Chapter 54: Watching Movie
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
During the day, Zhou Chao stayed in his room, only emerging around lunchtime. After eating, he returned to his room. However, Lin Wu noticed the radiant smile on Zhou Chao’s face during the meal, and he knew something good must have happened.
In Lushan County, the month of October exuded an air of grace and elegance. The evening breeze brushed gently against the skin, carrying a subtle coolness. Zhou Chao, clad in a white T-shirt paired with a black vest, paced to and fro in front of the town’s solitary movie theater.
As the sky gradually darkened, Zhou Chao checked his phone. He opened the chat window, typed a few lines, hesitated, and then deleted them all. Sitting on the long chair outside the theater, he stared at the fading sky, lost in thought.
“Ding!” The sound of his phone snapped Zhou Chao out of his reverie. He quickly retrieved his phone, expecting a message from Jiang Li. To his surprise, it was a reminder that his reserved movie screening was about to start. Zhou Chao stood up, and glanced around, but still hadn’t spotted Jiang Li’s figure. He turned, ready to leave.
“Zhou Chao! ” A voice called from a distance, causing him to halt. Turning back, he saw a white figure approaching. She was dressed in a snow-white dress, her stunning beauty accentuated by her graceful demeanor. Zhou Chao was momentarily entranced. As Jiang Li ran closer, slightly out of breath, Zhou Chao’s attention was drawn to a spot of white.
Hastily, Zhou Chao pulled out a packet of tissues from his bag, tore it open, and handed it to Jiang Li. “Wipe off your sweat first; I’ll get you some water.” He gave her the tissues and went to a nearby store to buy a bottle of water.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting here for so long,” Jiang Li said, taking a sip of water and catching her breath.
“I just arrived not long ago myself. 1 was wondering if work had kept you busy,” Zhou Chao replied.
“I had an impromptu meeting in the evening. My supervisor arranged some follow-up tasks, which is why it rook me this long.”
“In situations like that, you could’ve sent me a message. We could’ve watched the movie on another day. No need to rush over like this. If you accidentally twisted your ankle or got hurt because of this, I’d feel really guilty.”
“Alright, alright, I understand. Why do you sound like an old man? Is the movie starting? Come on, let s go in quickly.” Jiang Li stood up from the chair and tugged at Zhou Chao’s hand, leading him inside.
Feeling like a puppet on strings, Zhou Chao was led by Jiang Li into the theater. By the time he snapped back to reality, he found himself seated, and the movie had just begun.
Sensing the softness in his hand, Zhou Chao instinctively squeezed it gently, only to feel the softness slip away. He awkwardly touched his nose, a faint fragrance lingering on his hand. In his mind, Jiang Li’s exquisite face, alluring figure, and every smile and frown were playing on the strings of Zhou Chao’s heart.
Zhou Chao had chosen a comedy film for the day. The theater wasn’t crowded; besides the two of them, only a few others were present. Just as a comical scene unfolded in the movie, laughter echoed throughout the theater.
Amid the faint fragrance that Jiang Li exuded, Zhou Chao found it difficult to concentrate on the film. His gaze discreetly shifted to Jiang Li by his side. After a moment’s contemplation, he summoned the courage and reached out with his right hand to hold Jiang Li’s delicate and tender hand. Surprisingly, Jiang Li didn’t resist; she allowed Zhou Chao to keep his grasp, a touch that lasted until the end of the movie.
Walking out of the theater hand in hand, Zhou Chao and Jiang Li remained silent. The atmosphere turned slightly awkward.
“Are you hungry?” they both asked in unison.
They exchanged a glance and burst into laughter. “Let s go. I’ll take you to eat something delicious,” Jiang Li said, holding onto Zhou Chao’s hand as they continued walking, the connection between them unbroken.
Strolling through the streets of Lushan County, the evening breeze carried a hint of coolness. Zhou Chao took off his jacket and draped it over Jiang Li, who was wearing a white dress.
Observing Zhou Chao’s well-built physique beneath his T-shirt, Jiang Li couldn’t resist using her index finger to lightly trace his abdominal muscles. The tactile feedback confirmed that Zhou Chao’s physique was indeed impressive, prompting her to playfully trace a bit more.
“It tickles.” Zhou Chao felt Jiang Li’s fingers trace his abs, which caused a ticklish sensation. His body unconsciously twitched, and without thinking, he blurted out, “Lil let you touch all you want in the future.”
Instantly, a blush spread across Jiang Li’s face. She withdrew her hand that had been tracing his muscles. Feeling a bit flustered, she quickened her pace.
“Who wants to touch your abs? Dream on.” Zhou Chao heard a voice coming from ahead and hurriedly caught up, naturally taking hold of Jiang Li’s hand.
Glancing at Jiang Li beside him, Zhou Chao’s heart pounded incessantly. It felt as if they could hear each other’s heartbeats. Surrounded by Jiang Li s delicate fragrance, they seemed to be lost in a world of blossoms.
Jiang Li led Zhou Chao to a roadside stall. Inside, they found an empty table. Jiang Li casually withdrew her hand from Zhou Chao’s grip, but he couldn’t help noticing the blush that had spread from Jiang Li’s face to her neck, adding a touch of cuteness.
“Ahem, boss, we will like to place our orders?” Zhou Chao cleared his throat and called out to the busy owner inside. Soon, the owner came out.
“What would the handsome gentleman like to eat?” The owner, a man in his forties, spoke very politely as he handed Zhou Chao the menu. After a quick glance, Zhou Chao wasn’t sure what Jiang Li liked, so he handed her the menu.
Jiang Li took the menu from Zhou Chao and quickly ordered a few signature dishes. Then, they sat in silence, gazing at each other without speaking, both feeling the quiet warmth between them.
Soon, the owner interrupted their tranquility, “Your stir-fried eel is ready. Enjoy.”
This opened up the conversation, and laughter filled the air as they ate, sharing their interests and stories.
As they left the restaurant following the meal, Jiang Li glanced at the time and noticed it was approaching it PM. With the late hour, Jiang Li decided it was time to head back. Observing her intention, Zhou Chao promptly offered, “Why don’t I accompany you home? I’m a bit worried about you going alone at this time of night.”
“Sure,” Jiang Li replied with a radiant smile, nodding.
Summoning his courage, Zhou Chao gently held Jiang Li’s hand again and guided her towards her place of residence. Although she called it her home, it was actually a dormitory assigned by the department. Each unit consisted of a one-bedroom apartment. Before long, they reached the ground floor.
“We re here. You should head back; it’s getting late.” Jiang Li looked up at Zhou Chao. Zhou Chao opened his mouth as if to say something but ultimately chose to remain silent.
Turning away, Jiang Li walked toward the entrance of the complex. Just as she reached the entrance, Zhou Chao’s voice called out from behind her.
“Jiang Li, be my girlfriend.”
Hearing his words, Jiang Li turned to look at Zhou Chao behind her. She cupped her hands around her mouth and cheerfully called back, “Sure!” Then she turned and hurried inside, leaving Zhou Chao standing there, still rooted to the spot..