Gu Shiting silently turned off the movie sound and then took a blanket to cover Sheng Tang.
He continued to watch the movie and gently held Sheng Tang’s hand.
"Tangtang, this doesn’t count as a date," he said softly, "Next time I want to take you out to have fun, then it will be our official first date, okay?"
He glanced at Sheng Tang.
Sheng Tang was sound asleep.
Gu Shiting leaned down, kissed her forehead lightly, and then squeezed into her side of the chair.
The chair was spacious, enough to fit two people.
He held Sheng Tang in his arms, feeling that she had lost weight again. Her shoulder blades were digging into him.
After that, Gu Shiting remained especially quiet.
Sheng Tang was sleeping sweetly, and naturally woke up to find herself lying in Gu Shiting’s arms.
As for Gu Shiting, his eyes were still on the screen, fully absorbed.
The movie’s lights fell beautifully across his eyes, making his gaze look so profound.
Sheng Tang stirred slightly.
"You’re awake?" Gu Shiting asked with a smile.
Sheng Tang: "..."
She awkwardly touched her nose.
Falling asleep during a movie was really not cool, especially since Gu Shiting had kindly prepared the entertainment.
Actually, she didn’t know, all Gu Shiting wanted was to be with her, whether she was asleep or awake.
With her in his arms, he felt at ease.
".... Is it over?" Sheng Tang asked.
Gu Shiting replied, "Ten more minutes."
Sheng Tang had fallen asleep soon after the movie started and woke up just before it ended.
If she were a guy, with such a lack of romance, she probably wouldn’t be able to find a girlfriend.
Sheng Tang sat up straight.
The male and female leads were saying their goodbyes, tears streaming down their faces. Sheng Tang watched the female lead and felt her performance was a bit over the top. She pondered that the lines at this moment shouldn’t evoke such dramatic emotions.
Indeed, it was still her professional habit.
Gu Shiting, however, didn’t notice the actor’s shortcomings. He concentrated on watching until the film ended.
"... Is this a new movie?" Sheng Tang asked him.
Gu Shiting shook his head, "Five years old. The female lead recently won the Qinglan Award for Best Actress."
"What award is that?"
Gu Shiting: "...."
He turned off the projector and laughed, "Someone who says they want to get into film school doesn’t know the Qinglan Award?"
It’s likely the highest award in Chinese cinema.
Qinglan, blue surpassing blue in excellence?
As he led her outside, Gu Shiting asked, "Next month, there’s a new Qinglan Award ceremony. Do you want to go?"
Sheng Tang: "I have finals next month."
Gu Shiting looked at her, seemingly not understanding the relevance.
As a top student, there’s no difference between regular and exam periods. Sheng Tang felt a mix of envy, jealousy, and resentment.
Gu Shiting seized the opportunity, "Do you want me to tutor you? Can you keep up with math?"
Sheng Tang: "I think I can manage this time. You can help me during winter break if you’re free."
Gu Shiting nodded.
It would be nice to be together every day during the winter break.
At four in the afternoon, Gu Shiting insisted on taking Sheng Tang home, but Sheng Tang refused.
In winter, the sun sets earlier. If he took her home and returned, it would be dark by then, and Sheng Tang worried he might feel unwell on the way.
"Have the driver take me, it’s fine," Sheng Tang said.
Gu Shiting replied, "I’ll come along too, and I won’t drive back."
Sheng Tang held his hand, "Be good. Stay at home."
Gu Shiting: "...."
He couldn’t argue with Sheng Tang and didn’t go out to see her off, feeling a hollow emptiness inside.
When Sheng Tang left, she took the box with the diamond bracelet he had given her.
As soon as she got in the car, Sheng Tang took off the bracelet, carefully placed it back in the box, planning to return it to him when the opportunity arose. Such a valuable item was beyond the scope of a gift, and she couldn’t accept it.