Chapter 125

Chapter 125

The snowman's expression was quite comical. Xie Junli had probably never built one before, nor seen anyone else do it.

Everyone else made cute, round snowmen.

His was a giant snow soldier, and looking at the military cap on its head, Xu Yuqing tiptoed to try and take it off, but her arm wasn't long enough.

...

Absolutely ridiculous!

The momentary warmth vanished instantly, and Xu Yuqing gave Xie Junli a withering look. "You've basically made a snow version of yourself."

Tall, big, and cold!

Looking at the snowman in front of her, her playful side emerged, and she squatted down, touching the snow without gloves—it was really cold!

Xu Yuqing quickly looked at Xie Junli and saw that he also wasn't wearing gloves; his fingertips were already red and swollen, and very cold.

She pulled him over in shock. "What are you doing? Isn't this cold? How could you build something so big without gloves?" she said, concerned.

Xie Junli withdrew his hands, rubbed them, and felt a bit of pain. "It's fine, just a little cold. I'm used to it."

Xu Yuqing slapped his arm angrily. "Used to what? Go inside and soak your hands in warm water!"

She shouted at him like a mother hen protecting her chicks.

Xie Junli truly thought it was no big deal, but seeing Xu Yuqing's reaction, he didn't dare say a word and obediently followed her into the house.

In the kitchen, a pot of warm water was already prepared. Xu Yuqing stood there with the fiercest look, quickly ladling hot water and mixing it with cold water.

"Put your hands in here!"

Xu Yuqing placed the basin in front of him, and Xie Junli looked at the small basin on the ground, then at his wife, and reluctantly squatted down, putting his hands in.

Due to his posture, he had to hunch over, making him look rather comical. Xu Yuqing, who had been serious, couldn't help but laugh.

She quickly covered her mouth, turned away, and walked out, leaving only one instruction for Xie Junli: "Don't come out until the water cools down!"

Xie Junli sighed, feeling exhausted from squatting. The moment Xu Yuqing left, he sat down.

In the courtyard, Xu Yuqing looked at the giant snow soldier Xie Junli had built. He had used up most of the snow, but there was still plenty outside.

She opened the courtyard gate and found that only a path had been cleared outside. It must have snowed heavily last night, covering everything with a thick layer. Xu Yuqing squatted down and started rolling a snowball.

A large snowball and a small one, carefully sticking them together, she made a tiny, adorable snowman. Unsatisfied, she rolled another slightly larger one.

Carrying the two small snowmen back inside and closing the gate, she began gathering materials—small twigs from the corner, broken into short pieces, and carefully inserted as arms. She then went to the kitchen and found two beans to use as eyes.

Still not satisfied, she went to the room and found some leftover scraps of cloth, tearing them into strips to make a scarf and wrapping it around the snowman.

With one large and one small snowman placed next to Xie Junli's creation, she smiled proudly and called him out.

Inside, Xie Junli, who hadn't dared to move, was about to step out when she called him back. He thought she wanted him to bring more hot water, but thankfully, it was just to go outside.

He stepped out, and Xu Yuqing pulled him over. "Look! Look at my snowmen!"

Xu Yuqing called out happily, but Xie Junli searched for a while and couldn't find her snowmen, standing there awkwardly.

Seeing his unusual behavior, Xu Yuqing looked at him strangely. "What's wrong? Feeling unwell?"

Xie Junli shook his head, pursed his lips, and finally asked, "Where are the snowmen?"

Xu Yuqing stared wide-eyed, pointing at the ground. "They're right there! So big! You can't see them!?"

Following her hand, Xie Junli finally spotted them. They were so tiny, barely visible in the white expanse.

Xu Yuqing pulled him down to squat. "Are they nice?"

"They're nice," Xie Junli replied immediately. Despite their size, they were indeed much cuter than his own creation, with round bodies and eyes.

Satisfied with his response, Xu Yuqing smiled. "Alright, let's have breakfast. We'll buy a bicycle later!"

She skipped into the kitchen, opened the pot, and took out a warm lunch box. Opening it, she noticed something yellow inside.

"What's this?"

