Chapter 207: Unexpected Movie Night

Lily’s mind was completely fogged up.

She shook her head slowly: “I don’t know, what’s going on?”

Lin Zheng Ran fought back a smile and told her to close her eyes.

Lily swallowed hard, obediently shutting her eyes tight, nodding slightly without a word, her hand gripping tighter.

What on earth was Zheng Ran up to?

She heard Lin Zheng Ran rummaging for something, until he said, “Here it is.”

Right then, Lin Zheng Ran had found the remote control by the bed.

He pointed it at the wall and pressed a button.

Something dropped from an inconspicuous spot above the wall.

Soon, a buzzing mechanical sound filled the air, making Lily frown and blush, more confused than ever about the noise.

It sounded so distant.

Lin Zheng Ran leaned back against the headboard: “Okay, you can open your eyes now and take a look.”

Lily nervously opened her eyes, and the once dim room, darkened by the curtains, suddenly had a glow.

That glow came from the wall; she turned to see.

A large screen had appeared on the wall, displaying options for various movies, with a beam of light projecting onto it.

Lily looked up at the ceiling and spotted a projector hidden near the lights.

“This is…”

Lin Zheng Ran explained:

“It’s a movie-themed hotel. You’ve always wanted to watch a movie alone with me, but every time we went to the cinema, you’d fall asleep and we’d never finish one. I thought about buying a projector for home to watch with you someday.”

He glanced at the big screen:

“But with this perfect opportunity today, I figured we’d try a movie-themed hotel instead. It’s just as good, fulfills your wish, and it’s quiet with only us two, plus we can stay in bed without getting tired.”

Lily stared blankly at the screen on the wall, its images reflecting in her pupils.

Her heart didn’t slow down, swept by an unexpected rush of emotion, her eyes shimmering.

“A movie… Zheng Ran, you actually remembered that?”

“How could I forget? You’re my girlfriend, and you just bought me some clothes. Watching a movie with you isn’t a big ask. Last time, you fell asleep and cried about regretting it, so I promised myself I’d make sure we watch one properly.”

Lily bit her lip, seeing Lin Zheng Ran’s gentle expression, and suddenly burst into a smile with tears in her eyes as she recalled the last time:

“It’s just that every time I try to watch a movie with you, I end up falling asleep for no reason. I really cherish our time together, so I didn’t expect you’d go out of your way to set this up.”

After speaking, Lily wiped the tears from her eyes with the back of her hand: “I’m so touched. I never thought you’d remember something like this.”

“It’s not that big of a setup. This hotel is called a movie-themed place, right? Didn’t you notice?”

Lily’s face turned red, embarrassed and shy, as she shook her head.

She had been too distracted to notice the name, only seeing the word ‘hotel’ at the end.

Lin Zheng Ran wiped the tear from her eye corner and held up the remote: “And there was a remote on the bed earlier. Didn’t that clue you in?”

Lily’s cheeks flushed even deeper; she had thought the remote was for something else.

After all, they were in a hotel.

She hadn’t even considered it for movies.

Lin Zheng Ran watched her expression and smiled knowingly: “You must watch a lot of that random stuff when you’re alone, huh?”

Lily waved her hands quickly, hurrying to defend herself: “No, no! Don’t say that, Zheng Ran!”

She glanced aside: “I’m just a girl; I wouldn’t watch that kind of thing. I’m not interested at all. I’m pure and know nothing about it.”

Lin Zheng Ran chuckled softly: “Is that so?”

“Of course it is! Absolutely!”

Lin Zheng Ran was about to say more when his phone rang—it was Heqing calling.

Lily watched as he answered.

Lin Zheng Ran wiped away the last of Lily’s tears: “Hello, Heqing?”

Heqing was still on the high-speed train, her voice sweet and timid:

“Lin Zheng Ran, I have about three or four hours until I arrive. I won’t transfer to a bus; I’ll just take a taxi straight to you. Have you eaten lunch?”

Lin Zheng Ran reminded her:

“You don’t need to take a bus or taxi. I told you I’d drive to the station to pick you up tonight. I’ll leave an hour and a half early, so you should see me as soon as you get off the train.”

