Chapter 39

Sensing Natalie's low mood, Jasper said, "I can help you look for other job opportunities." "Thank you," Natalie replied, though she had already lost hope. As they chatted, they arrived at the cinema. He parked the car, and before he could open her door, she unfastened her seatbelt and got out herself. She looked up at the red-brick building in front of her, where a sign read—Kingston Cinema. Next to it, there was a line at a small ticket window of about ten people waiting to buy tickets. A small blackboard beside the window displayed the names of the movies being screened that day. Since Jasper already had tickets, they didn't need to go to the window. Natalie followed him directly into the cinema. They heard a voice from a corner as they walked several steps. "Hey, hey, sir! Want some popcorn, peanuts, or soda?" Natalie turned to see a man in a gray shirt waving at them, softly inquiring. Although the private business system wasn't fully liberalized, small vendors weren't bei