"Bean buns," Xie Junli said, entering the kitchen and taking the lunch box from her. He carried it outside, while Xu Yuqing grabbed some chopsticks. Bean buns, were they filled with red bean paste?

The golden color suggested cornmeal.

Curious, she picked one up. It was fluffy, filled with whole beans instead of paste. Xu Yuqing savored it, finding the filling fragrant and delicious!

This must have been homemade, with soft, sweet beans mixed with the fluffy dough. It was incredibly aromatic.

Though not overly sweet, the subtle sweetness was perfect.

There were four buns in the box, each quite large. Xu Yuqing enjoyed one and couldn't resist taking another. However, they were too big, and after eating half of the second one, she was full.

Feeling stuffed, she belched, and Xie Junli took the remaining half from her. "Was it good?"

"It was good, just too substantial," Xu Yuqing said, belching again.

After finishing their meal, they waited for Xie Junli to clean up. Xu Yuqing packed her bag, which now contained not only hundreds of yuan but also a bicycle ticket.

This ticket was something Xie Junli had obtained earlier. They hadn't needed a bicycle before, but now it seemed necessary.

And the money in the bag was all earned by Xu Yuqing.

She walked happily beside Xie Junli, "Let's go watch a movie later. I wonder if there are any new movies out. I'll let you experience watching a movie while eating popcorn."

Xie Junli, knowing that she had made the popcorn, naturally agreed and nodded in support.

The two entered the Logistics Department, but this time there were many military spouses inside. Upon entering, they found nearly ten people, including several couples.

Xie Junli frowned as he walked in. The Logistics Department personnel were checking vehicles. Seeing Xie Junli, they immediately greeted him, "Captain Xie!"

Xie Junli nodded, "Why are there so many people today?" And it was snowing; unless it was something important, people usually wouldn't go out.

The Logistics Department personnel were also confused, looking puzzled. With so many people, they couldn't leave anyone behind. They initially planned to take a pickup truck, but seeing that it wouldn't fit everyone and they needed space for goods, they quickly brought a large truck instead.

Now they could finally fit everyone and the goods, though it was still quite cramped.

Xie Junli was invited to help drive again but refused. Such tasks were fine occasionally, but too often would be inappropriate.

He led Xu Yuqing onto the truck, creating a small space for her and shielding her from others. His cold demeanor kept people at a distance, forming a protective barrier around them in the crowded space.

The large truck moved faster than expected, and before Xu Yuqing knew it, they had arrived.

Xu Yuqing held onto Xie Junli's arm and jumped off the truck. They had decided earlier to check the department store for bicycles first, then watch a movie, have dinner, and ride home afterward.

A perfect plan.

Xu Yuqing was familiar with the department store. Before entering, she checked her bag to ensure the bicycle ticket was still there, then followed Xie Junli inside.

The bicycle counter was inside, and from afar, they could see three bicycles displayed on a platform.

Xu Yuqing and Xie Junli exchanged a glance and walked in. Xu Yuqing, more eager, took the lead.

The salesperson was a man wearing gold-rimmed glasses, a Zhongshan suit, and leather shoes. He walked around the bicycles, kicking the hem of his suit to reveal his shoes.

Xu Yuqing approached him, "Comrade, I'd like to inquire about the bicycles."

The man stopped, flicked his hair, and his eyes lit up upon seeing Xu Yuqing. He raised his hand, inadvertently showing off his gold watch, and slowly said, "Bicycles? Do you have a ticket?"

Xu Yuqing, slightly bewildered by his reaction, replied, "Yes, we do."

The man stroked his chin, completely oblivious to Xie Junli standing behind Xu Yuqing, still absorbed in his attempt to impress. "I recommend the Shanghai Butterfly brand. Though it costs twenty yuan more than the Pigeon and Longevity brands, it is the best quality among lightweight bicycles. I know because I own one myself."

He continued talking, and Xu Yuqing and Xie Junli exchanged another glance, moving forward to examine the bicycles.

The Butterfly brand did look better, and Xie Junli confirmed its quality.

Just as they decided, the salesperson, realizing no one was listening, called out anxiously, "Hey! What are you doing? You can't touch the bicycles if you're not buying them!"

