Chapter 79

Ever since she had set her phone to ring, Xiao Luyan’s irritation had eased somewhat. The phone still sat in the drawer, but she no longer constantly worried about missing something.

The text on the screen was still densely packed and a bit dazzling, so Xiao Luyan simply switched to viewing the collection album.

The catalog for this Touring Exhibition had been finalized, and every piece in it was priceless. But Madam Li hoped to use this opportunity to make them burst with new life.

Things that were already good enough—how could they be revitalized? Mere innovation wasn’t enough; they had to be better. This demand seemed simple but was actually a tremendous challenge.

Photography was a crucial part. After all, not everyone could see these collections in person. To expand their influence and make it last, it all depended on the lens.

Xiao Luyan clicked through frame by frame. She had already seen these photos countless times. Once the Trans team arrived, they would dive into in-depth discussions on how to achieve even better results based on this foundation.

As she looked, Xiao Luyan recalled the scene of Lu Yuezhi teaching her to take photos that day. The mouse was pressed down tightly, as if capturing the shutter moment. She suddenly felt short of breath; the sensation of that body heat encircling her was too vivid, making her shiver lightly.

A knock at the door interrupted her reminiscence, and Cheng Yanran’s voice came from outside.

“Master, I’m heading out first.” There was no urgent overtime work today; Cheng Yanran had simply stayed a bit longer out of convenience.

Xiao Luyan steadied her mind. “Be careful on the road.”

“You head home early too.” Cheng Yanran added casually, “It’s starting to rain outside.”

The forecast had predicted light rain tonight, possibly turning moderate for a short time, but nothing too severe overall. Driving in this kind of rain required caution, but safety wasn’t greatly affected.

Xiao Luyan paused, as if she had heard some shocking news.

Cheng Yanran stood at the door, a bit far away, unable to see her expression clearly.

“Is the rain heavy?” Xiao Luyan’s tone was indifferent, as if just making conversation.

Cheng Yanran recalled the scene outside the window. “Not too heavy, just starting.”

Xiao Luyan nodded. “Then hurry back.”

“Master, you head home early too. It’s cold at night in the rain.”

After Cheng Yanran left, even fewer people remained. Outside was so quiet it was unsettling. Xiao Luyan hugged her arms and leaned back in her chair, lost in thought.

It was raining? She listened carefully but heard no obvious sound of rain. In heavy downpours before, the glass would be pelted, but it never affected her work.

The rain must not be heavy, Xiao Luyan concluded silently.

Rainy days were indeed cold, though—the later she got home, the colder it would be. Just thinking about it was unpleasant. Xiao Luyan seemed persuaded and decided to clock out right then.

As she prepared to shut down the computer, she hesitated one last time.

Rainy days were cold!

She decisively closed the computer, grabbed her bag, and left.

After driving out of the parking lot, Xiao Luyan saw the rain clearly under the wipers. It was indeed a light drizzle, similar to the day Lu Yuezhi had made her wear a scarf.

She wore a professional suit today, no scarf, and though her shirt collar was buttoned tight, she had no thick outer layer.

Xiao Luyan thought that by the time she got home, Lu Yuezhi would probably nag her again.

From Deyounian to the doorstep, Xiao Luyan hardly stepped outside at all. No matter how heavy the rain, she wouldn’t get a drop on her. But even so, before opening the door, she carefully checked her clothes and touched her hair.

She felt Lu Yuezhi’s gaze was sharp, always spotting what she overlooked. It wouldn’t be a big deal if she noticed, but Xiao Luyan feared what Lu Yuezhi might do after seeing it.

She feared the distance might accidentally close too much again.

Realizing she was lost in thought, she quickly unlocked the door and went in.

Contrary to her expectations, there were no bright lights; the house was even quieter than when she had left the office.

She paused and casually turned on the light. While changing shoes, Xiao Luyan saw Lu Yuezhi’s slippers still there and felt surprised.

She wasn’t home?

Unknowingly relieved, Xiao Luyan sat down to change slowly. But when she put her shoes away in the cabinet, she let out a quiet sigh.

All the guesses she had mulled over on the way home now seemed like overthinking. She felt a bit lost, her energy drained.

She lingered in the living room for a while, not sitting but making noticeable sounds.

No one emerged from the bedroom or study. She thought Lu Yuezhi really wasn’t home.

Xiao Luyan opened the fridge and saw that the dinner the auntie had prepared remained untouched. So, Lu Yuezhi hadn’t come back after work?

She wanted to message Lu Yuezhi asking where she was but felt it was too meddlesome after opening the chat. In the past, when she said she’d be home late, Lu Yuezhi rarely pressed for details.

Maybe she was busy at the studio. Xiao Luyan closed the chat interface.

Back in the bedroom, she took a shower and picked up some documents to read before sleep.

After flipping through for a while, the rain outside gradually intensified, much heavier than when she had returned.

She thought, with rain this heavy, did Lu Yuezhi know?

Xiao Luyan picked up her phone, pondered for a moment, and took the initiative to send a message.

【Are you working overtime?】

In her impression, Lu Yuezhi rarely went out for social engagements. Occasional gatherings were with Xie Sixian and Tong Xiaosheng. She always informed in advance, and there was never any alcohol on her when she returned—this really matched Xie Ruyuan’s description of her as a Stoic Gourd.

If not socializing, then she was most likely editing photos at the studio.

Xiao Luyan guessed right. Lu Yuezhi was indeed busy sorting photos.

She had taken over a hundred shots at the Ji Yunzhuo Exhibition Hall that day, and just categorizing them took considerable time. But what excited her most wasn’t how stunning the results were—it was that her photography approach had advanced greatly.

