A four-and-a-half-hour movie was too long and complex for Tang Xiaocao, who fell asleep in Song Lili’s arms an hour into it.
Song Lili, one hand held by Wen Nian and the other cradling Tang Xiaocao, gently patted his back.
She had watched the movie several times before, and with Wen Nian’s strong presence, she watched absentmindedly, paying little attention to the actual content.
Before long, she too began to nod off just like Tang Xiaocao.
Lu Ziqing watched the movie, occasionally glancing around to make sure everyone was just watching the movie.
The lengthy and complex plot made it easy for uninterested viewers to fall asleep, but those who were engaged and understood it found themselves restless throughout the night.
Lu Ziqing was among the latter...
Cowboys had a brief period of prosperity in the American West, a time when the most adventurous young people became pioneers in its development.
The movie used individuals to reflect wider societal stories.
Lu Ziqing felt as if he saw his own reflection in the film’s protagonist—youthful, strong, independent, fearless, with admirable leadership qualities and many girls around him, yet he tragically fell for a married woman...
However, compared with the movie’s protagonist, he was fortunate—after all, the girl he loved was free.
He had the opportunity and the right to compete for her!
At the stroke of midnight, the movie ended.
Wen Nian looked down at the sleeping Song Lili and Tang Xiaocao beside him, a rare genuine smile curling his lips.
He fumbled for the night lamp, and using the dim light, he lifted Song Lili into his arms, while Lu Ziqing looked on...
Wen Nian whispered, motioning towards Tang Xiaocao before he headed to the bedroom carrying Song Lili.
Lu Ziqing took a deep breath, stood up, and followed carrying Tang Xiaocao.
After settling Song Lili and Tang Xiaocao, the two men exited the room one after the other.
"Aren’t you leaving, Commander Lu?"
"It’s too late, so I’ll stay. Though it’s lent to Lili, this is still my house. I’ll just sleep in the guest room tonight. Take care on your way back."
Wen Nian raised an eyebrow, glanced at the guest bedroom across,
"At this hour, It’s not safe for me to go back alone; since there’s a guest bedroom, I might as well stay till morning."
With that, he nonchalantly entered the guest bedroom.
Lu Ziqing pursed his lips; if the President didn’t mind sharing a room with him, what was there for him to fuss about!
One after the other, they entered the guest bedroom.
Wen Nian took up half of the bed, and Lu Ziqing unapologetically occupied the other half.
"Commander Lu, good night."
Wen Nian said indifferently.
"Mr. President, good night!"
Lu Ziqing politely responded, yet neither of the men who wished each other goodnight felt any urge to sleep.
After what felt like ages, just as Lu Ziqing was struggling to keep his eyes open, Wen Nian stirred...
He got up, straightened his clothes, and walked toward the door—
Could the President be planning to sneak into Lili’s room while he slept?
"Mr. President, where are you going?"
Wen Nian paused, "Keep it down."
"I trust your integrity, Commander; go to sleep. You need rest to handle the task I’ve entrusted to you."
Wen Nian’s back was turned towards him,
"We need to be at Anlin by seven, and it’s already scheduled; it’s late now."
Lu Ziqing quickly glanced at his watch, 2:00 AM...
"If the schedule is so tight, you shouldn’t have even come to Luoshu County City."
Wen Nian half-turned, a faint smile and the glint in his amber eyes visible in the dark, "Commander Lu is one of the few brave men I’ve met who doesn’t fear authority. I admire and respect that."
"But Song Lili, you can’t afford her."