He tried to grab Xu Yuqing, but a green military arm intervened, easily restraining him.

"Hey!"

The salesperson finally faced Xie Junli.

Seeing his face, he shivered involuntarily, stepped back, and forced a stiff smile, "Ah, ah, ah, it's a comrade from the People's Liberation Army. Why didn't you say so earlier?"

Xie Junli separated him from Xu Yuqing, his gaze icy, "Do you have any Butterfly brand bicycles in stock?"

"Just this one! It's the last one left. If you want it, you can ride it away right now!" The man trembled as he spoke.

Xu Yuqing and Xie Junli exchanged a glance, both agreeing, "Sure, we'll take it."

Their tone was as casual as buying vegetables, without even asking the price. The man's face paled as he hurriedly went to the counter. If one looked closely, they could see his legs shaking.

While retrieving the receipt, he couldn't resist stealing a glance at Xu Yuqing. Unfortunately, such a beautiful woman had such an intimidating husband.

He gritted his teeth, wrote down the bicycle information, "Bicycle ticket and 187 yuan."

Xu Yuqing reached for her purse, but Xie Junli took it, paid the money, and handed the receipt to the man. Seeing the intimidating soldier not even allowing his wife to handle the transaction, the man felt a mix of fear and smugness.

This soldier must be afraid his refined image would attract his wife.

Indeed, a rough and tough man would feel inferior.

With a hint of pride, he proudly accepted the money and handed the receipt to Xie Junli, "Done."

Xie Junli took it calmly, questioning the department store's choice of salespeople. This man seemed lost in his own fantasies. Could he really sell things properly?

Initially, Xie Junli wanted to leave the bicycle here, but now he decided against it.

He effortlessly lifted the bicycle, checked the parts, placed the receipt safely, and it became theirs.

Xu Yuqing watched the bicycle in amazement, feeling a great sense of satisfaction.

One of the three major items, how incredible! She now owned one!

In the crowded department store, Xie Junli pushed the bicycle outside before sitting on it, letting Xu Yuqing wrap her arms around his waist, "We'll drop the bicycle off at the Logistics Department first and get their help. Then we'll buy our groceries and ride home."

"Okay."

Xu Yuqing agreed, and Xie Junli started pedaling. As he did, Xu Yuqing, who was enjoying the moment, suddenly stiffened.

It hurt!

Her grimace was impossible to hide. Sitting on Yu Jia's bicycle had been cushioned and comfortable.

But this metal frame was hard and cold, and the uneven cobblestone road made every bump a challenge for her bottom.

Unable to bear it, Xu Yuqing frantically pounded on Xie Junli's waist, "I can't take it anymore! Stop! My butt hurts!"

She gritted her teeth and shouted.

Xie Junli hastily applied the brakes and turned to see Xu Yuqing pale-faced, standing up and stomping her feet.

"What's wrong?" Xie Junli scanned her from head to toe, unable to find the cause.

Xu Yuqing pointed at the seat and then subtly at her own bottom. "It hurts! I'll ride, or you sit, or you run!" she said firmly.

Xie Junli knew that Xu Yuqing had learned how to ride, but despite his lingering concern, seeing her earlier reaction made it clear she wouldn't be sitting in the back anymore.

Helping her onto the seat, Xie Junli was about to let go when Xu Yuqing grabbed him, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "You sit here; I'll give you a ride."

Hearing this, Xie Junli looked at her in surprise, admiring her quick thinking. He shook his head. "I'm too heavy."

Seeing his refusal, Xu Yuqing insisted he sit in the back. She knew he was heavy, but the road was smooth, and she was confident she could manage. Besides, with Xie Junli's long legs, he could easily jump off if needed. However, what she really wanted was for him to experience the discomfort she had just endured.

She pulled Xie Junli onto the backseat, and he had no choice but to comply, squeezing onto the small space. Thus, an unusual scene unfolded on the street: a petite woman with a pretty face gritting her teeth as she pedaled, while a strong PLA comrade sat comfortably behind her, even using his feet to help propel the bike forward when she tired.

Some elderly women shook their heads disapprovingly, muttering about the hardships of young couples these days.

