29

As night deepened, the starlight filtered through the windows into the dark, lonely room. With a soft click, warm light filled the space, banishing the darkness entirely.

Su Yirao, dressed in a soft nightgown, walked over to the suspended projector, turned it on, and lowered the screen. After making some adjustments, she motioned for Guan Qingtong to sit next to her on the bed, as this was the best spot to watch the movie.

As Guan Qingtong settled in beside her, Su Yirao casually asked, "What movie do you want to watch?"

This was a question Guan Qingtong had pondered countless times during Su Yirao's business trip. She had even scoured Douban and Weibo, searching for the perfect movie for them to watch together. In the end, she had selected a variety of films, one from each genre.

"What kind of movie do you want to watch, sister?" Guan Qingtong asked.

After a moment's thought, Su Yirao replied, "Work has been exhausting lately, so let's watch something light and funny."

"Have you seen The Unknown? If not, we can watch that."

"Sure, let's watch that one," Su Yirao agreed, recognizing the title but not quite remembering if she had seen it. She searched for the movie and began playing it.

After setting down the remote, Su Yirao noticed that Guan Qingtong hadn't moved. She patted the space beside her, smiling as she called out, "What are you standing there for? Come over here."

Guan Qingtong hesitated, then slowly walked over and sat down.

Su Yirao adjusted the air conditioning to a comfortable temperature, then noticed that Guan Qingtong was sitting stiffly at the edge of the bed, seemingly uncertain about something.

With a soft laugh, Su Yirao teased, "What's the matter? Don't know how to take off your shoes? Do you need my help?"

"No, that's not it," Guan Qingtong stammered. "I'm just worried it might be a bit presumptuous."

Though she had been in Su Yirao's room several times, this was the first time she was going to lie on the bed with her. Su Yirao seemed unbothered, but Guan Qingtong felt a bit uneasy.

"Presumptuous? You're overthinking it," Su Yirao said. "Get on."

She held out her hand to Guan Qingtong, ready to pull her onto the bed if she hesitated any longer.

But this time, Guan Qingtong didn't disappoint her.

After a brief glance at Su Yirao's outstretched hand, Guan Qingtong bit her lip, took hold of Su Yirao's fingers, and climbed onto the bed.

By then, the movie's opening credits had ended.

Su Yirao turned off the bedside lamp, leaving the room illuminated only by the glow from the projector screen.

The sudden darkness made Guan Qingtong feel a bit uncomfortable, but Su Yirao's warm hand helped her sit securely. Once Guan Qingtong was steady, Su Yirao let go and slid down into a reclining position against the pillows, finding the most comfortable way to watch the movie.

"Don't be so tense, just relax," Su Yirao suggested.

"Okay." Grateful for her kindness, Guan Qingtong mimicked Su Yirao's position, leaning back on the bed.

Unlike Su Yirao, who was focused on the movie, most of Guan Qingtong's attention was on the woman beside her.

At this close distance, she could reach out and touch Su Yirao's skin with just a small movement. If she applied a bit more pressure, she could even pull Su Yirao into her arms.

Guan Qingtong's fingers twitched slightly.

She glanced at Su Yirao, who was absorbed in the movie. Because of the thoughts swirling in her mind, she didn't dare get any closer or act on her impulses.

After much internal debate, Guan Qingtong finally sighed softly.

Forget it. I'll just watch the movie.

However, only ten minutes into the film, a tense scene unfolded. Two thugs, having just robbed a cell phone store, crawled through a window into someone's home and covered the mouth of the paralyzed female lead, who was in a wheelchair.

"Is she going to be okay?" Guan Qingtong asked, startled.

Su Yirao replied calmly, "She'll be fine."

"Hmm?" Guan Qingtong glanced at Su Yirao, who was unfazed by the scene.

"I just remembered I've seen this movie before, but I won't spoil it for you. Don't worry," Su Yirao reassured her with a smile.

"Should we switch to something else then…?"

"No need. You haven't seen it, and I could use a refresher."

"Okay, if you're sure."

Even so, Su Yirao wasn't as engrossed in the movie as Guan Qingtong, who was watching it for the first time.

As the comedic yet tense storyline unfolded, the two thugs suddenly pressed a gun to the female lead's forehead.

Guan Qingtong was so immersed in the movie that she flinched, clearly frightened. She instinctively sought comfort and, without thinking, grabbed hold of Su Yirao's arm.

Su Yirao, slightly taken aback, glanced at her.

Sensing Su Yirao's gaze, Guan Qingtong spoke first, "Sister, do you think they'll kill her?"

Su Yirao chuckled, patting her arm in reassurance. "Don't worry, they won't kill her."

"Oh, that's a relief," Guan Qingtong sighed, seemingly relaxing.

But for some reason, she didn't let go of Su Yirao's arm. Instead, she leaned even closer.

"Aren't you hot?" Su Yirao asked subtly.

"Hot? Should I turn the air conditioning down a bit?"

Without waiting for a response, Guan Qingtong reached for the remote and lowered the temperature by two degrees.

