Chapter 2, almost kissed.
Xia Qingqing gave Ji Ling her contact information; the number was the same as it had been years ago.
Xia Li didn't contact him proactively. After receiving the message, it had been lying in her contact list for several days, or rather, for several years. Her relationship with Ji Ling had gradually faded after the photography competition eight years ago, and they had completely lost contact not long after.
The conversation with Xia Qingqing a few days ago was still vivid in Xia Li's mind. She tried to pretend she didn't care, but she couldn't sleep at night, and her poor mental state made it impossible for her to deceive herself.
Recently, the studio has been getting a lot of orders. Xia Li is busy with work every day, her mind is occupied by Ji Ling, and her body is also occupied by work. She is extremely busy.
Until the end of today's shoot, while packing up the equipment, she overheard the models chatting.
"Hey, did you hear? Ji Ling is engaged."
Which one?
"That one from the Ji family."
"Idiot, of course I know Ji Ling. I asked who his fiancé is."
One of the models scrolled through her phone screen, pausing occasionally, pouting somewhat disappointedly, before turning to another tall, dark-skinned model and saying, "The media hasn't reported it, they just said he's engaged. I also want to know who his fiancé is."
The yellow-skinned model urged after hearing this, "Oh dear, you're so clumsy, let me take a look."
Xia Li caught Ji Ling's name and stopped moving without realizing it. The camera in her hand suddenly felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, making it almost impossible for her to hold on.
"They really didn't say anything, why all the secrecy?"
"More than an hour has passed, and there's still no news. Could it be that the media is spreading fake news for clicks?"
"No? Who would dare? His mother is so powerful, a big director in the entertainment industry, no one dares to touch her. Social media is reaching out to her son, isn't that a slap in the face? Do you think it might be an arranged marriage?"
"You idiot, why would you hide a marriage alliance? You would have announced it long ago. It's unlikely."
"Oh dear, you've scolded me so many times already." The model, who had been scolded, sobbed, "I was just hoping the news was fake, because I'd be heartbroken if it were true. He's so handsome, I really want to sleep with him. Which girl is it... Hey? Teacher Xia!"
The female model, who was crying her eyes out just a second ago, noticed that Xia Li was also in the photo studio, quickly composed herself, and called out to her.
Xia Li was a little taken aback by the greeting, standing there stunned, tilting her head slightly, her eyebrows unconsciously raised: "What's wrong?"
She was still quite scared, afraid that the media would suddenly release her photos.
"Thank you for your hard work today, Ms. Xia." The model greeted her with a bright and cheerful smile.
It turned out to be just small talk. Xia Li had just breathed a sigh of relief when she heard the yellow-skinned model ask, "Teacher Xia, when will the photos be finished?"
If she heard someone urging her to work on other days, she would probably be hesitant and stick to the pre-arranged date, but Xia Li was unusually energetic at the moment. Afraid of being pressed further, she replied, "Barring any unforeseen circumstances, before next Monday."
"Oh dear, but our company needs these photos urgently. We need to select several of my photos to display on the central screen next week. If the photos are delayed, the company will use photos of other models. Ms. Xia, could you please help me edit them in advance? I need them tonight."
"…………"
"Teacher Xia, please, please."
Despite the model's persistent pleading, Xia Li finally agreed. With her strong will, she managed to finish editing half of the photos by the afternoon. She was stretching comfortably at her workstation, preparing to steal a moment of leisure and go out for some fresh air.
Recalling her conversation with the model that morning, Xia Li pictured Ji Ling in her mind.
The model mentioned that Ji Ling was exceptionally beautiful, and that's certainly true. Ji Ling's features are very delicate, especially her eyes, which are full of affection; every time she looked at her, they were brimming with deep emotion. Even after eight years apart, she still has a vivid memory of her.
Lost in thought, before she could even react, her hand had already typed Ji Ling's name into the browser. The computer screen displayed early social media reports, with words like "Ji Ling," "engagement," and other such words brightly appearing in her eyes.
Xia Li was startled by her own actions. Realizing how strange her behavior was, she immediately closed her laptop without even exiting the browsing page. She then had to open it again and awkwardly clear her search history.
It must be because I've been filming too much lately, or I'm just too tired, so tired that I'm not thinking straight.
She comforted herself.
I had originally planned to go downstairs for some fresh air, but halfway down, Ji Ling's affectionate eyes suddenly appeared in my mind again.
