The two conversed as the movie played on, but since neither of them was really into it, the kind of romance that couples are supposed to feel was utterly absent. Moreover, the occasional exclamations from others around them only made any sense of romance even harder to find.
Despite the lack of romantic ambiance, both were in exceptionally good spirits. They caught each other’s helpless expressions and couldn’t help but laugh together, sharing a tacit understanding and a subtle warmth, reminiscent of an old married couple who may lack romance but are equally content.
It’s said that romance is a bonus to love, but happiness lies in the little things, which are far more important than the former.
When the movie ended, they walked out hand in hand, effectively blending in with the crowd thanks to their hats and scarves, garnering no special attention.
"Shall we take a walk?" Qin Jiran rarely took the initiative to suggest, glancing at the time and feeling it was still early.
"Sure." Su Yanyi readily agreed, with no intention to refuse.
A small park surrounded the movie theater. They strolled in; although the weather was a bit cold, the park was lively with people—elderly couples and younger ones, husbands and wives, walking in twos and threes under the streetlights, a far cry from the desolation that comes with winter.
Su Yanyi and Qin Jiran mingled among the crowd with slight smiles on their lips, enjoying the moment in silence, radiant with good cheer.
For those who live hectic lives and even more so in a cutthroat society, the simple pleasure of walking among ordinary people can be incredibly comforting, as if their entire being relaxes and even the act of breathing becomes joyful.
"Let’s go for walks more often in the future, it feels really nice." Qin Jiran could sense Su Yanyi’s pleasure and felt his own heart swell with tenderness and affection. He couldn’t help but propose the idea.
"Okay." Su Yanyi was genuinely fond of the experience, thinking that maybe, in addition to revenge and being moved by Qin Jiran, the meaning of her rebirth could include one more sentiment: Life is truly beautiful!
Finding warmth in the ordinary, joy in the mundane, the saying "contentment brings happiness" is indeed quite sensible.
After a long walk, it was getting late when they headed back. Having walked quite a bit, Su Yanyi felt hungry and blinked at Qin Jiran, saying, "I’m hungry, I want to eat."
At that moment, Qin felt his heart might just melt. Such an adorable Yanyi was nearly too much to bear!
Without even taking off his clothes, Qin dashed to the kitchen, fearing any delay might leave Yanyi hungry. With swift movements, he cooked a pot of noodles in just over ten minutes, serving Su Yanyi a heaping bowl and only then did he breathe a sigh of relief.
"Eat up, don’t go hungry." Qin’s voice was full of concern as feeding Su Yanyi had become one of his favorite activities.
Seeing the man’s anxious demeanor, Su Yanyi felt like laughing but, for some reason, also felt like crying. However, how could a cool and high-and-mighty Queen like her shed tears? So, all she did was bury her head and eat with great determination.
The foolish concern he showed made it impossible for her to mock him. Her heart was overwhelmed with emotion. How could this man be so good to her!