Chapter Five: Setbacks and Perseverance

However, life is never smooth sailing, and the studio encountered a major crisis during its development. A competitor maliciously lowered prices, stealing several of their important clients, suddenly straining their cash flow and putting the studio at risk of bankruptcy.

Ah Yu and Zhong Hua were both anxious. They started looking for new business everywhere, running around every day, introducing the advantages of their studio to various potential clients and showcasing their work, but the results were not ideal.

During this difficult period, the pressure caused some conflicts between the two. Once, when discussing a new shooting plan, Ah Yu felt that they should take an innovative approach and try some new shooting techniques, while Zhong Hua, considering the current budget and client needs, felt that it was better to be more conservative, after all, the studio's survival needed to be ensured first.

The two disagreed and started arguing. Ah Yu said somewhat emotionally, "If we keep sticking to the old ways, how will we attract new customers? The studio will have to close down sooner or later."

Zhong Hua frowned and replied somewhat stiffly, "Innovation is good, but we don't have the capital to take risks right now. What if we mess it up?"

This was the fiercest argument they had ever had since they met. In the end, Ah Yu stormed out, leaving Zhong Hua in the studio, looking exhausted and helpless.

For the next few days, the two fell into a cold war, ignoring each other, and the atmosphere in the studio became extremely oppressive. Lin Wanqing was anxious and tried to persuade them, but both were stubborn and unwilling to back down first.

However, Ah Yu still cared about him in her heart. When she was out doing business, she saw a shooting location that was very suitable for Zhong Hua's style and couldn't help but take a picture and send it to Zhong Hua. But after sending it, she was a little annoyed that she had given in first.

When Zhong Hua received the photos, he felt a warmth in his heart. He knew that Ah Yu still cared about him. He immediately replied to Ah Yu, saying that the venue was very nice and that they could try it out after he finished his busy period.

And so, the cold war between the two slowly came to an end. They sat down together again and calmly discussed the development of the studio, deciding to gradually try some innovative shooting methods while ensuring the stability of existing business.

And the bookshelf, during these turbulent days, remained quietly tilted there, as if silently witnessing their arguments and reconciliations, witnessing their unwavering commitment to each other no matter what difficulties they encountered.

Chapter Six: Love Gradually Becomes Clear

After that difficult period, the studio's business gradually improved, and the relationship between Ah Yu and Zhong Hua became even deeper and stronger.

Once, they went to the beach to take wedding photos. The newlyweds laughed and played on the sand, their happiness infectious. Ah Yu held up her camera, constantly capturing those beautiful moments, while Zhong Hua helped adjust the lighting and set up the scene.

During the break, Ah Yu looked at the distant sea, the sea breeze gently blowing through his hair. He turned to Zhong Hua, his eyes full of tenderness, and said, "Do you think that when we're old, we can still take pictures together like this?"

Zhong Hua walked to Ah Yu's side, took his hand, looked into his eyes, and said earnestly, "Of course I can. No matter when, I want to be with you, to see all the beautiful scenery in the world and capture all the wonderful moments."

Ah Yu's face flushed slightly. He felt the warmth from Zhong Hua's hand and his heart was filled with sweetness. At that moment, they seemed to forget everything around them and only had eyes for each other.

Back in the studio, Lin Wanqing looked at the sweet atmosphere between the two of them that they couldn't hide, and teased with a smile, "Wow, you had a great trip this time. Judging from your expressions, is something good happening?"

Ah Yu smiled a little shyly, while Zhong Hua generously put his arm around Ah Yu's shoulder and said to Lin Wanqing, "Yes, we've decided to be together. No matter what happens in the future, we'll face it together."

Lin Wanqing clapped her hands happily: "That's great! I knew you two would get to this point sooner or later. Best wishes to you both!"

From then on, the two no longer hid their love for each other. In the studio, Zhong Hua would often give A Yu a hug, and A Yu would thoughtfully prepare his favorite snacks for him. The crooked bookshelf remained a unique feature of the studio. Whenever A Yu leaned against the bookshelf looking through photos, Zhong Hua would go over and snuggle up with him, sharing their thoughts on the photos and enjoying their cozy moments together.

Chapter Seven: A Promising Future

As the days went by, Ah Yu and Zhong Hua's photography studio became more and more famous. Their works won awards in various photography competitions and attracted more clients to cooperate with them.

They traveled to many places together, from mountain peaks to deep grasslands and ancient towns, leaving their footprints and beautiful photos in every location. At each place, Ah Yu would take a photo of the two of them together, saying he wanted to compile these photos into an album to record the years they had spent together.

Zhong Hua would also prepare a small surprise for A Yu in every special place, such as a local handicraft or a postcard with heartfelt words.

The bookshelf, though moved several times as the studio expanded, still maintained its habit of leaning towards Ah Yu, as if that had become its mission, a symbol of protecting their love.

On a quiet night, Ah Yu and Zhong Hua sat on the sofa in their studio, looking at the photographic works hanging on the walls, reminiscing about the journey they had taken.

"Do you remember when we first met? Back then, I never imagined we'd end up like this," Ah Yu said softly, leaning against Zhong Hua's chest.

Zhong Hua lowered his head and kissed Ah Yu's forehead, smiling as he said, "Yes, but no matter what, I'm so glad I met you. There's still a long road ahead, and we should continue to walk it together."

Ah Yu looked up at Zhong Hua, her eyes filled with love and longing. They knew that there might be difficulties and challenges in the future, but as long as they held hands, with their love for photography and their deep affection for each other, they would surely create more beautiful memories and write their own happy story.

That crooked bookshelf will continue to witness their enduring love through the years, accompanying them through every tender moment, becoming an indispensable part of their lives, and carrying the deep affection and longing hidden in the depths of time.