Chapter 8

The studio was open-plan. Shen Tingwan walked in a few steps, and a figure came into view. Sang Ning wore a white T-shirt and light-colored jeans, with a light-blocking baseball cap on her head—very casual.

The photography studio was brightly lit like daytime, very quiet, with only the repeated shutter clicks echoing.

Sang Ning bent over, busy with the shoot, completely unaware that someone had entered.

Seeing how focused she was, Shen Tingwan hesitated to interrupt her.

Sang Ning changed angles again.

Shen Tingwan stood quietly in place, staring at her back. Suddenly, out of boredom, she wondered how long it would take before she was noticed.

One minute.

Two minutes.

Three minutes.

Sang Ning adjusted the lighting but still didn’t notice anyone else.

Shen Tingwan smiled and conceded defeat. If she didn’t make a sound, she might never be discovered.

“Sang Ning.”

Sang Ning stopped work immediately. Was she hallucinating? She turned around and saw Shen Tingwan walking over.

She blanked out for a moment, tripped over some clutter on the floor, and her body swayed. Her first instinct was to protect the camera, forgetting about herself. She lost her balance and began to topple.

Shen Tingwan hurried forward and steadied her from behind with her hands.

Sang Ning didn’t fall. Her back pressed fully into Shen Tingwan’s embrace, warm and soft. Her heart pounded even harder.

Shen Tingwan said to her, “Be careful.”

Sang Ning felt the breath against her ear, her heart still thumping.

Seeing such a big reaction, Shen Tingwan smiled. “Did I scare you?”

“No,” Sang Ning steadied herself first and immediately pulled away. “Why is Senior Sister here?”

Shen Tingwan: “I was passing by and came to check out your place.”

Sang Ning nodded.

Why did Shen Tingwan keep appearing in front of her like this? It had happened several times now.

“Go ahead with your work. Don’t mind me.” Shen Tingwan figured Sang Ning probably didn’t like people watching while she worked, then added, “I won’t disturb you.”

Sang Ning said flatly, “You’re not disturbing me.”

Shen Tingwan paused mid-turn, staring at her. “Really not?”

“Mm.” Sang Ning thought Shen Tingwan probably wouldn’t stay long anyway.

Shen Tingwan said, “You keep going. I’ll just look around.”

Sang Ning: “Okay.”

Shen Tingwan smiled lightly, no more pleasantries, feeling more relaxed and comfortable. She wandered around the photography studio and eventually focused on the shoot.

Sang Ning could feel that gaze on her. On the surface, she seemed undistracted, but in reality, she was scatterbrained. She took several shots in a row that she wasn’t satisfied with, her performance worsening.

Ten minutes passed. Shen Tingwan still hadn’t left and had sat down on a nearby resting chair, leisurely flipping through the studio’s promotional brochure.

Sang Ning was puzzled but didn’t know how to ask.

Outside, Yu Shuang stretched lazily. Done with work, she glanced toward the photography studio. Sang Ning was still shooting, Shen Tingwan sat watching nearby, and the two weren’t even chatting. She had no idea what was going on.

Whatever it was, getting off work mattered more. Yu Shuang called out loudly, “I’m heading out first.”

Sang Ning and Shen Tingwan both turned back. She replied, “Okay.”

Yu Shuang left after that.

Sang Ning had lost her focus, her efficiency plummeting. She simply set down the camera.

Shen Tingwan asked, “All done?”

“Mm.” Seeing that Shen Tingwan had stayed so long without any sign of leaving, Sang Ning casually asked, “Does Senior Sister have no plans tonight?”

Shen Tingwan: “No.”

No plans—Sang Ning was surprised.

“Time to get off work, right?” Shen Tingwan seemed to hear a polite dismissal and stood from the chair. “I should go.”

Sang Ning called after her, “That’s not what I meant.”

Shen Tingwan paused. Not asking her to leave? She looked at the person in front of her and, on a whim, smiled. “Want to grab dinner together tonight?”

Sang Ning was surprised again. She had thought Shen Tingwan had politely declined last time, so she hadn’t brought it up again.

Shen Tingwan: “Last time was just talk, right?”

“No.” Sang Ning confirmed seriously, “Tonight?”

Shen Tingwan caught her tone. “Not convenient tonight?”

Sang Ning agreed directly, “It is.”

Shen Tingwan smiled silently. Was she being so eager just to repay the favor?

*

Sang Ning turned off the last light and left the studio. She took off her work baseball cap, smoothed her hair simply, and tied it into a high ponytail.

It was dark outside, the city lights just coming on.

Shen Tingwan waited on the street. The streetlights cast a hazy glow, stars dotted the sky, and the summer evening breeze gently tousled her long hair.

Like a frame from a romantic movie.

Sang Ning only dared a light glance.

