Before they got together, Chi Shuo thought He Lindi’s photographer friend from the past might be a formidable rival. Back on her birthday, when they visited the photography exhibition, He Lindi had spoken nonchalantly, but it left a deep impression on Chi Shuo, making her remember this unnamed “former friend.”
And around Christmas, He Lindi had been called downstairs by him. Chi Shuo’s mood was complicated then. She didn’t dare think too much, yet couldn’t help it. Fortunately, the roses He Lindi had were bought by herself, and she even gave Chi Shuo two stalks.
But this didn’t stop Chi Shuo’s curiosity about the man. It was just curiosity, nothing more. After all, she and He Lindi had been together for two years; he certainly wouldn’t have any chance.
Only when He Lindi mentioned him did Chi Shuo’s heart ripple slightly. “What? He’s back in the country?”
“Yeah.”
Chi Shuo replied with an “Oh” and casually asked, “Isn’t he your former friend? Why are you still in touch?”
He Lindi glanced at her and smiled. “Can’t we make up?”
Chi Shuo stiffened her neck. “Not necessarily.” She pursed her lips. “He asked you out to dinner, just the two of you?”
This photographer friend hadn’t been heard from since that last incident. Chi Shuo had just learned that he had been studying abroad all this time and hadn’t returned.
“When did I say it was just the two of us?” He Lindi rubbed Chi Shuo’s hair. “Aren’t you coming too? My apprentice.”
Chi Shuo corrected her, “No, your girlfriend.”
“Alright, alright, fine, fine.”
This man was Jiang Feihang. He was two years older than them and quite famous in the photography circle. Chi Shuo was stunned when she learned his name. “It’s him?”
She wasn’t a complete photography novice; she had some understanding of the circle. Jiang Feihang’s name often appeared. He was a photographer with both popularity and skill. While He Lindi might be very popular among entertainment industry photographers, he was different; he was famous throughout the entire field.
Chi Shuo was surprised. “Then why wasn’t his name under his work at the photography exhibition before?”
“He didn’t want to be the center of attention.”
“…”
He Lindi leaned against the car window, yawned, and said, “He confessed to me before, quite a few years ago, but it’s not like the rumors say, that he liked me for a long time or anything.”
Chi Shuo focused on driving, replying with an “Oh.” “Is that so?”
“Yeah.”
“Our friendship fell apart because of that too. After I rejected him, he stopped contacting me, for about two years.”
Chi Shuo paused. “That’s a bit…”
She couldn’t quite describe the feeling.
“When he came looking for me two years ago, it was just to say he was going abroad. Now that he’s back, it’s just to say let’s have a meal together.” He Lindi finished speaking, turned to look at Chi Shuo’s profile. “Do you know why I rejected him back then?”
“Don’t know.”
“I said.”
“I have a girl I really like.”
Chi Shuo couldn’t suppress the corners of her lips. “That’s a good reason.”
As they chatted, they arrived at the designated Chinese restaurant. Chi Shuo composed her smile and followed He Lindi inside.
Jiang Feihang looked much the same as online. His eyes weren’t large, and he wore glasses. His features were well-defined. He wasn’t conventionally handsome, but he gave off a very handsome vibe.
The meal was quite enjoyable. Jiang Feihang talked about his experiences studying abroad and even brought them gifts back as congratulations.
The meal lasted two hours. None of the three drank alcohol, so they were all clear-headed when they parted ways.
Driving home, Chi Shuo placed the gift on the coffee table first, then went to the bathroom to wash her hands.
He Lindi followed her, hugging her constantly, refusing to let go. Even while Chi Shuo washed her hands, she pressed her face against Chi Shuo’s back, rubbing gently.
Chi Shuo looked at her own face in the mirror, then lowered her gaze to He Lindi’s hands on her waist. “Why are you suddenly so clingy?”
He Lindi’s voice was slightly muffled. “When have I not been?” She said, “I’ve clearly always been very clingy to you.”
This was true.
Chi Shuo grabbed her hands, wiped them with a wet wipe. He Lindi murmured from behind her, “I’m not a child.”
“Listen to your satisfied tone,” Chi Shuo exposed her. “Still say you’re not a child?”
Chi Shuo finished wiping her hands, slowly turned around, looking at He Lindi, who was still hugging her. “You didn’t even drink, why are you acting drunk?”
He Lindi looked up at her, her arms around Chi Shuo’s waist, her eyes somewhat hazy. “I want to experience the feeling of being drunk, I’ve never tried it.”
Chi Shuo chuckled softly. “There’s red wine in the cabinet outside. Want to have some later?”
He Lindi’s lips curved. “If I drink too much, I…”
Chi Shuo finished her sentence: “Do whatever you want, right?”
“No.”
“It’s that I’ll hold you tight, always holding you.”
