Chapter Four: Companionship After Graduation
University life flew by, and graduation was like a grand farewell banquet, with everyone going their separate ways. Ah Yu, Zhong Hua, and Lin Wanqing, however, chose to start a business together and opened this studio.
In the early stages of starting their business, they faced numerous difficulties, including tight funds and a small customer base. The three of them were often overwhelmed with work. Sometimes, to meet a project deadline, they had to work through the night, taking short naps at their desks when they were tired, and making do with instant noodles when they were hungry.
Once, they finally landed a big client's order, which required them to take a set of high-quality product promotional photos in a short period of time. Ah Yu and Zhong Hua carried bags of photography equipment and searched everywhere for a suitable shooting location, but they were not satisfied with several places.
Just when they were getting a little discouraged, Zhong Hua suddenly remembered an abandoned factory that he had thought had a unique industrial style when he passed by it before. So the two of them rushed over there without stopping, and when they arrived, it was indeed the ideal filming location.
During the filming, Ah Yu was in charge of composing and shooting, while Zhong Hua helped with lighting and adjusting props. When they got tired, Zhong Hua took out his phone and played a familiar song. The familiar melody echoed in the empty factory, as if giving them the strength to keep going.
Lin Wanqing was responsible for post-production coordination and some trivial matters in the studio. Although it was hard work, the three of them supported each other and gradually got the studio on the right track.
Chapter Five: Hidden Feelings
As the studio prospered, the relationship between Ah Yu and Zhong Hua subtly changed, seemingly transcending ordinary friendship, though neither of them dared to confess their feelings.
Zhong Hua always quietly paid attention to A Yu's preferences, knowing that he liked to use that white porcelain plate to hold fruit, so he would always put the washed fruit in there. A Yu would also always remember to bring Zhong Hua a local specialty snack when he went out to film, even if it was just a small pastry.
Once, Ah Yu fell ill with a fever. Zhong Hua was extremely anxious. He dropped everything he was doing, rushed to the pharmacy to buy medicine, and then went home to cook porridge, which he then delivered to Ah Yu's place. Ah Yu was deeply moved by Zhong Hua's efforts. He weakly said, "Zhong Hua, thank you for your hard work." Zhong Hua sat by the bedside, touched Ah Yu's forehead, and said, "What are you saying? Just focus on getting better."
The exclusive playlist that Ah Yu listens to while taking photos is constantly being updated. Zhong Hua would occasionally pay attention to the new songs that Ah Yu likes to listen to recently and then add them to the playlist. He hopes that Ah Yu can have her favorite music to accompany her while taking photos so that she can produce more satisfactory works.
Lin Wanqing had actually noticed the subtle feelings between the two of them long ago, but she was just waiting for them to discover and face them themselves. She felt that this was the most beautiful time between them, like slowly flowing music that needed to be savored.
Chapter Six: An Unexpected Interlude
However, life always has unexpected twists and turns that disrupt the originally peaceful rhythm.
A rival studio, jealous of their growth, deliberately spread negative rumors about them online, claiming their work involved plagiarism and other issues. This severely damaged the studio's reputation; many clients who had previously collaborated with them called to inquire, and some even cancelled their plans to work with them.
Ah Yu, Zhong Hua, and Lin Wanqing were all filled with anxiety. They were busy investigating the source of the news, preparing materials to clarify the situation, and trying to salvage the studio's reputation. During that time, the atmosphere in the studio was extremely oppressive. Everyone lost their usual laughter and joy, and even the cell phone that had been playing music was left aside and ignored.
During this difficult time, Ah Yu and Zhong Hua also had some minor friction due to the pressure. Ah Yu felt that Zhong Hua's way of handling things was too conservative and that he should be more proactive in fighting back; while Zhong Hua felt that they should first stabilize the existing customers and solve the problems slowly, without being too hasty.
The two fell into a cold war again, and the air in the studio seemed to freeze. Lin Wanqing was very anxious about this situation. She knew that what they needed most at this time was unity, but neither of them was willing to back down first.
Chapter Seven: A Broken Mirror Reunited
Just when everyone was at a stalemate, Ah Yu accidentally came across a photo album while organizing the studio's materials. It contained all the little things that had happened along the way for their studio, including a group photo of the three of them standing at the door when they first opened, funny photos of them going out for a photoshoot, and a picture of everyone celebrating happily after landing a big client order.
Looking at these photos, Ah Yu's eyes welled up with tears. He recalled the wonderful times he had spent with Zhong Hua, the moments of arguing and then making up, and the piano piece that always calmed him down. He realized that at this time, they should be working together to overcome the difficulties, rather than blaming each other.
So, Ah Yu walked over to Zhong Hua, who was busy at his computer, and gently patted his shoulder. Zhong Hua turned to look at Ah Yu, his eyes still showing a hint of stubbornness and exhaustion. Ah Yu took a deep breath and said, "Zhong Hua, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have lost my temper with you. Let's figure out a solution together."
Upon hearing Ah Yu's words, Zhong Hua's anger vanished instantly. He stood up, took Ah Yu's hand, and said, "It was my fault too. We should have faced this together." Lin Wanqing, seeing this scene, smiled with relief. She quickly picked up her phone, put on that familiar playlist, and the familiar melody played again, seemingly dispelling all the gloom in the studio.
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