After struggling for more than ten minutes, she found a quiet corner, opened her phone's contact page, and dialed that familiar yet unfamiliar number. Since Ji Ling wasn't contacting her, she had to take the initiative and try to say everything she could in one phone call today.
Xia Li was stunned, her hand gripping the screen tightened, and after hesitating for a long time, she dialed again.
She was somewhat confused. The contact number Xia Qingqing had given her was Ji Ling's private number, so there shouldn't have been any possibility of the assistant hanging up on her. She paused, unsure of what to do next.
Perhaps Ji Ling mistook it for a nuisance call? Xia Li cheered herself up inwardly, and just as she was about to dial again, she suddenly received a message.
Unknown number: Next Wednesday at 5 PM, Haiyue, 13th floor, section 14, table 20.
Anyone would be baffled by such a message, but Xia Li was lost in thought. Soon after, the same message popped up on WeChat, along with her location.
Ji Ling: Hai Yue Jian.
Wait a minute? He didn't delete WeChat?!
Xia Li didn't have the habit of deleting her friends list, so to her surprise, Ji Ling hadn't deleted her either, and she hadn't known about it during the years they'd been apart.
Scrolling back, there are still old chat logs, dating back eight years.
Eight years ago, Ji Ling also invited her to Haiyue.
The neighboring city is located on a tropical coastal area with a long summer and no winter.
Haiyue is the best restaurant in the neighboring city.
Table 20 in Zone 4 has the best view of Haiyue.
At 5:30 pm, with a gentle sea breeze, crisp seawater, and the sky and water merging into one, the afterglow paints the sky and sea into a magnificent oil painting, making it the best time for sightseeing.
At this moment, another message arrived on WeChat, pulling Xia Li's thoughts back to reality from Haiyue.
Sheng Mingyang: Are you off work yet?
Sheng Minyang is her senior from university and also the owner of a photography studio.
In the photography industry, everything is negotiable. As long as the work is completed, you can leave work. Even if the work is not completed, you can still leave as long as it does not affect the progress.
Xia Li glanced at the time; it was 1 p.m., still early, so she guessed and sent a message to Sheng Mingyang.
Xia Li: Not yet, I'm only halfway through editing the image. I just came out for some fresh air.
Sheng Minyang: When will the repairs be completed?
Xia Li: Tonight, I'll try to be as fast as possible.
Sheng Minyang: The two models from this morning? They're not in a rush; they'll finish by next Monday.
Xia Li didn't reply. A few minutes later, Sheng Minyang sent another message.
Sheng Mingyang: Where are you going to get some fresh air? I'll come find you.
She honestly sent her location.
Sheng Minyang lived nearby and arrived shortly after replying to the message. Upon meeting, they exchanged pleasantries: "I've been away on business for a while now and haven't seen you for several days. How have you been?"
Perhaps due to the fatigue of his business trip and lack of rest, Sheng Minyang looked slightly haggard, but fortunately, his features were strong, and he still looked clean and refreshing.
Xia Li leaned against the railing, rubbed her eyes and replied, "It's fine. There's been a lot of filming lately, and the studio team is busy setting up sets and editing photos."
After a moment of silence, Sheng Mingyang corrected him, "I was asking how you've been lately?"
Xia Li was a little confused: "Me?...I've been doing pretty well lately."
Sheng Minyang nodded, understanding the general situation. After hesitating for a moment, he said to Xia Li, "There's an international photography exhibition on the island tomorrow. I expect there will be a lot of people. I have two spots for advance admission, so we can go today."
As he spoke, he took out two coupons, and Xia Li looked down at them.
"Together?" Sheng Minyang asked.
Xia Li was slightly taken aback; she was truly tempted.
But the photos she promised the model weren't finished being edited yet, and thinking that she would have another chance to go to the photography exhibition in the future, she gently shook her head, "No, I can't get away for now. Wang Shu is free today, she's upstairs, we can ask her to come along."
Sheng Minyang: "Then give your work to her."
Xia Li: "This... isn't that a bad idea?"
Sheng Minyang: "There's nothing wrong with it. I'll give her a high salary for overtime work."
Sheng Minyang then went to get the car.
As the opening date approached, the rented exhibition space was surrounded by barriers. Xia Li followed Sheng Minyang, confirmed with the staff in charge, and entered the building.
