"Hiss!"
Just as Charles Chen finished speaking, his face suddenly changed and he sucked in a breath of cold air.
Old Chen, what's wrong? Are you okay? Why do you look so pale?
Haiyang Sheng, noticing Charles Chen's odd expression, quickly asked.
"No... no problem, I just suddenly felt my back acting up. I'll eat a bit and talk less, it'll be fine soon!"
Charles Chen shook his head repeatedly, hurriedly took another bite, and dared not speak further.
"A horror movie? That's great! Claire has always been timid since she was little. Her dad and I never figured out how to help her build courage. We actually wanted her to watch horror movies to toughen up, but we've both been too busy and never had the chance."
"Since there's a horror movie showing tonight, and I trust Evan, why not let him take Claire along? And Nina too—it's way more fun for the kids to go together than with us adults."
Susan Pang chimed in enthusiastically.
Claire Sheng and Nina Pei both looked eager and excited.
"But I only have two tickets left, maybe next time?" Lucy Lu said, a little embarrassed.
"Tickets aren't a problem, I'll book more right now."
Susan Pang shook her head, then looked at Evan and asked softly, "Evan, do you have other plans tonight? If not, could you take Claire and the girls to the movie?"
Everyone at the table turned their eyes to Evan.
Evan was straightforward and nodded, "Nothing planned for now."
"Perfect, I'll book the tickets right now!"
Susan Pang immediately picked up her phone.
Haiyang Sheng has quite a status in Minghai and a wide social circle, so booking a few movie tickets is no trouble for Susan Pang—a single call and the seats were reserved.
Lucy Lu, seeing this, grew a bit anxious but couldn't do anything about it. She could only look at Evan and nod, "Well, Evan, the safety of those three girls is up to you."
"As a boy, remember to protect the girls."
After speaking, Lucy Lu couldn't help but give Chen Qiangshan, who was burying his head in his food, a hard kick under the table, then shot Lynn Chen a 'cheer up' look.
After speaking, Lucy Lu couldn't help but give Charles Chen, who was burying his head in his food, a hard kick under the table, then shot Lynn Chen a 'cheer up' look.
When Evan and the others left the villa, Lynn Chen looked visibly disappointed.
Upstairs earlier, when Lucy brought it up, Lynn had secretly psyched herself up, hoping that in the dark theater, with a bit of courage, she might finally overcome her shyness and just throw herself at him.
But now, turning her head and seeing Evan flanked left and right by Claire Sheng and Nina Pei, Lynn couldn't help but feel a little frustrated and wronged.
On one side was Claire Sheng, doll-like and impossible for Lynn to resent, and on the other was Nina Pei, whose figure was unbeatable—making Lynn feel even more deflated.
She walked ahead in the chilly breeze, not saying a word for a long while.
Because of the recent battle between Master Lin from Seacrest and Master Morgan, Minghai City was still lively even at night.
After wandering around, Evan and the group arrived at the cinema on the commercial street.
There weren't many people in the cinema, mostly couples coming to watch the horror movie.
"Quyao, you sit here."
Once inside, Nina arranged Claire Sheng to sit on Evan's left, while Lynn took the seat on his right.
Nina sat on Claire's left, separated from Evan by Claire. Although Nina liked Evan herself, she was considerate of Claire's feelings and honestly wanted to see her friend end up with him.
"Do you guys want something to drink? Since the movie hasn't started, I'll go buy some."
Nina stood up.
"Sprite."
Claire Sheng raised her hand.
"I want cola."
Lynn Chen chimed in as well.
Nina looked at Evan.
"Mineral water."
Evan glanced at her.
Xiaonan turned and walked out, as more people started entering the theater.
At the concession stand, just as she was picking up the drinks, Faye Zheng and her group came in from outside.
"Isn't this horror movie from Thailand? Faye, why don't you sit next to me later? I hear it's super scary, I can protect you!" one of the boys said with a grin.
"Yeah right, you'll be lucky if you don't end up crying! Who are you kidding about protecting Faye?" Another boy shook his head. "Besides, if anyone's going to protect her, it should be Leo Li, right?"
"Leo Li's got some skills, so if any ghost crawls out of the screen, we'll have to count on him to take it down!"
Hearing this, Leo Li smiled. Lately he'd been feeling weak and could barely use any spells at all.
Still, his reputation lingered, and as Master Yan's disciple, he had to keep up appearances—even if he couldn't really do anything, he had to act like he could.
In this world, you can't lose face.
"Yeah, if you get scared later, just jump into my arms. I'll protect you!"
Leo Li patted his chest, swearing up and down.
He was talking loud, and Faye Zheng rolled her eyes internally.
Faye used to think Leo Li was impressive, but ever since she saw Master Lin from Seacrest, Leo's status in her mind had plummeted.
Nina grabbed the drinks, and when she heard the commotion, she frowned slightly and glanced at Leo Li with obvious displeasure.
She had never liked guys who made a scene in public.
She paid, picked up the drinks, and left.
"Leo Li, that chick just now seemed interested in you, huh?"
"Yeah, I noticed she even looked right at you!"
"That girl's got a killer figure. Those legs, I could play with them for a year!"
The rich kids clicked their tongues in awe, their eyes lingering on Nina's back.
Leo Li also took a longer look, his gaze full of desire.
"Alright, alright, if you want to mess around, go find a girl after the movie! Hurry up and grab your snacks, if you take any longer, the movie will start!"
Faye Zheng called out, clearly used to dealing with these spoiled brats.
"Right! Watch the movie first, and after, you call that kid—best if you get him to come back to Oceanport with us. Once we're in Oceanport, I can have people waiting for him at the station!" Leo Li said, his eyes flashing coldly.
But Faye Zheng was still thinking about Master Lin from Seacrest.