Chapter 133: Cinema Date Surprises

The cinema was getting crowded now.

People lined up in short queues, and when it was Lin Zheng Ran’s and Lily’s turn, the ticket checker stared blankly at their familiar faces.

Lin Zheng Ran handed over the tickets.

She couldn’t help but smile. “You two look a bit familiar. Are you here for an event? If you prove you’re a couple by touching noses, we’ll give you a big bucket of popcorn.”

Lily saw Lin Zheng Ran nod and quickly nodded along.

“We’re in!”

The ticket checker clapped her hands. “Great, go ahead then.”

Lily glanced back and noticed a lot of people staring at her.

Luckily, Lin Zheng Ran wasn’t shy at all. His boldness made it easier for her to be brave, so Lily gathered her courage and placed her hands on his chest, standing on tiptoe.

Their faces drew close, and their noses brushed against each other.

In that brief moment, their eyes met.

It made her heart race.

Then she lowered her heels, ending the ritual.

Lily shyly touched her nose with her other hand.

It tickled.

The ticket checker handed them a bucket of popcorn as tall as a forearm. “Here, this couple’s popcorn is for you. Hope you two stay sweet and never part.”

Lin Zheng Ran reached to take it, but Lily grabbed it first. She checked the size and said to him, “Wow, that’s a big bucket! Totally worth it.”

The couples in line behind them eyed the big bucket enviously, feeling tempted even though they were shy. After all, free is free.

This time entering the cinema, Lily felt more at ease.

She just had to hold Lin Zheng Ran’s hand; she knew following this big goofball was always right.

They found their seats, and without waiting, Lily smoothly lifted the armrest in the middle and placed the popcorn there.

Even though they couldn’t have the theater to themselves this time with people on both sides, it didn’t spoil their good mood for the movie.

“I was supposed to treat you, but you ended up paying anyway.” She felt a bit guilty.

Lin Zheng Ran stared at the screen. “It doesn’t matter who pays; you’re mine anyway, so it’s all the same.”

Lily bit her lip, thinking how he could say something so embarrassing so easily. If it were her, she’d never say it unless it was a special situation like last time.

Seeing her too shy to respond, Lin Zheng Ran teased her again. “Isn’t that right?”

His words caught her off guard, and she slowly nodded.

“Of course.”

Lin Zheng Ran pretended not to hear. “Hmm? I didn’t catch that.”

Lily mustered her courage, picked up a piece of popcorn, and held it to his mouth as if defiantly. “Yeah! Even if you didn’t ask, I’m yours anyway. Forever yours, okay?”

Lin Zheng Ran ate the popcorn.

Teasing this girl was always so fun.

Lily shyly took a piece for herself.

So sweet~

She popped another into her mouth.

Surprisingly, that big bucket didn’t last long; they finished it in a few bites, even before the movie started.

When Lily reached the bottom, she thought it couldn’t be right.

“A few bites? How’s it already gone?”

She examined the bucket closely and found a cardboard divider in the middle with foam underneath.

So, it looked like a big bucket, but most of it was fake—only the top layer had popcorn to make it seem full.

Lily couldn’t help but mutter, “They really went out of their way with this promotion—wanting to give something away but not really.”

Lin Zheng Ran was used to it; these tricks had become more common lately.

She set the bucket aside.

After a good rest, Lily felt refreshed. She held his hand tightly, fingers intertwined, and sighed that she could finally enjoy this rare movie.

This was their third time, and at last, they could.

But just three minutes in, Lily’s eyelids grew heavy, and she dozed off on Lin Zheng Ran’s shoulder.

Even he was stunned when she leaned on him.

“Lily? Asleep again?”

No response.

Lily slept peacefully, her face full of happiness.

Lin Zheng Ran was speechless; he realized for the first time that her napping during movies had nothing to do with staying up late—it was just her thing.

He’d thought she was tired before, but now he saw she was simply allergic to cinemas.

