Wen Xin slid into the car and hurriedly pulled out her phone.
Shi Qianyu’s arrival had been so sudden that she hadn’t had any time to prepare. She hadn’t bought movie tickets and had no clue what films were even showing these days.
“Director Shi, is there any movie you’d like to see?” She swiped through the listings on her phone screen, scrolling one by one. There weren’t many new releases lately—just a handful generating any real buzz.
Wen Xin read out the names of those films one by one to the woman beside her. Before she could finish, she noticed Shi Qianyu tilting her head toward her.
~~~
“Can I watch it with you?” Shi Qianyu asked softly.
“Oh, of course.” Wen Xin blinked, momentarily stunned before catching on. Shi Qianyu had leaned in quite close, and a faint, clean fragrance from her body drifted over with the breeze from the window, leaving Wen Xin a bit tense.
Wen Xin slowly tilted her phone, swiping the screen to show her: “…Can you see it?”
“I can.” Shi Qianyu smiled, her gaze following along Wen Xin’s fingertip as she scrolled through the films one by one. To give the woman beside her time to think, Wen Xin deliberately slowed her movements.
Until Shi Qianyu said, “Stop.”
Wen Xin halted immediately. “Is it this one?”
“No.” Shi Qianyu shook her head lightly and extended her fingertip to swipe the screen. “The one before.”
“What do you think of this movie?” She parted her lips, softly asking Wen Xin’s opinion. But her gaze had shifted from the screen to Wen Xin’s profile.
The afterglow of the sunset reflected in her eyes, sparkling brightly. Wen Xin didn’t dare meet her gaze and merely nodded vaguely. “It’s fine.”
—It was an artistic romance film, somewhat niche, but with beautifully crafted visuals.
The movie had already been out for a while, and its genre kept the crowds thin, making seats easy to snag. Wen Xin picked the row with the best view and showed it to Shi Qianyu.
~~~
“Shall we sit here?”
“Sure.” Shi Qianyu had no objections. She finally sat up straight and turned the key to start the car.
Wen Xin completed the purchase and checked the time. The movie ran about an hour and a half. Factoring in wait time and the drive there and back, it’d be no more than two and a half hours total—just enough to get home in time for the event.
Her mind was still on the game, leaving her a little distracted. It wasn’t until Shi Qianyu spoke again that she snapped back. “Have you had dinner yet?”
Wen Xin shook her head on instinct. “Not yet.”
“Perfect.” Shi Qianyu smiled. “I haven’t eaten either. Let me treat you to dinner after the movie.”
“Ah?” Wen Xin finally registered what she’d said and shook her head hurriedly. “No need, really.”
“How could I impose?” Shi Qianyu blinked, gently turning the steering wheel. “It’s only fair—I’m definitely treating you this time.”
“Or do you dislike me?” She slipped back into her usual teasing mode, chattering on in that playful tone.
Wen Xin couldn’t take it and cut her off. “I don’t.”
She sounded a touch helpless but didn’t dare show it too plainly. “Thank you for dinner, Director Shi.”
“Mm-hmm.” The corners of Shi Qianyu’s mouth curved up in a grin, and she finally dropped it.
“…”
It seemed she was destined not to finish the game today after all.
As the guild’s vice leader, Wen Xin rarely flaked out like this. She had a solid reputation with everyone, so when she quietly logged in to explain sincerely, they were understanding at first.
Shui Yue: 【No worries. Who hasn’t had an emergency pop up? It’s not your fault.】
Jiao Jiao: 【Yeah, Vice Leader. Go do your thing—the event’s on us. Besides, we’ve got the guild leader right here, big and alive as ever.】
Guild Leader Feng Xiaoxiao quietly popped up: 【…So I’m leading the team again today?】
Jiao Jiao (knocking.jpg): 【Who else?】
Feng Xiaoxiao: 【TAT】
Shui Yue: 【But An’an, what are you up to on a big weekend like this? Did the company make you pull overtime again?】
Wen Xin answered honestly: 【No, just suddenly got a date.】
Shui Yue perked up in an instant: 【A date? What kind? With who? An’an, you better spill!】
Shui Yue: 【I knew there was something up with you bailing late like this~~】
Shui Yue (suddenly going crazy.jpg): 【Put ‘Vice Leader puts romance over guildmates’ on the public screen!】
Her comment struck a chord, and soon everyone piled on with the fun, spamming the chat. For once, Wen Xin got a taste of the guild leader’s usual treatment.
Moments later, the guild leader poked her head out again.
Feng Xiaoxiao: 【Hehe.】
Feng Xiaoxiao: 【Your turn today.】
~~~
Wen Xin: “…”
~~~
Shi Qianyu parked the car, and the two headed into the cinema together.
The movie wasn’t starting for another ten minutes or so—no need to rush in. Wen Xin went to the concession stand for popcorn and drinks, handing one to Shi Qianyu beside her.
Since her parents passed away, aside from company team-building events, Wen Xin rarely came to the movies. She didn’t have many friends, and going alone felt too lonely.
She worried a bad film would waste her time and money. Or worse, a good one would move her deeply with no one to share the feeling.
Some people thrived on solitude, even sought it out—but she wasn’t one of them.
Wen Xin and Shi Qianyu found their seats and settled in. A few minutes later, the film began.
Wen Xin muted her phone, even though hardly anyone ever texted her. The ritual made it feel real, like she was truly at the cinema.
