Zhou Ming waited at the main gate of Yucheng University for Jiang Jialielie’s arrival.
At noon, he received a message from Jiang Jialielie inviting him to see a movie together. It was less of an invitation and more of a notification—she had already booked the tickets, only waiting for him to show up.
The autumn chill was deepening, so Zhou Ming dressed a bit thicker than usual. Gadelia had given him plenty of clothes before, ranging from formal wear to casual outfits, underwear to outerwear, covering every style. For someone like him, who didn’t care much about fashion, that was more than enough.
Right now, he was wearing clothes Gadelia had gifted him.
The freshmen’s military training had just ended, and there were still many students in training uniforms on the streets.
“Zhou Ming!”
Jiang Jialielie ran out from the crowd and spotted him at once, her face full of smiles.
Today, she was wearing a sweet lace short-sleeved dress with a fitted waist that accentuated her soft silhouette. Black stockings slightly revealed skin beneath, and on her feet were little leather boots with bows.
Sweet, cute, with a touch of youthful energy—it suited her perfectly.
She threw herself into Zhou Ming’s arms, hugging him tightly and gently breathing in his scent.
Zhou Ming also caught the fragrance on her.
“Wearing perfume?”
“Mm, floral scent. Does it smell good?”
Zhou Ming gently stroked her hair and smiled without giving a direct answer.
“Let’s go. We’ll watch the movie.”
Jiang Jialielie released him and then proactively slid her hand into his.
“I’m not a kid anymore. Do we really need to hold hands?”
He said that, but he didn’t let go.
After passing the Jingquan Union’s test, he had confirmed that he wasn’t affected by that entity, so his mood had lightened considerably.
At least he didn’t have to worry about dragging Gadelia and Jiang Jialielie down.
But then again… did Gadelia really need his concern?
Given her background and strength, she probably wasn’t someone he had to worry about.
They hailed a taxi and headed to the cinema together.
“Jialie, what’s this movie about?”
“You don’t even know that?” Jiang Jialielie pouted but still told him, “Youth romance with a bit of war elements.”
Zhou Ming’s heart sank slightly.
A domestic film…
He already had a psychological scar from those.
But maybe this one would be different?
“Sounds pretty good.”
Even though he didn’t have high hopes, Zhou Ming tried to stay optimistic.
If it really turned out terrible, next time he’d drag Gadelia along and let her experience it too.
After entering the theater, Zhou Ming sneaked a glance at the poster.
Sure enough, it was a recently released domestic film.
That only strengthened his resolve to have Gadelia join him next time to share the “suffering.”
“Zhou Ming, and Jiang Jialielie! What a coincidence—you’re here to see a movie too?”
A familiar voice came, accompanied by a faint fragrance.
Zhou Ming turned around. It was indeed Gadelia.
Well, there goes his plan for next time—they could “experience” it together now.
His first thought wasn’t surprise, but a strange comfort in having someone else to suffer through it with him.
“Gadelia!”
Though Jiang Jialielie felt a bit displeased, she suppressed her emotions.
They were technically on the “same side” now and couldn’t show open hostility.
“You’re here to see a movie too?”
“With rare free time, of course I’d check out the new releases.” Gadelia smiled. “I didn’t expect you guys to come too. This movie must have good reviews.”
Right, it’s great. Everyone in the world should come watch it!
Zhou Ming silently mocked in his mind.
“Zhou Ming, what’s wrong? You look pale. Are you feeling unwell?”
Gadelia suddenly reached out and gently placed her hand on his forehead.
“Strange, your temperature is normal.”
‘Damn, I forgot about her ability!’
Zhou Ming quickly emptied his mind, forcing himself to think of nothing.
They entered the screening room, and the movie began.
Just as Zhou Ming had expected—slow pacing, cliché plot, youth that felt unrealistic.
Jiang Jialielie, however, seemed to be watching quite seriously.
Bored, Zhou Ming turned his head and glanced at Gadelia.
She was looking back at him, a faint smile on her lips.
The theater was so dark he could barely see his surroundings.
“Zhou Ming, will you watch a movie with me? Watching alone is a bit boring, honestly.”
Gadelia said softly.
“This movie came out a month ago.” Zhou Ming couldn’t help but complain.
“Really? I thought it was a new release.” Gadelia blinked in surprise. “Then I’ll just watch on my own. I won’t bother you.”
‘You said that.’
Seeing her amused expression, Zhou Ming immediately caught on.
She was teasing him on purpose!
“Sorry, I was joking earlier.”
Gadelia suddenly turned serious. “I shouldn’t have lied to you.”
Zhou Ming was taken aback and quickly waved his hand.
“It’s fine. Don’t apologize.”
Seeing she was about to continue, Zhou Ming instinctively reached out and pressed his hand against her wrist.
“I said, don’t apologize.”
This gesture made Gadelia pause.
For a moment, she couldn’t speak, her thoughts in disarray.
After a few seconds, she whispered softly.
“…I understand.”
Zhou Ming’s own heart was unsettled.
He vaguely felt that his action had crossed some line, but deep down, there was a strange emotion of control and possession stirring.
Even he couldn’t quite tell what it was.
Unlike the straightforward feelings he had for Jiang Jialielie, he couldn’t confirm Gadelia’s true intentions toward him.
What he did know was that his feelings for her were quietly shifting.
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