After leaving the old Qiao family house, Qiao Yu drove straight back home.
To his surprise, Xia Ning wasn’t there when he got back.
“Mum, where’s Xia Ning?” Qiao Yu walked in and asked Gao Wanhua, who was playing with Enoch.
Gao Wanhua helped Enoch with his jigsaw puzzle, then looked up at her son. “You’re back. She went out to run some errands.”
Hearing that, Qiao Yu frowned. “Has she gone out with a friend? Which one?”
“She has her own friends. Give her some space and don’t push her too hard,” replied Gao Wanhua. After some thought, she said, “How’s your grandfather?”
Qiao Yu went to sit on the sofa. “He’s doing good.”
Seeing the look on Qiao Yu’s face, Gao Wanhua could tell that he didn’t want to go back to the old family house. “Just pay a visit during important festivals. Your father’s gone, but he’s still your grandfather. He deserves your respect.”
“Alright,” said Qiao Yu. Picking up his phone, he checked Xia Ning’s number, hesitated for a moment, then dialed it. However, her phone was switched off.
Looking at his phone, Qiao Yu frowned. It was the first day of a new lunar year. Who could she be with?!
Over on the other end, Xia Ning stayed at Jin Yan’s place to discuss the script with him well into the night.
The movie they were going to watch was that night. They bought tickets for an Imax screen at a movie theater downtown. Since it was the first day of a new lunar year and Jin Yan, the famous idol played the leading role, all seats had been sold.
Xia Ning and Jin Yan wore masks and sunglasses and sat down on the last row with popcorns and coke.
“I thought you didn’t like coke.” Seeing the big cup in Xia Ning’s hand, Jin Yan said with a smile.
“It depends on the occasion. How can you watch a film with popcorns, but not drink coke!” said Xia Ning with her eyebrows raised.
Jin Yan frowned. “Of course you can have a coke, but it’s cold outside and there’s a lot of ice in it. You’ll catch a cold.”
“It’s just one cup. You’re so naggy.” Xia Ning stared at the screen, then said suddenly, “Alright, quiet now. The movie’s starting. Let me enjoy the acting of Music King Jin.”
Jin Yan looked at Xia Ning in resignation, then rubbed her head. “I’ll let you off just for today.” He then turned to the screen as well.
The movie started. When Jin Yan’s face showed up, all the girls in the hall shrieked.
“Jin Yan is so handsome.”
“That’s so cool. This movie is so going to be a hit.”
“I’m happy I watched it today, or I’ll regret it so much.”
Hearing that, Xia Ning turned to look at Jin Yan next to her. She was going to say something, but when she saw that he was watching the movie unblinkingly, she smiled, then turned her attention back to the screen, too.
After the last scene when the main character played by Jin Yan torched the enemy’s den in a flashy style, all the girls rose to their feet and clapped their hands.
The movie was 107 minutes long. Xia Ning was going to rise to her feet after it ended when Jin Yan held her harm, asking, “What do you think?”
“It’s pretty good!” Xia Ning nodded. “Let’s go.” It was past ten already.
“A few more minutes!” Jin Yan didn’t let go of her.
Seeing that a lot of the audience had left, Xia Ning looked from the screen to Jin Yan, then asked tentatively, “Is there going to be a post-credit scene?!”
“Yes.” Jin Yan nodded.
Xia Ning sat back down and watched the screen. The image on it changed after a moment, showing Jin Yan sitting on the sofa in a casual outfit. He greeted the audience with a smile.
“Hello, everyone, this is Jin Yan. I’m so glad that everyone has come to watch this movie. I wish everyone a happy new year and all the best. I’d like to thank all my fans. Thank you for being there for me all along. I’d also like to wish the most important person in my life to live happily forever!”
A fervent murmur spread across the audience. That was a confession!