The theater was dimly lit. This was Yan Zhen's first time in a couples' seat. She looked around curiously.

Their seats were in the very back, center of the theater, a double sofa. Other sofas were scattered around, spaced apart for privacy.

She sat for a moment, checking the time. "It starts in one minute. Why isn't there anyone else in here?"

It was just the two of them, which felt strangely unsettling.

"It's probably a Monday night showing. Fewer people see movies then." The air conditioning was on. Chen Huaixu took off his coat and placed it aside, then took Yan Zhen's coat and put it with his. "The theater is running a promotion, that's why the couples' tickets are so cheap."

Yan Zhen sipped her drink, looking at him sideways. "You've really done your research. You're not actually going bankrupt, are you?"

"It's basic market knowledge."

She choked, fearing the conversation was veering into territory he excelled in. To avoid embarrassing herself, she decided to drop the subject.

A moment later, the lights went out, the screen lit up, and the movie began.

Yan Zhen had been so focused on the seats that she hadn't noticed what movie they were seeing. It was a romance.

The story followed two childhood sweethearts separated by war, who always held each other in their hearts and eventually reunited in a foreign land.

She was always a focused movie watcher. Reaching for the popcorn, her fingers brushed against his.

She quickly pulled back. "Sorry, didn't notice."

"It's okay." Chen Huaixu graciously forgave her.

Yan Zhen suddenly remembered she had asked him to buy two buckets of popcorn, one for each of them, but he only bought one.

Was he really having financial troubles? He was being unusually stingy today.

Later, a romantic scene unfolded on screen. The protagonists embraced and kissed, the sound echoing through the empty theater, making her blush.

With Chen Huaixu beside her, Yan Zhen felt a little self-conscious. She looked away, reaching for her drink.

At that moment, Chen Huaixu leaned in, his clean, woody scent enveloping her.

The distance between them was much like that time in the parking garage when he fastened her seatbelt.

Their eyes met in silence, the air thick with unspoken tension.

This time, however, he didn't look away. He gazed down at her, his fingertip tracing the back of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. His voice was low. "Shall we kiss, too?"

In the darkness, only the screen glowed with a pale light. The erratic thump of her heart made it hard to think clearly. The warm air from the vents filled the theater, making her feel flushed and lightheaded. Yan Zhen didn't know where to look. Finally, she stammered, "Are you crazy? There are cameras in here!"

He didn't wait for her to refuse. He lowered his head, his lips pressing against hers. His other arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. As their breaths mingled, Yan Zhen heard him chuckle softly.

"I rented out the entire theater. I had them turn off the cameras. Don't worry, baby."

Lost in his kiss, she felt like something wasn't quite right.

Hadn't he said it was a Monday night showing, with no one else around, which was why he got the discounted couples' tickets?!