Xie Junli noticed their reactions and felt uncomfortable, wanting to cover himself up. Xu Yuqing, oblivious to his distress, was panting with effort. Xie Junli leaned close. "Let me get off and run; we're almost there."

Xu Yuqing was about to refuse, but the sudden relief made her lose strength, and she couldn't pedal anymore. Xie Junli jumped off just then, and without him, Xu Yuqing suddenly felt lighter, effortlessly pedaling and experiencing the thrill of speed.

However, the joy was short-lived as they approached the Logistics Department's large truck.

Xu Yuqing awkwardly applied the brakes and steadied herself.

Inside the truck, a soldier guarding the supplies heard them and jumped out to check. "Comrade Xie? Did you forget something?"

Xie Junli shook his head. "I'll park the bicycle here. Please watch over it; thank you."

The soldier looked towards Xie Junli and saw Xu Yuqing pushing the Butterfly-brand bicycle over. His eyes lit up. "Sure!"

Xu Yuqing parked the bike, and the soldier curiously examined it. Seeing his interest, she chuckled. "It won't break; feel free to touch it. If you know how to ride, you can try it too."

The soldier's eyes widened in shock, his mouth agape. "No, no, that wouldn't be appropriate!" he stammered.

But his sparkling eyes betrayed his excitement. Bicycles were valuable, and borrowing one was a rare treat. Xu Yuqing glanced at Xie Junli, who nodded. "It's fine; if you know how to ride, go ahead. You've been working hard."

"Thank you, Comrade Xie! Thank you, Sister-in-law!" the soldier exclaimed happily. He had never met anyone as generous as the couple before.

This was a Butterfly-brand bicycle!

After settling the bike, Xu Yuqing and Xie Junli walked back to the department store, heading to the clothing section to buy a pair of gloves.

If possible, they also wanted to purchase some cotton to make a cushion for the bicycle seat.

Entering the department store again, they turned right towards the clothing area, where ready-made clothes and shoes were displayed.

Xu Yuqing ignored the old-fashioned garments and approached the salesperson. "Comrade, do you have any gloves? Preferably woolen ones."

The salesperson looked up, sizing her up. "You want to buy gloves?"

"Yes," Xu Yuqing confirmed, wondering why the salesperson seemed skeptical.

The salesperson stood up, leading her to a corner counter. In a hushed voice, she said, "Comrade, if you buy gloves here, they cost 1.3 yuan per pair, with limited designs and poor-quality wool. But I can knit gloves with good wool for 1 yuan per pair."

As she spoke, she cautiously glanced around.

Xu Yuqing paused, understanding the situation. This salesperson was offering private work.

She didn't mind who she bought from and followed the salesperson to look at the available gloves. The designs were indeed limited, with the best being a blue pair with polka dots, which felt rough to the touch. Xu Yuqing wasn't fond of them.

Frowning, she leaned closer to the salesperson. "I need them urgently. Do you have any now?"

The salesperson frowned, realizing it would take time to knit gloves. Then, she looked at Xu Yuqing's small hands and had an idea. "I have a yellow pair that should fit you well. If you're in a hurry, I can give them to you."

Xu Yuqing raised an eyebrow. "Can I see them first?"

Yellow might not be appealing, and she preferred not to wear them if they looked bad.

The salesperson nodded. "Go straight from here, through a small door, and you'll find the public restroom nearby. I'll wait for you there."

She whispered the directions and gestured.

Xu Yuqing exchanged a glance with Xie Junli and decided to follow the salesperson, leaving him to distract others.

Alone at the counter, Xie Junli felt several intense gazes on him. After a minute, he couldn't resist and stepped forward. "Do you have any cotton?"

The salesperson responded, "We have a little left, but not much."

"I'll take all of it," he said calmly.

Seeing his generosity, the salesperson's suspicions faded. She wondered why only the husband was left shopping. Pulling out a light sack of cotton—about three pounds—she glanced at Xie Junli, relieved he was in uniform. Otherwise, his appearance might have suggested he was here to steal.

Taking out a scale, she weighed the cotton. Just as she was about to speak, Xu Yuqing returned, running through the door, looking happier than before.

