without words.

As the roller coaster slowly came to a stop, Lang Lei and Alicia ended their day at the amusement park. Hand in hand, they walked out of the park and started their journey home. This day had created many wonderful memories for them and deepened their feelings for each other.

Night fell, and the stars twinkled in the sky. Lang Lei and Alicia sat on the bus home, snuggling together and enjoying the rare tranquility. Alicia gently rested her head on Lang Lei's shoulder, closed her eyes, and a sweet smile appeared on her lips.

"Lang Lei, thank you so much for today," Alicia said softly.

"Silly girl, why are you being so polite with me? As long as you're happy, I'm willing to do anything..." Lang Lei responded gently, stroking Alicia's hair.

But before he could finish speaking, Alicia covered his mouth.

"Please don't say these things, okay?"

"Um!"

Just then, the bus slowly came to a stop. Lang Lei looked up and realized they had arrived at a small river they had visited before. The river water shimmered under the moonlight, appearing exceptionally tranquil and beautiful.

"Let's go for a walk," Lang Lei suggested.

Alicia nodded, and the two of them got off the bus hand in hand, strolling slowly along the riverside path. A gentle breeze blew by, bringing a refreshing coolness that made them feel exceptionally comfortable.

"Lang Lei, do you remember the first time we met?" Alicia asked.

"Of course I remember. You bumped right into me that day, what a coincidence..." Lang Lei recalled, his eyes filled with tenderness.

Alicia smiled, her eyes sparkling with happiness: "Back then, I never dared to imagine that things would turn out this way."

"I've been by your side the whole time, haven't I?" Lang Lei stopped and turned to look at Alicia, speaking earnestly.

"Mmm." Alicia nodded, a tear glistening in her eyes. "Lang Lei, it's so good to have you."

Lang Lei gently embraced Alicia, and the two stood quietly by the river, enjoying this rare tranquility and warmth. The moonlight shone on them, as if gilding their figures with a silvery glow.

(End of this chapter)