"Honey, over here."
At the airport.
Luo Qianqian waved at Zhou Xing.
Then, dragging a small black suitcase, she flew into Zhou Xing's arms like a young swallow returning to its nest.
A fragrant breeze accompanied her soft body as she nestled into his embrace.
Zhou Xing wrapped his arms around her waist, and Luo Qianqian, paying no mind to the stares of others, clung to his arm, chatting and laughing as they walked out together.
Without An Ya around, Luo Qianqian seemed completely different.
Even though she knew she was being kept by Zhou Xing and that he had more than just An Ya by his side.
She still hoped to spend some quality time alone with Zhou Xing.
In the eyes of others,
they were a young couple deeply in love.
They hailed a taxi.
Zhou Xing found a local restaurant in Jiangcheng with pretty good food.
After finishing their meal,
Luo Qianqian suggested, "Honey, let's go watch a movie this afternoon?"
"I've never watched a movie with a guy before. Please come watch one with me, okay?"
Luo Qianqian cooed.
Zhou Xing thought for a moment and didn't refuse: "Alright, I'll listen to you today. I promised you, so whatever you say goes!"
"Honey, you're the best. Here's a kiss as a reward."
Luo Qianqian planted a loud kiss on Zhou Xing's cheek, then leaned close to his ear and whispered, "When night comes, I'll do whatever you want."
"Oh?"
"Mhm."
Luo Qianqian bashfully lowered her head... They arrived at the cinema.
Zhou Xing glanced around. Even though it was the summer blockbuster season, August didn't seem to have any particularly appealing movies released.
It seemed that in recent years... the film and television industry was also a hot investment opportunity.
Domestic movies were about to experience explosive growth.
Countless movies breaking one billion, two billion, or even higher box office records would soon be released.
The domestic entertainment industry was entering an unprecedented period of prosperity.
Starting an investment company this year would also be a great choice.
"Honey, how about we watch this movie?"
Luo Qianqian's voice interrupted Zhou Xing's thoughts. He looked up and glanced at the title; it didn't ring any bells.
But judging by the name, he knew it was a romance film.
"Sure."
Zhou Xing nodded. The movie's content wasn't important to him.
After all, he wasn't there just to watch the movie.
"Then I'll go buy the tickets."
Luo Qianqian excitedly went to the counter and bought two tickets, even securing seats in the couples' section.
She also bought a large tub of popcorn and two large cups of Coke.
After waiting about ten minutes,
the movie started accepting tickets for entry.
Luo Qianqian led Zhou Xing towards the screening hall.
Their seats were in row 8, which was relatively far back.
Luo Qianqian placed the popcorn and Coke on the seats, then hugged Zhou Xing, eagerly waiting for the movie to start.
As the hall lights dimmed and images appeared on the screen,
the movie began.
At first, Luo Qianqian could focus on the movie, but after half an hour, her face was flushed red.
Her eyes watery, she looked at Zhou Xing somewhat pitifully and said, "Honey, please watch the movie. Stop touching... you've been at it for half an hour."
Zhou Xing acted as if he hadn't heard.
Luo Qianqian steeled herself, grabbed Zhou Xing's hand, and said, "Honey, shall we leave?"
"Not watching anymore?"
Zhou Xing asked in surprise.
"No, not watching."
Luo Qianqian shook her head.
"Then where should we go?"
"What do you think?"
Luo Qianqian's gaze held a mix of bashfulness and allure.
"Let's go."
Without hesitation, Zhou Xing took Luo Qianqian's hand and left the cinema early.
They hailed a taxi.
They arrived at the foot of the Sofitel Westlake Hotel.
After booking a suite at the front desk,
they headed straight for the room... By the time Luo Qianqian finished brushing her teeth and came out of the bathroom, the sky outside was already beginning to darken.
It was a little past five in the afternoon.
Since both were somewhat tired from the long journey and had expended a lot of energy,
they simply called room service to have food delivered.
After finishing dinner,
Zhou Xing once again threw himself into the demanding work of a long-distance traveler.
Luo Qianqian was utterly miserable.
Until nine o'clock in the evening.
Zhou Xing packed up his clothes and prepared to leave.
But Luo Qianqian hugged him tightly: "Honey, I don't want you to go. Why don't you take me back with you? I also want to know what your parents are like. Maybe I can even start buttering up my future father-in-law and mother-in-law early, turn the tables, and become the main wife from now on. Then I'd be the principal wife, and An Ya would just be a concubine!"
"Sure, then come with me."
Zhou Xing said calmly, without refusing.
"Really?"
Hope shone in Luo Qianqian's eyes; she was clearly tempted.
"I never lie."
Zhou Xing explained: "My parents are the kind of tough cookies who started pushing me to find a girlfriend right after my college entrance exams. If I brought you home, they might be so happy they'd give you a big red envelope."
"Then I'm really coming home with you?"
Luo Qianqian double-checked: "Don't regret it!"
"Hahaha..."
Luo Qianqian said somewhat smugly, "I never thought I'd be the first one you take home. If An Ya found out, she'd probably die of jealousy."
Even though she said that, when it came down to it, Luo Qianqian backed out.
She felt inexplicably nervous: "I'm not ready yet. When I am ready, if you still want me to come home with you, then I'll go with you."
"I'm afraid your parents won't be satisfied and will kick me out."
"That would be too tragic for me!"
Despite Zhou Xing's repeated confirmations, Luo Qianqian still refused to go, so he had no choice but to drop it.
That was so typical of Luo Qianqian!
All talk, but when it came time for action, she was the first to chicken out.
Zhou Xing left the room and went downstairs.
He hailed a taxi.
In less than five minutes, he arrived at his home.
That lakeside villa.
"Mom, Dad, I'm home."
Zhou Xing pushed open the front door.
Inside, it was pitch black.
The house was empty and very quiet.
The housekeeper, hearing the noise, came out of her room and turned on the lights.
Seeing Zhou Xing: "Xiao Xing, you're back?"
This housekeeper had been with their family for a long time, having taken care of Zhou Xing since he was a child.
"Auntie Wang."
Zhou Xing greeted her and asked, "Where are my parents?"
Auntie Wang shook her head: "I don't know either. They haven't been back for a long time since you went to Shanghai."
"They're both very busy, so I didn't feel right asking."
Zhou Xing frowned.
Auntie Wang looked at Zhou Xing: "Xiao Xing, have you had dinner? Should Auntie Wang make you something now?"
"No need, Auntie Wang. I already ate outside."
Zhou Xing declined as he headed towards the stairs: "Auntie Wang, you go rest first. I'm going back to my room."
He went to his room.
Tossed his belongings aside casually.
Zhou Xing took out his phone and called his mother, Zhang Lanfang.