The theater lights dimmed completely, and the giant screen flickered to life. Dramatic music blasted through the speakers as the opening scene of the "action" movie began.
Chen adjusted the popcorn bucket on his lap.
Then—
He carefully lowered Yun Hu into the half-empty popcorn box.
The little demon didn't hesitate.
Seasoned popcorn? Acceptable.
He began munching enthusiastically, tiny crunching sounds barely audible under the explosions from the movie. His paws were buried deep inside the bucket, whiskers dusted lightly with seasoning.
Chen leaned closer and whispered, "Slow down… you're eating like a glutton."
Yun Hu ignored him completely.
Crunch.
Crunch.
Crunch.
On the screen, a hero dramatically jumped off a building in slow motion.
Xu Jin and the two girls were fully focused.
Rina gasped quietly.
Ari leaned forward in excitement.
Xu Jin's eyes followed every movement carefully, completely invested.
Chen blinked at the screen.
Ten minutes later—