“What do you want to eat?” Shen Tingwan tucked back a strand of wind-blown hair and asked the quiet figure approaching her. Sang Ning looked just like she had in university—even now, no one would doubt she was a college student.

“Senior Sister decides.” Sang Ning stopped. “I’m fine with anything.”

That “Senior Sister” pulled her right back to university. Shen Tingwan didn’t hesitate. “Okay.”

It was Sang Ning’s second time in Shen Tingwan’s car. She still wondered why Shen Tingwan was free tonight. Didn’t she have anyone to accompany her? Surely Shen Tingwan never lacked company.

Shen Tingwan glanced over. “Buckle your seatbelt.”

Hearing the reminder, Sang Ning snapped back and fastened it.

The car started and drove steadily along the streets—another silent ride.

Sang Ning stared silently at the passing scenery. Was it too quiet? Would she think Sang Ning was boring? After all, Shen Tingwan’s friends were all lively, outgoing, bright, and sunny—like Wei Xue.

Anyway, not like her.

Sang Ning’s thoughts wandered all the way until the car arrived at the destination without her realizing.

Shen Tingwan took her to a local cuisine restaurant with elegant decor and a quiet dining environment—very ear-friendly.

She had probably chosen it thoughtfully. Shen Tingwan was great at considering others’ feelings and moods, even if they weren’t friends.

Sang Ning thought, Senior Sister was always so nice.

Shen Tingwan picked a table by the window.

Sang Ning sat across from her.

“This place is owned by a friend of mine. The food’s pretty good.” Shen Tingwan opened the menu and asked, “Any food allergies or dislikes?”

Sang Ning was always easygoing and left the choices entirely to Shen Tingwan.

Shen Tingwan asked, “Not picky at all?”

Sang Ning: “Not picky.”

Shen Tingwan didn’t ask further and ordered some moderately flavored dishes that wouldn’t go wrong. After closing the menu, she said, “I’m treating tonight.”

Sang Ning paused for half a second. “Why?”

She waited for Shen Tingwan’s answer…

It was her birthday treat, but Shen Tingwan didn’t want to bring it up suddenly and make things awkward. She thought for a moment. “Because I’m the senior sister.”

Was that a reason? Sang Ning’s gaze darkened slightly. “We agreed I’d treat.”

Shen Tingwan said leisurely, “Do you have to keep such strict accounts with me? Trying to cut ties?”

“I…” Sang Ning faltered. As if they had any ties.

“Not teasing you.” Shen Tingwan laughed lightly. “You get the next one, okay?”

Would there be a next time? Sang Ning’s lips curved slightly, and she answered as usual, “Okay.”

The dishes arrived one by one. They didn’t order alcohol—Shen Tingwan was driving, and Sang Ning couldn’t hold her liquor at all; half a glass would knock her out for half a day.

The restaurant’s dishes looked appetizing, and the taste matched the presentation—a rare find.

Sang Ning hadn’t eaten much at lunch and had held the camera all afternoon; she was quite hungry now.

Shen Tingwan glanced across. Even eating, she was so earnest.

Sitting face-to-face, their eyes met frequently. Sang Ning noticed Shen Tingwan looking at her.

Shen Tingwan saw her eating heartily. “Is it good?”

“Good.” Sang Ning did eat with gusto; even plain noodle soup as a kid had tasted great to her. The elders always sighed that this child was so easy to raise.

Shen Tingwan chatted idly, “How’s the themed shoot going?”

“We had a discussion meeting last time and set the tone and style. Shooting starts next week.”

“Mm, no rush on timing.” Shen Tingwan said, “Looking forward to the final shots.”

“Looking forward.” Sang Ning echoed softly.

“President Zhang is easygoing. If you have any ideas or creative suggestions, just bring them up to her.”

They talked a bit more about the shoot.

Then the server brought the last dish, a sizzling plate. “Careful, it’s hot.”

Sang Ning had been distracted throughout the meal. While picking up food, her finger brushed the scorching utensil—a light touch was enough to hurt. She yanked her hand back.

Shen Tingwan: “Burned?”

Sang Ning blew on it herself. “It’s fine.”

Shen Tingwan: “Badly?”

Sang Ning: “Not bad.”

Shen Tingwan thought she was the type to suffer in silence, probably pretty stoic, and still said, “Let me see.”

Sang Ning had no choice but to extend her hand.

A small patch on her finger was red from the burn—not serious. Shen Tingwan asked gently, “Does it hurt?”

Hearing that soft concern, Sang Ning’s heart melted.

“Senior Sister…”

Shen Tingwan: “What?”

Sang Ning looked at her and couldn’t help whispering, “Happy birthday.”

A soft blessing.

Shen Tingwan paused first. “How did you know it’s my birthday today?”