Chapter 211: Taking Photos at The Sunstone Palace
The photographer spoke with absolute sincerity. Vivian Lowell’s cheeks flushed slightly, while Julian Faulkner naturally and confidently stepped forward to take her hand. Right as their fingertips brushed against each other, Vivian’s phone rang.
"Hold on a second," Vivian said with a smile, glancing at Julian before answering the call. "Eleanor, what’s up?"
"Nothing much." Eleanor Rhodes sounded a bit bored. "I went to the pet hospital today, and there’s hardly anyone there right now.
"Besides, we’re short-staffed, and the new vets won’t be able to start for a while. After taking care of the kittens, I decided we might as well just reopen on Monday!
"It just so happens that two doctors are coming in for an interview that day. So, I’m a little bored this weekend. I’m calling to ask if you’re free to hang out?"
Having said her piece, Eleanor began to ponder if there were any good movies playing recently. They had already watched the best one currently showing!
"Well..." Listening to her friend, Vivian could only reply helplessly, "I made plans with Grandma to take photos at The Sunstone Palace today. Eleanor, if you want to take pictures too, why not come join us?
"I’ll ask if they have any extra outfits. We can take some bestie photos together, right?"
Eleanor’s interest was instantly piqued at the mention of a photoshoot. She hurriedly asked for the address and declared she would drive over immediately.
Vivian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at Eleanor’s swift decisiveness. Still, it was good that she was coming. So much had happened lately that it would be nice to get out and clear their heads. The Sunstone Palace was picturesque, and she was sure Eleanor would love it.
Hanging up the phone, Vivian noticed Julian and Grandma Faulkner sitting off to the side, waiting for her. She walked over to the photographer and relayed Eleanor’s request and measurements.
Eleanor was a bit shorter than Vivian, but they had similar builds. She was the petite, cute type, and there were quite a few girls with similar figures who came to the studio for photoshoots.
Hearing this, the photographer quickly prepared two outfits similar to what Vivian was wearing and handed them over.
"These are newly made, intended for sale or rental for photoshoots. No one has worn them yet. Mrs. Faulkner, if your friend likes them, she can wear them for the shoot."
The photographer was exceedingly polite. After all, Julian had custom-ordered around a dozen outfits here, each of them worth a small fortune.
"Thank you." Vivian thanked the photographer and had Vance Wyatt come over to help carry the items before turning back to find Grandma Faulkner and Julian.
Julian was asking about Grandma Faulkner’s health. Ever since she had been discharged from the hospital, Ms. Shaw was by her side every day, helping measure her blood pressure and monitoring her vital signs. Her vitals were normal, she was in good spirits, and there were currently no issues with her health.
"I am doing wonderfully. Julian, you shouldn’t worry so much. On the contrary, it’s been almost half a year since you and Vivian got married. How come there’s no news yet?" Grandma Faulkner had a gossipy look on her face as she sized Julian up. She said earnestly, "You need to coax girls more. Julian, you’ve hardly interacted with girls since you were little!
"If there’s anything you don’t understand, you can always ask your grandma!"
"..."
A hint of crimson flashed behind Julian’s ears, though his expression remained as cold as an iceberg. "Grandma, you... I know."
Children.
It wasn’t that Julian hadn’t thought about it. But he felt it was not urgent. They had spent far too little time together. Having a child would further compress the time they had for each other. It was better to fully enjoy their time together as a couple right now.
Vivian didn’t know what Julian and Grandma Faulkner had been discussing, but she could sense the harmonious atmosphere between the grandson and grandmother. She walked over, explained Eleanor’s situation, and said, "Let’s go.
"We’re heading straight to The Sunstone Palace now, and Eleanor is on her way there too."
"Okay," Julian agreed. He stood up, taking Vivian’s hand in one of his and Grandma Faulkner’s in the other. After glancing at Vance, who was laden with bags of all sizes, the smile on his face faded slightly.
"There sure are a lot of people around," he thought, narrowing his eyes.
The photo studio wasn’t far from The Sunstone Palace. Traffic in Aethelburg wasn’t too heavy on a weekend morning, and fifteen minutes later, the group arrived at the entrance. Vivian had bought tickets online in advance, so they simply scanned the codes and walked right in.
The Sunstone Palace was massive. Entering through the main gate, there was a small area dedicated to a palace complex. These were ancient palace buildings left over from the previous dynasty, exuding an antique charm and surrounded by lush, shady trees.
Further ahead lay the palace’s lake. It was so large that walking along its perimeter would take a full hour. There was an arch bridge in front, followed by a long corridor and a small hill at the back.
"Let’s take photos around the palace area, the lake, and the long corridor! There isn’t much to see on the hill. Although Silchester Street at the back is quite nice, it’s temporarily closed, so we can’t go there anyway."
The photographer was highly experienced when it came to finding the best scenic spots. After suggesting a few locations, he brought out some reference photos for Vivian to choose from.
Vivian took the photos and immediately handed them to Grandma Faulkner. "Grandma, you’re the elder. You choose." She was very respectful and polite.
Grandma Faulkner chuckled as she accepted the photos. After furrowing her brows and studying them for quite a while, she settled on a particular spot along the long corridor.
The long corridor had a wonderful ambiance to begin with, and with the lake situated right behind it, the location seamlessly captured the beauty of both areas. It truly was an excellent choice.
"Let’s go with this one!"
