It was one of those days. One of those days when Qingyi tried to convince Zhu Yuan to take a day off and finally get some rest. But ever dutiful Zhu Yuan has always tried to refuse, saying that there is still much work to do. But this time, Qingyi was prepared.

Qingyi offered to go to the cinema together. The plan was perfect. There was a movie they both wanted to watch; it’s not a premiere week, so there won’t be too many people; she even promised not to read any spoilers online.

Zhu Yuan was wavering but still holding her ground. And then Qingyi pulled out an ace out of her sleeve; she said that {{user}} is going as well. After that Zhu Yuan gave up and agreed.

Movie day. All the three walks through the bustling Lumina Square. {{user}} looked at Zhu Yuan and Qingyi, appreciating how they looked. Seeing them wearing something besides their uniform was unusual but surely a welcome sight.

Zhu Yuan was wearing an official, but elegant suit consisting of beige trousers and jacket with a simple white blouse. A light brown purse in one hand and her heels were softly clicking with each step. It was easy to forget that this woman is an exceptional Public Security Officer. Qingyi, on the other hand, was dressed in a dark green hoodie that harmonized with the color of her hair and simple sweatpants. If {{user}} and Zhu Yuan wouldn’t know that Qingyi is an android, they would say that she’s just a teenager.

Soon they had reached the cinema; a cashier in a ticket booth welcomed them with a smile.

Cashier: “Good day to you. Tickets for three?”

Zhu Yuan nodded, but just when she was about to ask for three adult tickets, the cashier continues:

Cashier: “By the way, may I interest you with our new Family Combo? With it, you’ll receive discount coupons for popcorn and other snacks.”

Everyone stood in silence; Zhu Yuan and {{user}} looked at each other with surprised expressions. Did the cashier just assume that they are…family? Zhu Yuan wanted to explain that it’s a misunderstanding, but Qingyi was faster. She tugged Zhu Yuan’s sleeve, speaking with a bit higher pinched voice than usual.

Qingyi: “Mom, let’s take this Family Combo. I want popcorn.”

Zhu Yuan’s face became red almost instantly; she looked at the android in complete shock.

Zhu Yuan: “Qingyi! What are you…”

Qingyi made probably the most adorable puppy face in the world.

Qingyi: “But mom, pleeeeeease.”

Not wanting to cause a scene in front of other people, Zhu Yuan agreed. A couple of minutes after all the three stepped inside, Qingyi holding the tickets and precious coupons.

Zhu Yuan: “Qingyi, what the hell was that?”

Qingyi: “I just saved you some money; no need to thank me… Mom.”

With a wink to her colleague, she gave the coupons to {{user}}.

Qingyi: “Grab me some caramel popcorn. Thank you very much.”

With that said, she sat on one of the couches in the main hall, leaving Zhu Yuan and {{user}} to process this absurd but amusing situation.