Chapter 166: Chapter 167: Just Shy of Naming Names
"Why did Silas Cheney suddenly send you on a business trip?"
Silas Cheney is well aware of Thea Lynch’s situation. Normally, Silas wouldn’t make such a decision.
Ian Preston’s gaze lingered on Thea Lynch. "To discuss a collaboration?"
"Not necessarily." There might be a process for that, but it’s full of uncertainties.
"It’s a smart conference, and companies with recognizable names both domestically and internationally will be participating. Domestically, Valiant, Dilitech, and FK are already confirmed to attend. Stratus, of course, will also go."
"I have a heavy task this time, as I have to lead and be responsible for everything. The company is quite busy currently, so I’m temporarily called to step in."
Talking about work, Thea Lynch seemed to have opened up, transitioning from being a bit shy and awkward to being completely unreserved, enthusiastically introducing this exhibition to Ian Preston.
"This time, what Stratus will be showcasing is..."
Suddenly, Thea Lynch’s words came to a halt.
The lights in the movie theater had long gone out, with the only light source being the big screen in front of them. As the scene played, the light flickered on their bodies, alternately dimming and brightening.
Ian Preston turned slightly to look at her, without saying a word throughout, just quietly listening to her introduction. His black eyes were clear, and the light in his eyes never wavered from her, mixed with a hint of a smile. It was very subtle, but because of the close distance, Thea Lynch could see it clearly.
He seemed very pleased, his usually indifferent pupils now growing increasingly joyful with her words.
Her heart felt like an old bell in a dilapidated ancient temple, suddenly struck by someone.
The force wasn’t strong, but for some reason, at the moment it hit her heart, it couldn’t resist trembling violently.
The words on her lips suddenly got stuck.
——
In the last row, Silas Cheney took a sip of coffee. "This atmosphere seems a bit different, as if the next step is to kiss."
"..." Sean Bell turned his head and glared at him, "Can you shut up?"
Silas Cheney felt that Sean was being unreasonable and glared back. "Does my movie-watching bother you?"
Sean Bell turned around to glance at the big screen and immediately saw the scene of the male and female leads kissing.
"..."
He was somewhat speechless. "Are you here to watch a movie?"
Silas Cheney rolled his eyes. "If I keep watching those two, I’d be arrested as a pervert."
After speaking, his gaze inadvertently swept over the two in the front rows. His previously nonchalant face was instantly replaced with surprise.
"What’s going on?!"
What did he miss?!
"Why are those two still talking? Fifteen minutes ago, they were talking, and now they haven’t stopped?"
"They’ve stopped talking." Sean Bell crossed his arms, "See, they’re not saying anything now."
Being closer, Sean Bell could clearly see that Thea Lynch was no longer speaking.
They just stared silently at each other.
But the atmosphere seemed even more subtle than when they were chatting earlier.
There was an indescribable feeling.
It was just... perfectly in line with the movie.
Like other couples.
Thea Lynch was the first to avert her gaze in the front row, hastily grabbing a handful of popcorn to eat, trying to divert her attention.
To ease the awkward atmosphere.
Midway through the movie, the plot reached its biggest turning point. Faintly, conversations could be heard among other couples in the theater. The female audience seemed to be emotionally moved by the plot, unable to hold back sobbing, with the males clumsily comforting them.
Thea Lynch hadn’t been paying attention to the plot at all. Compared to the emotional fluctuations of others, her heart was utterly undisturbed at this moment.
Completely unaware of what was happening.
She looked up at the screen seriously for two minutes before slowly catching up to the plot.
The originally loving male and female leads were forced to separate due to various reasons, with one leaving for abroad and the other staying behind.
"..." Thea Lynch silently ate a couple of popcorns, thinking that no matter what, just eating was the right thing.
Of course, Sean Bell also noticed the plot and couldn’t help but ask Silas Cheney, "Did you write this script?"
Silas Cheney asked seriously, "Do I look like someone with that skill?"
"Did you watch the trailer before you came? What kind of movie did you choose?" Isn’t this a veiled implication? They’re just short of directly naming it.
The fact that Thea Lynch could keep watching is a miracle.
"No, I didn’t." Silas truly hadn’t watched the trailer. "But online reviews said it’s well-shot, and it’s the only romance movie recently. What do you want me to do?"
"Besides, romance movies are naturally dramatic with ups and downs. These days, breaking up and reuniting is perfectly normal, isn’t it? If it were smooth sailing, what would be interesting to shoot?"
Silas Cheney was very satisfied with the plot. "Online reviews said, happy ending."
No matter how heartbreaking the process is, as long as the ending is good, it’s fine.
"This is also an implied hint of sorts. After watching it, Thea Lynch will definitely be touched."
Sean Bell: "Ha-ha."
——
Thea Lynch didn’t need to watch the latter half of the movie plot; she could guess it.
The male and female leads reunite, sparks fly instantly, followed by a reconciliation.
The scene at the end of the male and female leads’ wedding was very heartwarming, with couples in the theater boldly embracing and kissing.
Right in front of Thea Lynch were two such couples.
When she looked up at the screen, her peripheral vision would inadvertently catch sight of them.
Helplessly, Thea Lynch had to lower her head, continuing with her popcorn.
At the moment, she’s utterly grateful to Ian Preston. If it weren’t for him buying this tub of popcorn, she wouldn’t know what to do to appear calm.
All her actions were clearly seen by Ian Preston. Her flustered attempt to avoid eye contact was too obvious.
Looking panicked, coupled with her constant nibbling, she resembled a frightened little hamster.
Only when the movie ended and the lights came up bright did Thea Lynch let out a breath of relief.
Sean Bell and Silas Cheney had already sneaked out before the lights came up, and Thea Lynch, engrossed in eating, hadn’t noticed them.
Ian Preston, though, took another look at them.
Having drunk juice, once they left the theater, Thea Lynch went to the restroom.
Ian Preston waited for her on the first floor of the cinema.
In a corner, two people were trying to sneak away when Ian Preston’s sharp gaze stopped them. "Stop right there."
"..."
With a queue at the women’s restroom, it was certain Thea Lynch would take a while, so Ian Preston strode toward the duo.
At the end of the corridor, Ian Preston gave Silas Cheney a kick.
It didn’t hurt, as he hadn’t used any force, but Silas Cheney still let out a yelp. "Hey, why are you doing this, third brother?"
"When did you two arrive?"
Ian Preston asked with his hands in his pockets, face stern.
Silas Cheney dared not tell the truth. "Right around when the movie started. It was purely coincidental."
Whether it was coincidental or not, Ian Preston knew well enough in his heart.
He lowered his voice. "You sure it wasn’t during dinner?"
Silas Cheney: "..."
Sean Bell turned his head, silently gazing elsewhere, looking as if he were detached and offline.
"Nope." Silas Cheney still tried to struggle.
"The table by the staircase on the first floor of the restaurant."
"Third brother recognized us back then?" Silas Cheney was dumbfounded.
"No." Ian Preston: "But judging by your reaction now, it must be right."
