"You know there are many people, yet you still dared to do that?" Shen Xi said through gritted teeth. "No matter how touched you are, you can't take me as a substitute, can you?"
She had to admit, the female lead in the movie was indeed beautiful, with delicate features, gentle yet strong, the type of woman who naturally drew men's affection. Few men could resist someone like that.
Qin Si Ye suddenly looked up, his gaze sternly fixed on her. "What are you talking about? A substitute? The male lead's heart belongs to the female lead, but my heart is filled with you. If you don't believe me, touch it."
Saying that, he took Shen Xi's hand and placed it on his chest. Shen Xi met his bright, flickering eyes and felt the powerful beat of his heart under her palm. She realized she had misunderstood him and lowered her head, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Qin Si Ye wrapped an arm around her from behind, pulling her into his embrace again. He whispered, "In this life, you're the only one who makes my heart flutter. Other women are insulators when they're in front of me."
Her heart fluttered, and a mist instantly welled up in Shen Xi's eyes. She involuntarily looked up at the man gazing at her affectionately. Just as the man was leaning closer to her lips, a WeChat notification chimed from Shen Xi's phone.
Her heart skipped a beat. She abruptly remembered Song Kai Cheng and immediately pushed Qin Si Ye away, taking out her phone to check.
"Xi Xi, why did you take so long? Aren't you coming back?"
Qin Si Ye tilted his head, saw the message, and said in a low voice, "Tell him you're chatting with a friend and will be there in half an hour."
Shen Xi looked at him in surprise. How could his words be exactly what she was thinking? Were they telepathic?
"Quickly reply, why are you still stunned? Or I can help you," Qin Si Ye said, reaching for her phone. Shen Xi dodged him, "I'll do it myself."
After typing and sending the message, Shen Xi felt a strong sense of guilt towards Song Kai Cheng. Brother Kai Cheng was supposed to be watching the movie with her, but she had been "abducted" by Qin Si Ye midway and had been watching a movie with him here for an hour or two. It felt a bit too much.
"Qin Si Ye, why don't I go back first?" Shen Xi said, preparing to stand up.
The next moment, she was pulled back into Qin Si Ye's arms. "I know you feel guilty towards him. But what about me? Have you ever thought about my feelings? I traveled a thousand miles to find you, staying up for a day and a night without sleep. When I got here, I found you living in his house. Not only are you together day and night, but you're even sitting together watching movies. Do you know how heartbroken I am?"
Hearing his sorrowful confession, Shen Xi's heart softened immediately. "Okay. I won't leave. I'll stay and finish watching with you."
A triumphant smile spread across Qin Si Ye's face, and he pulled her even closer. He had discovered something these past two days: as long as he played the victim and complained to Shen Xi, she would immediately soften towards him. It seemed she was receptive to persuasion, not force.
Half an hour later, the lights in the theater came on, signaling the end of the movie. Qin Si Ye reluctantly walked out, holding Shen Xi's hand. Shen Xi escorted him to the main entrance before he reluctantly departed.
Returning to the lobby, Shen Xi spotted an accessories store and walked in without hesitation. Ten minutes later, she emerged wearing a round checkered hat and a purple silk scarf concealing her face. She had intended to find Song Kai Cheng, but seeing that the time was about right, she waited for him in the lobby.
Soon, Song Kai Cheng came out from inside. He scanned the lobby and was about to call Shen Xi on his phone when his shoulder was gently patted. "Brother Kai Cheng."
Song Kai Cheng started and turned abruptly, smiling. "Why are you dressed like this? I didn't even recognize you."
"My friend just gave it to me. What do you think? Does it look good?" Shen Xi's eyes twinkled as she twirled in front of him.
Song Kai Cheng's lips curved slightly. "Yes, it looks good. But you don't need to tie the scarf like that, doesn't it feel stuffy?"
"I see many local women wearing scarves like this. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Let's go," Shen Xi said, lightly tugging Song Kai Cheng's arm. Since even he hadn't recognized her, others certainly wouldn't. This time, she was finally at ease.