She hugged Xie Junli's arm, giving him a meaningful look. "What did you buy?"

"Cotton."

"Cotton?" Xu Yuqing stared at the large bag of cotton, disbelievingly glancing at Xie Junli, whose expression remained unchanged as he paid and lifted the sack effortlessly.

With the deed done, Xu Yuqing couldn't say much. Cotton was a necessity, and if nothing else, they could make more coats.

The two of them returned with a full load. However, carrying the sack down the street was rather conspicuous. She looked at the sack in Xie Junli’s hand and asked, "How heavy is this?"

"Three catties."

Xie Junli replied indifferently. Three catties wasn't much; it just looked like a lot. Buying more cushions would make the bed softer.

On the bustling streets during their day off, young people were the most common sight. Occasionally, there were middle-aged individuals hurrying along with children in tow.

They leisurely made their way to the Red Star Cinema. But even from a hundred meters away, they could see a large crowd. Why were there so many people?

Xu Yuqing widened her eyes in confusion. There were indeed many people, and the scene was chaotic. She and Xie Junli exchanged a glance before quickening their pace.

Before they got close, Xu Yuqing could hear people shouting, "I was here first! I should go in first!"

"Pah! I was clearly here before you. I’ve been in front of you the whole time, but you cut in line when it got chaotic!"

Two frail men glared at each other angrily. Xu Yuqing was confused by the commotion but soon spotted a familiar face—Manager Lin handling the situation, while Sister Feng was selling tickets.

Xu Yuqing squeezed through the crowd. Everyone was too busy watching the spectacle to notice her. However, she could get through, but Xie Junli couldn’t. He stood helplessly outside the crowd, watching his wife who had forgotten about him again, waiting patiently.

Inside, Xu Yuqing struggled to reach the counter. By the time she got there, her hair was disheveled. She quickly tidied it up and asked Sister Feng, who was visibly stressed, "Sister Feng, what’s going on?"

Sister Feng jumped in surprise, almost screaming, but then saw it was Xu Yuqing and quickly covered her mouth. "Comrade Little Xu! You’re here!"

Sister Feng exclaimed joyfully.

In recent times, the Red Star Cinema had become vastly different from before!

It was as if one was in heaven and the other in hell.

Her salary had even increased by ten yuan due to the recent busyness!

Seeing Xu Yuqing, the bringer of fortune, she couldn’t help but smile. "You wouldn’t believe it, but it’s all because of your popcorn. People are rushing to be the first to watch the movie, hence the ticket scramble."

She explained, exasperated.

Ticket scrambles had happened multiple times recently, but no solution had been found. Whenever there was a queue, chaos ensued.

Everyone in the cinema, except for the projectionist, had been reassigned to sell tickets and popcorn.

Xu Yuqing thought something serious had happened, but it was just this. She rubbed her thumb against her finger, thinking deeply. After a moment, she looked up. "Sister Feng, can you give me a pen and a notebook?"

Huh? Sister Feng was busy helping Manager Lin deal with customers, but Xu Yuqing confidently assured her, "Sister Feng, don’t worry. I have a solution."

A solution? Despite her doubts, Sister Feng chose to trust her. Under the counter, she had pens and notebooks for recording showtimes and ticket sales.

"Here."

Xu Yuqing took the notebook and tore out a page from the back. "Manager Lin."

She stepped forward and called out loudly.

This drew everyone’s attention. They all turned to look at her, and were momentarily stunned. She was beautiful, with a gentle smile that revealed a small dimple, and her voice was clear and melodious, like a nightingale.

Manager Lin looked at Xu Yuqing with surprise. "Comrade Little Xu, you’re here!"

Xu Yuqing nodded and approached with the paper. "Manager Lin, I noticed that queuing always causes delays and conflicts due to the limited space. Here’s what we can do: I’ll take notes, and everyone listen to me."

She cleared her throat and spoke loudly, "We will distribute numbered tickets in order. We’ll tell everyone the start time of the movie. With the numbered ticket, you can go shopping or stroll around. When it’s almost time, come back and enter with your ticket!"

