The arrivals hall at LAX was crowded with people.
As soon as Ethan came out, he saw a bright figure not far away waving her hand vigorously, uncontrollable joy on her face: "Babe! I'm here!"
Before she finished speaking, Sophie had already let go of her flight attendant's signature black suitcase and, like a cheerful butterfly, threw herself lightly into Ethan's arms.
Ethan naturally wrapped his arm around her slender waist while Sophie held onto his arm affectionately, and the two of them snuggled together as if no one else existed, laughing as they walked toward the exit.
Without Jessica's presence, Sophie looked particularly relaxed and cheerful, wholeheartedly enjoying this rare "just the two of us" time.
Although she knew her position in her heart, this moment of exclusive attention still felt sweet as candy.
In others' eyes, they looked like a sweet couple in love.
After leaving the airport, the two took an Uber.
"I'll take you to get some authentic California cuisine." Ethan still preferred the local food scene.
At the dinner table, Sophie bit her chopstick, rolled her eyes playfully, and proposed in a coquettish tone: "Babe~ Let's go see a movie after dinner, okay?"
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Ethan thought for a moment—he didn't have anything else planned, so he nodded in agreement: "Sure, I'm all yours today. Whatever you want to do."
"Babe, you're the best! Here's your reward!"
Sophie happily kissed Ethan loudly on the cheek, then leaned into his ear again and whispered with shy temptation in a breath only the two of them could hear: "And tonight, I'll do whatever you want..."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, his eyes suddenly lighting up with interest: "Oh? You promise?"
Sophie's cheeks flushed crimson as she lowered her head shyly, her voice barely above a whisper: "Mm-hmm..."
After eating, the two found a large movie theater nearby.
Checking the showtimes, Ethan shook his head slightly.
Sophie's suggestion today just touched on the long-brewing idea in his mind—it was time to get into the entertainment industry.
Whether investing in an existing company or directly creating his own entertainment empire, there was serious potential.
When his new team was in place, this would be a strategic direction that needed discussion.
"Babe, should we watch this one?" Sophie's voice interrupted his thoughts as she pointed to a romance movie with a pretty poster.
Ethan glanced at it and had no impression, but from the title alone he knew it was the typical formulaic romantic drama. "Sure, if you like it."
He wasn't here for the movie content anyway.
Sophie immediately went to the counter to buy tickets, specially choosing seats in the back row, and brought back a large bucket of popcorn and two iced Cokes.
Entering the theater, Sophie had picked seats in the very last row.
There were very few other moviegoers in the screening room—it was almost like a private showing for the two of them.
Sophie set down the snacks and drinks, then snuggled into Ethan's arms, waiting excitedly for the movie to start.
After the movie began, Sophie could still focus on the screen intently, but half an hour later, her cheeks were stained with a lovely blush and her breathing became slightly rapid.
"Babe..."
With a slightly aggrieved tone, she gently pushed Ethan, "Can we... just watch the movie properly? You're too..."
Ethan acted like he hadn't heard, but his hands became even bolder.
Sophie felt like she was about to lose control, so she quickly grabbed Ethan's hand, her voice trembling with a hint of shakiness: "Babe... should we... leave?"
Ethan stopped his movements and looked down at her, question in his eyes: "Don't want to finish the movie?"
Sophie bit her lip and shook her head quickly, her eyes misty, three parts shy and seven parts seductive: "Where else would I want to go?"
"Let's go!"
Ethan didn't hesitate at all, took Sophie's hand, and quickly left the screening room under the dim movie lighting.
Walking out of the theater, the evening breeze was slightly cool.
Sophie hugged Ethan's arm tightly, leaning half her body against him, her voice a bit whiny: "It's all your fault... I didn't get to finish the movie..."
Ethan looked at her sideways with a smirk: "Didn't you say you'd do whatever I wanted tonight? I'm just collecting some interest in advance."
Sophie hit him in mock embarrassment, but her face was full of sweetness.
The two grabbed an Uber nearby and headed straight to the nearest five-star hotel.
They checked in quickly at the front desk, and after getting the room key, couldn't wait to take the elevator upstairs.
They slept soundly and woke up after five in the afternoon.
The afterglow of the setting sun streamed into the room through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The two simply ordered room service and enjoyed dinner directly in the suite.
After the meal, Ethan began packing his things to head home.
Sophie hugged him from behind, pressing her face against his back, her tone reluctant: "Babe... I don't want you to go... Or... can you take me home with you?"
She raised her head, her eyes flashing with boldness and a hint of longing, "I want to see what your parents are like! Maybe if I behave well and they like me, I'll be able to level up in the future and become the main girlfriend!"
She said it half-jokingly, half-seriously.
Ethan turned around, his expression calm and composed, and didn't refuse: "Okay, if you want to come, then come with me."
"Really?"
Sophie's eyes instantly burst with surprise, clearly moved.
Ethan's tone was casual: "When have I lied to you? Come home with me—maybe they'll be happy and really give you a warm welcome."
Sophie confirmed excitedly: "So I'm really going home with you? Don't take it back!"
She shook her head proudly: "I didn't expect I'd be the first one to meet your parents!"
Her words were full of victorious pride.
However, when it actually came time to go, Sophie's energy suddenly deflated.
An inexplicable nervousness and apprehension grabbed her. "I... I'm not ready yet..."
Her eyes dodged and her voice lowered: "Why don't I... get prepared first... If you're willing to take me... I'll go home with you another time? I'm so nervous right now... What if your parents don't like me and kick me out... How embarrassing would that be..."
Ethan was both annoyed and amused. He asked twice, but Sophie flinched like a frightened rabbit and absolutely refused to budge.
Ethan had no choice but to give up.
This kind of "all talk, no action" behavior was very Sophie indeed.
In the end, Ethan took an Uber home alone.
"You're back?" His mother Sarah's voice came from the kitchen.
Ethan set down his bag and walked over with a smile, skillfully rubbing his mother's shoulder: "Yeah, I'm back. Mom, where's Emma? Still not back from her trip?"
Sarah patted his hand: "Your sister and her friends went to San Diego, said they'd be back tomorrow. You two kids, always running around, can't stay home."
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