After strolling around for a short while, Sheng Minyang received a phone call and went to attend to other matters. Xia Li parted ways with him at the elevator, treating each other with respect. She casually pressed the button for the top floor, which she had heard was filled with many photographic works.
As soon as you step out, you are greeted by a spacious and bright area. The floor-to-ceiling windows in front of you are clean and bright, and the evening sun is peeking in.
Xia Li's gaze wandered over the photos on the wall. After browsing through them, she guessed that this layer was probably filled with photos collected online, which anyone could participate in. As long as they passed the initial screening and left their names, they could be displayed here.
Finally, she stopped in the far right corner.
On that wall, a solitary string of eight photographs hung, all related to winter. Glaciers were integrated into the wall, appearing out of place among the works on the top floor, but if it were hastily exhibited, it would easily be overlooked.
Interestingly, the title of the work is exactly the opposite of the photo.
"Summer", unsigned.
The author did not leave a name, but was probably one of the investors in the exhibition hall. While Xia Li was thinking, she did not notice that there was someone next to her. When she came to her senses, she realized that she was very close to that person.
The man's broad, warm chest was right behind her. Even though she wasn't touching it, she felt as if she were surrounded by warmth, and she could even hear his strong heartbeat. He was so close that if she turned around, she might be able to kiss his Adam's apple.
"Excuse me." Out of politeness, Xia Li bowed her head and apologized before pulling away. Just as she was about to leave, a faint, familiar bitter grapefruit scent wafted over. Upon closer inspection, she was startled and looked up in surprise.
Memories were shattered and reshaped into the face before me, now devoid of youthful innocence, more mature and dignified.
What should have been said was, "Long time no see, Ji Ling."
But I just couldn't bring myself to say it.
Ji Ling looked down at her, his gaze wandering up and down, as if trying to see right through her.
Xia Li couldn't stand his intense gaze, so she quickly looked away and stood there, unsure whether to leave or stay.
"What? Haven't seen you in years? You're not saying a word when you see me?" A cold voice came from Ji Ling, who spoke first, breaking the silence.
Xia Li shook her head slightly in denial: "No."
"What are you doing standing there so far away from me?"
After hearing this, Xia Li moved closer to him, pretending to be very busy, and continued to admire the work in front of the photo.
Seeing that Xia Li ignored him, Ji Ling pressed on, "Isn't there anything you want to say to me, my fiancée?"
fiancée.
The voice was deliberately slowed, the air almost brushing against her ear. Xia Li glanced around warily, afraid of being overheard. Seeing that no one was on this floor, her heart finally settled, and she slowly uttered four words: "Long time no see?"
She watched Ji Ling's reaction, and saw his expression suddenly darken. His eyelashes drooped as he looked at the glacier photos, and he asked calmly, "Do you know who the photographer of these photos is?"
Xia Li glanced at the bottom corner of the box, confirmed again that the author had not left a signature, and shook her head in response: "The other party did not leave a signature."
He then added, "If you're interested, I can ask around for you."
Ji Ling declined, "No need. You'll know later."
Xia Li asked in confusion, "In the future?"
Indeed, if Ji Ling insisted on finding the author, would she even have a chance?
She stared silently at the photo before her. The atmosphere was rather eerie; the air upstairs was even colder than the icy landscape in the photo.
After a long while, Ji Ling spoke again to break the deadlock.
"The first of next month is a good day; I heard it's an auspicious day."
Xia Li didn't understand what he meant by that inexplicable remark, so she just hummed in agreement.
Ji Ling didn't hear the answer he wanted. His brows furrowed slightly, and his expression darkened: "Our wedding date."
Xia Li paused for a moment: "The date has been set?"
"...It's written in the contract."
Xia Li was stunned. On the day she signed the contract, she hadn't read it carefully. She unconsciously rubbed her nose in embarrassment. Afraid that Ji Ling would bring up marriage-related matters again, she prepared to find an excuse to leave. Just then, the phone rang, and she subconsciously swiped to answer it in front of Ji Ling.
The default hands-free mode was on, and another man's steady voice came through clearly:
"Xia Li, where are you?"
A note from the author:
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The young couple met ahead of schedule. The second male lead has a significant presence in the first few chapters but appears less frequently later. He's not a cannon fodder character; his existence is to make the female lead realize her special feelings for the male lead. The female lead is currently in love but unaware of it, while the male lead has harbored a secret crush on her for nearly ten years.
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