She had unexpectedly discovered a talent for photography; a random photo she’d entered into a contest had won first prize. Since then, whenever there was an occasion that needed photos, Zhongli Shi would drag her along.
Luo Chaoxue adjusted her focus and framing, capturing the subjects at the perfect moments.
She took wide shots and close-ups until her hands grew a bit tired.
Wedding ceremonies didn’t move Luo Chaoxue much. Influenced by her family, she was a staunch believer in staying single.
Living alone, occasionally meeting friends for drinks or travel, and reading or pursuing hobbies in her spare time—that was her definition of happiness.
Such crowded, lively occasions weren’t really for her.
Once she had enough photos, she looked down to select a few, then raised the camera again to find more material. To her surprise, she saw someone sitting in the corner diagonally across from her.
Dignified and elegant, the woman looked like a plum blossom standing proud on a branch after being weathered by wind and snow. She looked like a completely different person from the one who had been weeping in the sky garden.
In such a short time, she had already composed herself.
Luo Chaoxue could only see her profile. The stage lights happened to hit that spot, making the stray hairs dancing around her face glow brilliantly.
Before her brain could even register the thought, the camera shutter clicked.
It was a beautiful photo.
Perhaps because the model was so striking, the photo didn’t even require a special angle.
But taking photos without permission was impolite. Luo Chaoxue hit the delete button. A prompt appeared: Confirm or Cancel?
If I give the photo to her later, it doesn’t count as a secret photo, right?
While Luo Chaoxue hesitated, the woman across from her seemed to sense her gaze. She slowly turned her head, and their eyes met in mid-air.
Luo Chaoxue looked away awkwardly, her eyes darting around. However, the other woman only gave her a slight nod—graceful and polite, yet deeply distant.
In the end, Luo Chaoxue’s finger tapped “Cancel.”
Ming Li had left the sky garden early and hadn’t stayed to chat with Luo Chaoxue.
Her state at the time wouldn’t have allowed it; her mind had been almost blank, and she could barely form a coherent sentence.
She had gone downstairs shortly after their brief exchange.
She had sat in her dark car, weeping silently. Afraid of ruining her makeup, she tilted her head back and let the tears flow quietly for a while.
During her last visit to the therapist, the doctor told her not to suppress her emotions. She needed to release them, and crying was a form of release.
Especially since Ming Li had to pull herself together to return to the banquet hall.
She had arrived with Gu Qingshuang; there was no reason for her to leave alone.
Furthermore, Gu Xueqiang had repeatedly instructed her not to let Gu Qingshuang stay solo at such events for too long.
Ming Li gave herself ten minutes. After that, she wiped her tears, pulled out her compact and lipstick for a quick touch-up, and smoothed the hem of her dress. Then, she stepped back into the banquet hall.
Inside, it was as if nothing had happened. Time seemed to have reversed; everyone was back to their own business.
Ming Li naturally acted as if nothing had occurred and found a seat.
She knew in her heart that even if she hadn’t returned, no one would have said anything. Even Gu Xueqiang wouldn’t have been able to voice a word of reproach.
But she didn’t want to leave like that. She didn’t want to be a deserter.
She had done nothing wrong. If she left now, there was no telling what kind of gossip would spread about the Gu family in these circles—specifically about Gu Xueqiang’s household, which would be detrimental to her mother-in-law’s pursuit of leadership.
So, Ming Li sat there with an air of feigned indifference. Before long, someone came over to greet her. It was an auntie Gu Xueqiang had introduced her to before, a woman with a harmonious family and a kind disposition.
Ming Li hadn’t expected her to be here. The last time they met was at a gala in Italy.
Ming Li greeted her with a smile. “Auntie Wen, you’re here as well.”
“Child.” Auntie Wen took her hand, her gaze peaceful yet filled with a touch of sympathy. “You’ve been wronged today.”
“Pardon?” Ming Li gave a startled laugh. “I haven’t been wronged at all.”
Auntie Wen looked like she had seen through everything. She whispered, “Shuangshuang did a poor job today. How could she go around embracing that person in public? I’ll make sure your mother gives her a piece of her mind later.”
Ming Li smiled gently. “Auntie, it wasn’t exactly embracing. That person was injured, so Shuangshuang only went to help.”
Auntie Wen’s concern was genuine, but Ming Li’s inability to admit any grievance was also genuine.
This place was full of wagging tongues and countless eyes. A single word she said today could become a weapon for others to attack Gu Xueqiang.
Ming Li would never hand someone a knife to “kill” Gu Xueqiang in such a setting.
People were expected to be happy. Marriage was happiness, having children was happiness, and marital bliss was happiness. Happiness was treated as a byproduct of success.
It was as if people with happy lives must be successful, and successful people must be happy.
To meet these expectations, one had to put on a show even when they were miserable.
In this circle, it was common to see a couple screaming and fighting one moment, only to be arm-in-arm the next, praising their partner with sweet words.
Compared to that, Ming Li’s situation was nothing.
After all, there had been rumors since the day she married Gu Qingshuang. Some said she had sold herself; others said Gu Qingshuang had just found a temporary actor or a body double.
Ming Li had survived those days; what did today matter?
Auntie Wen stared at her for a long time and sighed. “Don’t force yourself. Your mother is there to back you up, no matter what.”
“I’m really not forcing anything.” Ming Li smiled. “Even if two people aren’t lovers, they still have the bond of growing up together. Even if a stranger fell on the side of the road, one wouldn’t just stand by and watch. I was just a bit startled earlier and lost my composure; I’m sorry for making a scene in front of the elders.”