Her words were met with brightened expressions. "That’s a great idea!"

"That’s right! With numbers, some people won’t be able to argue anymore!"

Apart from a few dissenting voices, most agreed. Xu Yuqing handed the notebook to Manager Lin. "Manager Lin, to prevent cheating, you need to mark the tickets."

Manager Lin understood immediately and called Sister Feng to fetch her personal stamp from the office. Xu Yuqing helped divide the paper into smaller pieces and wrote the numbers with a fountain pen. The stamp arrived—a small wooden one.

Noticing Xu Yuqing’s curious gaze, Manager Lin felt a bit embarrassed. "My daughter made this. She and her father both love woodworking."

Though she said this, her face was filled with pride.

Xu Yuqing smiled gently, her dimple deepening. She passed the papers over, and they stamped each one. Sister Feng distributed the tickets, reminding everyone, "Remember, the next show starts in half an hour. Don’t be late once the movie starts!"

"Got it!"

"Right! Get the popcorn ready!"

As the tickets were distributed, the crowd gradually dispersed. Manager Lin finally breathed a sigh of relief, carefully putting away the stamp. She looked gratefully at Xu Yuqing. "Comrade Little Xu, we really owe you one. Recently, our Red Star Cinema has probably become the top earner in North City."

She said proudly.

And new movies hadn’t even been introduced yet. The projectionist had been working non-stop, losing several pounds.

All thanks to the popcorn. Now, eating popcorn while watching movies was the trend in the city. If someone hadn’t tried it, they were considered outdated.

Xu Yuqing was surprised herself. She hadn’t expected the popcorn to create such a sensation. Remembering why she was there, she realized she had come with Xie Junli to watch a movie.

She looked down and saw Xie Junli still waiting for her. Their eyes met, and she gave him a guilty smile. "Manager Lin, let me introduce you to my husband. He’s a comrade of the People's Liberation Army."

She quickly led him over,

Manager Lin’s eyes lit up. Xie Junli’s appearance was exactly what most mothers-in-law would approve of—reliable, strong, and a soldier contributing to the nation. His demeanor suggested he was not an ordinary man.

"You two look very well-matched," Manager Lin remarked with a smile.

Xu Yuqing accepted the compliment without blushing, smiling gently. They had planned to watch a movie, but given the current situation, they decided to come another time. Xu Yuqing explained this to Manager Lin, who wanted to let them in but remembered the numbered tickets already distributed for the thirty-five seats.

There was nothing she could do. She watched Xu Yuqing and Xie Junli bid her farewell and leave.

"Shall we go back?" Xu Yuqing looked at Xie Junli, tentatively suggesting.

Xu Yuqing certainly didn’t want to go back yet, but since their scheduled trip had been cut short, there was no other choice.

Xie Junli saw through her thoughts. "Let's walk around some more."

Her eyes lit up, and Xu Yuqing happily agreed, "Okay."

The two of them aimlessly wandered through the streets and alleys. The streets were still desolate with few shops open, but every passerby wore a genuine smile.

Xu Yuqing strolled without purpose. Going to a park now would be foolish, even though she had heard others considering it.

Suddenly, Xu Yuqing’s eyes brightened as she spotted a state-owned photo studio nearby.

Excitedly, she tugged on Xie Junli’s hand, pulling him into the studio. "We haven't taken a photo together yet!"

Xie Junli looked at the neatly arranged photos on the glass counter—headshots and couple shots—and froze. Xu Yuqing, not getting a response, looked over curiously. At that moment, the door opened, and an elderly man with gray hair, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a mustache, stepped out. He looked at the couple and asked, "Comrades, would you like to take a photo?"

Xu Yuqing glanced at Xie Junli, giving him a look that said, "Are you coming in? If not, I am." Xie Junli took her hand and silently walked in.

Inside was clean and tidy, with various sizes of black-and-white photos hanging on the walls. Despite being monochrome, each person in the photos had a beautiful, radiant smile.

Xu Yuqing also noticed a soldier in the same uniform as Xie Junli who had taken a solo shot.

"Do you want a couple shot or individual ones?"

Xu Yuqing and Xie Junli exchanged a glance. "A couple shot," they said in unison.

