The private home theater reminded Su Bai of the music practice rooms at his high school back in the day.
Both shared the same dim, muted tones, with sound-absorbing panels lining the walls, creating an atmosphere of serene quietness the moment you stepped inside.
Of course, the materials used in his rural high school’s decor were nowhere near as luxurious as this place.
After coordinating with the apartment staff, they confirmed that the film Xia Lin wanted to watch was available for screening.
And so, the movie began without a hitch.
"Su Bai, is this your first time watching a movie with a girl?" Xia Lin twirled a loose strand of hair near her temple and asked casually.
“Pretty much. Well, unless you count childhood friends,” Su Bai replied with a light chuckle. “I have a childhood friend who lived right across from me. Our parents used to take us to the movies together when we were little. I think we watched some Hollywood blockbuster back then, but I’ve forgotten what it was about… Honestly, it couldn’t compare to Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf.”
Kids usually lack the patience to truly appreciate films.
That’s why movie theaters are always filled with the sound of children fidgeting and chattering.
"That definitely doesn’t count. Childhood friends rarely develop into romantic relationships—they know each other too well."
"True."
Su Bai’s lips curled into a faint smile as he reminisced about his many shared memories with Jiang Qiuran.
He had no idea what was going through her head, insisting on joining their travel group.
Weren’t they supposed to pretend not to know each other in college?
Yet here she was, sticking close to him again. Weird.
Ah well. Jiang Qiuran had always been hard to read, and Su Bai couldn’t be bothered to figure her out.
Back then, he didn’t care to try. Now, as a newly minted tycoon, he didn’t need to. Beautiful women ought to be the ones deciphering his thoughts.
"Alright, the opening credits are over. The movie’s starting~"
Xia Lin nudged Su Bai’s arm, signaling him to settle down, then turned her full attention to the screen.
To be honest, Su Bai had zero appreciation for art films.
He much preferred action-packed battles or lighthearted slice-of-life comedies.
But with Xia Lin beside him, her delicate fragrance lingering in the air, he found the experience oddly pleasant.
The dimly lit private theater offered excellent privacy.
Unlike commercial cinemas, there were no surveillance cameras here.
Rich guys living in luxury apartments often used this exact setup to impress their dates.
But Xia Lin was nothing like those shallow, materialistic girls.
So Su Bai took his time, occasionally stealing glances at her.
Her refined, aristocratic features looked especially striking under the flickering glow of the screen.
After a few too many looks, Xia Lin finally noticed and tilted her head to meet his gaze.
"Why do you keep staring at me?"
"You’re beautiful."
"Tsk~"
Instead of blushing, her bright eyes only grew more captivating.
"Su Bai, I’ve always wanted a close friend who could be like a 'little brother' to me—someone to hang out with, chat about anything… Sigh, but most guys I meet are so superficial."
"Do I come across as deep in your eyes, Director Xia?"
"Of course. You’re different… So, how about it? Want to call me 'big sis'?"
"Absolutely."
"Then scoot closer."
Su Bai shifted toward her until their shoulders nearly touched, close enough to feel her warm breath.
"From now on, I’ll call you Xiao Bai. You can call me Lin-jie or just 'sis.'"
"Got it, Lin-jie."
"Now lie down. Let your big sis pamper you—rest your head here."
She patted her yoga pants-clad thigh, gesturing for him to lay his head on it.
Wait—was this… the legendary lap pillow?
Her thighs were shapely and firm from regular workouts.
The moment his head made contact, he was enveloped in an indescribable, blissful softness.
"You had wine at lunch, and your face is a little flushed. Let me massage your temples."
"...This level of service?"
Su Bai was genuinely surprised. He could tell Xia Lin was trying to get closer to him.
After all, she probably had feelings for him.
Don’t assume wealthy, well-bred girls are immune to money. The stricter the upbringing, the more they prioritize a partner’s financial status—after that’s checked off, then comes looks, personality, and so on.
Not to sound arrogant, but among rich guys, Su Bai’s looks and charm were top-tier.
So Xia Lin falling for him was only natural.
Still, he hadn’t expected her approach to involve a lap pillow and a scalp massage…
Talk about wifey material.
A few strokes in, Su Bai was already humming in contentment.
"Too much pressure?"
"No, it’s perfect. Feels amazing." Su Bai admitted. "Lin-jie, did you study massage?"
"Mhm. My mom taught me. She said that after marriage, I should take good care of my husband, make him feel the warmth of home—that’s the key to a lasting, happy marriage." She pinched Su Bai’s nose playfully. "This is husband-tier treatment. Consider yourself lucky."
"Heh."
Su Bai grinned goofily but didn’t elaborate.
There was no mistaking it—this was as direct as Xia Lin, the traditional wifey type, would ever get.
With her, Su Bai finally experienced something he’d long yearned for: the feeling of being cared for by an older sister.
It resonated deeply with him.
