Chapter 019: Watching a Movie Together

Shen Qingli and Pei Songjiang were sitting in a café. Since Pei said the rain wasn’t going to stop anytime soon, instead of just sitting around, he suggested they go upstairs and catch a movie.

After all, they were already in the mall, and there was a cinema on the upper floor.

Though they weren’t exactly close—not even to the point of watching a movie together—Pei Songjiang was clearly a kind person, the type with a strong sense of justice. He didn’t feel comfortable leaving Shen Qingli alone.

He’d first offered to hail her a ride—she refused.
Then he suggested having a meal together—she declined again.
Now he proposed watching a movie together to kill time, and if she rejected him once more, it would come off as rude.

Shen Qingli said a bit awkwardly, “Senior, you really don’t have to keep me company. I can just wait here for the rain to stop.”

Pei Songjiang looked at her and replied after a few seconds, “Did you forget what happened the last time on the bus?”

Shen Qingli blinked and belatedly realized he was referring to their first meeting—when she was harassed on the bus.

She immediately looked a bit embarrassed. “I didn’t forget…”

Pei Songjiang said, “You’re too soft-natured. That makes you easy to bully. Besides, it’s already late.”

He glanced at his watch. “It’s almost eight. You’re all alone and don’t even have your phone—how is that safe? What, are you planning to bike home in this weather?”

As he spoke, his gaze was focused and stern, making Shen Qingli instinctively reply, “N-no, I won’t bike.”

Especially since the rain was so heavy—she really couldn’t ride in it.

Seeing her give in, Pei Songjiang’s expression softened. He stood up and said, “Alright, let’s go see that movie. There’s a popular animated one out now—have you seen it?”

Shen Qingli shook her head. “No…”

But did they really need to watch a movie just to kill time?

Shen Qingli still felt a little awkward.

She hesitantly suggested, “Senior, maybe I should just get a ride—”

But Pei Songjiang, looking down at his phone, acted like he didn’t hear her.
“The movie starts in twenty minutes—just enough time to buy tickets. Let’s go with row six, that’s a good spot. Do you want popcorn?”

Shen Qingli couldn’t even keep up with his pace.

Wait—wasn’t he just asking if she wanted to see a movie? Since when did he already decide and buy the tickets?

She was dazed. “Eat—uh, n-no, maybe no popcorn.”

Pei Songjiang glanced at her, tapped twice on his phone, and said, “Alright, no popcorn then. Bring your milk tea—we’re heading upstairs.”

So Shen Qingli obediently grabbed both her milk tea and Pei’s, one in each hand, and followed quietly behind him.

Pei Songjiang glanced back at her and felt a rush of warmth.

He admitted it—he had a bit of a mischievous streak.

Shen Qingli was exactly his type.

The first time he saw her on that bus, his heart had skipped a beat.

He’d never been in a relationship before.

Shen Qingli looked like the classic “good girl”—long straight black hair, big eyes, cherry lips, and pale skin.

Even her voice was soft and gentle, and when she looked at you, her eyes seemed to speak.

She couldn’t hide her emotions at all.

She was sweet, obedient…

Which was why someone like Pei Songjiang—with a strong personality and controlling tendencies—was instantly drawn to her.

He had originally planned to slowly and carefully pursue her.

But plans couldn’t keep up with life’s surprises.

This afternoon, when he saw that Shen Qingli had blocked him on WeChat, he had felt genuinely disappointed.

So now, he decided to speed things up.

She still wore his baseball cap—he hadn’t reminded her, and she hadn’t noticed.

They arrived at the elevator, Pei Songjiang saying, “Sixth floor.”

Shen Qingli nodded, still debating the whole movie thing.

Pei Songjiang suddenly added, “This movie’s really popular. I’ve wanted to see it for a while, but couldn’t find anyone to go with. Will you go with me?”

Shen Qingli: “…”

She stared at him in a daze.

Pei Songjiang had already helped her a lot—he’d even given her that neon jade succulent. In her mind, he was a really good person.

Now, faced with his hopeful gaze, how could she refuse?

Shen Qingli nodded firmly. “Of course, Senior Pei! I’ll go with you!”

A faint smile flashed across Pei Songjiang’s face. “Then thank you, Ali.”

The movie was about two hours long, starting at 8:40. By the time it ended, it was nearly 11.

When they left the cinema, the rain had eased a lot.

Standing at the mall entrance, watching the light drizzle, Pei Songjiang said apologetically, “Sorry for keeping you out so late. I didn’t expect it to be this late. Won’t your family be worried?”

Shen Qingli shook her head. The movie had been so engrossing that it made her forget, if only for a while, about the people and troubles at the Jiang family.

But now that she was outside again, she had to return… and face Madam Jiang’s temper.

She said quietly, “Didn’t I use your phone to call my dad earlier? He knows I’ll be late—he won’t worry.”

But she was worried about Madam Jiang asking questions later.

The thought left her feeling uneasy again.

Pei Songjiang took out his phone to book a ride and asked, “You’re going back to the Jiang home? Give me the address—I’ll call a car for you.”

Shen Qingli gave him the address.

Though she didn’t want to go back, it was already eleven—she couldn’t avoid it any longer.

Pei Songjiang called a ride, then looked at her and asked gently, “What’s wrong? You don’t want to go back?”

Shen Qingli didn’t know how to answer.

She wasn’t used to talking about her troubles with others.

She just shook her head. “Not really… there’s just some other reason.”

Pei Songjiang didn’t press her and fell silent.

Soon, the car arrived. He opened the back door, and Shen Qingli got in. He gently closed the door.

She rolled down the window and leaned out to say goodbye—

But suddenly, the other door opened.

Pei Songjiang stepped in with his long legs and sat down. “Driver, let’s go.”

Shen Qingli turned in surprise. “Senior, do you live in Dongshan too?”

Dongshan was an area full of luxury villas. Did Pei Songjiang live there too?

Pei Songjiang chuckled. “Of course not. I just don’t feel at ease letting you go alone.”

So he came along to make sure she got home safely.

Shen Qingli never expected him to be this thoughtful.

In her past life, she had been with Jiang Junwen for five years, and he had never treated her with such care.

She felt a bit moved and said sincerely, “Thank you, Senior Pei. You’re a really good person.”

Pei Songjiang: “…”

He sighed softly. “Don’t thank me.”

He didn’t want to be “just a good person.”

Because he wasn’t helping her out of pure kindness—he had his own motives.

He was just good at pretending.

A predator never bares its fangs at the start of a hunt—it lies in wait, silent and patient.