– Okay, only up to a point, most likely.

– I agree.

– Did you do it out of curiosity? Or did a friend ask you to?

– No-" the scientist interrupted her. – So she's allowed?

– That's enough. You can watch it later.

– I'm not interested alone.

– Well, bring your girlfriend.

– This is an interesting topic, by the way.

– Oh, I don't think I'm in here.

– Uh, no. Let's go.

They went into the next room, Ruthra sat down at the monitor, and Iulia sat next to him, provocatively close. Not that he was against it, but… Ruthra knew that giving her hope and then screwing her up was ungentlemanly, but not giving her a chance was worse. So he decided to try it out. He knew he wasn't going to give her a chance. He knew he had a choice to make. But which one? Was the goal the same as hers? Probably not. Once, at the time of his youthful maturity, but still narcissistic naivety, with which many remain until the end of their lives, a familiar lady of Balzac's age on his "friendly" relationship with a very seductive young lady said: "All girls want to get married." It seems simple, but men think that women see in them the same thing they see in them – a seductive image. Women desire this, of course, but their main goal is not to become another station on the path of the locomotive.

Iulia was a master of seduction, and Rutra understood that. A lady with a child, divorced, careful of her inner and outer worlds, moderate in sports, non-smoker, strict with alcohol, as with men; she would smile, make a joke, have a taste of wine, not get drunk, but let her get drunk.

– I feel a little uncomfortable. Not because there might be scenes from the movie "Doubles of the Kama Sutra," but because of your friend's reaction.

– Why is that?

– Maybe she specifically said yes or asked you to. Maybe she wanted me to see if I would watch it with you.

– You're making too big a deal out of this. Trust me, it's much simpler than that. Girls do it, only the more important point for her will be your determination… since that's the case, I'll say, just you don't betray me, you need a bit of poofiness, which will be judged in public but perceived as independence and confidence.

– Where have you been before? How did I spend my life without your counseling?

– Be friends with me and you'll understand a lot of things.

– Yes, Comrade Commander.

– Come on, turn it on, let's see how macho you are.

– Irene, turn it on from here. By the way, before and after what?

– There's a life situation, a dialog. I'd say it's no less important.

– Well those are dreams…or imaginary. I don't have all the time in the world. Let's take this moment, see what it's all about.

Footage appeared on the screen. Rutra was walking down a busy street, with beautiful storefronts, everything sparkling. It was evening. He entered a building that had a two-level restaurant on the first floor. The ambiance was exquisite. He went up to the second level, headed to a row of tables along a stained glass wall. YatSan, Julia, and Catherine were seated at the table.

– Oh, we're here," Iulia almost exclaimed, moving closer to Ruthra as if she hadn't meant to.

– Quiet," he said in a whisper, keeping his eyes on the screen. – Let's hear it.

On the screen, Ruthra approached them.

– Hey, girls.

Ruthra approached Iulia and Catherine from behind and kissed them on the cheeks. They returned the favor. Then he approached YatSan, grabbed her gently under her knees and around the waist, lifted her up and sat her down, holding her in his arms.

– Rutra, what are you doing," YatSan whimpered slightly.