He kept pressing the shutter, completely unaware that he was already feeling the effects of being out in the wind by the lake for so long. After taking that set of photos, Ah Yu felt dizzy. Zhong Hua saw this and quickly supported him. He touched Ah Yu's forehead and found it was burning hot. He anxiously took Ah Yu back to their lodgings, found fever reducers, and used wet towels to cool him down. He stayed by Ah Yu's side all night.
Chapter Five: The Ups and Downs of Life
After returning from Qinghai Lake, both of them threw themselves into their busy work. Ah Yu worked at a photography studio, with endless shooting assignments every day, often leaving early and returning late, carrying heavy photography equipment everywhere. Zhong Hua, on the other hand, entered the design industry, facing demanding clients and design proposals that were never-ending to be revised.
Because of their busy work schedules, they saw each other less and less. Sometimes, even if they made plans to have dinner together, they would have to cancel due to last-minute work commitments. Once, Ah Yu finally had a weekend off and made plans with Zhong Hua to go to a photography exhibition. However, just before they were about to leave, Zhong Hua's client called, demanding that he immediately revise an important design drawing. Helpless, Zhong Hua could only apologize to Ah Yu. Although Ah Yu said it was okay, he couldn't help feeling a little disappointed.
In such a busy and stressful life, the two gradually communicated less and less. Occasionally they would talk on the phone, but it would only be a few simple greetings and a talk about their recent work. The once close feeling seemed to be fading away, but deep down, the concern for each other never disappeared.
Chapter Six: Reunion and Growing Closer
Years later, by chance, Ah Yu and Zhong Hua reunited at an industry conference. Ah Yu was discussing new trends in photography with several colleagues when she turned around and saw that familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar figure—Zhong Hua.
Zhong Hua also saw Ah Yu. The two were taken aback at first, then their faces lit up with delighted smiles. They walked over and looked each other over. Ah Yu noticed that Zhong Hua seemed more mature and composed than before, while Zhong Hua, looking at Ah Yu, felt that his passion for photography remained as fervent as ever.
After the meeting, they went to a nearby coffee shop and sat down to chat about their experiences over the years. From funny stories at work to troubles in life, gradually, that old tacit understanding returned, as if the years that had separated them had suddenly disappeared.
After that, their contact became more frequent again. They would go to new photography exhibitions together, and on their free weekends, they would find a quiet place and, as before, take their cameras to capture those beautiful moments. Zhong Hua would also often go to the photography studio where Ah Yu worked to help him organize his messy photography props or accompany him to choose photos to be developed.
Chapter Seven: Rekindled Passion
One night, while photographing the starry sky in the countryside, Ah Yu and Zhong Hua arrived at an open meadow with their tent, camera, and other equipment. They set up the tent and camera together, waiting for nightfall and the twinkling stars to appear in the night sky.
As the night deepened and the stars grew brighter, Ah Yu excitedly pressed the shutter button on the starry sky, repeatedly saying, "This starry sky is so beautiful, I must take a picture and keep it as a keepsake." Looking at Ah Yu's face, which shone brightly under the starlight, Zhong Hua could no longer suppress his love. He walked to Ah Yu's side and gently took her hand.
Ah Yu paused for a moment, then turned to look at Zhong Hua. Under the dazzling starlight, he saw the burning love in Zhong Hua's eyes—the same feeling they had shared years ago, a feeling hidden deep within their hearts. At that moment, no words were needed. Ah Yu took Zhong Hua's hand in return, and the two stood quietly under the starry sky, feeling each other's heartbeats, as if time had returned to those beautiful days of their youth.
From then on, they officially became a couple. Although there were still various small troubles and busy moments in their lives, they faced them together and shared the joys and sorrows of life. The love they had lost and then regained became even more precious in their hearts.
Chapter 8: The Thoughts Behind the Photos
As their relationship solidified, they became more deeply involved in each other's lives. One day, while tidying up Zhong Hua's study, Ah Yu saw the Polaroid photo of the sunset over Qinghai Lake again. He held the photo in his hand, examining it closely, the scene from that moment constantly replaying in his mind.
He recalled the dizzy feeling when he had a fever, the gentle touch of someone wiping his forehead, and the days when they gradually drifted apart because of their busy schedules. His heart was filled with emotion. He took the photo and walked over to Zhong Hua, who was reading in the living room. He sat down and said, "You know, this photo is very meaningful to me. It's not only a record of the beautiful sunset over Qinghai Lake, but also a testament to your feelings for me."
Zhong Hua put down his book, looked at Ah Yu, and smiled as he said, "Actually, I thought back then that I must keep this photo safe and show it to you when you get better. But I never expected that we would go through so many ups and downs. Fortunately, it has now returned to our story and become a beautiful memento of our relationship."
Ah Yu leaned gently on Zhong Hua's shoulder and said, "Yes, it's good that we didn't get separated. All those little moments we shared are our most precious treasures."
Chapter Nine: Expectations for the Future
Days passed, and Ah Yu and Zhong Hua's life remained peaceful and happy. Ah Yu's photography career flourished, and his works began to be exhibited in renowned photography exhibitions, receiving much love and praise. Meanwhile, Zhong Hua also achieved considerable success in the design field, his designs brimming with creativity and artistry.
Together, they planned for the future, wanting to travel to more places, capture every beautiful corner of the world with their cameras, and buy a house of their own in a quiet town, filling the yard with flowers, raising a lovely pet, and living a comfortable and warm life every day.
On a sunny day, Ah Yu and Zhong Hua walked hand in hand down the street, watching the people coming and going. Ah Yu smiled and said, "I really hope we can stay this happy forever. When we're old, we can sit together in rocking chairs, look at these photos, and reminisce about our lives." Zhong Hua held Ah Yu's hand tightly, looked into his eyes, and said earnestly, "We definitely will. We have so many wonderful times to spend together."
With their hopes for the future in mind, they continued to write their own heartwarming story in the long river of time. The faded Polaroid photo was always placed in the most conspicuous place on their bedside table, witnessing their love and accompanying them through every spring, summer, autumn and winter.
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