Afterward, she returned to Su Yirao's side, casually wrapping her arms around her again and focusing on the movie.

Su Yirao raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. She allowed Guan Qingtong to continue holding her arm, though she clearly hadn't caught on to Su Yirao's hint.

The movie continued.

Out of Su Yirao's view, Guan Qingtong couldn't help but smile, savoring the warmth of Su Yirao's skin.

"The movie's over."

Guan Qingtong nodded. "Oh, is it? That was fast. It was a pretty good movie."

Su Yirao glanced down at Guan Qingtong, who was still holding her arm, and teased, "Aren't you a bit old to be scared by a movie like this? Did you use me as a human pillow?"

"It's normal for girls to get scared by intense scenes!" Guan Qingtong defended herself, using this excuse to cover her true intentions. Reluctantly, she released Su Yirao's arm.

With a faint smile, Su Yirao said, "You know, with your personality, it wouldn't be hard for a guy to trick you into going to the movies. Then, he'd suggest watching a horror film, and you'd end up clinging to him like this."

Even as she said it, Su Yirao found the idea amusing.

After all, Guan Qingtong was the protagonist, and in romance novels, it was common for the heroine to seek comfort from the male lead during a scary movie.

"Huh? No way!" Guan Qingtong was momentarily stunned.

"Who knows," Su Yirao replied, not entirely convinced by Guan Qingtong's denial. She was genuinely concerned.

After a moment, she added, "In the future, if you like someone, you should introduce him to me first. I'm a few years older than you and have more life experience. I can help you avoid getting involved with a jerk."

Then, as an afterthought, she added, "Oh, but please disregard the years I wasted with Yu Xingye. That wasn't really me."

Guan Qingtong burst out laughing again.

"Sister, do you know what kind of person I like?"

"What kind?" Su Yirao asked seriously.

Guan Qingtong smiled softly in the darkness, her gaze tracing Su Yirao's silhouette as she described her ideal type, which matched Su Yirao perfectly. "Someone who's confident, calm, and has their own ideas."

"Are you drawn to strong personalities?" Su Yirao's brow furrowed. "Yu Xingye sort of fits that description too. He's a public figure, so he's always in the spotlight…"

With a click, Guan Qingtong turned on the light, cutting Su Yirao off.

"Sister, don't compare him to me!" Guan Qingtong said seriously. "I'll never like him!"

Seeing her sincerity, Su Yirao couldn't help but feel amused.

"You don't believe me?"

"I believe you," Su Yirao said. "But like I said earlier, if you ever like someone, make sure to let me check him out first."

Guan Qingtong smiled without answering directly, instead asking a question that had been on her mind for a while.

"Sister, don't just talk about me. What kind of person do you like?"

"What kind of person do I like?" Su Yirao paused, lost in thought.

In the past, she had followed the original plot and liked Yu Xingye. Now that she was free to choose, she realized she didn't have a clear preference.

It should be about how she feels. At the very least, their values should align so they can have a comfortable relationship.

Ideally, the person should have a bit of down-to-earth charm, not like Yu Xingye with his overpowering cologne, which she found unpleasant.

It would be nice if the person had a subtle, pleasing scent, like the one that always surrounded Guan Qingtong. They should be both pleasant to look at from afar and comforting up close.

She was someone who enjoyed leisure and didn't have the same drive as Guan Qingtong. She just wanted someone who could be as attentive and thoughtful as Guan Qingtong in everyday life.

But would she ever meet someone like that?

"What's this? I've already answered," Guan Qingtong said, breaking the silence. "Sister, are you still holding back from me?"

"I'm just thinking."

Su Yirao came back to the present, noticing the eager curiosity in Guan Qingtong's eyes, and felt a bit self-conscious.

Guan Qingtong had become a significant part of her life lately.

"And your answer?" Guan Qingtong asked, her eyes full of expectation.

Su Yirao's answer would be one of her goals to strive for.

"I already have my ideal type as my girlfriend."

Su Yirao, not as shy as Guan Qingtong, smiled playfully as she added, "Guan Qingtong, your mindset isn't quite right. After all we've said, you still haven't realized that you're already in a relationship?"

Guan Qingtong was caught off guard, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

"Forgetting that you have a girlfriend? You need to be punished!"

"That's not fair! You're setting me up, sister!"

"But you were trying to trick me earlier. Are you saying you don't deserve a punishment?" Su Yirao's smile deepened, her mind already pondering what the punishment should be.

Guan Qingtong had indeed been trying to play a trick earlier, so she felt obligated to accept the consequences, even if Su Yirao had been setting her up this time.

"Alright, sister, what's my punishment?"

After a moment's thought, Su Yirao said, "You used me as a human pillow for two hours, and now my arm's all sore."

"Uh, how about I massage it for you?" Guan Qingtong's eyes lit up, not seeing it as a punishment at all.

"No."

Su Yirao's eyes glinted with mischief as she suggested, "It's still early. Let's watch another movie, but this time, you get to be the human pillow. Then you can feel what it's like to have your arm go numb."

Guan Qingtong [excited]: Is this really a punishment?