The photographer chuckled at their enthusiasm. He teased Xie Junli, "You two must be newlyweds, still so shy."

Newlyweds. Xu Yuqing and Xie Junli exchanged another glance, their faces flushing. After a year apart, they were indeed still in the honeymoon phase.

The photo studio didn’t provide clothes, but fortunately, Xie Junli wore a shirt under his military coat, albeit an old one. Xu Yuqing wore a knitted cream-colored sweater, close-fitting. They removed their coats and sat down, catching the photographer’s eye.

"Lady, could you let your hair down instead of having it in braids?"

Xu Yuqing looked at her braids, nodded, and carefully untied them, smoothing her hair with her hands.

Xie Junli was also instructed to put on a hat. The photographer sighed, "If only it were a thinner one without earflaps, it would look better."

Fortunately, their good looks made up for these minor flaws.

Holding the camera behind the dark cloth, the photographer called out, "Sir! With such a lovely partner, everyone else is grinning from ear to ear. Smile a bit!"

Xie Junli hesitated, then forced a stiff smile, revealing four front teeth that looked odd.

The photographer, frustrated, emerged from behind the cloth. "What kind of smile is that!"

Xu Yuqing blinked at Xie Junli, whose smile hadn’t fully faded. She couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

Xie Junli quickly composed himself, returning to his usual stoic expression.

The photographer gave up and went back behind the cloth. "Couples, get closer. Be intimate; it’s just a photo, no worries."

Xu Yuqing glanced at Xie Junli and shifted closer. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, his gaze naturally drawn to her.

"Ah, perfect! Got it!"

The photographer shouted. Xu Yuqing instinctively smiled as a flash of light illuminated the scene.

Besides the couple shot, Xu Yuqing wanted a solo photo for keepsake. After confirming that Xie Junli wouldn’t take one, she had him hold her things while she excitedly combed her hair. However, the thick cotton pants under her sweater made her look less flattering in the mirror.

The photographer suggested standing for a solo shot, but Xu Yuqing firmly refused, not wanting to regret it later.

She brought a chair and picked up a thick book on photography techniques from the shelf. Holding the book, she sat down. "Ready."

Casually holding the book, her eyes not on the lens, she exuded a serene and composed demeanor. The photographer, impressed, snapped several shots.

He felt no regret, thinking how stunning the photo would be. Imagining young women in North City seeing this photo and wanting the same, he approached them.

"Comrades, your photos turned out great. I accidentally pressed the shutter twice, and you can see the wall here. I’ll give you both extra prints for free, and I’d like to display one here. What do you think?"

Pointing to the wall, he looked expectantly at Xu Yuqing.

Before Xu Yuqing could respond, Xie Junli’s face darkened. "No need, we’ll pay."

The photographer became anxious and hurriedly moved around Xie Junli to speak to the more approachable Xu Yuqing. "Comrade, I’ll display just one photo. You won’t lose anything. How about I give you an extra one?"

Seeing his urgency, Xu Yuqing felt uncomfortable and shook her head, looking at Xie Junli. "I’m sorry, my decision is tied to my partner’s. His decision represents mine."

Xu Yuqing spoke, respecting Xie Junli’s firm stance.

Together, they stood their ground, and the photographer had no choice but to accept it, feeling a bit regretful about the film roll. "Alright, come pay. Photos will be ready in three days. When would you like to pick them up?"

Xu Yuqing shook her head. "I might have time in three days. If not, I’ll come on a rest day. Is that okay?"

"Yes, the photos will be here. Five-inch prints, right?"

Xu Yuqing looked at the size options. "One large five-inch couple photo, two small one-inch ones, and all solo photos should be five inches."

That way, the smaller ones could fit in wallets.

The photographer nodded and marked the order. "Alright, pay now. Bring this ticket when you collect the photos."

Xie Junli carefully took the red ticket with a handwritten number and placed it in his bag. "Let’s go back."

Xu Yuqing followed him out. "Should we ride the bicycle back?"

"Hmm."

Xu Yuqing's heart was in turmoil as she glanced at Xie Junli and said, "I'll give you a ride."