Having lost his parents young, he’d grown up fiercely independent—but who wouldn’t enjoy being pampered?
His mind drifted to comparing Xia Lin and Zhou Jialu.
Technically, Senior Zhou was only a year younger than Xia Lin—one a college senior, the other a grad student.
Yet with Zhou Jialu, Su Bai never felt she was mentally older than him.
She gave off more of a spoiled, delicate vibe.
At her core, Zhou Jialu was the sweet girl-next-door type—just overshadowed by her bombshell physique.
Xia Lin, on the other hand, was the dependable big sister.
Elegant Noble Lady vs. Charming Girl-Next-Door—ever heard of it?
Not that Su Bai needed to choose.
They’ll both be mine eventually!
Truthfully, the wine from lunch had left Su Bai slightly drowsy, and Xia Lin’s massage was too relaxing.
Coupled with the soporific art film, he was out cold within minutes.
[Ding! Detected host sleeping on an S-tier goddess’s lap—classified as special indulgent behavior. Reward: +1,000,000 CNY. Reward: Skill—Finance & Economics (Master Level)]
If this were a pretentious artsy girl, she’d be furious at him for dozing off and probably roast him on social media.
But Xia Lin wasn’t that type.
Her reason for bringing Su Bai to a private screening had an ulterior motive.
Now that her goal was achieved…
With Su Bai fast asleep, she could indulge in something far more interesting…
Just as Xia Lin was about to lift the hem of Su Bai's T-shirt, his phone, lying nearby, lit up with an incoming message.
【(China Construction Bank) Your account ending has received a deposit of 1,000,000.00 yuan—investment portfolio settlement...】
Instantly, Xia Lin's eyes widened in shock.
grated, and just when he finally managed to get into an elite academy, he discovered that he actually had a system, and the way to earn rewards was extremely ridiculous. So for the sake of rewards, he had no choice but to start acting ridiculous as well. Su Cheng: "It's nothing but system quests after all." But later, what confused Su Cheng was that while he was already quite ridiculous, he never expected those serious characters to gradually become ridiculous too. And the way they looked at him became increasingly strange... (This synopsis doesn't do it justice, please read the full story)
with countless casualties. As a top-tier gamer, Liu Xuan volunteered to join the fight, intending to dominate with his skills, but instead he obtained the hidden class: [Pacifist]. Unable to attack. Unable to use active skills. Fortunately, with each level gained, he acquired a new passive skill. And so, armed with a body full of passives, Liu Xuan slaughtered his way through the battlefield of ten thousand races! [You attacked Liu Xuan] [You gained the debuffs: 'Poison', 'Fear', 'Burning', 'Bleeding', 'Freeze', 'Silence', etc.] [Your attack speed has been reduced by 99%] [Your armor and magic resistance have been reduced by 99%] Warriors of the Ten Thousand Races: How the hell am I supposed to fight this?!
agon king storylines. At the start, I obtained the "Ultimate Lackey System" - the more I act as a lackey, the stronger I become. What else could I do? I chose to become the personal henchman of the ultimate villain, Su Muwan. I provoke all sorts of chosen ones, snatch away their opportunities, and commit every evil deed imaginable. You ask who's behind me? Hmph! You're not worthy of knowing my lady's name! ...... ....... I am Su Muwan, the eldest daughter of the Su family. Since childhood, I've possessed extraordinary talent in martial arts, which led to my arrogant and domineering personality in my past life. I was even foolish enough to repeatedly challenge those favored by heaven, ultimately resulting in a tragic death. In this life, I must behave and absolutely cannot walk the same path again!! However... SLAP!! "So you're the Dragon King, huh?!" When I saw my little lackey swagger over and viciously slap the Dragon King who was hiding his identity, I felt my heart sink. Su Muwan's suspended heart finally died as she watched Qin Luo, her utterly loyal lackey, standing before her. She fainted on the spot from shock. Heaven is determined to destroy me!! (Pure love 1v1, light-hearted, no angst, single female lead, villain, reincarnation, lackey)
for mindless slaughter, this isn't for you.] My name is Ye Shu, and I'm a transmigrator. It seems I'm supposed to be the protagonist, but that feels pretty unlikely. This world has been invaded by a system. The antagonists on the other side have suddenly become pure, flawless saints. The female leads have been force-fed the so-called "original plot," making them think they've been reborn. Now, everyone thinks I'm scum. Including the old lady in my ring. And here I am, in the Monster Beast Mountain Range, braising pork. To put my situation in perspective— It's as if, the moment Xiao Yan stepped into the Monster Beast Mountain Range, the Soul Emperor already knew he would become the Flame Emperor, and Yao Lao had been turned to the enemy's side. I have nothing right now. Oh wait, that's not true. I do have a white-haired loli child-bride who's the Heavenly Dao, and her only skill is acting cute. So, tell me guys... what are my chances of making it to the end?