Heqing felt excited on the train, happy to see Lin Zheng Ran sooner: “Okay, I’ll do that. But have you eaten lunch?”

The hotel room was so quiet that Lily could faintly hear the conversation.

It was Heqing’s voice, and she sounded so obedient and affectionate when talking to Zheng Ran.

Lin Zheng Ran: “Not yet, but I’ll eat soon.”

Heqing glanced at the time, stopping her hand from twirling her hair, and said with concern: “It’s getting late; you shouldn’t skip meals. It’ll hurt your health. Go eat now; it’s already afternoon.”

“Alright, I’ll grab something now. If that’s all, I’ll hang up?”

“Okay, bye, Lin Zheng Ran.”

“Bye.”

After hanging up, Heqing sat on the high-speed train, her face flushed with excitement, looking forward to their meeting.

Lin Zheng Ran put down the phone and saw more messages popping up.

These weren’t from Heqing; they were from the little fox.

Clearly, checking into a room with Lily had the little fox worried sick.

From the start, she sent emojis of frustration and fluff, then switched to pitiful ones.

Just now, she even messaged:

“Brother Zheng Ran, you don’t need to come out to find me. I’ve booked a room here too, number 104. Just come straight here when you can—don’t take too long. I’m waiting.”

Lin Zheng Ran replied: “Got it. Rest for a bit; I’ll be there soon.”

The little fox sent another pitiful cartoon emoji; the fox in it looked utterly wilted.

Lily finally caught on and asked: “Zheng Ran, is Heqing coming this afternoon? Are you going to pick her up?”

Lin Zheng Ran slid his phone under the pillow: “Yeah, she was supposed to come next week, but she decided to come early. I’ll head out around four to get her.”

“Four…” Lily calculated the time; that left only about three hours. “So, we’re just here to watch a movie, and then you have to leave at four?”

Lin Zheng Ran noticed her complicated expression: “What’s wrong? Don’t you like watching movies?”

Lily bit her lip; everything Lin Zheng Ran had done touched her deeply, but it also made her want more. She stammered:

“It’s not that I don’t like it—no, no! I mean, I do like it, but… but…” Her hands clenched the bedsheet tightly.

Lin Zheng Ran saw her ears turning red and took her hand, letting out a breath as he admitted:

“I only planned for a movie at first, but the atmosphere’s changed now. And seeing you like this, it’s hard for me to just sit here and watch. I’m finding it tough to hold back.”

Lily felt Lin Zheng Ran’s hand slide around her waist.

Her earlier disappointment vanished in an instant; her chest rose and fell with nerves, and her hesitant eyes cleared.

“What do you mean, how am I now? I’m just like usual. And what can’t you hold back?”

Lin Zheng Ran slowly pulled her into his arms; Lily edged closer.

He looked her over and answered the first part: “The difference is huge. Your face is so flushed, it’s like it’s dripping.” His other hand cupped her face, thumb brushing her lips, making Lily tremble.

Slowly, she parted her red lips and bit down on Lin Zheng Ran’s finger.

Lin Zheng Ran felt the touch on his finger.

Lin Zheng Ran was surprised: “Lily, you’re being so forward?”

“I’m not!” she said playfully. “It’s your fault for putting your finger on my lips, you idiot.”

“Lift your head up.”

Lily slowly raised her head, her twin tails falling a bit further down her back, her clenched fist gently resting on Lin Zheng Ran’s chest.

Lin Zheng Ran gazed into her eyes and asked: “I remember last time you taught me how to hug. Do you want to teach me anything else this time?”

“Stop teasing me… you big idiot… I hate you, but I love you to death.”

Their faces drew closer slowly.

Until their lips met in a kiss.

Lily’s eyes fluttered, and she slowly opened her mouth.

Their lips and teeth intertwined.

Lin Zheng Ran’s hand gradually slipped under the back of Lily’s clothes.

Lily waited a moment before placing one hand on Lin Zheng Ran’s chest.

Her other hand slowly ventured under the covers.