{Chapter: 258 Accommodating!}
Lin Yuan and Yan Ruyue finally arrived at the Wanda Cinemas located in Qinyang District.
Despite it being just late in the morning, the cinema was already bustling with people. It was the weekend, after all, and many had come out early to enjoy the latest films.
As Lin Yuan and Yan Ruyue stepped into the crowd, their presence was like a spotlight turning on in a dim room. The striking image of a handsome young man alongside a stunningly beautiful woman drew immediate attention from nearly everyone nearby.
Men couldn't help but shoot Lin Yuan envious glances. Their eyes were especially drawn to Yan Ruyue's elegant, long, and perfectly shaped legs that were accentuated by her tasteful dress and graceful posture. She looked like she had stepped right out of a fashion magazine—poised, refined, and effortlessly captivating.
Meanwhile, the women were equally envious of Yan Ruyue—not because of her looks alone, but because of the man by her side. Lin Yuan carried himself with calm confidence, and his refined attire, along with his natural charisma, suggested wealth and status. Had it not been for Yan Ruyue's aura of natural beauty and quiet elegance, many of the women would have eagerly approached Lin Yuan for his number.
After entering the cinema, the two went to pick up their tickets and then stood before the screen displaying the list of current movies. Since Yan Ruyue had purchased an open ticket that allowed them to choose any film, they had the freedom to decide right then and there what they wanted to see.
Pointing excitedly to a poster for the romantic coming-of-age film Flipped, Yan Ruyue's eyes sparkled. "I've been wanting to watch this one for so long! Let's see this together," she said with a smile, clearly anticipating his agreement.
Lin Yuan glanced at the poster and then raised his brows slightly, pointing instead to a different film. "Hmm... I actually want to watch The Butterfly Effect. You can go ahead and watch Flipped. I'll catch mine, and let's meet back here once both movies are done."
"Huh? What?" Yan Ruyue blinked rapidly, her expression frozen in confusion as if she had just misheard something utterly nonsensical.
Her mind struggled to comprehend what Lin Yuan had just suggested.
Wasn't this supposed to be a movie date? Who on earth goes to the cinema with someone only to end up watching two different films in separate halls?
Her eyes widened with disbelief. He was serious?
Around them, a few people who had overheard the odd exchange looked over with amused or puzzled expressions. Some even shook their heads in disbelief. It was certainly the most bizarre dating concept they had ever encountered.
A few men in the vicinity, who had been silently admiring Yan Ruyue, immediately saw an opportunity. If Lin Yuan was going to abandon her like that, maybe one of them could swoop in and strike up a conversation.
But before any of them could make a move, Yan Ruyue clenched her teeth, straightened her back, and marched after Lin Yuan, her heels clicking against the tile floor with purpose.
"I'll watch The Butterfly Effect with you!" she declared loudly, leaving the surrounding men dumbfounded.
Many of them watched with wide eyes, their fantasy of talking to a goddess-like beauty shattered instantly.
Of course, Lin Yuan hadn't been serious. He had only said that to test her—to see if she would go along with him or if she would back out.
He never imagined she would cave in so easily.
Just a few weeks ago, she was the famously cold and distant CEO who barely acknowledged him. Now, she was willingly following his lead, even giving up her movie preference without a second thought.
Seeing this, Lin Yuan felt a touch of guilt. He decided not to take the joke too far.
"Ahem, I was just teasing you," he said, clearing his throat. "Let's go see Flipped."
With that, he reached out and gently took her hand in his, guiding her toward the hall playing the movie she originally wanted to see.
As they walked, dozens of eyes followed them—mostly from men who were glaring daggers at Lin Yuan with expressions filled with jealousy, regret, and frustration.
When Lin Yuan suddenly took her hand, Yan Ruyue's first reaction was to be annoyed. She had been flustered already, and now this?
But as soon as she felt the warmth of his palm enveloping hers, her irritation melted into something confusing and soft. Her cheeks flushed slightly.
She couldn't bring herself to pull away. She realized in that moment that she didn't want to.
'Why am I like this?' she asked herself silently. 'Why do I feel like… I've become a little too easygoing around him?'
It wasn't long ago that she had kept a cold and commanding distance from people, especially men. Yet now, she found herself allowing Lin Yuan to tease her, touch her, and even lead her without resistance.
