Chapter 26: The Kiss in the Cinema

When Xue Ran and Zhou Xiaoqi arrived at the cinema and saw the display of tonight’s midnight screenings, they felt a little disappointed. The only movie showing was “Ip Man 3” starring Donnie Yen—a martial arts film, not the sort of romantic story girls usually prefer. Still, since they were already there, they didn’t want to leave empty-handed, so they decided to watch it anyway.

There were thirty minutes left before the movie began, so the two of them started playing on their phones out of boredom.

Ding—Zhou Xiaoqi’s phone chimed. She opened the message to see a text from Cui Hao: “Where are you right now?”

“You’re already acting like a housekeeper? Xue Ran and I are at the cinema for the midnight screening of ‘Ip Man 3’,” Zhou Xiaoqi replied, not even realizing the smile spreading across her face as she typed.

“Xiaoqi, you’re acting strange. Why are you looking at your phone with that lovesick expression? Come on, spill it—what’s going on?” Xue Ran, ever observant, had practically read “I’m in love” written all over Zhou Xiaoqi’s face.

“Oh, come on! Who am I dating? I just saw something funny that someone posted on their Moments.” Zhou Xiaoqi tried to play it cool. “I’m going to the restroom—by the time I get back, it’ll almost be time to check tickets. Wait for me.” With that, she headed off toward the bathrooms.

Strangely enough, after Cui Hao had asked where she was, he didn’t send any more messages, but Zhou Xiaoqi assumed he was busy and didn’t want to bother him.

Tonight’s midnight screening was practically a private showing for Zhou Xiaoqi and Xue Ran—they had the entire theater to themselves. Thankfully, it wasn’t a horror film, or the two of them might have been scared out of their wits in such a vast, empty auditorium.

Since no one else was in the theater, their chosen couple seats were especially spacious and sofa-like. Xue Ran decided that since they had the place to themselves, she’d claim the spot next to Zhou Xiaoqi and stretch out, finding it much more comfortable than simply sitting.

Perhaps martial arts films really weren’t their thing, or maybe it was just too late and the plush sofa was too inviting. After a long day, both girls were exhausted and finally able to relax. Halfway through the movie, Zhou Xiaoqi glanced over to find Xue Ran already asleep. The dim lighting and lack of interest in the film made Zhou Xiaoqi drowsy as well—her eyelids grew heavy, and she nearly drifted off herself.

“It’s not a good idea to sleep now—you’ll catch a cold.” Cui Hao’s voice suddenly sounded right beside Zhou Xiaoqi’s ear, instantly banishing her sleepiness.

She looked up, rubbing her eyes, and saw Cui Hao standing before her. Only then did she realize she wasn’t dreaming. She glanced back at Xue Ran, relieved to see her friend was still sleeping soundly.

“What are you doing here? You could have said something—almost scared me to death,” she whispered.

Cui Hao took off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders. “I just finished work and came to see you. But it seems you’re not particularly eager to see me?” He knew Zhou Xiaoqi didn’t really feel that way, yet when he saw her glancing anxiously at Xue Ran, he realized she was afraid their relationship would be discovered. This subconscious reaction left him a little disheartened.

Sensing his unhappiness, Zhou Xiaoqi wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his shoulder. “I don’t have many friends, just Xue Ran. I’m afraid if she finds out about us, she’ll distance herself from me. After all…” she said carefully.

Cui Hao gently patted her back. “Xiaoqi, I’m sorry I made you feel that way.” He understood how lonely Zhou Xiaoqi was, and now he felt a surge of self-reproach for having let such a small thing upset him.

Grateful for his understanding, Zhou Xiaoqi kissed him on the cheek. But Cui Hao wasn’t satisfied with just a kiss on the cheek—he pressed his lips to hers, and all his longing for her poured into that kiss, deep and uncontrollable. All he wanted was to draw her closer, to possess the girl in his arms more completely.

Zhou Xiaoqi, startled, beat lightly against his chest, signaling for him to stop. This side of Cui Hao—the one exuding raw desire—reminded her of a hungry wolf, and it made her tremble with nervousness.

Feeling the tremor in her body, Cui Hao realized he’d frightened her. He forced himself to stop, unsure if he could control himself if he went any further. He had only intended to steal a brief taste, but hadn’t expected Zhou Xiaoqi to be such an irresistible temptation. He was genuinely afraid he might lose control.

Suppressing his longing as best he could, Cui Hao held her tightly in his arms.

“Uncle… you’re squeezing me so hard I can barely breathe,” Zhou Xiaoqi murmured. She was no innocent child; she knew full well what Cui Hao was feeling right now.

Cui Hao felt both vexed and amazed at how much sway she held over him. He’d always thought he had strong self-control, that he was no longer a boy. Yet now, his reactions betrayed him completely.

He nipped at her ear, making her shiver, then whispered hoarsely and seductively, “Xiaoqi, why is it that I have absolutely no resistance when it comes to you?”