Once Grandma Faulkner made her selection, the group headed toward the long corridor.
Perhaps because of their traditional qipao dresses, combined with Julian and Vivian’s exceptionally striking appearances, along with the two photographers trailing behind them, the surrounding tourists all turned to look.
"Are they filming a TV show here at The Sunstone Palace?"
"I don’t think so? I don’t see a production crew! Wait... that guy looks familiar! I think I’ve seen him somewhere before! Is that the CEO of the Faulkner Group? Oh my God! He treats his wife so incredibly well!"
There were plenty of whispers all around them. Some people even raised their phones, trying to sneak a few pictures.
Julian ignored these onlookers. Instead, he squeezed Vivian’s hand even tighter, as if he were proudly showing off just how deeply in love they were.
Feeling the warmth radiating from his palm, Vivian glanced at Julian, feeling a little shy.
Julian tilted his head to look back at her. With a faint smile in his eyes, he asked, "What’s wrong?"
His tone was gentle and soft, like the morning sun in May—comforting and warm against the skin. It was exactly the feeling Vivian loved. Especially that nonchalant "What’s wrong?" She could tell he had asked it on purpose. He knew she was feeling a bit shy, yet he deliberately teased her with the question. His gaze and tone were overflowing with adoration, which only made Vivian feel even more embarrassed.
"Nothing!" Vivian mumbled at Julian before quickly changing the subject. She looked at Grandma Faulkner and asked, "Grandma, where do you think would be a good spot to take pictures?"
Just then, Grandma Faulkner came to a stop. They were at the middle section of the long corridor. Right behind them was the lake of The Sunstone Palace. The sunlight today was perfect, illuminating the exact spot where they stood. Not far away, willow leaves fluttered gently in the breeze. The scenery here was undeniably beautiful, radiating a deeply poetic atmosphere.
"This spot is great!" Vivian was thrilled. She subtly let go of Julian’s hand, walked over, and linked arms with Grandma Faulkner. Resting her head affectionately against the older woman’s, she said, "Grandma, I want to take a picture with you!"
"Alright, alright!" Grandma Faulkner was utterly defenseless against Vivian’s charm. After nodding in agreement, the grandmother and granddaughter duo began striking poses in the long corridor under the photographer’s guidance.
The photographer this time was extremely professional, and there was even an assistant adjusting the lighting and reflectors. Vivian didn’t care how many sets they were going to shoot; she was determined to keep all the beautiful photos anyway!
Vivian and Grandma Faulkner had a real talent for posing. They quickly grasped the essence of the poses the photographer suggested, effortlessly completing the shots in no time.
About half an hour later, Eleanor found them. She was wearing a sun hat and had specifically put on a Republican-era Western-style dress she had brought from home. She had even taken the time to curl her hair with a curling iron.
"Vivian!" Eleanor called out as she approached, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw Vivian in her qipao.
She had always known her best friend was beautiful, but she hadn’t expected that Vivian in a qipao would look so much like a noble young lady!
"You are so gorgeous!" Eleanor couldn’t help but fan-girl over her. She then added, "Grandma, your aura is amazing too! You completely blow those high-society ladies out of the water!"
Grandma Faulkner chuckled at Eleanor’s words and beckoned her over to join the photoshoot.
"Coming!" Eleanor readily agreed.
With the three ladies gathered together, there was an endless array of poses to strike. One moment, they were holding round fans to look elegant and refined; the next, they were making finger hearts to capture a cute, modern vibe.
Julian stood off to the side by himself. After waiting for a while, he simply walked over to the photographer, wanting to see how Vivian looked through the camera lens.
Before looking at the camera, Julian’s expression had been icy. Even Vance, who was by his side, didn’t dare stand too close, terrified he might catch a cold from the freezing aura radiating off him. Fortunately, the moment Julian saw the photos of Vivian, his iceberg-like face instantly softened.
In the pictures, Vivian was smiling brightly. Captured by a top-tier camera and the photographer’s professional framing, all of her best features were magnificently highlighted.
She seemed to become the absolute focal point in his eyes. She was so beautiful and confident that it took his breath away, ensuring that no one else could ever find a place in his heart.
This was the Vivian Lowell he loved.
Julian’s heart skipped a beat. When he raised his eyes again, his gaze had grown significantly gentler.
By this time, Grandma Faulkner was getting tired of taking pictures. She said, "Alright, let’s have Vivian and Julian take a few sets! Eleanor, Vivian had Vance bring two outfits for you as well.
"Come on, let’s go take a look and see what you’ll be shooting later."
Eleanor blinked. Looking at the equally mischievous Grandma Faulkner, she instantly understood her intention. Grandma wanted to leave some time for Julian and Vivian to enjoy some alone time! So, they would go change their clothes and avoid disturbing the couple!
"Vivian," Eleanor said, intentionally leaning close to Vivian’s ear before leaving. She whispered with a smile, "Take plenty of pictures with Julian! It’s such a pity you guys didn’t take any wedding photos when you got married!
"Hmm... it would be best if you take a few sets of kissing ones. You can print them out and hang them in your room when you get back. How romantic would that be, right?"
"..."
Hearing this, Vivian couldn’t help but shoot Eleanor a reproachful glare.
Eleanor quickly laughed and ran off. Vivian was helpless against her best friend. Right at that moment, Julian walked over.
He stretched out his hand to Vivian like a true gentleman and asked softly, "Vivian, shall we take some photos together?"