A sophisticated gentleman stood under a streetlamp, his thin suit and vintage hat contrasting with the desolate surroundings of the movie theater. Though he appeared to be in his thirties, the mature aura he exuded was undeniably alluring. Elizabeth and Lisa couldn't help but glance at him when they arrived at the theater.
"I really like men with a hint of stubble, like that mature-looking guy over there," Lisa said with a smile. "But... I guess you wouldn't be interested in someone like him, since you're not into Jason. I can tell."
Elizabeth glanced at the man. He, too, walked towards them and nodded politely, tipping his hat and placing it on his chest. He was well-mannered, almost as if he had come from a different century, which added to his appeal.
The man merely nodded at the two of them and showed no intention of getting closer.
They bought their tickets and entered the theater. As luck would have it, the man also seemed to have entered. He took the seat next to Elizabeth and nodded at her with a smile.
Elizabeth politely acknowledged him and tried her best not to pay him any further attention. There was something peculiar about him that made her uneasy. He seemed like an antique, yet possessed such gentlemanly manners towards women.
In truth, Elizabeth admired men like him. Despite her efforts to resist, she couldn't help but steal glances. However, she noticed that the man showed no interest in them at all. He was fully engrossed in the movie.
Elizabeth couldn't even recall what the movie was about. She felt restless and disorganized inside. When they exited the theater, she continued to keep an eye on the man. But it seemed like he hadn't noticed her at all. He walked straight to the street and disappeared around a corner.
"Hey, Elizabeth, you're spacing out," a voice suddenly interrupted her reverie. She quickly straightened up and looked ahead. She had been lost in thought while driving home, consumed by thoughts of the man. She scolded herself for lacking self-control.
"Because of that guy?" Lisa laughed, her eyes sparkling mischievously as she observed Elizabeth's flustered expression.
Elizabeth shook her head and denied, "No, I wasn't spacing out because of that man. It's something else. I'm just thinking that the world is going crazy."
"Ah-ha! If you think the world is crazy, then I can only say that the world... isn't suitable for humans to live in," Lisa burst into laughter, clapping her hands. "Don't avoid my previous question. You were thinking about that man, weren't you? If so, I pity your lack of courage."
"Lack of courage?" Elizabeth scoffed.
"Yes, if it were me, I would ask that man for his phone number and call him after we got home. We could arrange a dinner date. You could wear an evening gown and present your elegant side," Lisa urged. "But I do feel something odd about that man."
"You feel the same way?" Elizabeth looked at her in surprise.
"Isn't it obvious?" Lisa glanced at Elizabeth and continued, "You have that mindset, so you can't perceive it. But I do feel something unsettling. It's as if... he doesn't quite belong in this world."
"Do you think his behavior is retro?" Elizabeth chuckled softly. "Many people find this kind of retro charm and gentlemanliness appealing. Just like the medieval retro ceremonial performance we had at school."
"But... no one was interested, as you know. That performance had very few people attending in the theater. Only the teachers from our school participated... and they were probably forced to," Lisa laughed.
"Just because you don't like Jason doesn't mean others won't either. Lisa... sometimes, we should look back at history!" Elizabeth tried to make Lisa understand.
"Come on, I think that guy is really strange," Lisa shook her head, sticking to her opinion. "Or maybe I can ask Jason for his opinion. I think Jason and that man are similar. Like antiques."
"Does that mean our tastes are the same?" Elizabeth rolled her eyes at Lisa.
"You finally admit it? Ah-ha! I knew it! You're interested in that man. I could tell from the way you looked at him. Here's an idea, if... you want to pursue that man, you should take the initiative. Come here tomorrow night... maybe you can catch him coming to watch a movie."
"Oh, for heaven's sake, don't talk to me about this!" Elizabeth felt embarrassed and turned the steering wheel as they approached Harold Town, taking a different road.
"This is the way to Jason's house," Lisa exclaimed in surprise.
Elizabeth nodded and said, "I know. You're right. He's similar to Mr. Jason. That's why I want to ask him if someone like me can have a normal relationship with a man." Elizabeth had thought it through.
Lisa chuckled to herself. Instead of stopping her, she actually felt happy about it. To be honest, Lisa would be happy for Elizabeth if she could have a normal relationship with a boyfriend.
"I've thought about it, and it's better if you ask him for me!" Elizabeth hesitated and said to Lisa. "I'm worried that Mr. Jason might dislike someone like me..."
"No, he won't. He's friends with your father and my father too," Lisa comforted her. "Alright, if you're really embarrassed, I'll ask him for you."
However, when they arrived at Jason's house, Lisa left in a huff because of Jason's attitude and completely forgot to ask about Elizabeth's matter.
Encountering a man at the movie theater had become an obsession for Elizabeth. Elizabeth fell into silence after missing the opportunity to ask Jason. Lisa didn't know how to comfort her and could only pat her leg, saying, "I'll ask Jason for you, but... it won't be possible today. Let's do it tomorrow. I'll go to that jerk's house again. It's really frustrating."
"To be bothered by a man, you know what that means," Elizabeth laughed at Lisa. In truth, she felt the same way inside. It wasn't about liking Jason, but rather a desire to be close to him.
"Why not follow your heart?" Lisa suddenly said beside her. "Why not follow your heart? Pursue the man you like, Elizabeth. What you lack is courage."
Lisa's words seemed to enlighten Elizabeth. She nodded and whispered, "You're right. Why not follow my heart?"
Jason had no idea what the two girls were talking about or doing. His intention in sending them away was clear—to prevent Lisa, a young girl, from falling into a relationship with no future. It was unnecessary. Even if he wasn't Joseph's friend, it would be impossible.
The next morning, Jason prepared to go to town to buy some supplies. The town had experienced the zombie incident. Although the police had tried their best to keep it secret, a few townspeople had lost their lives due to being locked up in the detention center. So there were still some people in the town who vaguely knew about the zombies.
However, this information was only spreading within a small, discreet circle. The police had increased their surveillance, and it was evident that the town had increased its security. Sheriff Louise would personally patrol the town and its surroundings. Time had passed, and it was becoming less likely for people to openly discuss the matter.
Jason went to the supermarket, intending to buy some daily necessities.
But when he arrived in town, it seemed like many people were paying attention to him. After all, he was the one who had caused the incident. When they were digging up the swimming pool at Luke Prescott's house, people had gathered to watch. It was as if everyone he encountered in town was avoiding him, treating him with caution.