Jiang Xiaoya — her supposed bestie, whom she'd always secretly thought came up a notch short in every way — had beaten her to the punch and won Lin Feng's affection.
And not just that… she now owns a car of her own!
Jealousy.
Raw, biting jealousy gnawed at Zhou Xiaomeng's pride.
"Brother, how about… we go watch a movie together to celebrate?"
Jiang Xiaoya fought to keep her excitement in check, clinging to Lin Feng's arm and acting sweet, while shooting Zhou Xiaomeng a pointed glance. She deliberately raised her voice: "Mengmeng, come with us too! It'll be more fun with more people!"
Lin Feng was a little confused, but from the look in Jiang Xiaoya's eyes, he could tell she had an agenda. He smiled and nodded in agreement.
Zhou Xiaomeng hesitated.
She wanted to leave, but her feet felt rooted to the spot.
She wanted to stay, yet it was mortifying.
Before she could speak, Lin Feng suddenly put an arm around Jiang Xiaoya and, as if just remembering something, said with mock realization:
"Oh, right, I think Mengmeng has a boyfriend, doesn't she? It's late — he's probably expecting her for a date. Let's just make it the two of us. We'll catch a movie, then maybe stroll around and see if there's anything else you like, and I'll buy it for you too!"
Those three words — boyfriend — stabbed Zhou Xiaomeng hard.
And that follow-up, "buy it for you too"? Total knockout punch.
"I'm not meeting anyone! I can come!"
The words burst out of Zhou Xiaomeng before she could stop herself.
She'd used every ounce of strength in her body. It was an answer — and more like a declaration.
Not just that she could go to the movies, but that whatever Jiang Xiaoya could do, she could do too.
"Oh? You really can?"
A playful curve tugged at Lin Feng's lips.
Before the words finished, his arm still circled Jiang Xiaoya's slim waist, but his other hand shot out lightning-fast and locked around Zhou Xiaomeng's slender waist.
"Ah!"
Zhou Xiaomeng's body jerked, her mind going completely blank.
Even Chen Mo, her boyfriend, had once tried to gather the courage to put his arm around her — and she'd pushed him away without mercy.
She'd always felt she was still too young for anything too intimate.
But now… Lin Feng was holding her!
One arm on each of them, like an ancient emperor with his concubines flanking him.
And she was just one of them.
"Hmm… looks like Mengmeng's got a bit more meat on her than Xiaoya."
Lin Feng's fingers gave her waist a light pinch, comparing them like he was picking out goods.
The teasing remark and gesture sent a fresh wave of shame crashing over Zhou Xiaomeng; her cheeks burned instantly.
"Hmph! Brother!"
Jiang Xiaoya, catching on immediately, practically climbed Lin Feng, rubbing her voluptuous chest against his arm as she cooed, "Then hold me! My waist is slimmer! Don't hold her!"
She even stuck out her tongue and gave Lin Feng's earlobe a light lick — the move was pure, shameless flirt.
"But I like a little more cushion."
Lin Feng smiled and pecked Jiang Xiaoya's cheek, but his arm around Zhou Xiaomeng didn't budge.
That sentence hit Zhou Xiaomeng like an electric jolt.
All the shame, awkwardness, and even the guilt toward her boyfriend vanished in an instant, replaced by a strange flicker of pride.
Being held by Lin Feng meant she was, in status, on par with Jiang Xiaoya.
And now he'd said he preferred her type…
Did that mean if she did what Jiang Xiaoya did — maybe even better — Lin Feng would cherish her more?
Which meant… she could get more. Better things.
Maybe… a car even pricier than the SU7?
"Alright, let's all go together."
Smiling, Lin Feng strolled out of the 4S store with one beauty on each arm.
Jiang Xiaoya was already floating in a haze of happiness and fantasies of the future, plastered to Lin Feng like she'd give him everything right then and there to repay him.
Zhou Xiaomeng, pinned by Lin Feng's strong arm, felt the warmth of his palm seep into her. Her insides were a tangled mess.
Shame, nervousness, anticipation, and a sliver of guilt for betraying her boyfriend twisted together, freezing her thoughts. All she could do was let Lin Feng guide her forward.
"Which theater are we hitting?" Lin Feng asked Jiang Xiaoya.
"I know a great spot — awesome atmosphere, tons of great reviews online!"
With a mysterious smile, Jiang Xiaoya tapped a few times on her phone.
About half an hour later, the taxi stopped in front of a commercial building.
"Light & Moment Private Cinema."
The sign was modest, but the decor oozed style.
The staff at the entrance did a double-take when they saw Lin Feng strolling in with two stunningly different beauties, one on each arm.
Most folks who came here were couples looking for some privacy — sometimes it was basically a makeshift hourly hotel.
He'd seen guys juggling two girls before, but never one who could bring both to the same "room" and keep things chill. This guy was definitely the first.
Boss level. Absolute boss.
The staffer mentally gave major props, keeping his smile extra respectful.
Jiang Xiaoya had never been there either, but she'd done her homework online. Without missing a beat, she gave the reservation number for their private booth.
For Lin Feng and Zhou Xiaomeng, it was a first. Following the attendant down a hushed hallway, they felt this place was nothing like a regular cinema — eerily quiet.
The attendant led them to a door, swiped the card, opened it, and bowed himself out.
The moment the door swung open, Zhou Xiaomeng's face flamed red.
Lin Feng blinked, then instantly clocked Jiang Xiaoya's "brilliant" setup.
This wasn't a movie theater — in the center of the room sat a massive circular bed, no seats in sight.
Straight ahead, a giant screen filled the wall, playing some old romance flick, soft music drifting through the air.
The ceiling twinkled with starry lights, the mood unmistakably intimate.
"Wow!"
Jiang Xiaoya squealed in delight and pounced onto the bed like a little wildcat, rolling around happily. Her ultra-short hot pants revealed the full curve of her round, perky rear with every twist, and her black stockings gleamed under the starlight.
After a few rolls, she sat up and beamed at Lin Feng, clearly showing off: "Brother, I picked the perfect spot, right? This place has the best reviews online — and the biggest bed!"
Lin Feng eyed her flirty display and quipped, "You seem pretty experienced. Been here before?"
"Nope!" Jiang Xiaoya scrambled over at once, dropping to her knees in front of him, wrapping her arms around his legs. "It's my first time! I just saw tons of good reviews when I was researching, so I wanted to bring Brother here to try it!"
"We'll find out soon if it's really your first."
Lin Feng smiled, a glint of amusement flashing in his eyes.