Master Li nodded, "Don’t worry, we’ll arrange to take your photos first."
Lin Sisi immediately looked at Si Nian and Zhou Yueshen with a smug expression. "Sis, did you make an appointment in advance? Without one, you’ll have to wait in line. Master Li’s photo studio is the most popular one in the city."
Si Nian had just withdrawn her gaze from the photos of herself on the wall when Master Li suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "Oh, isn’t this Nian Nian?"
Si Nian nodded. "Uncle Li."
The group froze at this exchange.
Lin Sisi stared at her in shock. "Y-you know each other?"
Seeing Lin Sisi’s expression as if she’d swallowed a fly, Si Nian felt a surge of satisfaction. "Yes, when I was little, I used to come here often to take photos. Uncle Li thought I photographed well and even asked me to model sometimes."
Master Li sighed nostalgically. "That’s right. I’ve never seen a girl as photogenic and beautiful as Nian Nian. Her photos are still hanging on my wall. Every time someone comes in, they ask who she is and want to take the same shots. So many parents wanted their kids to pose just like her."
He pointed at the photos on the wall.
Lin Sisi glanced over and saw, indeed, a series of striking photos of a girl from childhood to adulthood, framed and displayed prominently. Though slightly aged, they were undeniably exquisite.
Jealousy burned in her eyes!
This should have been her life.
Her photos!
It was only because of a twist of fate—their identities being swapped—that Si Nian had the privilege of being photographed here!
Otherwise, it would never have been her turn!
Lin Sisi had never imagined that the prestigious studio she’d begged her mother to book, just to put Si Nian in her place, would turn out to be a place where Si Nian was practically family!
It infuriated her!
Zhou Yueshen also studied the photos of the girl on the wall. So, she had always been this fair, with such delicate features.
The young girl in the photos wore a bright, sunny smile, her striking features drawing the eye irresistibly. Nearby, a parent pointed at the photos and requested the same poses.
Fu Yang stared as well.
He and Si Nian had grown up together.
Yet he’d never known she had photos here...
The girl in the pictures was just as he remembered—always smiling.
Her forehead smooth, eyebrows finely arched, pure and lovely.
When facing the camera, there was a hint of shyness, her soft cheeks tinged pink.
Though they were just photos, he felt as if the Si Nian of the past stood before him, gazing at him with adoration and longing.
He was lost in thought until he snapped back to reality and saw Si Nian tilting her head to speak to Zhou Yueshen, standing so close they nearly touched.
From his angle, he could only see her profile—the curve of her eyes, the glimpse of pearly white teeth when she spoke.
For a fleeting moment, Fu Yang thought the person before her should have been him.
Zhou Yueshen had been listening attentively to Si Nian’s reminiscing when he felt Fu Yang’s gaze.
As a man, he knew exactly what that look meant.
His eyes turned cold as he pulled Si Nian closer, wrapping an arm around her.
Surrounded by the crowd, Si Nian didn’t think much of it. "The second floor has more outfit options. Should we go up?"
The prices upstairs were higher, but who cared? She had money to spare.
Zhou Yueshen gave a slight nod. "Mm."
"Master Li, we’re heading up to choose outfits."
The first floor offered only basic services, handled by Master Li’s apprentices.
The second floor was in a league of its own.
When she first arrived, Si Nian hadn’t recognized the place, but the photos on the wall had jogged her memory.
Master Li smiled warmly. "Sure, I’ll be right up."
Lin Sisi panicked. "Wait, shouldn’t you take our photos first?"
Master Li turned back, explaining patiently, "My apprentices will be ready for you shortly, miss. No need to rush."
"What? Why aren’t you taking them?" Lin Sisi demanded, furious. She’d made a reservation, only to be handed off to some apprentice? What kind of logic was that?
Master Li remained polite. "Because my apprentices are fully trained. I rarely take photos myself these days—only for acquaintances."
The unspoken implication: Do I know you?
Lin Sisi’s face turned green with anger.
She glanced back at Fu Yang, only to find him still staring dazedly at Si Nian’s retreating figure as she ascended the stairs.
He showed no intention of speaking up for her.
Her heart twisted with bitterness and resentment.
Her hatred for Si Nian deepened.
Master Li paid her no further mind and went upstairs.
Si Nian pulled out a tube of lip gloss from her bag and applied it, instantly brightening her complexion.
Her skin was naturally fair, her features striking—just a touch of makeup made her breathtakingly beautiful.
She selected a vintage-style wedding gown and stepped into the changing room.
Zhou Yueshen sat nearby, his tall, imposing frame impossible to ignore even while seated. The makeup artist had considered touching him up, but the man’s sharp, chiseled features—deep-set eyes, strong brows, close-cropped hair—left no room for improvement.
When Si Nian emerged draped in a pearl-embroidered veil, the room collectively gasped.
Everything around her seemed to pale in comparison. She was radiant—ethereal in white lace and pearls, her curls cascading elegantly.
Even Zhou Yueshen, a man who rarely noticed appearances, was momentarily spellbound.
His fingers twitched—an odd craving for a cigarette surfacing.
Lin Sisi, who had splurged to upgrade to the second floor (surprisingly, Fu Yang hadn’t objected), froze at the sight.
She regretted it instantly.
No matter how she dressed up, her flaws would never measure up to Si Nian’s perfection.
Her own gaudy attire now seemed clownish next to Si Nian’s effortless grace.
The pearls, lace, and silk looked as though they were crafted exclusively for her—luxury personified.
And she wasn’t even wearing much makeup...
The onlookers gaped, utterly mesmerized.
Si Nian was pleased with their reactions. Even she had spent a good while admiring herself in the mirror after putting on the outfit.
Holding her skirt, she walked toward Zhou Yueshen, who watched her with an intensity that felt almost predatory.
His gaze was dark, magnetic—as if trying to pull her in.
Her long lashes fluttered as she met his eyes.
Suddenly, her breath hitched.
Her heartbeat quickened.
By the time she reached him, she’d forgotten what she meant to say.
Zhou Yueshen studied her for a few seconds before lifting a hand to her cheek. "Shy?"
Si Nian’s face burned, already warm, now scorching. She could practically hear her own pulse roaring in her ears.
His touch was warm, yet carried an undeniable possessiveness.
Damn it, how am I supposed to not blush when you’re staring at me like that?!
She stubbornly retorted, "No, I’m just hot!"
His thumb brushed her cheek.
The beauty sighed inwardly. Holidays mean fewer readers. Who knows where all the ladies have gone? Probably forgotten about this old hack of an author already~