Beside her, Shi Qianyu did the same. They both looked up at the screen. A girl was singing—her voice melodic and joyful.
The story unfolded slowly amid the song. The girl’s parents appeared next, opening the window to call their carefree daughter in for dinner. She nodded, turned, and dashed homeward—only to trip over the family pet dog. Her clothes ended up muddy, and her song went flat.
It was the film’s first laugh line, a bit clichéd, but it drew chuckles from the sparse audience around them. Caught up in the merriment, Wen Xin laughed along.
The tale continued at an easy pace, revealing more. The girl’s home was warm and loving, her parents devoted; her friends were clever and bold; she herself was resilient, facing every challenge head-on.
It was a story of love and courage. Sharing the same dreams, they set off together. The girl, buoyed by her parents’ love and support, traveled with her friends to many places, meeting all sorts of people—including the one who would become her other half.
Though billed as an artistic romance, the film delved just as deeply into family bonds and friendship, touching hearts all around.
Unbeknownst to herself, Wen Xin got swept up in the emotions. At moving moments, tears welled up unbidden. She touched her damp eye corner belatedly, then hurriedly wiped it away.
She stole a glance at Shi Qianyu beside her, terrified she’d been seen.
Fortunately, Shi Qianyu’s eyes remained fixed on the screen.
Wen Xin let out a quiet breath of relief and turned her attention back—but before she could sink in again, the woman next to her whispered.
“Are you cold?” Shi Qianyu leaned close, murmuring.
Wen Xin shook her head, puzzled. “N-no, not cold.”
“I’m a little cold.” Shi Qianyu complained softly. “The AC’s cranked way too low.”
Wen Xin glanced down, searching for an extra layer to offer Shi Qianyu. Finding none, she looked up and suggested quietly, “Should we go, then?”
“No need.” Shi Qianyu dismissed it quickly. Then she lifted her hand and extended it gently toward Wen Xin.
She grinned mischievously, acting spoiled. “Have Sister warm it up for me.”
Wen Xin: “…”
Thank goodness the theater lights were dim and everyone else focused on the screen—no one noticed them.
Shi Qianyu wouldn’t back down, insisting Wen Xin hold her hand. They locked eyes for a few seconds. Knowing refusal was futile, Wen Xin gave in and took her hand.
Shi Qianyu gripped it tightly and turned her gaze back to the screen. “Look—the scenery is gorgeous.”
“Okay.” Shi Qianyu’s hand was indeed chilly. Wen Xin reined in her thoughts and refocused on the film. Before long, the exquisite story pulled her back in.
She was so absorbed that she missed Shi Qianyu quietly withdrawing her gaze and looking over again.
She also missed how Shi Qianyu felt the dampness at her fingertips—and gripped harder.
~~~
Half an hour later, the movie ended.
Wen Xin followed Shi Qianyu out of the cinema. They grabbed dinner at a nearby restaurant. The film’s story had left a deep impression on Wen Xin, and without realizing it, she grew chattier, discussing the plot with Shi Qianyu.
The atmosphere was so pleasant. Whether it was reviewing the movie’s plot with Shi Qianyu or sharing dinner with her, Wen Xin hadn’t felt this happy in ages. A smile lingered deep in her eyes.
After dinner, Shi Qianyu drove her home. Wen Xin’s neighborhood was compact, and cars couldn’t drive right in.
So Shi Qianyu parked by the roadside and insisted on walking her inside. Wen Xin demurred twice before finally agreeing.
They strolled side by side, their steps slow along the long gravel path. Dim streetlights beamed down from above, stretching their shadows long and far across the ground below.
The quiet, warm ambiance let her thoughts drift freely. Suddenly, Wen Xin felt a surge of gratitude toward Shi Qianyu. Thanks to her company, the evening had been so relaxing and joyful.
She let out a soft sigh, almost wistful, so faint that it barely registered. Yet somehow, the woman beside her caught every bit of it.
“What’s wrong?” A moment later, Shi Qianyu spoke up softly from her side. “What are you thinking about?”
“Nothing.” Wen Xin paused, then shook her head hurriedly. They had just reached the entrance to her building—it was time to say goodbye.
She offered Shi Qianyu her heartfelt thanks. “Thank you for coming to the movie with me today, and for treating me to dinner.”
She added, “I had a really good time.”
Shi Qianyu’s lips curved into a smile. “I had a great time too.”
“Shall we watch movies together again sometime?” Shi Qianyu asked next. “Like today—walking together, seeing a film together, having dinner together.”
Her gaze held a touch of earnestness, her voice whisper-soft as she continued, “Wen Xin, would you like that?”
“…”
Wen Xin fell silent for a beat. She felt like she understood what Shi Qianyu meant, yet at the same time, she didn’t grasp it at all. The words carried an undeniable ambiguity, stirring up a rush of memories: their one-night stand, the drunken kisses they could hardly tear apart.
But they were boss and subordinate. Wen Xin hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol tonight; her mind was perfectly clear. She knew countless unbridgeable chasms lay between her and Shi Qianyu. She couldn’t afford to act recklessly.
She opened her mouth to refuse, but Shi Qianyu cut her off before a word could escape.
“Will you think it over carefully? Please?” Shi Qianyu’s voice was feather-light, so soft it seemed the breeze blowing toward them might scatter it away.
“Will you, Wen Xin?”