After Xiao Luyan’s precise guidance, many veils of fog lifted one after another, clearing the obstacles that had held her back before. She now had new insights into shooting collections.

While editing, Lu Yuezhi specially selected a few representative works to send to Trans, attaching comparisons with her past pieces and detailed explanations. She analyzed her previous mistakes and clarified her new understandings, seeking Trans’s opinions while communicating.

She emphasized that these works were for exchange only, not commercial submissions, and definitely not for publication. Though she had never met Trans in person, she wasn’t too worried about plagiarism.

So, in sharing her insights, she held nothing back, treating the other as an industry senior and confidant.

She was so immersed that she forgot the time.

When she heard Xiao Luyan would be working late too, Lu Yuezhi lost the urge to rush home. Eating alone was boring; better to seize the time and discuss shooting techniques with Trans.

But as they chatted, she forgot to check the time and didn’t message Xiao Luyan again.

Only when she received Xiao Luyan’s inquiry did Lu Yuezhi snap out of it. It was this late already?

Lu Yuezhi: 【A bit busy, might be back late.】

Xiao Luyan rarely inquired about studio specifics, and Lu Yuezhi didn’t want to bother her with such trivialities. She figured Xiao Luyan was asking to know when she’d be back.

But she couldn’t pin down an exact time. Trans was unusually free tonight and very interested in the topic. They were chatting enthusiastically, with Lu Yuezhi’s inspirations flowing endlessly. She didn’t want to leave just yet.

Late getting back? Xiao Luyan saw this reply and felt inexplicably irritated.

She pushed the documents aside, held her phone with both hands, deleted and rewrote, and finally sent only: 【It’s raining outside. Be careful on the road.】

Fine, aside from reminding her about the rain, she really shouldn’t say anything else.

Xiao Luyan put her phone on the bedside to charge and forced herself not to think about it anymore.

Lu Yuezhi chatted freely with Trans that night, gaining many new inspirations, which made her very happy.

She felt her luck had been good lately—clear breakthroughs in both relationship and career, with plentiful rewards.

“Achoo!” As soon as Lu Yuezhi sat in the car, her nose itched.

“Why did the rain suddenly get so heavy?” She started the car, muttering under her breath.

After getting out, Lu Yuezhi shook off the few raindrops on her clothes—purely from accidentally brushing against them. But the wind on a rainy night was especially chilling, cool against her face.

The house was bright and cozy, filled with familiar sights. The air even seemed to hold traces of Xiao Luyan’s fragrance. This instantly relaxed Lu Yuezhi, warmth surging in her heart.

She leisurely changed shoes, planning to wash her hands first and then grab some midnight snack.

She had been so focused on discussing at the studio that she hadn’t eaten dinner properly. She wondered how Xiao Luyan’s overtime meal had been—maybe call her to eat something together?

Lost in thought, her nose itched again, and she couldn’t help but sneeze twice in a row.

Xiao Luyan heard movement in the living room and knew Lu Yuezhi was back.

She glanced at the time: ten-thirty. Not particularly late, but usually, she was the one returning at this hour. Lu Yuezhi rarely stayed at the studio this long. She couldn’t help wondering if something had gone wrong.

She had just thought to get up and ask when she reminded herself to maintain distance.

So she steadied her mind and tried to focus on the documents. She brought her phone back, thinking that if Lu Yuezhi messaged asking if she was asleep, she’d say she was lying down.

That way, she wouldn’t have to go out.

But… had she just heard Lu Yuezhi sneeze?

It happened so suddenly that Xiao Luyan wasn’t sure if it was her imagination. Lu Yuezhi was always in great health, with enviably robust vitality. Tonight’s rain wasn’t heavy; she should be fine.

But earlier, it had suddenly poured harder, with heavy pounding on the windows. Calculating the time, it must have been right when Lu Yuezhi arrived.

Xiao Luyan’s heart sank, a bit annoyed.

Annoyed that this person didn’t check the weather?

After some internal debate, she felt uneasy. Xiao Luyan decided she should at least check or ask. After all, no matter how much she controlled the distance, she couldn’t ignore Lu Yuezhi’s health.

Lu Yuezhi had just washed her hands and was about to message Xiao Luyan asking if she was asleep.

Seeing her emerge from the bedroom, she grinned. “Not asleep yet?”

Under the bright light, Xiao Luyan looked her over from head to toe, confirming Lu Yuezhi showed no signs of illness, and slightly relaxed.

Hearing the question, she regretted coming out so hastily.

“Mm, suddenly wanted some water.” Xiao Luyan averted her eyes and headed straight to the kitchen.

Lu Yuezhi turned and followed. “Did you eat well tonight?”

Xiao Luyan recalled the despised boxed meal and said flatly, “It was okay.”

“Oh.” Lu Yuezhi looked a bit regretful. “Then I guess I’ll have to eat my midnight snack alone.”

Xiao Luyan’s hand paused on the cup. “You didn’t eat dinner?”

Lu Yuezhi shrugged helplessly. “Got busy and forgot.”

She had eaten a little, just not enough.

Xiao Luyan’s expression cooled, her tone sinking. “Who was it that said working without eating would hurt the stomach? Why only lecture others and not follow it yourself?”

Lu Yuezhi froze, not expecting Xiao Luyan to get suddenly angry.

The outburst seemed a bit inexplicable, but she wasn’t annoyed. She just wanted to soothe Xiao Luyan to avoid her getting upset and harming her own health.

“Actually, I…” Lu Yuezhi started to explain, then sneezed again.