Deep down, a small part of her wanted to break free, to reassert her dignity. But there was an even stronger part that was afraid—afraid that if she pulled away, Lin Yuan would truly let go.
So, in the end, she didn't resist. She let him hold her hand. She followed him willingly.
She was still reluctant to let go of Lin Yuan's hand herself.
In her mind, two little voices began arguing again like mischievous devils on each shoulder.
One whispered: "Weren't you supposed to be the untouchable ice queen? When did you start letting a man lead you around like this?"
The other replied: "But Lin Yuan was the one who took your first kiss at the Mei family banquet. Maybe… deep down, you just want him to be responsible. Maybe you want him to care for you, even if you don't dare say it out loud…"
Girls who fall in love often become more complex and emotional than even they realize.
Yan Ruyue had never experienced love before. She didn't know how to sort out her thoughts, nor could she understand the rollercoaster of emotions swirling inside her. All she knew was that her mind was a chaotic mess—and it all centered around one person.
Lin Yuan.
Lin Yuan had no idea what kinds of tangled thoughts were running through Yan Ruyue's mind at that moment.
He calmly glanced down at the ticket in his hand, confirmed the seat numbers, and gently guided Yan Ruyue to where they were supposed to sit.
Once they settled into their seats, Lin Yuan casually let go of her hand.
The warmth that had lingered in her palm vanished instantly, and although Yan Ruyue didn't want to admit it—not even to herself—there was a faint trace of reluctance in her heart. She quietly glanced at her now-empty hand and bit her lower lip ever so slightly.
The movie theater was packed.
Despite it being early in the day, the screening of Flipped had drawn a large audience. Nearly every seat was taken.
As expected, most of the audience consisted of young couples—boys and girls on dates, sharing popcorn and whispering quietly before the film started. But there were also groups of girls who had come together, chatting and giggling softly as they waited for the movie to begin.
Love stories always had a special pull for women. Sweet romances, touching dramas, and heart-fluttering moments—these were the kind of emotional highs many girls longed for. Men, on the other hand, usually preferred action-packed thrillers or talked about business and success.
Soon, the theater dimmed, and the movie began.
Flipped opened with a soft, nostalgic score and sun-drenched scenes of suburban life. It told the story of a cheerful, persistent girl who fell for a quiet, handsome boy who had just moved into her neighborhood.
From the very beginning, the girl did everything she could to get close to him—smiling, helping out, offering her friendship. But the boy wasn't interested. He kept his distance, even finding her attention slightly annoying.
Lin Yuan had watched the film before in previous life. He remembered how the story unfolded.
Eventually, the girl realized that the image she had of the boy didn't match who he really was. Her affection was based on an idealized version of him—one that existed only in her mind. Disillusioned, she chose to stop chasing him.
Ironically, it was only after she withdrew that the boy began to see her clearly. He noticed the charm, the sincerity, and the quiet strength in her character. That was when he began to pursue her—but by then, it was no longer so easy.
The plot was somewhat predictable, yet it resonated deeply with Yan Ruyue.
Especially the scenes where the boy started chasing the girl—those moments lit up something inside her. She couldn't help but feel a flicker of joy and warmth, imagining herself in the girl's place.
With a smile tugging at the corners of her lips, she reached for the drink placed in the cup holder beside her. It was a cold cola she had picked up before they entered the theater.
Without taking her eyes off the screen, she took a small sip. But in her distraction, she didn't place the cup back properly.
The drink tipped over.
"Ah!" she gasped softly, a little too late.
The cup fell sideways and spilled its contents.
Just as the cola was about to splash onto her skirt, Lin Yuan reacted. He reached out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her up with a swift motion.
Startled but responsive, Yan Ruyue stood up quickly. Most of the cola missed her, though a few drops dampened the hem of her skirt. The majority of the soda, however, soaked her seat.
To make matters worse, her sudden movement also knocked over the popcorn resting nearby. It scattered all over the wet seat, turning into a soggy, buttery mess.
Now, Yan Ruyue's seat was unusable—sticky with cola and covered in popcorn kernels.
Flustered, she pulled some tissues from her bag and tried to clean it, but it was clearly a lost cause. The sugary soda had soaked through the cushion, and the mixture of popcorn only made it slimy and uncomfortable.
She looked around, hoping for a miracle, but the entire row was packed.
Seats in front, behind, and beside them were all occupied.
*****
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