Still, he had a feeling she’d want to come back if she got the chance.

Sure enough, over an hour later, when Lily left the cinema, she was holding her head again.

“I missed it again!”

Lin Zheng Ran was getting used to this quirky bunch. “Let’s head home.”

“But I was so excited for this movie! What happened? I thought I was wide awake, but I fell asleep anyway!”

“Guess everyone’s built differently.”

“So, can we watch a movie on our next date? I still want to try experiencing it in a cinema!”

“We’ll see. If you want to watch movies, we don’t have to come here. Maybe we can turn your place into a mini theater.”

She let him lead her by the hand. “Turn home into a cinema? How would that work?”

“I’ll tell you next time we have a chance.”

Lily pouted, knowing it’d be weeks before he could join her again. She wondered why she kept falling asleep.

This is so annoying!

They took a taxi back, and by midday, they reached the familiar crossroads. Lily stared at their clasped hands.

The cinema gloom faded in minutes, and a soft smile returned to her face.

Lin Zheng Ran said, “I have to head back to school this afternoon. So, is our date over? Back to our own places?”

Lily didn’t want it to end so soon; it felt like they hadn’t done anything except her sleeping through two sessions.

She didn’t want to let go of his hand.

Seeing her down, Lin Zheng Ran smiled. “Hey, after your competition results, we have another date. We can watch then if you want.”

She thought about it and slowly nodded.

In the distance, another taxi stopped at the end of a different road.

A girl with a simple ponytail stepped out, looking fresh and sweet.

The girl was greeted by her close friend, the little fox, and the two friends met up.

The driver closed the door and drove past Lily.

The wind from the car made the girl’s twin tails sway slightly to one side.

Lily took a deep breath, gathered all her courage, and stepped closer to Lin Zheng Ran.

She tugged at his clothes and stood on tiptoe.

With proud, stubborn eyes, she gazed deeply at him. “See you this afternoon, Zheng Ran.”

She parted her lips slightly and gently kissed his neck.

Who knows where she picked that up from.

She even gave a little lick.

After the kiss, Lin Zheng Ran was stunned.

Lily stammered nervously, “I-I’m heading home now. Even though we didn’t do much this morning, I had a great time.”

With that, she released his hand, covered her mouth with the back of her hand, and dashed away shyly.

Once she was far off, she flashed her little tiger teeth and waved. “I’m off! Don’t forget to take me to the zoo once the competition results are out!”

Lin Zheng Ran watched her like a kid who just scored big, sighing helplessly, and waved back from afar.

“Take it easy on the way!”

“Okay!”

As they parted, just as Lin Zheng Ran turned to go home, he spotted something in the distance on the road.

Heqing stood there, staring blankly at what had just happened, her almond eyes wide with innocence.

Her red lips slightly parted.

Next to Heqing, Han Wenwen was also staring in shock at Lily kissing Lin Zheng Ran.

The three of them locked eyes.

Lin Zheng Ran blinked.

Wondering when these two had shown up.

The midday sun was warm on their skin.

But Heqing didn’t seem warmed by it; she stared unhappily at the spot on his neck where someone had kissed.

Then she looked at the ground, lost in thought.

Han Wenwen linked arms with Heqing and glared at Lin Zheng Ran, her eyes full of jealousy, as if saying, “Couldn’t you two kiss somewhere private? Now you’ve stirred up trouble, Brother Zheng Ran?”

Lin Zheng Ran, used to big scenes from his experiences, stayed calm. Unlike others who might panic and make excuses, he just spoke straight. “What are you two doing here?” His voice was steady and confident.

Heqing lowered her head slowly, her voice soft and sweet: “Well, I called Han Wenwen last night, and we chatted about how I hadn’t visited her since she rented the place, so I thought since we’re both heading back to school today, I could stop by her rental house and go to school together. That’s why we just got here and got out of the car.”

