Chapter 46: Movie Dates and Subtle Promises

“Huh?”

A spark of amusement in Su Yubai’s eyes as she stopped before Jiang Yule, softly asking, “Need me to repeat that?”

Eyes curving, “No, did you book a flight right after my message?”

Nodding, “Yup.”

Wasn’t she super busy? Surprised, “Just finished?”

Looking at her, serious, “Not quite.”

“Huh?” Heart sinking—leaving soon?

Before asking, Su Yubai continued, “Brought work with me. Meetings are online.”

Jiang Yule wanted to ask, Su Yubai, do you like me?

But she didn’t dare—or didn’t want to.

Not in such a casual setting for so precious a question.

Smiling instead, “If you need help with work, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Okay,” softly.

Asking about the movie, Jiang Yule handed her the ticket, “This one, it’s a lesbian film.”

“I know,” Su Yubai replied, unfazed, accepting.

Silent, following her to buy a ticket.

Recalling that book at her place—never checked closely last visit. Was it really Fingersmith?

Su Yubai pointed to the seat beside Jiang Yule’s single ticket.

Glancing at snack combos, “Sister, eaten dinner?”

“Yup.”

“What?”

“Sandwich.”

Nodding, Jiang Yule bought popcorn and water.

Su Yubai stored her suitcase, and they entered.

After chatting outside, the movie’s opening played.

The theater was dark, scattered couples visible.

Some glanced their way; Jiang Yule wanted to hold Su Yubai’s hand but stopped herself.

Sitting, the film in Cantonese with traditional Chinese subtitles, readable enough.

An old lesbian romance, spoiled by online hype and fan comments.

Watching the screen, sneaking peeks at Su Yubai.

Haven’t seen her in ages—she looked better, dark circles aside.

In the dark, unnoticeable, Jiang Yule’s eyes curved.

“Jiang Yule.”

Startled, lashes fluttering, “What?”

“Watch the movie.”

“Oh.”

If she’s not looking, how’d she know I am?

Giggling softly, refocusing on the screen.

Halfway, drowsy, Su Yubai covered her eyes.

Instantly alert, pulling her hand away, “I’m not a kid.”

The screen showed a kiss, passionate; Jiang Yule looked away, hearing, “Forgot, you’ve seen this.”

Recalling Huang Sijiong and Qiao Anqing’s car kiss—Su Yubai covered her eyes then too.

Cheeks burning, turning away, sipping Coke to hide embarrassment.

The kiss scene passed, but rear couples made indescribable sounds.

Sneaking a glance, Su Yubai was unfazed.

Of course, she’s Su Yubai.

Unshakable composure.

Sipping more Coke.

The couples calmed; the movie ended happily.

Lights on, the popcorn between them untouched—both forgot.

Eye contact, Jiang Yule laughed, “Take it home?”

“Okay.”

Outside, “Sister, was it good?”

“It’s alright.”

No nod.

“Really?” Doubting.

Silent, “From a narrative completeness perspective…”

“Wait, Sister, plain words.”

Pausing, maybe organizing thoughts, “I don’t fully relate.”

“Their love feels sudden.”

Looking at her, “I don’t quite believe in love at first sight.”

Precise words.

Not believing in instant love?

Curious, “What do you believe, Sister?”

“Why ask?” Retrieving her suitcase.

Touching her nose, following, “Saw new students discussing your course.”

“It’s co-taught; I handle the last part.”

Eyes lighting up, “So not teaching all semester?”

“Yup.”

Relieved, heart sparking hope.

Quickly dampened—she’s ending her lease.

Mid-Autumn Festival in late September; post-birthday, back to Hangsu?

Noticing her heavy expression, “What’s wrong?”

Softly, “Just… didn’t process you’re back.”

And worried you’ll leave soon.

“You don’t seem happy.”

Lashes trembling, smiling, “Su Yubai, you know me so well now?”

Hearing her full name, a glance, lips curving, “Yup.”

Catching her smile, bouncing forward, “You smiled!”

Close, Su Yubai’s eyes flicked to her lips, then away, “I smile often.”

“You said what?”

“I smile often.”

“Liar!”

“I don’t. You just miss it sometimes.”

Regretful, “Then I’ll watch you closely.”

“Okay.”

Since seeing her, all doubts and fears vanished.

Strolling home, casually, “Why’d you come watch with me?”

“You said you’d watch alone.”

Blinking, hearing, “I didn’t want you to be alone.”

Heart trembling, smiling, “Sounds like a song.”

Another spark in her eyes, “Sing it for me?”

“Sure.”

On her birthday.

She hadn’t touched her guitar since breaking up with Lin Sijiong.

But the guitar wasn’t at fault; her love for it was unrelated.

Planning silently.

Unknowing, someone else had a plan—much earlier.

Before she even noticed her.

Passing a beauty store, Jiang Yule stopped, “Sister, I’m grabbing something. Wait here.”

With her suitcase, Su Yubai nodded, “Okay.”

Watching her back, gesturing to a clerk, heading to a brand counter, picking something, paying.

Emerging quickly, handing it over, “For you, Sister.”

“Thanks.” Eye cream.

“Dunno if it’s good, try it.”

Stunned, “Are my dark circles that bad?”

“Not really, just wanted to get you something.”

Feeling like the older sister, Su Yubai patted her head, “Birthday gift?”

Covering the spot, pouting, “Not the birthday gift.”

“Oh, you got me one.”

“Of course!”

Suppressing a smile, “I’m looking forward to it.”

Chatting casually, heading home.

At the elevator, “Today, I heard noise from your place, thought it was you.”

Smiling, but wistful.

Pausing, “Sorry, didn’t tell you.”

“No need to apologize. If you must, I forgive you.”

Ruffling her hair.

Everyone has their path, Jiang Yule thought.

At their doors, lingering, watching Su Yubai enter her code.

Door opening, spotting the bear slippers.

Heart struck, “Sister, are those slippers just for me?”

Tense, holding her breath, as Su Yubai turned.

“Yes.”

Heart trembling, smiling, “Mine are for you too.”

“I know,” low voice.

“See you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow.”

About to enter, “Su Yubai, goodnight kiss?”