Chapter Five: The National Day Holiday
On the first day of the National Day holiday, after finishing breakfast, Li Jie said, “Aunt Zhang, I won’t be eating lunch at home today. I’m going to the studio to learn photography.” With that, he slung his equipment over his shoulder and stepped out the door.
“Sigh, got it. I’ll make your favorite pork knuckle for dinner,” Zhang Lu called out loudly as he left.
When Li Jie rode his bike to Central Avenue, he spotted Geng Geng enthusiastically holding her camera, snapping pictures here and there—a lively, energetic young girl indeed.
“Wow! Isn’t this the internationally renowned photographer Geng Geng? To think I’d run into you here—I’m your biggest fan!” Li Jie said with a serious tone.
“Stop joking, Lu Xinghe. Didn’t you say you were going to your teacher’s place? Let’s go,” Geng Geng replied, pretending to be stern but clearly amused, which made Li Jie chuckle.
In October, the daytime temperature in Harbin hovered around 10 degrees Celsius, a bit chilly for Li Jie, who had grown up in the south. He wore a thin khaki coat over a light sweater, paired with pale jeans; despite this, a slight chill lingered in the morning air. Seeing Geng Geng in a simple pink hoodie and jeans, Li Jie thought to himself that his cold resistance still needed improvement.
“So this is the studio where your master works? ‘Time Shadows’—there are so many experts here,” Geng Geng said, listing the awards and famous figures associated with Time Shadows as if reciting treasured knowledge.
“Yeah, my master is Tian Xiao. Let’s go; I already arranged to meet him,” Li Jie replied.
Entering the slightly crowded lobby, the melodic music stirred images in Geng Geng’s mind of joyful newlyweds about to step into the sanctuary of marriage.
...
You are my most important decision
I am willing to wake up beside you every day
Even our quarrels are thrilling, never cold
Because true love knows no winners or losers, only intimacy
You are my most important decision
I am willing to break the fear of the unknown
Even tears can clear the skies, empathy prevails
Because happiness has no shortcuts, only nurturing
...
Hearing the familiar background music, Li Jie was surprised that the new song he had written not long ago had already spread here. The song indeed fit the atmosphere perfectly. When they reached the second floor and stood outside Tian Xiao’s office, they saw him bidding farewell to a young couple who looked quite charming.
Tian Xiao spotted Li Jie and said, “Xinghe, you’re here. And this must be the deskmate you mentioned—full of energy, I see.”
“Yes, Brother Tian. This is Geng Geng. She’s been coming with me to learn from you these past few days. Thank you for your help.”
“Did you bring the lenses I asked for last time? I’ll explain everything in detail over the next few days.”
“We brought them all. I’ve encountered some problems recently and would like to consult you,” Li Jie said, pointing to his equipment bag.
Afternoon sunlight streamed through the old glass windows, warming the sofa in the office. Li Jie felt a gentle warmth. The sunlight fell on Geng Geng’s earnest face, and suddenly he felt an urge to capture this moment—a girl in the afternoon light, eagerly absorbing knowledge.
Click! The sudden shutter startled Geng Geng, who blushed upon seeing Li Jie holding the camera.
“Let’s talk about lenses again. Lenses are divided into zoom and prime based on focal length...” Tian Xiao began.
“Different lenses suit different subjects, but there are no strict rules. For instance, some photographers say prime lenses are better for portraits, while wide-angle lenses suit landscapes better,” he continued.
...
In the following days, Li Jie and Geng Geng studied diligently under Tian Xiao’s guidance. Occasionally, he took them out on location shoots for hands-on practice.
“Xinghe, Geng Geng, I’m going on a business trip to Xiamen tomorrow. You’re free to explore on your own. Just bring me the photos you take,” Tian Xiao said at the end of one teaching session.
After a busy yet fulfilling day, Li Jie took Geng Geng to the snack street on Central Avenue.
“Geng Geng, tomorrow’s the last day of the holiday, and Brother Tian will be away. How about we go to Old Daowai for a photo shoot?” Li Jie suggested, holding an ice pop he just bought from Madier Ice Cream.
“Sure! Then you’ll be my exclusive model tomorrow,” Geng Geng said, eyes fixed on the ice pop.
“Such a foodie,” Li Jie thought, patting her head.
********
That night, lying in bed, Geng Geng’s mind drifted to Beta’s pre-holiday talk about going on a date. Her cheeks flushed, but no, this wasn’t a date—just learning photography together. She drifted into sleep amid her wandering thoughts.
---
In the morning, Li Jie looked out the window. The sunlight warmed his heart—another beautiful day. Amid Aunt Zhang’s nagging, he stepped out.
Old Daowai, a historic district cherished by old Harbin residents, is a living fossil. Though it has inevitably declined amid societal changes, it still exudes a unique charm amidst the concrete cityscape. The antique Baroque architecture is perfect for vintage-style photography, immersing one in the Harbin of the last century.
“Lu Xinghe, move a bit to the left... yes, that’s the angle, perfect!” Geng Geng’s soft voice echoed through the empty street. Her excited face was like a child discovering a new toy, constantly directing Li Jie into various poses. They darted through the old streets like treasure hunters.
“All right, it’s about time I take some photos. You’ve been shooting all day,” Li Jie said, watching Geng Geng’s unflagging enthusiasm at sunset.
“Ha! Really? I didn’t even notice the time flying by. I wish tomorrow were a holiday too. Fine, I grant your request.”
“If you like it so much, next time we can go to places like Sofia Church, Riverside Railway Bridge, Qunli Music Park, Volga Manor—there are so many spots as good as this.”
“Great, it’s settled then,” Geng Geng said joyfully, her tone full of certainty.
After the final shots, Li Jie looked up at the darkening sky. “Let’s go get some fried chicken. Ronghua’s is delicious.”
...
“Ah, I want more, but I’m so full now,” Geng Geng said, patting her belly, clearly wanting to eat more.
“We can come again next time. Let’s set a small goal: try all the best food in Harbin during high school,” Li Jie coaxed.
“Hey, that’s a great idea. Approved! Little Lu, look at this!” she exclaimed.
As they left the restaurant, the dim streetlights and colorful neon signs transformed Old Daowai into a different scene. The century-old streets, adorned with modern lights, exuded an enchanting aura.
Seeing Geng Geng captivated by the view, her expression conflicted—wanting to stay and shoot longer but also mindful of not getting home too late—Li Jie suggested, “Geng Geng, how about we shoot here a little longer, then I’ll take a taxi to send you home? It won’t be much later than the bus.”
“I’m not sure... would that be too much trouble for you?”
“No problem at all, it’s on the way.”
After dropping Geng Geng off, Li Jie reflected on his actions since entering the parallel world and the steady progress in his relationship with her. His serialized work, The Devotion of Suspect X, was ongoing, and the few songs he had written had so far been released only as “My Deskmate” and “You Are My Most Important Decision.” The others had yet to find suitable voices. Everything was unfolding as planned—step by step, slowly but surely. It was a perfect way to relive his school days once more.