Han Wenwen smiled in that scary way of hers: “I’m here to pick up Xiao Qingqing~”

Han Wenwen used the way she addresses her outside: “Hey, Lin Zheng Ran, do you have anything this afternoon? If not, why don’t you join Xiao Qingqing and me at the rental house? I’ve got some snacks ready, and you haven’t seen my room before, right?”

Lin Zheng Ran met Han Wenwen’s gaze.

This little fox seemed to be hinting that Brother Zheng Ran better cheer up Xiao Qingqing, or she’d stay upset—and so would she. With a silent huff, like a playful tease.

Lin Zheng Ran nodded. “I haven’t eaten yet, so let’s go together.”

Han Wenwen thought to herself that Brother Zheng Ran never panics.

What a strong sense of security.

The three headed back to the rental house. Han Wenwen linked arms with Xiao Qingqing and pointed around. “My rental is small, but the location’s great, and there are cameras nearby, so it’s pretty safe.”

Heqing walked with her head down, glancing at Lin Zheng Ran now and then, feeling a bit wronged and jealous.

Han Wenwen called out, “Xiao Qingqing?”

“Huh?” Heqing snapped back. “What is it, Wenwen?”

Han Wenwen thought she was zoning out.

She kept smiling. “I was saying, what do you think of my rental’s location? And here’s my room.”

Heqing realized they were already there. She looked around and quickly replied, “It’s nice, really good location.”

Han Wenwen pulled out her key and opened the door. “Come on, let me show you my room!”

Heqing and Lin Zheng Ran peered into Han Wenwen’s room.

For both of them, it was their first time. Heqing saw the small but cozy space with a bed, a desk, and various daily items. What caught her eye most was the thick white blanket by the bed.

“What a pretty room,” she said.

Han Wenwen nodded. “Right? Lin Zheng Ran, what’s your take as a first-timer?”

Lin Zheng Ran said, “What a pretty room.”

Heqing glanced at Lin Zheng Ran again.

Han Wenwen shot him a look. “Alright, come in. I usually sit on the blanket because it’s comfy, or you can sit on the bed, but I haven’t tidied the covers.”

Heqing agreed and stepped in, instinctively slipping off her shoes.

“Where are the slippers, Wenwen?”

“Over there, but you don’t have to wear them. I usually go barefoot straight to the blanket.”

Han Wenwen took off her jacket and headed inside.

But Heqing spotted something in the corner—a pair of men’s slippers.

“What’s this? Men’s slippers?”

Han Wenwen froze, and Lin Zheng Ran turned to look.

These were from when Lin Zheng Ran had worn them a few times early on, before they got together when she was sick. Han Wenwen hadn’t thrown them out.

Han Wenwen glanced back, sweating a little. “Men’s slippers?”

Heqing stared at them. “Yeah, and they look used, like someone’s worn them a few times. Is it your uncle’s?”

Han Wenwen forced a laugh and waved it off: “No, no, my uncle’s barely been here, just once when I moved in. Actually, I got these as a freebie when I bought shoes—buy one, get one. It was on sale, but they were too big for me, so I left them there.”

The little fox turned and put her jacket on the bed. “See? They’re dusty.”

Heqing noticed the dust. “Oh, so that’s it.”

Han Wenwen sighed in relief behind her.

She pointed to the self-heating hot pot and snacks on the table. “I’ll go change in the bathroom. You two can heat up the hot pot and chat.”

As she grabbed her clothes, she added with a smile, “It’ll take me a while—need to freshen up and all. Probably at least ten minutes.”

Heqing caught the hint and nodded. “Got it.”

Han Wenwen closed the bathroom door.

Now, only Lin Zheng Ran and Heqing were in the room.

Heqing sneaked a look at Lin Zheng Ran, her hands fidgeting nervously.

She whispered, “Why don’t you take off your jacket and sit? I’ll heat up the hot pot for us.”

She reached to help him with his jacket, naturally slipping into a hostess role when they were alone.