Chapter 258 : Give Me Your Hand~
“Don’t worry, we guarantee absolute confidentiality,” said Wenwen, the mature, refined woman with short black hair, dressed in a white blouse and black skirt, a camera hanging around her neck. For some reason, Ling Ning felt like she should have been holding a fan as well.
Wenwen was the owner of the photography studio, a poised and charming woman.
“Still, I didn’t expect you and Miss Bai Yiyue to be… like this,” Wenwen said with a knowing smile, glancing between the two.
Ling Ning sighed and replied, “You’ve got it wrong. We’re not what you think. Yiyue, please help me clear this up.”
But Bai Yiyue only looked at Ling Ning, then Wenwen, and lowered her head, her cheeks tinged pink, saying nothing. Sitting beside her, Ling Ning could see the sly smile tugging at Bai Yiyue’s lips, thoroughly pleased with the misunderstanding.
The sales clerk and Wenwen exchanged glances, both with matching smiles that seemed to say, “We get it.”
Ling Ning wanted to scream. She’d even considered just throwing the photo voucher away to avoid situations like this. Clearly, it was too late for regrets.
“So, have you both chosen your wedding dresses?” Wenwen asked.
Ling Ning shook her head and looked at Bai Yiyue, deciding to let her choose first. If their dresses were too different in style, the photos wouldn’t come out as well.
“I’ve already decided—this one,” Bai Yiyue said, pointing to the first dress Ling Ning had recommended, which she thought suited her perfectly.
“Alright, then I’ll choose this one,” Ling Ning said, settling on her dress.
With the dresses chosen, the two went to get ready, changing and having their makeup done. It was an artistic indoor shoot, so it wouldn’t be as involved as a typical wedding photoshoot.
After a while, the preparations were complete. Bai Yiyue admired her reflection, pleased with how beautiful she looked in the wedding dress.
Ling Ning, however, didn’t feel any excitement. She’d worn wedding dresses so many times before, especially for work. It had lost its novelty long ago, and it’s not as if she planned on getting married. Then again, this world did allow same-sex marriage…
Lost in thought, Ling Ning felt a gentle tug on her dress. She looked down to see Xiao Dong Xue, gazing up at her with big, admiring eyes.
“Pretty,” Dong Xue said sweetly.
Ling Ning laughed, reaching out to place her hand above Dong Xue’s head. Dong Xue happily stood on her tiptoes, nudging her hand like a kitten.
“Oh, I can’t take it! Just let me die from the cuteness overload right here!” Ling Ning thought.
At that moment, Bai Yiyue approached, her eyes shining. “Ling Ning, do I look pretty?”
Bai Yiyue spun around in front of Ling Ning, her dress flowing. But she’d forgotten she was wearing high heels—much higher than usual. She wobbled, losing her balance, and nearly fell.
Thankfully, Ling Ning was quick and caught her in time.
“What’s with you today, being so clumsy? You could’ve hurt yourself,” Ling Ning said, exasperated.
Bai Yiyue wrapped her arms around Ling Ning’s waist, resting her head on her shoulder, feeling at peace. “It’s just that I’m so, so happy today, Ling Ning. Ever since I found you again, I’ve been so scared. All I have to connect us is a memory—something that I remember, but you don’t. I’m terrified you’ll ignore me one day or just vanish from my life. So, just having you here with me today makes me incredibly happy.”
Ling Ning froze for a moment, then gently wrapped her arms around Bai Yiyue’s waist, whispering close to her ear, “What are you worrying about? I’m right here, aren’t I?”
“Mm…”
Outside, Wenwen waited patiently for them to come out, but after some time, she grew puzzled. She was certain they’d finished preparing, so why hadn’t they come out yet? Curious, she opened the dressing room door.
The sight that met her eyes was that of the two of them locked in a deep embrace. Startled, Wenwen quickly composed herself, smiling awkwardly. “Ah, are you two ready to…oh, sorry! Don’t mind me, carry on as you were!”
She quickly shut the door but then reopened it just a crack. “Please try to be on time, or we may need to work overtime tonight.”
“It’s… it’s not what you think!” Ling Ning called out in frustration at the closed door, feeling defeated.
Bai Yiyue flashed her a mischievous grin, then grabbed Ling Ning’s arm, urging her forward. “Come on, come on~”
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“Wow, it’s so late already!”
By the time the three of them left the studio, it was completely dark. Thankfully, Ling Ning had thought ahead and messaged her daughter earlier, letting her know she’d be home late. Choosing and reviewing the photos had taken more time than expected, and it would still be about a month before they’d have the final prints.
“Ling Ning, let’s go grab something to eat,” Bai Yiyue said, visibly energized from the day. She’d spent the entire afternoon in bliss, feeling lighter than ever with Ling Ning by her side. With Ling Ning there, nothing seemed scary anymore.
As Bai Yiyue moved to cross the street, a large truck suddenly turned the corner. She was too caught up in her own world, humming an unfamiliar tune, and by the time she noticed, she was already… in Ling Ning’s arms.
“What were you thinking?! That was a red light!” Ling Ning exclaimed, her voice tight with fear as she held Bai Yiyue close. The thought of what could’ve happened made her shudder.
“I…I’m sorry,” Bai Yiyue whispered, still shaken. If Ling Ning hadn’t been beside her, she might not have made it.
“Forget it. Just… give me your hand so you don’t do something foolish again.”
Feeling Ling Ning’s hand in hers, Bai Yiyue’s face softened into a dreamy smile. Even now, Ling Ning was just like she’d been when they were kids.
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Author’s Note:
Three chapters completed! The Fire Keeper is calling this lazy writer…